A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
T-Cross
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EX-8 Dropside
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
T-Cross
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2020
Generation
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
First generation T-Cross on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift in 2024 with updated features
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Dropside truck
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Van
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2650 kg
1291 kg
Vehicle Type
Van
SUV
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Length
6620 mm
4135 mm
Width
2100 mm
1760 mm
Height
2355 mm
1573 mm
Wheelbase
3850 mm
2551 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
40 l
Kerb Weight
2650 kg
1291 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
7800 kg
1750 kg
Payload Capacity
5150 kg
-
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1200 kg
Seating Capacity
3 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
10.6 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Boot/Cargo Space
-
385 l
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1528 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1509 mm
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Standard
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
455 l
AC Type
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Warranty
4
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Difflock
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
ex-8-dropside
t-cross
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trim Level
mid
flagship
Variant Role
Core range derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
455 l
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Speed Limiter
-
Standard
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.5
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Speed Alert System
-
Adjustable speed limiter
Air Conditioning
Not Available
Standard
Centre Console
-
Standard
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Engine
3.9-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
3907 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
85 kW
Maximum Torque
373 Nm
175 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
38.9 kW/tonne
65.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
140.8 Nm/tonne
135.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Gearbox
Manual
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
4x2
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
5
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Manual
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Manual
DCT
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
4x2
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
5
Not Applicable
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Claimed Mileage
5.2 km/l
18.2 km/l
City Mileage
4.2 km/l
14.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
6.1 km/l
21.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
5.2 km/l
18.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
100
40
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Airbags
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Seat Material
Cloth
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
Black
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Cloth
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EX-8 Dropside grade before assuming a feature is included.
Infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, digital cluster, quality interior
Interior Colours
3
Black
Seat Trim
Cloth
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Infotainment System
SYNC
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
SYNC
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
6
Body Type
Van
SUV
Led Headlights
Halogen
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
6
Headlamps
Halogen
Not Available
Headlight Type
Halogen
Not Available
Headlights
Halogen
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
188 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
Not Available
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Available
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Available
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Available
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Warranty Years
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
127 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
127
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
127
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
T-Cross
Ownership Role
Mid
South Africa market model
Price Zar
656500 ZAR
548400 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
656500
548400
Starting Price Zar
656500
548400
In depth: how these cars differ
This EX-8 Dropside and T-Cross comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: EX-8 Dropside 58 vs T-Cross 34.
Efficiency index: EX-8 Dropside 31 vs T-Cross 69.
Safety-equipment index: EX-8 Dropside 94 vs T-Cross 81.
Practicality index: EX-8 Dropside 67 vs T-Cross 60.
Ownership-cover index: EX-8 Dropside 65 vs T-Cross not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
EX-8 Dropside and T-Cross image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
EX-8 Dropside leads by 4 points
EX-8 Dropside and T-Cross are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
T-Cross
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
60/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai EX-8 Dropside
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 60 pts for T-Cross
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, EX-8 Dropside leads. However, T-Cross may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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