A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Venue Cargo starts ZAR 346,600 cheaperEX-8 Dropside from ZAR 656,500 · Venue Cargo from ZAR 309,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Maximum Power
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
61 kW
Maximum Torque
373 Nm
114 Nm
Engine Size
3907 cc
1197 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
5.2 km/l
15.4 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
190 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
1296 l
Airbags
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
Driver and passenger airbags
Kerb Weight
2650 kg
1250 kg
Seating Capacity
3 seats
2 seats
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
EX-8 Dropside and Venue Cargo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
EX-8 Dropside
+28 pts
Efficiency
Venue Cargo
+30 pts
Safety
EX-8 Dropside
+5 pts
Practicality
EX-8 Dropside
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
EX-8 Dropside
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Venue Cargo
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
Venue Cargo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current South African Venue Cargo listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
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.
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 Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Dropside truck
Panel van
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Van
Van
Tare Mass Kg
2650 kg
1250 kg
Vehicle Type
Van
Van
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Length
6620 mm
3995 mm
Width
2100 mm
1770 mm
Height
2355 mm
1617 mm
Wheelbase
3850 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
45 l
Kerb Weight
2650 kg
1250 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
7800 kg
-
Payload Capacity
5150 kg
620 kg
Seating Capacity
3 seats
2 seats
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Boot/Cargo Space
-
1296 l
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Climate Control
Not Available
Not Available
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Wireless
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Type
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Warranty
4
4
Hill Start Assist
Standard
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
900 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
1200 mm
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
venue-cargo
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
base
Variant Role
Core range derivative
Commercial utility derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
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
1197 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
61 kW
Maximum Torque
373 Nm
114 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
FWD
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
48.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
140.8 Nm/tonne
91.2 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
Venue Cargo
Gearbox
Manual
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
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
Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Manual
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
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
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
5
Not Applicable
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Claimed Mileage
5.2 km/l
15.4 km/l
City Mileage
4.2 km/l
12.4 km/l
Highway Mileage
6.1 km/l
18.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
45 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
15.4 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
100
45 l
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
Venue Cargo
Airbags
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
Driver and passenger airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
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
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
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
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
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
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
3
3
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.
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Venue Cargo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
3
3
Seat Trim
Cloth
Cloth
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Infotainment System
SYNC
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Multi Information Display
Digital display
Digital display
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Touchscreen
SYNC
SYNC
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
3
Body Type
Van
Van
Led Headlights
Halogen
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
3
3
Headlamps
Halogen
Halogen
Headlight Type
Halogen
Halogen
Headlights
Halogen
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
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
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
190 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
Venue Cargo
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
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
4
4
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
15000
15000
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
120A
120A
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Warranty
5
5
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Venue Cargo
Ownership Role
Mid
Base
Price Zar
656500 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
656500
309900
Starting Price Zar
656500
309900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
EX-8 Dropside leads by 3 points
EX-8 Dropside and Venue Cargo 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
Catalogue-index leader
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
Venue Cargo
Performance
30/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
66/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Hyundai EX-8 Dropside
leads the catalogue index with 64 pts
vs 61 pts for Venue Cargo
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, EX-8 Dropside leads. However, Venue Cargo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This EX-8 Dropside and Venue Cargo comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. 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 Venue Cargo 30.
Efficiency index: EX-8 Dropside 31 vs Venue Cargo 61.
Safety-equipment index: EX-8 Dropside 94 vs Venue Cargo 89.
Practicality index: EX-8 Dropside 67 vs Venue Cargo 66.
Ownership-cover index: EX-8 Dropside 65 vs Venue Cargo 65.
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.
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