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.
Sonet Panel Van starts ZAR 679500 cheaperEX-8 Tipper from ZAR 679,500 · Sonet Panel Van from ZAR 339,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Engine Power
103
-
Torque
Not Applicable
-
Engine Size
3907
-
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
-
Ground Clearance
200 mm
-
Boot Space
Not Applicable
-
Airbags
Not Available
-
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
-
Seating Capacity
3
-
Warranty
5
-
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
EX-8 Tipper has a slight advantage, but Sonet Panel Van remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
EX-8 Tipper
+15 pts
Safety
EX-8 Tipper
+28 pts
Practicality
EX-8 Tipper
+6 pts
Ownership
EX-8 Tipper
+15 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
EX-8 Tipper
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Sonet Panel Van
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
EX-8 Tipper
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Sonet Panel Van
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
-
Generation
Current South African EX-8 Tipper 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.
-
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
-
Facelift Version Ending
Current
-
Body Style
Tipper
-
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
-
Production Status
published
-
Segment
Van
-
Vehicle Type
Van
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Ground Clearance
200 mm
-
Wheelbase
3850 mm
-
Length
6620 mm
-
Width
2100 mm
-
Height
2355 mm
-
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
-
Gross Vehicle Weight
7800 kg
-
Seating Capacity
3
-
Boot Space
Not Applicable
-
Towing Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Turning Radius
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
-
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
-
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
-
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
Number of Doors
2
-
Max Payload
Not Applicable
-
Boot Volume
Not Applicable
-
Doors
2
-
Seats
3
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
7800 kg
-
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
-
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
-
Height Mm
2355 mm
-
Length Mm
6620 mm
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Payload Kg
Not Applicable
-
Cargo Volume
Not Applicable
-
Tare Mass Kg
Not Applicable
-
Turning Circle
Not Applicable
-
Turning Circle M
Not Applicable
-
Width Mm
2100 mm
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Engine
3.9-litre turbo diesel
-
Engine Type
3.9-litre turbo diesel
-
Displacement
3907 cc
-
Cylinders
4
-
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
-
Power
103 kW
-
Power @ RPM
2800
-
Torque
Not Applicable
-
Torque @ RPM
Not Applicable
-
Fuel System
Not Applicable
-
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
-
Top Speed
Not Applicable
-
0-100 km/h
Not Applicable
-
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
-
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
-
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
-
Engine Code
Not Applicable
-
Power
138 bhp
-
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
-
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
-
Engine Aspiration
Not Applicable
-
Engine Type Config
3.9-litre turbo diesel
-
0–100 km/h
Not Applicable
-
Battery Capacity
Not Available
-
Charging Port
Not Available
-
AC Charging Time
Not Available
-
Engine Displacement
3907 cc
-
Engine Displacement Litres
3.91 l
-
EV Range
Not Available
-
Acceleration 0 100
Not Applicable
-
Combined System Power
Not Available
-
Combined System Torque
Not Available
-
Engine Config
3.9-litre turbo diesel
-
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
3907 cc
-
Engine Power kW
103 kW
-
Engine Torque Nm
Not Applicable
-
Engine Valves
Not Applicable
-
Induction
Not Applicable
-
Max Power kW
103 kW
-
Max Torque Nm
Not Applicable
-
Maximum Power
103 kW
-
Maximum Torque
Not Applicable
-
Motor Position
Not Available
-
Motor Power
Not Available
-
Motor Torque
Not Available
-
Motor Type
Not Available
-
Power kW Rpm
2800
-
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
System Output
Not Available
-
Torque Nm Rpm
Not Applicable
-
Turbo Type
Not Applicable
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Transmission
Manual
-
Drive Type
Rear-wheel drive
-
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
-
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
-
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
-
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
-
Number of Gears
5 km/h
-
Transmission Type
Manual
-
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
-
Transmission
Manual
-
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
-
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
-
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
-
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
-
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Gearbox Type
Manual
-
Low Range
Not Applicable
-
Axle Layout
Rear-wheel drive
-
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5 km/h
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
-
City Mileage
Not Applicable
-
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
-
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
-
Average Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
-
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Efficiency
Not Applicable
-
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
-
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
-
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
-
Charging Type
Not Applicable
-
Combined Consumption
Not Applicable
-
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not Applicable
-
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Economy Combined
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Tank Litres
100 l
-
Fuel Type
Diesel
-
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
-
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
-
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
-
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
-
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Airbags
Not Available
-
ABS
Standard
-
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
-
Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
-
Brake Assist
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
-
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
-
AEB
Not Available
-
BA
Not Available
-
Brake Override System
Not Available
-
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
-
Driver Airbag
Not Available
-
EBD
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Hill Hold
Standard
-
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
-
Side Airbags
Not Available
-
TCS
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
-
ABS EBD
Standard
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
-
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
-
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
-
Rear View Camera
Not Available
-
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
-
Drive Modes
Not Available
-
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
-
Reverse Camera
Not Available
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
-
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Seat Material
Cloth
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
-
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
-
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EX-8 Tipper grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Capacity
3
-
Seat Count
3
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Climate Control
Not Available
-
Power Windows
Not Available
-
Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
-
Wireless Charging
Wireless
-
Sunroof
Not Available
-
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
-
AC Type
Not Available
-
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Gear Shift Type
Manual
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Launch Control
Not Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Stability Control
Not Available
-
Valves Per Cylinder
Not Applicable
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Battery Voltage
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
ex-8-tipper
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
top
-
Variant Role
Commercial utility derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
-
Apple CarPlay
Standard
-
Android Auto
Standard
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
-
Number of Speakers
Not Available
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
-
USB Ports
Not Available
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
-
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
-
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
LED Headlamps
Halogen
-
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
-
Fog Lamps
Not Available
-
Roof Rails
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Body Type
Van
-
Led Headlights
Halogen
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamps
Halogen
-
Headlight Type
Halogen
-
Headlights
Halogen
-
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
-
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
-
4WD System Type
Rear-wheel drive
-
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Tyre Size
Not Available
-
Front Brake Type
Not Available
-
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
-
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
-
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
-
Wheelbase Mm
3850 mm
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Front Suspension
Not Available
-
Rear Suspension
Not Available
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
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
-
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Warranty Years
5
-
Warranty Kilometers
5
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
-
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Spec
EX-8 Tipper
Sonet Panel Van
Ownership Role
Top
-
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
-
Price Zar
679500 ZAR
-
Pricing Role
Current listed price
-
Starting Price
679500
-
Starting Price Zar
679500
-
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
EX-8 Tipper leads by 12 points
EX-8 Tipper has a slight advantage, but Sonet Panel Van remains highly competitive.
🏆Hyundai EX-8 Tipper
wins with 51 pts
vs 39 pts for Sonet Panel Van
In structured scoring, EX-8 Tipper emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sonet Panel Van may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. 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.
On our scoring the EX-8 Tipper edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: EX-8 Tipper 65 vs Sonet Panel Van 50. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: EX-8 Tipper 28, Sonet Panel Van 0. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: EX-8 Tipper 65, Sonet Panel Van 50. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: EX-8 Tipper 56, Sonet Panel Van 50. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: EX-8 Tipper 50, Sonet Panel Van 50. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The EX-8 Tipper edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The EX-8 Tipper scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between EX-8 Tipper and Sonet Panel Van in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: EX-8 Tipper scores 50 vs 50.
Efficiency: EX-8 Tipper scores 65 vs 50.
Safety: EX-8 Tipper scores 28 vs 0.
Practicality: EX-8 Tipper scores 56 vs 50.
Ownership: EX-8 Tipper scores 65 vs 50.
Final structured scoring gives EX-8 Tipper
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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