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.
IONIQ 6 dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
IONIQ 6
+6 pts
Efficiency
IONIQ 6
+14 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
IONIQ 6
+2 pts
Ownership
IONIQ 6
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 6
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
20/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
GR86
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
GR86
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 6
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
GR86
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
IONIQ 6
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Ground Clearance
130
140 mm
Wheelbase
2575
2950 mm
Length
4265
4855 mm
Width
1775
1880 mm
Height
1310
1495 mm
Kerb Weight
1270
2155 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1660
2400 kg
Seating Capacity
4
5
Boot Space
237
401 L
Towing Capacity
Not Rated
1500 kg (Braked)
Front Track Width
1520
1626 mm
Rear Track Width
1540
1651 mm
Turning Radius
5.4
5.7 m
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Engine
2.4L Naturally Aspirated Boxer
Dual Motor AWD Electric
Engine Type
Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
Electric
Displacement
2387
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable (Electric)
Power
173
239 kW combined
Power @ RPM
7000 rpm
Instant Torque (0–7500 rpm)
Torque
250
605 Nm combined
Torque @ RPM
3700 rpm
0–3500 rpm
Fuel System
Direct + Port Injection
Electric Drive
Turbocharger
Not Available
No
Top Speed
226
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.9
5.1 sec
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Not Applicable (Electric)
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Longitudinal (Electric Motor)
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Single-speed Automatic
Drive Type
RWD
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive
AWD e-4WD
LSD Available
Torsen LSD
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Dual Motor AWD
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Electronic LSD
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Claimed Mileage
10.9
519 km range (WLTP)
City Mileage
8
5.9 km/kWh (city)
Highway Mileage
12
5.6 km/kWh (highway)
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
77.4 kWh Battery
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Zero Emission
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Yes (Regenerative Braking)
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Airbags
7
7 (Front, Side, Curtain, Centre)
ABS
Standard with Sport Mode
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard with Track Mode
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Standard
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Yes
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Seat Material
Sport Fabric/Suede
Nappa Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Power 12-way
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front & Rear
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
64-Colour Ambient
Folding Rear Seats
50/50 Split
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Standard
Yes
Rear Armrest
Not Available
Yes
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Climate Control
Manual AC
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All Doors
All
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Hands-free Power Tailgate
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
Yes
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
12-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Standard
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch Digital
12-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Yes
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
No
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch BBS Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
No
Body Cladding
Not Available
No
Rear Spoiler
Rear Spoiler
Integrated Aero Spoiler
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Tyre Size
215/40 R18
255/35 R20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc Brembo
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
Tyre Repair Kit
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Service Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
12 months / 15000 km
Approx Service Cost
Approx R5,500
R1,200 – R2,000 per service
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
8 Years / 160,000 km
Maintenance Plan
Optional
3 Years / 45000 km
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Warranty Years
3
5 Years
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
12 Years
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
CO2 Emissions
177
0 g/km
Start Stop System
Not Available
No
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Battery Electric (BEV)
Noise Level
70
63 dB
Spec
GR86
IONIQ 6
Terrain Modes
-
Normal / Sport / Snow
Underbody Protection
-
Underbody Battery Guard
Approach Angle
-
14°
Wading Depth
-
100 mm
Departure Angle
-
20°
Locking Differential
-
No
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai IONIQ 6
wins with 90 pts
vs 60 pts for GR86
In structured scoring, IONIQ 6 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, GR86 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 IONIQ 6 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: GR86 6 vs IONIQ 6 20. 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: GR86 20, IONIQ 6 20. 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: GR86 12, IONIQ 6 20. 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: GR86 8, IONIQ 6 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: GR86 14, IONIQ 6 20. 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 IONIQ 6 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The IONIQ 6 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 GR86 and IONIQ 6 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: GR86 scores 14 vs 20.
Efficiency: GR86 scores 6 vs 20.
Safety: GR86 scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: GR86 scores 8 vs 10.
Ownership: GR86 scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives IONIQ 6
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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