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.
Grand Vitara starts ZAR 50,000 cheaperGrand Vitara from ZAR 359,900 · Jolion from ZAR 409,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Maximum Power
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
115 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
250 Nm
Engine Size
1462 cc
1497 cc
Claimed Mileage
17.9 km/l
17.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
210 mm
190 mm
Boot / Load Bay
310 l
340 l
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1225 kg
1500 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5
5 Years / 100,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Grand Vitara and Jolion are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Jolion
+17 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Jolion
+12 pts
Practicality
Grand Vitara
+2 pts
Ownership
Grand Vitara
+6 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Grand Vitara
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Jolion
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Grand Vitara
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Jolion
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Model Introduced Year
2022
2021
Generation
Third generation YHB-series Grand Vitara; shared platform with Toyota Urban Cruiser (a partnership-specific platform development); mild-hybrid system uses belt-integrated starter generator technology; all-new design and powertrain versus the previous generation
Jolion sold in South Africa is the first generation under the Jolion nameplate, derived from Haval's L.E.M.O.N. modular platform launched in 2020. Local specification differs from the Chinese-domestic version in suspension calibration (slightly softer for SA road conditions), cabin material grades (higher) and infotainment software localisation.
Facelift History
Third-generation Grand Vitara launched in SA in 2022; previous second-generation model discontinued in SA in 2015; current generation is a complete redesign on a new platform shared with the Toyota Urban Cruiser
Haval Jolion received a mid-cycle update in 2023 that brought the 12.3-inch infotainment screen to LT as standard (replacing the original 10.25-inch unit), added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range, refined driver-assistance calibration, and updated front-end styling with revised headlamp signatures. The hybrid variants were introduced to the South African market in 2024 as a separate trim ladder rather than a powertrain option on existing trims.
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Grandeur Grey, Metallic Midnight Blue, Premium Silver, Pearl Burning Red
Hamilton White, Crystal White, Pittsburgh Silver, Mars Red, Atlantic Blue and Dignity Black. Some colours are limited to specific trim levels and availability changes annually.
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1225 kg
1500 kg
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Drivetrain Layout
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
No
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Front Transverse
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
DHT Hybrid Transmission
Final Drive Ratio
4.388:1
3.73
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
2.8
14.7:1
Number of Gears
6
2
Transmission Type
6-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Wet Multi-Disc
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
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
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
DHT Hybrid Transmission
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD — AllGrip Auto
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
2
Gear Shift Type
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Automatic
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Drive Mode Selector
-
Yes
Reverse Gear Warning
-
Yes
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Claimed Mileage
17.9 km/l
17.9 km/l
City Mileage
14.7 km/l
14.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.8 km/l
20.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
No
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
17.9 km/l
17.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
No plug-in — self-charging hybrid
Combined Consumption
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
45
55
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
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Fuel Consumption Extra Urban
-
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Economy City
-
5.0
Fuel Economy Highway
-
5.5
Fuel Filler Cap
-
Lockable
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
All Seats
Yes
Speed Alert System
Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Independently Rated
5
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
6
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
6
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
All Seats
Yes
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
No
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
6
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
All Seats
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Fatigue Detection
-
Yes
Tracking System
-
Optional
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Yes
360 Degree Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Standard
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Yes
Reverse Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Front Camera
Not Available
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front and Rear
Parking Sensor
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front and Rear
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
360-Degree Surround View
Yes
Reversing Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Yes
Surround View Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Yes
Active Engine Braking
-
No
Attention Assist
-
Yes
Automatic High Beam
-
Yes
Auto Park Assist
-
No
Eco Mode
-
Yes
Sport Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
Yes
Spec
Grand Vitara
Jolion
Seat Material
Leatherette Seat Trim
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Yes
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
No
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Yes
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
Yes
Rear Armrest
Integrated in Seat Back
Yes
Cup Holders
4
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
Yes
Rear USB Ports
0
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Digital Instrument Cluster
Interior Colour Options
2
2
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
Yes
Door Map Pockets
All Four Door Pockets
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
60:40 Split Fold
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
8-Way Electric
Fabric Seats
Leatherette Seat Trim
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Armrest Front
Standard Centre Armrest
Folding with storage
Armrest Rear
Integrated in Seat Back
Centre folding with cupholders
Boot Space Seats Down
708
1133
Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Yes
Interior Courtesy Lamps
9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control (GLX and Hybrid), 360-degree surround view camera (GLX AT and Hybrid), adaptive cruise control (GLX and Hybrid), blind-spot monitoring (GL
10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen on LS, 12.3-inch on LT and Hybrid variants. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range. Leather upholstery on LT and Hybrid LT (synthetic leather on Hybrid LS, fabric on
Performance
Jolion +17
Efficiency
Level
Safety
Jolion +12
Practicality
Grand Vitara +2
Ownership
Grand Vitara +6
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Jolion
Performance
51/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
60/100
Ownership
65/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆GWM Jolion
wins with 68 pts
vs 63 pts for Grand Vitara
In structured scoring, Jolion emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Grand Vitara 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 Jolion 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: Grand Vitara 73 vs Jolion 73. 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: Grand Vitara 82, Jolion 94. 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: Grand Vitara 71, Jolion 65. 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: Grand Vitara 62, Jolion 60. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Grand Vitara 34, Jolion 51. 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 Jolion edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Jolion 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 Grand Vitara and Jolion in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Grand Vitara scores 34 vs 51.
Efficiency: Grand Vitara scores 73 vs 73.
Safety: Grand Vitara scores 82 vs 94.
Practicality: Grand Vitara scores 62 vs 60.
Ownership: Grand Vitara scores 71 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Jolion
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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