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.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
T-Cross
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Grand Vitara
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
T-Cross
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Model Introduced Year
2022
2020
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
First generation T-Cross on MQB-A0 platform
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
Facelift in 2024 with updated features
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
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
published
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1225 kg
1291 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Length
4345 mm
4135 mm
Width
1795 mm
1760 mm
Height
1645 mm
1573 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2551 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
210 mm
188 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
310 l
385 l
Kerb Weight
1225 kg
1291 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1680 kg
1750 kg
Payload Capacity
530 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
10.6 m
Front Headroom
1010 mm
-
Rear Headroom
970 mm
-
Front Legroom
1060 mm
-
Rear Legroom
935 mm
-
Towing Capacity
-
1200 kg
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Front Track Width
1565 mm
1528 mm
Rear Track Width
1565 mm
1509 mm
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Not Available
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Standard
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
-
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Chassis Material
Monocoque
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Not Available
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
-
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Standard
Power Windows
All Four Windows
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
708 l
455 l
Boot Space Seats Folded
708 l
455 l
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
-
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
Standard
Speed Limiter
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Automatic Climate Control
Standard
Auto Dimming Irvm
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Automatic Climate Control
Standard
Electric Folding Mirrors
All Four Windows
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not Available
-
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Warranty
4 Years
-
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
Standard
Front Power Outlet
1 x 12V Socket
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.6
5.5
Glovebox Cooling
All Four Door Pockets
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Panoramic Roof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Not Available
Power Mirrors
All Four Windows
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Defogger
Standard
-
Rear Seat Split
60:40 Split Fold
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Leatherette Seat Trim
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
All Seats
-
Spare Wheel
Space Saver Spare
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Standard
Adjustable speed limiter
Stabilizer Bar
Standard
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Standard
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Voice Command
Via Smartphone
-
Voice Command Support
Via Smartphone Mirroring
-
Accelerator 0 100
13.5 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Automatic Climate Control
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Bottle Holders
4
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Centre Console
Standard Centre Armrest
Standard
Common Rail Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection with 12V ISG
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Difflock
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Front Wiper
Standard
-
Front Wipers Type
Standard
-
Glove Box
All Four Door Pockets
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Lift Gate
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
Manual Aircon
Automatic Climate Control
Standard
Mirror
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
Not Available
-
Power Socket 12v
1 x 12V Socket
Standard
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Air Conditioning
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Rearview Mirror Inside
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Side Mirror
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
Rim Size
17 Inches
Not Available
Roof Rack Compatibility
Standard Roof Rails
-
Side Impact Bars
Standard
-
Sonar
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Sound System
6
Not Available
Source Model Column
grand-vitara
t-cross
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Stabilizer Bar Front
Standard
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Standard
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Sub Frame
Monocoque
-
Surround View Monitor
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
TPMS
Standard
Not Available
Trim Level
flagship
flagship
Unlocking
Not Available
Not Available
Variant Role
Performance-focused derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not Available
-
Walk Away Lock
Not Available
-
Wireless Charger
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
K15C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
12V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
74 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85.1 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
85 kW
Maximum Torque
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
175 Nm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
175 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
13.5 sec
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
Not Officially Disclosed
65.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
135.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
-
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
4x2
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.388:1
Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
2.8
-
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
6-Speed Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
DCT
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
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
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD — AllGrip Auto
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Claimed Mileage
17.9 km/l
18.2 km/l
City Mileage
14.5 km/l
14.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.8 km/l
21.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
17.9 km/l
18.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
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
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
All Seats
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
-
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
-
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Safety Rating
Not Independently Rated
-
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
-
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
-
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
6
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
6
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
All Seats
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
All Seats
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
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
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Standard
360 Degree Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
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 Lights
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Standard
Reverse Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Front Camera
Not Available
-
Parking Distance Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Parking Sensor
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Standard
-
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
360-Degree Surround View
-
Reversing Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Standard
Surround View Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
T-Cross
Seat Material
Leatherette Seat Trim
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Standard
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
-
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
Standard
Rear Armrest
Integrated in Seat Back
-
Front Shoulder Room
1455 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1430 mm
Not Applicable
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
-
Rear USB Ports
0
-
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
-
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
-
Door Map Pockets
All Four Door Pockets
-
60 40 Split Seat
60:40 Split Fold
Not Applicable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Leatherette Seat Trim
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Not Applicable
Armrest Front
Standard Centre Armrest
Standard
Armrest Rear
Integrated in Seat Back
-
Boot Space Seats Down
708
-
Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
-
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
Infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, digital cluster, quality interior
This Grand Vitara and T-Cross 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: Grand Vitara 34 vs T-Cross 34.
Efficiency index: Grand Vitara 73 vs T-Cross 69.
Safety-equipment index: Grand Vitara 88 vs T-Cross 81.
Practicality index: Grand Vitara 62 vs T-Cross 60.
Ownership-cover index: Grand Vitara 71 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.
Specification Evidence Index
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
Grand Vitara leads by 4 points
Grand Vitara and T-Cross are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Level
Efficiency
Grand Vitara +4
Safety
Grand Vitara +7
Practicality
Grand Vitara +2
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
T-Cross
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
60/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexSuzuki Grand Vitara
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 60 pts for T-Cross
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Grand Vitara 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 African models and comparable body styles.
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.
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