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.
H6 GT starts ZAR 300,095 cheaperH6 GT from ZAR 699,900 · Sorento from ZAR 999,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
Maximum Power
150 kW @ 5500 rpm
148 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
420 Nm
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Engine Size
1999 cc
2151 cc
Claimed Mileage
16.1 km/l
15.6 km/l
Ground Clearance
192 mm
185 mm
Boot / Load Bay
460 l
219 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1740 kg
1960 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both H6 GT and Sorento are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Sorento
+4 pts
Efficiency
H6 GT
+6 pts
Safety
Sorento
+6 pts
Practicality
H6 GT
+1 pts
Ownership
Sorento
+6 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
H6 GT
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Sorento
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
H6 GT
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Sorento
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
Hybrid System
Parallel Hybrid
Not Applicable
Combined Power
180 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
103.4 kW/tonne
75.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
224.5 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
15.4:1
Cylinders
4
4
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Engine Code
GW4C20B
D4HB
Engine Displacement
1999 cc
2151 cc
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Diesel
Launch Control
No
No
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Top Speed
200 km/h
200 km/h
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Engine
2-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Maximum Torque
420 Nm
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
0-100 km/h
8.2 sec
8.5 sec
Battery Capacity
1.8 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
150 kW @ 5500 rpm
148 kW @ 3800 rpm
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
8-Speed DCT
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
85.4 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
94 mm
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Active Engine Braking
No
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Attention Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Park Assist
No
-
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
Yes
No
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Front Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Parking Sensor
Front and Rear
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Yes
Reversing Camera
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Surround View Camera
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
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
Axle Layout
FWD
AWD
Clutch Type
Wet Multi-Disc
Dry Dual Clutch
Differential Lock
No
No
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Drive Mode Selector
Yes
-
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
3.63
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
2
8
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox
DHT Hybrid Transmission
8-Speed DCT
Gearbox Type
DHT Hybrid Transmission
8-Speed DCT
LSD Available
No
No
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Reverse Gear Warning
Yes
-
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
15.2:1
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
2
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual Clutch Transmission
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
20 deg
19 deg
Approach Angle Deg
20 deg
19 deg
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
26 deg
20 deg
Departure Angle Deg
26 deg
20 deg
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
192 mm
185 mm
Ground Clearance Min
192 mm
185 mm
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
No
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
17 deg
Ramp-over Angle
17 deg
19 deg
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 Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Protection
No
Yes
Breakover Angle
16 deg
17 deg
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Recovery Hooks
No
No
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
4-Way Power
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Armrest Front
Folding with storage
Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
Centre folding with cupholders
Yes
Boot Light
Yes
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1133
616
Cargo Hooks In Boot
Yes
-
Cargo Net
No
-
Cooled Seats
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
Yes
6
Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Fabric Seats
No
No
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Interior Colours
2
Black
Interior Courtesy Lights
LED
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black with silver accents
Black
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Leather
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Yes
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Seat Ventilation
No
-
Seat Adjustment
Yes
8-Way Power
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
Yes
Seat Adjustment Driver Fore Aft
Yes
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Height
Yes
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Yes
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather
Front Shoulder Room
1430 mm
1405 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1390 mm
1350 mm
Steering Type
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather
Third Row Seating Capacity
0
-
Third Row Seats
No
-
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
8-Way Power
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Power
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Seat Fold Type
60/40 split fold
Yes
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Interior Courtesy Lamps
14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Digital instrument cluster across both variants. Head-up display on LT. Sports-bolstered front seats with red contrast stitching. Synthe
First generation, derived from the regular H6 platform but with bodywork, suspension calibration, powertrain and cabin treatment differentiated for performance positioning.
Fourth generation (MQ4); global launch 2020, SA 2021
Facelift History
First-generation H6 GT launched in South Africa in 2023. No significant facelift to date; software updates have refined the hybrid system calibration and adjusted the chassis damping mapping for SA road conditions.
Fourth generation (MQ4) launched SA 2021; updated spec 2024
Facelift Launched Since
2023
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Color Note
Crystal White, Hamilton Black, Cosmos Grey, Mars Red and Atlantic Blue. Two-tone roof option pairs with white, silver and red base colours.
Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Interstellar Grey, Gravity Blue
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.2 CRDi SXL AWD DCT
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
Boot/Cargo Space
460 l
219 l
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
67 l
Ground Clearance (Default)
192 mm
185 mm
Front Headroom
990 mm
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
955 mm
Height
1695 mm
1700 mm
Kerb Weight
1740 kg
1960 kg
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
890 mm
855 mm
Length
4653 mm
4810 mm
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
2000 kg
Minimum Turning Radius
11.8 m
11.2 m
Wheelbase
2738 mm
2815 mm
Width
1886 mm
1900 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2200 kg
2550 kg
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
Chassis Material
Monocoque
Unibody
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Front Track Width
1560 mm
1640 mm
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-Link
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-Link
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-Link
Rear Track Width
1570 mm
1644 mm
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Shock Absorbers
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Unibody
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
CO2 Emissions
143 g/km
167 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
143
167
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
B7 Diesel
Green NCAP Rating
4/5
5
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid (DHT)
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
143
175
Noise Level
Low
69 dB
Particulate Filter
No
DPF
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
No
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
Ownership Role
Top
Flagship
Price Zar
769900 ZAR
1299995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
769900
1299995
Starting Price Zar
769900
1299995
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Spec
H6 GT
Sorento
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.5 l/100km
14.1 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
8.0 l/100km
19.4 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6.0 l/100km
16.7 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0 l/100km
10.9 l/100km
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Sorento leads by 2 points
Both H6 GT and Sorento are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Sorento
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
71/100
H6 GT
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Sorento
wins with 75 pts
vs 73 pts for H6 GT
In structured scoring, Sorento emerges as the stronger overall package. However, H6 GT 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 Sorento 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: H6 GT 67 vs Sorento 61. 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: H6 GT 94, Sorento 100. 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: H6 GT 65, Sorento 71. 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: H6 GT 65, Sorento 64. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H6 GT 70, Sorento 74. 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 Sorento edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Sorento 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 H6 GT and Sorento in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H6 GT scores 70 vs 74.
Efficiency: H6 GT scores 67 vs 61.
Safety: H6 GT scores 94 vs 100.
Practicality: H6 GT scores 65 vs 64.
Ownership: H6 GT scores 65 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives Sorento
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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