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.
H7 starts ZAR 999995 cheaperH7 from ZAR 649,900 · Sorento from ZAR 999,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H7
Sorento
Engine Power
185
148 kW
Torque
420
440 Nm
Engine Size
1999
2151
Claimed Mileage
8.5
15.6
Ground Clearance
195
185
Boot Space
620
219
Airbags
8
7
Kerb Weight
1830
1960
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
H7
73
/ 100
+8
pts
#2
Sorento
65
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
H7 has a slight advantage, but Sorento remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
H7
+2 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
H7
+6 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
H7
Performance
17/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
16/20
Ownership
20/20
Sorento
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
H7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Sorento
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
H7
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Sorento
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
H7
Sorento
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Diamond Cut Premium Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Rear Wiper
Yes
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
No
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Colour
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Electric
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
6
Multiple
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Spec
H7
Sorento
Number of Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Seating Capacity
5
7
Length
4772
4810
Width
1910
1900
Height
1750
1700
Wheelbase
2800
2815
Ground Clearance
195
185
Kerb Weight
1830
1960
Fuel Tank Capacity
63
67
Boot Space
620
219
Doors
5
5
Front Overhang
880
900
Rear Overhang
890
1095
Front Track Width
1560
1640
Rear Track Width
1570
1644
Front Headroom
990
1010
Rear Headroom
960
955
Front Legroom
1050
1040
Rear Legroom
890
855
Front Shoulder Room
1430
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
1390
1350
Gross Vehicle Weight
2200
2550
Boot Volume
620
219
Boot Space Seats Folded
820
616
Turning Radius
12.2
11.2
Towing Capacity
1500
2000
Max Payload
-
N/A
Load Bed Length
-
N/A
Load Bed Width
-
N/A
Spec
H7
Sorento
Engine
2.0L GW4C20D Turbocharged Petrol
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
Engine Code
GW4C20D
D4HB
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Displacement
1999
2151
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
15.4:1
Cylinder Bore
82.5
85.4
Piston Stroke
93.1
94.0
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
B7 Diesel
Torque
420
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1,500-4,000 rpm
1,750 rpm
Power
185
148 kW
Power
248
198
Power @ RPM
5,500 rpm
3,800 rpm
0–100 km/h
7.9
8.5
Top Speed
210
200
0-100 km/h
150
8.5
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Engine Displacement
1999
2151
Maximum Engine RPM
6,000
4,000 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
5.5
6.0
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
No
EV Range
-
N/A
Battery Capacity
-
N/A
Charging Port
-
N/A
AC Charging Time
-
N/A
Spec
H7
Sorento
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
8.5
6.4
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Yes
Temporary Spare
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Remote
Boot Opener
Yes
Remote
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Yes
Yes
Heads Up Display
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
No
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
185
Drag Coefficient
0.34
0.35
Rear Seat Split
60/40
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Progressive
Normal
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Digital
Digital Cluster
Seat Type
High Bolster Sports Seat
Leather Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Launch Control
No
No
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
No
Roof Antenna
Shark Fin Antenna
Yes
Rear Wing
Integrated Spoiler
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Yes
Aero Kit
No
No
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Yes
Climate Zones
2
2
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Yes
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Side Steps
No
No
Skid Plates
No
No
Payload Capacity
-
N/A
Spec
H7
Sorento
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
B7 Diesel
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
CO2 Emissions
198
167
Idle CO2 Output
198
175
Particulate Filter
No
DPF
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
No
Green NCAP Rating
4/5
5
Noise Level
Low
69
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Spec
H7
Sorento
Fuel Tank Capacity
63
67
Claimed Mileage
8.5
15.6
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
8.0
12.8
Highway Mileage
6.8
18.5
Average Fuel Consumption
7.5
6.4
Real-world Mileage
7.5
7.7
Claimed Fuel Consumption
8.5
6.4
Fuel Efficiency
Good
6.4 L/100km
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Spec
H7
Sorento
Transmission
Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual Clutch Transmission
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Number of Gears
8
8
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
FWD
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
15.2:1
Final Drive Ratio
3.42
3.63
LSD Available
No
No
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Dry Dual Clutch
Transfer Case
No
Electronic Coupling
Differential Lock
-
No
Spec
H7
Sorento
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Unibody
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-Link
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Spec
H7
Sorento
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Tyre Width
235
235
Rear Tyre Width
235
235
Tyre Size
235/50R20
255/45 R20
Wheel Diameter
20
20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Temporary Spare
Spare Tyre
Yes
Temporary Spare
Wheel Rim Size
20
255/45 R20
Tyre Type
Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
94
107
Tyre Speed Rating
V
H
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
308
340
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
292
305
Spec
H7
Sorento
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Airbags
8
7
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
-
Yes
Spec
H7
Sorento
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years
Spec
H7
Sorento
Service Plan Distance
75000
45000
Service Plan Duration
5
3
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
First Service At
5000
15000
Service Interval
10000
15000
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
15000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Alternator
110A
Yes
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
R4,200 per service
Battery Type
-
N/A
Battery Warranty
-
N/A
Spec
H7
Sorento
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Yes
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
12.3
Infotainment Screen Size
14
12.3
Number of Speakers
12
12
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
3
4
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
No
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
No
Spec
H7
Sorento
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
Yes
6
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Fabric Seats
No
No
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
8-Way Power
Memory Seats
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital
Seat Adjustment
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
4-Way Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Power
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Cooled Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Spec
H7
Sorento
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Cruise Control
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Yes
Spec
H7
Sorento
Terrain Modes
Yes
Yes
Recovery Hooks
No
No
Underbody Protection
No
Yes
Ramp-over Angle
17
19
Approach Angle
20
19
Departure Angle
24
20
Ramp Breakover Angle
16
17
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
Electronic AWD
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Locking Differential
-
No
Wading Depth
-
N/A
Spec
H7
Sorento
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0
10.9
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.5
14.1
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6.0
16.7
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
8.0
19.4
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm H7
wins with 73 pts
vs 65 pts for Sorento
In structured scoring, H7 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sorento 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 H7 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: H7 0 vs Sorento 0. 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: H7 20, Sorento 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: H7 20, Sorento 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: H7 16, Sorento 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H7 17, Sorento 15. 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 H7 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H7 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 H7 and Sorento in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H7 scores 17 vs 15.
Efficiency: H7 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: H7 scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: H7 scores 16 vs 10.
Ownership: H7 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives H7
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.