A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Hiace
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
J7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Hiace
J7
Model Introduced Year
2019
2024
Generation
H300 generation – front-engine layout replacing the previous cab-over design
Current South Africa J7 range
Facelift History
Current H300 generation launched in SA in 2019 – major redesign from rear-engine layout
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2019
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
SUV
Color Note
White, Silver
-
Dealer Stock Note
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Van
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2080 kg
Not Available
Vehicle Type
Van
SUV
Spec
Hiace
J7
Length
5380 mm
4500 mm
Width
1880 mm
1865 mm
Height
2285 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2985 mm
2672 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
5200 l
584 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
1531 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3500 kg
1939 kg
Payload Capacity
1420 kg
434 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1300 kg
Seating Capacity
2 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
1 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
5.4 m
Front Headroom
992 mm
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
975 mm
Front Legroom
1032 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
910 mm
Spec
Hiace
J7
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Multi-link
Power Steering
Hydraulic
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Spring Type
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Front
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Rear Axle Type
Leaf Spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf Spring
Multi-link
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Manual AC
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
Front Only
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
5200 l
1349 l
AC Type
Manual AC
Manual / automatic by trim
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Manual AC
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Front Only
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not Available
-
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Standard
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
8.5
-
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
-
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Power Mirrors
Front Only
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Rear Seat Split
Standard
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Fabric
-
Spare Wheel
Full-Size
Not Available
Stabilizer Bar
Front
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt
-
Voice Command
Not Available
-
Voice Command Support
Not Available
-
Accelerator 0 100
18.0 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Manual / automatic by trim
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Not Available
-
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Digital Speedometer
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Lift Gate
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Manual Aircon
Manual AC
-
Mirror
Front Only
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Not Available
-
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Standard
-
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not Available
-
Sonar
Not Available
-
Sound System
2
4-6
Source Model Column
hiace
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Front
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt
-
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Not Available
Standard
Trim Level
base
-
Unlocking
Not Available
Standard
Variant Role
Commercial utility derivative
-
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not Available
-
Walk Away Lock
Not Available
-
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Hiace
J7
Engine
2.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
SQRF4J16C
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2494 cc
1600 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
75 kW
145 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
260 Nm
290 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
150 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
18.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
36.1 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
125 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
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 Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Hiace
J7
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
7 DCT
Drivetrain Layout
FR
FWD
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
5
7
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
5-Speed Manual
Electric
Drivetrain
RWD/
FWD
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
No
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
5-Speed Manual
7 DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
RWD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
7
Spec
Hiace
J7
Claimed Mileage
11.8 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
10.0 km/l
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
11.5 km/l
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
11.8 km/l
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
70
51
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
Hiace
J7
Airbags
2
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
2
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
2
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
2
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
2
-
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
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
Not Available
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
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
Not Available
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Not Available
-
Parking Sensor
Not Available
-
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Not Available
-
Rear View Camera
Not Available
-
Reverse Camera Type
Not Available
-
Reversing Camera
Not Available
-
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Hiace
J7
Seat Material
Fabric
Fabric or cloth trim
Seat Adjustment
Manual
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Steering Type
Hydraulic
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
Standard
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Rear USB Ports
1
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Polyurethane / synthetic
Instrument Cluster Type
Not Available
-
Interior Colour Options
2
-
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Standard
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Fabric Seats
Fabric
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Armrest Front
Not Available
-
Driver Seat
Manual
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Commercial-focused interior, large cargo area, basic but durable fittings
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Fabric
-
Interior Colours
2
-
Seat Fold Type
Standard
-
Seat Trim
Fabric
Fabric
Spec
Hiace
J7
Infotainment System
6.8-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
2
4-6
Navigation System
Not Available
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Standard
USB Ports
1
Front and rear USB where listed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Voice Recognition
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
6.8-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Infotainment Display
6.8-inch Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
1
-
Audio Speakers
2
4-6
Audio System
2
-
Display Audio
6.8-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
1
-
Infotainment Screen
6.8-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Multi Information Display
Not Available
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Voice Control
Not Available
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Not Available
-
Touchscreen
6.8-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
Hiace
J7
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Not Available
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
2
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Roof Type
Not Available
-
Body Type
Van
-
DRL
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lights
Not Available
-
Front Fog Lights
Not Available
-
Led Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Headlights
Not Available
-
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
Standard
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
2
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Front Only
-
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Headlamp Levelling
Not Available
-
Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Headlight Type
Not Available
Not Available
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
200 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
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 Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Tyre Size
195/75 R16C
235/55 R18
Wheel Type
Not Available
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
235/55 R18
Brake Type Front
Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Spare Tyre
Full-Size
Not Available
Tyre Type
195/75 R16C
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not Available
-
Brakes
Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Full-Size
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Wheel Material
Not Available
-
Wheels
Not Available
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Battery Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Spec
Hiace
J7
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
163 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 4
-
Idle CO2 Output
209
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
209
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Real-world City Mileage Min
9.5 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
12 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
10 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
7
-
Spec
Hiace
J7
Ownership Role
Base
entry-value
Price Zar
680900 ZAR
519900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
entry-value
Starting Price
680900
519900
Starting Price Zar
680900
519900
In depth: how these cars differ
This Hiace and J7 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Hiace 37 vs J7 59.
Efficiency index: Hiace 48 vs J7 56.
Safety-equipment index: Hiace 44 vs J7 91.
Practicality index: Hiace 71 vs J7 67.
Ownership-cover index: Hiace 43 vs J7 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.
Model imagery
Hiace and J7 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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
J7 leads by 20 points
J7 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Hiace.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
J7
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
67/100
Hiace
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
48/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
71/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexJaecoo J7
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 49 pts for Hiace
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, J7 leads. However, Hiace 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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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