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.
RX holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over i20.
i20 starts ZAR 1,219,600 cheaperi20 from ZAR 296,900 · RX from ZAR 1,516,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
i20
RX
Maximum Power
i2074 kW @ 5500 rpm
RX205 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
i20172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
RX430 Nm
Engine Size
i20998 cc
RX2400 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
i2014.5 km/l
RX11.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
i20195 mm
RX185 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Hyundai i20
1.0T Fluid
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
i20
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
RX
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
i20
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
RX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
i20
RX
Model Introduced Year
2008
2023
Generation
Third generation i20 on the K2 platform; sold in SA with 1.0T three-cylinder turbo across all variants
Fifth-generation Lexus RX luxury SUV
Facelift History
Third generation launched globally in 2020 and arrived in SA shortly after; significant improvement over the second gen in styling, tech, and driving dynamics
Current fifth-generation South African range with petrol, hybrid, performance-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid choices
Facelift Launched Since
2020
Current fifth-generation South African range with petrol, hybrid, performance-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid choices
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Alarm System
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Front Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
AEB
No
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
-
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard,,
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Spec
i20
RX
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Yes
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
Auto,Rainsensing,Time adjustable
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Yes
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Sport Mode
No
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Emergency Braking
No
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Parking Distance Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Front & Rear
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
No
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Reversing Camera
Yes
-
Spec
i20
RX
Seat Material
Leather-Look
F SPORT
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Heated Seats
Front
Standard Front and Rear
Ventilated Seats
No
Standard Front and Rear
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Standard
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
40:20:40 - Power
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
4
Standard 4
Rear AC Vents
No
-
Rear USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
3 Spoke/ F SPORT,Heated
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Standard TFT Colour
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
40:20:40 - Power
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Armrest Front
Yes
-
Armrest Rear
No
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1165
-
Driver Seat
Manual
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Fluid, digital instrument cluster, sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, quality-feeling interior
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather-Look
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
No
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Fold Type
60/40 Split
-
Seat Trim
Leather-Look
F SPORT
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Driver 2-way/ Passenger 2-way
Spec
i20
RX
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
Android Auto
Yes
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
Standard 21
Navigation System
Yes
Standard/ EMV
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Standard TFT Colour
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Standard 5PCs
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
Standard 21
Audio System
Yes
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Display Audio
10.25-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Standard 5PCs
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Multi Information Display
Analogue + MID
-
Connected Services
Yes
Standard
Voice Control
Yes
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
Spec
i20
RX
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard LED
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Polar White, Aurora Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red
White Nova, Graphite Black GF, Opulent Blue, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Copper
Roof Type
Sunroof
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
Hatchback
-
DRL
LED
Standard LED
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Yes
Standard
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Auto Headlights
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Standard LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
Sunroof
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Coloured
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Exterior Mirror Folding
Power Adjustable
-
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard LED
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
-
Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlight Type
Yes
Standard
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Spec
i20
RX
Approach Angle
-
15.0 deg
Departure Angle
-
24.0 deg
Wading Depth
-
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
-
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Permanent all-wheel drive
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Ramp-over Angle
20 deg
-
Approach Angle Deg
-
15.0 deg
Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
24.0 deg
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
195 mm
185 mm
Ground Clearance Min
195 mm
185 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
-
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
i20
RX
Tyre Size
205/45 R17
F:235-50R21 Alloy / R:235-50R21 Alloy
Wheel Type
17-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Spare Wheel
Space Saver
Front Brake Disc Diameter
256 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
262 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
16
21
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Spare Wheel
Space Saver
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
16
21
Auto Brake Hold
Manual
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
No
-
Brakes
Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
-
Electric Park Brake
Manual
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Manual
Electric
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Spare Wheel
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Wheel Material
17-inch Alloy
-
Wheel Size Type
16
-
Wheels
17-inch Alloy
-
Spec
i20
RX
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
12 months / 15,000km
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Capacity
3.6 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
i20
RX
Warranty Years
5
7 years / 105,000km
Warranty Kilometers
5
7 years / 105,000km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7 years / 105,000km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7 years / 105,000km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
i20
RX
CO2 Emissions
110 g/km
197 g/km
Start Stop System
No
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Idle CO2 Output
110
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
110
-
Spec
i20
RX
Ownership Role
Fluid
Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar
328900 ZAR
1642900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Flagship
Starting Price
328900
1642900
Starting Price Zar
328900
1642900
In depth: how these cars differ
This i20 and RX 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: i20 37 vs RX 85.
Efficiency index: i20 59 vs RX 46.
Safety-equipment index: i20 84 vs RX 93.
Practicality index: i20 61 vs RX 75.
Ownership-cover index: i20 65 vs RX 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
i20 and RX 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
RX leads by 16 points
RX holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over i20.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
RX
Performance
85/100
Efficiency
46/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
75/100
i20
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus RX
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 61 pts for i20
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RX leads. However, i20 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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