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.
Includes an archived model
Current and archived cars are compared side by side. Archived models keep their verified historical specs, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Tiggo 7 starts ZAR 859900 cheaperIONIQ 5 from ZAR 859,900 · Tiggo 7 from ZAR 429,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Engine Power
225 kW
108 kW
Torque
605 Nm
210 Nm
Engine Size
Not confirmed
1.5 cc
Claimed Mileage
454 km/l
14.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
160 mm
154 mm
Boot / Load Bay
527 l
565 l
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
2190 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
IONIQ 5 dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
IONIQ 5
+54 pts
Efficiency
IONIQ 5
+39 pts
Safety
IONIQ 5
+24 pts
Practicality
Tiggo 7
+2 pts
Ownership
IONIQ 5
+10 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 5
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Tiggo 7
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
IONIQ 5
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Tiggo 7
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Model Introduced Year
2022
2026
Generation
First generation Ioniq 5 on Hyundai's dedicated E-GMP electric platform; 800V fast charging architecture allows rapid 18-minute charge from 10-80% at suitable DC fast chargers
Current South Africa Tiggo 7 range
Facelift History
Launched in SA in 2022; updates to battery specifications and charging capabilities followed; the car has been on Hyundai SA's EV flagship from launch
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
active
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Ground Clearance
160 mm
154 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
2670 mm
Length
4635 mm
4553 mm
Width
1890 mm
1862 mm
Height
1605 mm
1686 mm
Kerb Weight
2190 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
527 l
565 l
Load Bed Length
527 l
565 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
-
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Volume
527 l
565 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
72.6 l
51 l
Ground Clearance Max
160 mm
154 mm
Ground Clearance Min
160 mm
154 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
160 mm
154 mm
Height Mm
1605 mm
1686 mm
Length Mm
4635 mm
4553 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
527 l
565 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
-
Cargo Volume
527 l
565 l
Tare Mass Kg
2190 kg
-
Width Mm
1890 mm
1862 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not confirmed
-
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
-
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
-
Turning Radius
Not confirmed
-
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1396 l
Max Payload
Not confirmed
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not confirmed
-
Payload Kg
Not confirmed
-
Turning Circle
Not confirmed
-
Turning Circle M
Not confirmed
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Engine
Dual Motor AWD Electric
1.5T petrol
Engine Type
Electric
1.5T petrol
Power
225 kW
108 kW
Torque
605 Nm
210 Nm
Fuel System
Electric Drive
Petrol injection
Turbocharger
No
Standard
Top Speed
185 km/h
-
0-100 km/h
5.1 sec
-
Engine Position
Front
-
Fuel Grade Required
Electric
Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Engine Type Config
Inline
1.5T petrol
Engine Power kW
225 kW
108 kW
Engine Torque Nm
605 Nm
210 Nm
Max Power kW
225 kW
108 kW
Max Torque Nm
605 Nm
210 Nm
Displacement
Not confirmed
1.5 cc
Cylinders
Not confirmed
4
Valves per Cylinder
Not confirmed
16
Power @ RPM
Not confirmed
5500
Torque @ RPM
Not confirmed
1750-4000
Compression Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Cylinder Bore
Not confirmed
-
Piston Stroke
Not confirmed
-
Engine Code
Not confirmed
-
Power
Not confirmed
144.8 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Not confirmed
Inline
Engine Aspiration
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
0–100 km/h
5.1 sec
-
Engine Displacement
Not confirmed
1.5 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
Not confirmed
1.5 cc
Acceleration 0 100
5.1 sec
-
Engine Config
Not confirmed
1.5T petrol
Engine Cylinders
Not confirmed
4
Engine Displacement Cc
Not confirmed
1.5 cc
Engine Valves
Not confirmed
16
Induction
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Maximum Power
225 kW
108 kW
Maximum Torque
605 Nm
210 Nm
Power kW Rpm
Not confirmed
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
Not confirmed
1750-4000
Turbo Type
Not confirmed
Single turbo
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
AWD e-4WD
FWD
LSD Available
No
-
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Number of Gears
1 km/h
6 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
1 km/h
6 km/h
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
-
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Automatic clutch
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
-
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Low Range
Not confirmed
-
Axle Layout
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Claimed Mileage
454 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
372.3 km/l
-
Highway Mileage
526.6 km/l
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
72.6 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Zero Emission
Euro VIb
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
6.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
6.9 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
6.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption
Yes
6.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
72.6 l
51 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
-
Real-world Mileage
454 km/l
14.5 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not confirmed
-
Charging Type
Not confirmed
-
DC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
-
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
-
Range Wltp
Not confirmed
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
-
AEB
Yes
-
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
-
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
-
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
-
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
-
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
Yes
-
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Eco / Normal / Sport
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
-
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
-
Park Assist
Not confirmed
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Seat Material
Nappa Leather
Fabric or cloth trim
Seat Adjustment
Power 12-way
-
Heated Seats
Front & Rear
-
Ventilated Seats
Front
-
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
-
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Polyurethane / synthetic
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Manual
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Fabric
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
All
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
-
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
-
Electric Tailgate
Hands-Free Electric Tailgate
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Manual / automatic by trim
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Plan
4
5 Year / 60 000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
-
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Manual / automatic by trim
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
18-inch alloy
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
4-6
Unlocking
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
-
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Electric
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Standard
Valves Per Cylinder
Not confirmed
4
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Infotainment Screen
12-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
4-6
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
12-inch Digital Cluster
Standard
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Front and rear USB where listed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
4-6
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
LED / halogen by trim
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
No
-
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED
Standard
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED Parametric
LED / halogen by trim
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Standard
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
No
-
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
LED / halogen by trim
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
LED / halogen by trim
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
LED / halogen by trim
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
White, black, grey, silver, blue, green and other official Chery market colours by model.
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
-
Locking Differential
No
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
No
Standard
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
-
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
-
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
-
4WD System Type
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
18-inch alloy
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
-
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
18-inch alloy
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Steel
-
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
18-inch alloy
Wheelbase Mm
3000 mm
2670 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electronic parking brake
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-link
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Service Interval
12 months / 15000 km
-
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160000 km
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
5 Year / 60 000 km
Service Plan Distance
4
5 Year / 60 000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Service Intervals
12 months / 15000 km
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Warranty Years
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
-
Start Stop System
No
-
Hybrid System Type
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Electric
Petrol
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tiggo 7
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
entry-value
Price Source
Not confirmed
Official model page price card
Price Zar
Not confirmed
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
entry-value
Starting Price
Not confirmed
429900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
429900
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
IONIQ 5 leads by 26 points
IONIQ 5 dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
🏆Hyundai IONIQ 5
wins with 87 pts
vs 61 pts for Tiggo 7
In structured scoring, IONIQ 5 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tiggo 7 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 IONIQ 5 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: IONIQ 5 97 vs Tiggo 7 58. 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: IONIQ 5 99, Tiggo 7 75. 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: IONIQ 5 65, Tiggo 7 55. 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: IONIQ 5 70, Tiggo 7 72. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: IONIQ 5 100, Tiggo 7 46. 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 IONIQ 5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The IONIQ 5 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 IONIQ 5 and Tiggo 7 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: IONIQ 5 scores 100 vs 46.
Efficiency: IONIQ 5 scores 97 vs 58.
Safety: IONIQ 5 scores 99 vs 75.
Practicality: IONIQ 5 scores 70 vs 72.
Ownership: IONIQ 5 scores 65 vs 55.
Final structured scoring gives IONIQ 5
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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