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.
Seltos starts ZAR 409900 cheaperJolion from ZAR 409,900 · Seltos from ZAR 379,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Engine Power
115
85 kW
Torque
250
143 Nm
Engine Size
1497
1497
Claimed Mileage
5.6
16.4
Ground Clearance
190
190
Boot Space
340
433
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1500
1405
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Jolion
60
/ 100
+2
pts
#2
Seltos
58
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Jolion and Seltos are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Jolion
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Seltos
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Jolion
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
Seltos
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Jolion
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Seltos
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Jolion
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Seltos
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Body Type
SUV
Compact 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
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
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
No
Exterior Colour Options
6
Multiple
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Number of Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
4472
4370
Width
1841
1800
Height
1628
1640
Wheelbase
2700
2610
Ground Clearance
190
190
Kerb Weight
1500
1405
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
50
Boot Space
340
433
Doors
5
5
Front Overhang
880
840
Rear Overhang
890
920
Front Track Width
1560
1570
Rear Track Width
1570
1560
Front Headroom
990
990
Rear Headroom
960
950
Front Legroom
1050
1030
Rear Legroom
890
860
Front Shoulder Room
1430
1380
Rear Shoulder Room
1390
1330
Gross Vehicle Weight
2200
1900
Boot Volume
340
433
Boot Space Seats Folded
540
1385
Turning Radius
11.4
10.6
Towing Capacity
1500
N/A
Max Payload
-
N/A
Load Bed Length
-
N/A
Load Bed Width
-
N/A
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Engine
1.5L GW4B15A + Electric Motor Hybrid
1.5 G4LC Inline-4 Petrol NA
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve
Engine Code
GW4B15A
G4LC
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Displacement
1497
1497
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharger
Yes
No
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
13.0:1
Cylinder Bore
72.5
75.0
Piston Stroke
90.8
84.5
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Gasoline Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 Octane
Battery Capacity
1.8 kWh
N/A
EV Range
120
N/A
Power
115
85 kW
Power
154
114
Power @ RPM
5,500 rpm
6,300 rpm
Torque
250
143 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1,500-4,000 rpm
4,000 rpm
0–100 km/h
9.5
11.5
Top Speed
188
170
0-100 km/h
115
11.5
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Engine Displacement
1497
1497
Maximum Engine RPM
6,000
6,500 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
5.5
4.5
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
CVVT
Charging Port
-
N/A
AC Charging Time
-
N/A
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
No
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
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Remote
Boot Opener
Yes
Remote
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.6
6.1
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
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
Sunroof
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Heads Up Display
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
190
Drag Coefficient
0.34
0.34
Rear Seat Split
60/40
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
No
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
Yes
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Panoramic Roof
Yes
No
Climate Zones
2
2
Adaptive Dampers
No
No
Electric Tailgate
Yes
No
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
Jolion
Seltos
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
93 Octane
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid (DHT)
None
CO2 Emissions
128
141
Idle CO2 Output
128
148
Particulate Filter
No
No
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
Yes
Green NCAP Rating
4/5
4
Noise Level
Low
67
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
50
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Claimed Mileage
5.6
16.4
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
8.0
13.2
Highway Mileage
6.8
19.2
Average Fuel Consumption
7.5
6.1
Real-world Mileage
7.5
7.3
Claimed Fuel Consumption
8.5
6.1
Fuel Efficiency
Good
6.1 L/100km
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam
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
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Unibody
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Drum
Front Tyre Width
215
235
Rear Tyre Width
215
235
Tyre Size
215/55R18
235/50 R18
Wheel Diameter
18
18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Temporary Spare
Spare Tyre
Yes
Temporary Spare
Wheel Rim Size
18
235/50 R18
Tyre Type
Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
94
103
Tyre Speed Rating
V
H
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
308
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
292
260
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
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
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
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
No
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
-
No
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
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
Jolion
Seltos
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
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion
N/A
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
N/A
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
R3,500 per service
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
12.3-inch Touchscreen
10.25
Infotainment Screen Size
12
10.25
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
9
8
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
3
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
No
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
-
10.25-inch Touchscreen
AUX Input
-
No
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Fabric Seats
No
No
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
8-Way Power
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Yes
No
Memory Seats
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 Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Ventilated Seats
No
Yes
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Transmission
DHT Hybrid Transmission
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Number of Gears
2
CVT
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
15.1:1
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
3.56
LSD Available
No
No
Differential Lock
No
No
Transfer Case
No
N/A
Clutch Type
-
Torque Converter
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
Yes
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
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
No
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Yes
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0
11.2
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.5
14.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6.0
17.3
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
8.0
20.2
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Recovery Hooks
No
No
Underbody Protection
No
No
Ramp-over Angle
17
17
Approach Angle
19
19
Departure Angle
26
25
Ramp Breakover Angle
16
16
Locking Differential
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
No
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
N/A
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Wading Depth
-
N/A
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Jolion
wins with 60 pts
vs 58 pts for Seltos
In structured scoring, Jolion emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Seltos 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 Jolion 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: Jolion 0 vs Seltos 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: Jolion 18, Seltos 18. 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: Jolion 20, Seltos 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: Jolion 12, Seltos 13. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Jolion 10, Seltos 7. 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 Jolion edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Jolion 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 Jolion and Seltos in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Jolion scores 10 vs 7.
Efficiency: Jolion scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Jolion scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Jolion scores 12 vs 13.
Ownership: Jolion scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Jolion
the advantage in this comparison.
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