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.
K2700 starts ZAR 424995 cheaperK2500 from ZAR 424,995 · K2700 from ZAR 351,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
K2500
K2700
Engine Power
70 kW
56 kW
Torque
225 Nm
152 Nm
Engine Size
2498
2665
Claimed Mileage
9.5
10.5
Ground Clearance
195
195
Boot Space
N/A
N/A
Airbags
0
0
Kerb Weight
1980
1880
Seating Capacity
3
2
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
K2500
34
/ 100
+2
pts
#2
K2700
32
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both K2500 and K2700 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
K2500
+2 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
K2500
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
0/20
Practicality
7/20
Ownership
20/20
K2700
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
0/20
Practicality
7/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
K2500
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway Driving
K2700
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
K2500
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
K2700
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
K2500
K2700
Engine
2.5 J2T Inline-4 Turbodiesel
2.7 J2 Inline-4 Diesel Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated Diesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) OHV 8-Valve Turbodiesel
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) OHV 8-Valve Diesel
Engine Code
J2T
J2
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
8
8
Displacement
2498
2665
Engine Displacement
2498
2665
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharger
Yes
No
Cylinder Bore
91.0
94.0
Piston Stroke
96.0
96.0
Compression Ratio
18.0:1
20.0:1
Fuel System
Direct Injection Turbodiesel
Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
B7 Diesel
B7 Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
No
No
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
7.5
Power
70 kW
56 kW
Power
94
75
Power @ RPM
3,600 rpm
3,200 rpm
Torque
225 Nm
152 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1,500 rpm
2,000 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000 rpm
3,500 rpm
0–100 km/h
N/A
N/A
0-100 km/h
N/A
N/A
Top Speed
140
130
EV Range
N/A
N/A
Battery Capacity
N/A
N/A
Charging Port
N/A
N/A
AC Charging Time
N/A
N/A
Spec
K2500
K2700
Valves Per Cylinder
2
2
Intercooler
Yes
No
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.5
9.5
Engine Start Stop
No
No
Engine Start Stop Button
No
No
Engine Start Button Illumination
No
No
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Manual
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
195
Drag Coefficient
0.46
0.45
Payload Capacity
1520
1220
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Normal
Normal
Skid Plates
No
No
Side Steps
No
No
Spare Wheel
Full-Size Spare
Full-Size Spare
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
No
No
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
No
No
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
No
No
Wireless Charging
No
No
Voice Command
No
No
Voice Command Support
No
No
Driver Display
Analogue Cluster
Analogue Cluster
Heads Up Display
No
No
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Multi Function Steering
No
No
Steering Mounted Controls
No
No
AC Type
No Air Conditioning
No Air Conditioning
Climate Control
No
No
Climate Zones
1
1
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Seat Type
Vinyl Seats
Vinyl Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
No
No
Rear Seat Split
No
No
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
No
No
Vanity Mirror
No
No
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
No
No
Rear Reading Lamps
No
No
Keyless Entry
No
No
Push Button Start
No
No
Push Button Start
No
No
Remote Engine Start
No
No
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Manual
Manual
Boot Opener
Manual
Manual
Power Windows
No
No
Power Mirrors
No
No
Electric Folding Mirrors
No
No
Electric Mirror Folding
No
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
No
No
Rear Defogger
No
No
Follow Me Home Headlamps
No
No
Tail Lamps
Halogen
Halogen
Automatic Headlamps
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Sunroof
No
No
Panoramic Roof
No
No
Roof Antenna
Yes
Yes
Rear Wing
No
No
Aero Kit
No
No
Chrome Grille
No
No
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
No
Ride Mode Selection
No
No
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 150,000 km
Service Plan
1 Year / 15,000 km
1 Year / 15,000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spec
K2500
K2700
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
B7 Diesel
Particulate Filter
DPF
DPF
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
No
Idle CO2 Output
289
261
CO2 Emissions
275
249
Green NCAP Rating
N/A
N/A
Start Stop System
No
No
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 3
Euro 3
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Noise Level
78
78
Spec
K2500
K2700
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Claimed Fuel Consumption
10.5
9.5
Claimed Mileage
9.5
10.5
City Mileage
8.0
9.1
Highway Mileage
11.1
11.8
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
9.5
Real-world Mileage
12.6
11.4
Fuel Efficiency
10.5 L/100km
9.5 L/100km
Auto Start Stop
No
No
Emission Standard
Euro 3
Euro 3
Distance To Empty
N/A
N/A
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
70
Spec
K2500
K2700
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
No
No
Airbags
0
0
Driver Airbag
No
No
Passenger Airbag
No
No
Side Airbags
No
No
Curtain Airbags
No
No
Knee Airbag
No
No
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
No
No
ABS
No
No
BA
No
No
EBD
No
No
Brake Assist
No
No
Electronic Stability Control
No
No
TCS
No
No
Traction Control
No
No
Hill Hold
No
No
Hill Start Assist
No
No
Hill Descent Control
No
No
AEB
No
No
Pedestrian Detection AEB
No
No
Lane Change Warning
No
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
No
Fatigue Detection
No
No
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
No
No
Safety Rating
N/A
N/A
ISOFIX Mounts
No
No
Front Parking Sensors
No
No
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
No
No
Spec
K2500
K2700
Alternator
Yes
Yes
Engine Oil Change Interval
7500
7500
Battery Type
N/A
N/A
Battery Warranty
N/A
N/A
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Service Plan Duration
1
1
Service Plan Distance
15000
15000
Maintenance Plan
1 Year / 15,000 km
1 Year / 15,000 km
Service Interval
7500
7500
First Service At
7500
7500
Approx Service Cost
R2,000 per service
R1,800 per service
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Spec
K2500
K2700
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.8
7.7
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.8
10.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
10.0
10.6
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.7
12.4
Spec
K2500
K2700
EV Mode
No
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Lane Departure Warning
No
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
No
Cruise Control
No
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
No
No
Rear View Camera
No
No
Reverse Camera
No
No
Rear Parking Sensors
No
No
Parking Sensors
No
No
Park Assist
No
No
360 Degree Camera
No
No
Auto Wipers
No
No
Auto Lights
No
No
Drive Modes
No
No
Eco Mode
No
No
Sport Mode
No
No
Spec
K2500
K2700
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
5-Speed Manual
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission
Number of Gears
5
5
Clutch Type
Single Dry Disc
Single Dry Disc
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
4.30
4.10
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Drive Type
RWD
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
RWD
Transfer Case
N/A
N/A
Differential Lock
No
No
LSD Available
No
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.2:1
15.2:1
Spec
K2500
K2700
4WD System Type
N/A
N/A
Locking Differential
No
No
Approach Angle
25
25
Departure Angle
17
18
Ramp Breakover Angle
15
16
Ramp-over Angle
19
19
Wading Depth
N/A
N/A
Recovery Hooks
Yes
Yes
Underbody Protection
No
No
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
No
Spec
K2500
K2700
Length
5160
4870
Width
1900
1840
Height
2120
2060
Wheelbase
2890
2685
Front Track Width
1530
1490
Rear Track Width
1580
1550
Ground Clearance
195
195
Turning Radius
12.5
11.4
Front Overhang
870
820
Rear Overhang
1400
1365
Kerb Weight
1980
1880
Gross Vehicle Weight
3500
3100
Towing Capacity
N/A
N/A
Max Payload
1520
1220
Load Bed Length
2200
1800
Load Bed Width
1600
1500
Doors
2
2
Number of Doors
2
2
Seats
3
2
Seating Capacity
3
2
Front Headroom
1010
1010
Rear Headroom
955
955
Front Legroom
1040
1040
Rear Legroom
855
855
Front Shoulder Room
1405
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
1350
1350
Boot Space
N/A
N/A
Boot Space Seats Folded
N/A
N/A
Boot Volume
N/A
N/A
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
70
Spec
K2500
K2700
Body Type
Tipper Truck
Tipper Truck
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel
Steel
Wing Mirror Type
Manual
Manual
Rear Wiper
No
No
Led Headlights
No
No
LED Headlamps
No
No
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
No
No
Fog Lights
No
No
Fog Lamps
No
No
Front Fog Lights
No
No
Rear Fog Lights
No
No
Roof Type
Cab
Cab
Roof Rails
No
No
Rear Spoiler
No
No
Body Cladding
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
No
Door Handle Finish
Metal
Metal
Exterior Colour Options
White
White
Spec
K2500
K2700
Chassis Type
Body-on-Frame
Body-on-Frame
Front Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Independent Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Leaf Spring
Rigid Axle Leaf Spring
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
Telescopic
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
No
No
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Spec
K2500
K2700
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear USB Ports
No
No
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue
Analogue
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Urethane
Rear AC Vents
No
No
Heated Seats
No
No
Cooled Seats
No
No
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Seat Material
Vinyl
Vinyl
Fabric Seats
No
No
Leather Seats
No
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
2-Way Manual
2-Way Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
2-Way Manual
2-Way Manual
Seat Adjustment
2-Way Manual
2-Way Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
2-Way Manual
2-Way Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
2-Way Manual
2-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
60 40 Split Seat
No
No
Folding Rear Seats
No
No
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
No
No
Front Armrest
No
No
Rear Armrest
No
No
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
2
2
Ambient Lighting
No
No
Interior Colour Options
Grey
Grey
Spec
K2500
K2700
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
280
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
276
260
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Tyre Size
195R15C
185R14C
Wheel Rim Size
195R15C
185R14C
Front Tyre Width
195
185
Rear Tyre Width
195
185
Wheel Diameter
15
14
Wheel Type
Steel
Steel
Tyre Type
Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
116
112
Tyre Speed Rating
L
L
Spare Tyre
Full-Size Spare
Full-Size Spare
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size Spare
Full-Size Spare
Spec
K2500
K2700
Infotainment Display
0
0
Infotainment Screen
0-inch Touchscreen
0-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
0
0
Navigation System
No
No
Apple CarPlay
No
No
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
No
Android Auto
No
No
Bluetooth Connectivity
No
No
USB Ports
0
0
Rear Usb
No
No
AUX Input
No
No
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Number of Speakers
2
2
Premium Audio
No
No
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
No
No
Digital Instrument Cluster
No
No
Audio Controls On Steering
No
No
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
No
No
Spec
K2500
K2700
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years
3 Years
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA K2500
wins with 34 pts
vs 32 pts for K2700
In structured scoring, K2500 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, K2700 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 K2500 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: K2500 0 vs K2700 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: K2500 0, K2700 0. 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: K2500 20, K2700 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: K2500 7, K2700 7. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: K2500 7, K2700 5. 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 K2500 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The K2500 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 K2500 and K2700 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: K2500 scores 7 vs 5.
Efficiency: K2500 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: K2500 scores 0 vs 0.
Practicality: K2500 scores 7 vs 7.
Ownership: K2500 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives K2500
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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