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.
Picanto Panel Van starts ZAR 424995 cheaperK2500 from ZAR 424,995 · Picanto Panel Van from ZAR 249,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Engine Power
70 kW
49
Torque
225 Nm
94
Engine Size
2498
998
Claimed Mileage
9.5
16.4
Ground Clearance
195
155
Boot Space
N/A
620
Airbags
0
6
Kerb Weight
1980
950
Seating Capacity
3
2
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Picanto Panel Van
56
/ 100
+22
pts
#2
K2500
34
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Picanto Panel Van holds a noticeable edge over K2500, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
K2500
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Picanto Panel Van
+18 pts
Practicality
Picanto Panel Van
+7 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Picanto Panel Van
Performance
4/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
14/20
Ownership
20/20
K2500
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
0/20
Practicality
7/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
K2500
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
🏆 Overall Winner
Picanto Panel Van
Strengths
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
K2500
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Picanto Panel Van
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Engine
2.5 J2T Inline-4 Turbodiesel
1.0L G3LA 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) OHV 8-Valve Turbodiesel
1.0L 3-Cylinder DOHC
Engine Code
J2T
G3LA
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 3 (I3)
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
8
4
Displacement
2498
998
Engine Displacement
2498
998
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharger
Yes
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
91.0
71.0
Piston Stroke
96.0
84.0
Compression Ratio
18.0:1
10.5:1
Fuel System
Direct Injection Turbodiesel
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Grade Required
B7 Diesel
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
No
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Transverse Front-Mounted
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
3.2
Power
70 kW
49
Power
94
66
Power @ RPM
3,600 rpm
6,000 rpm
Torque
225 Nm
94
Torque @ RPM
1,500 rpm
3,500 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000 rpm
6500
0–100 km/h
N/A
14.5
0-100 km/h
N/A
14.5
Top Speed
140
148
EV Range
N/A
0
Battery Capacity
N/A
Not Applicable
Charging Port
N/A
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
N/A
Not Applicable
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Valves Per Cylinder
2
4
Intercooler
Yes
Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.5
6.1 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
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
Floor-Mounted Selector
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
155
Drag Coefficient
0.46
0.32 Cd
Payload Capacity
1520
Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Steering Response
Normal
Electric Power Assisted Steering
Skid Plates
No
No
Side Steps
No
No
Spare Wheel
Full-Size Spare
Full Size Spare Tyre
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No — Full Size Spare Provided
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes — Front
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
No
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
No
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
No
No
Wireless Charging
No
No
Voice Command
No
Yes
Voice Command Support
No
Yes
Driver Display
Analogue Cluster
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Heads Up Display
No
No
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Multi Function Steering
No
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
No
Yes
AC Type
No Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Climate Control
No
Manual Air Conditioning
Climate Zones
1
Single Zone
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Seat Type
Vinyl Seats
Cloth Fabric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
No
Yes
Rear Seat Split
No
N/A Panel Van
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
No
No
Vanity Mirror
No
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
Front Power Outlet
No
Yes — 12V Socket
Rear Reading Lamps
No
Yes
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
Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Boot Opener
Manual
Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Power Windows
No
Yes — Front Windows Only
Power Mirrors
No
Yes
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
Yes
Rear Defogger
No
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
No
Yes
Tail Lamps
Halogen
Halogen Tail Lamps
Automatic Headlamps
No
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
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
7 Years/150
Service Plan
1 Year / 15,000 km
3 Years/45
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Exhaust Finish
-
Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
Exhaust Type
-
Single Exhaust System
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter
DPF
GPF Fitted
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Idle CO2 Output
289
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
CO2 Emissions
275
140
Green NCAP Rating
N/A
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Start Stop System
No
No
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 3
Euro 5
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
78
68
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
0
Claimed Fuel Consumption
10.5
6.1
Claimed Mileage
9.5
16.4
City Mileage
8.0
13.5
Highway Mileage
11.1
20.4
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
6.1 L/100km Combined
Real-world Mileage
12.6
15.2
Fuel Efficiency
10.5 L/100km
6.1
Auto Start Stop
No
No
Emission Standard
Euro 3
Euro 5
Distance To Empty
N/A
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
35
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
No
Yes
Airbags
0
6
Driver Airbag
No
Yes
Passenger Airbag
No
Yes
Side Airbags
No
Yes — Front Side Airbags
Curtain Airbags
No
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Knee Airbag
No
No
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
No
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
ABS
No
Yes
BA
No
Yes
EBD
No
Yes
Brake Assist
No
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
No
Yes
TCS
No
Yes
Traction Control
No
Yes
Hill Hold
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
No
Yes
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
Yes
Safety Rating
N/A
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
ISOFIX Mounts
No
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
No
No
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
No
Yes
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Alternator
Yes
80A Alternator
Engine Oil Change Interval
7500
10,000 km or 6 Months
Battery Type
N/A
12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Battery Warranty
N/A
12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Service Plan Duration
1
3 Years KIA Service Plan
Service Plan Distance
15000
45000
Maintenance Plan
1 Year / 15,000 km
Included — 3 Years/45
Service Interval
7500
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
First Service At
7500
1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
Approx Service Cost
R2,000 per service
Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.8
6.9
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.8
8.4
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
10.0
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.7
5.3
Owner Review Count
-
0
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
EV Mode
No
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
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
Yes
Drive Modes
No
Eco Mode Only
Eco Mode
No
Yes
Sport Mode
No
No
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Transmission Type
Manual Transmission
Automatic
Number of Gears
5
4
Clutch Type
Single Dry Disc
Torque Converter Automatic
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
4.30
4.286:1
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
RWD
Front Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
N/A
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Available
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.2:1
2.8
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
4WD System Type
N/A
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Approach Angle
25
17
Departure Angle
17
22
Ramp Breakover Angle
15
0
Ramp-over Angle
19
0
Wading Depth
N/A
0
Recovery Hooks
Yes
1 Rear Tow Hook
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
Not Applicable — Urban Hatchback
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Length
5160
3595
Width
1900
1595
Height
2120
1480
Wheelbase
2890
2400
Front Track Width
1530
1415
Rear Track Width
1580
1420
Ground Clearance
195
155
Turning Radius
12.5
4.8
Front Overhang
870
735
Rear Overhang
1400
460
Kerb Weight
1980
950
Gross Vehicle Weight
3500
1400
Towing Capacity
N/A
0
Max Payload
1520
450
Load Bed Length
2200
1485
Load Bed Width
1600
1150
Doors
2
3
Number of Doors
2
3
Seats
3
2
Seating Capacity
3
2
Front Headroom
1010
970
Rear Headroom
955
0
Front Legroom
1040
1040
Rear Legroom
855
0
Front Shoulder Room
1405
1355
Rear Shoulder Room
1350
0
Boot Space
N/A
620
Boot Space Seats Folded
N/A
620
Boot Volume
N/A
620
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
35
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Body Type
Tipper Truck
3-Door Panel Van
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel
Standard Design
Wing Mirror Type
Manual
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Rear Wiper
No
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Led Headlights
No
No
LED Headlamps
No
No
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
DRL
Yes
Yes — LED DRL
Led Taillights
No
No
Fog Lights
No
No
Fog Lamps
No
No
Front Fog Lights
No
No
Rear Fog Lights
No
Yes
Roof Type
Cab
Standard Fixed Roof
Roof Rails
No
No
Rear Spoiler
No
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Body Cladding
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
No
Door Handle Finish
Metal
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Colour Options
White
5
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Chassis Type
Body-on-Frame
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Front Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Leaf Spring
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
Coil Spring
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
No
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Power Steering
Yes
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear USB Ports
No
0
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
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
Cloth
Fabric Seats
No
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
2-Way Manual
6-Way Manual Adjustment
Adjustable Driver Seat
2-Way Manual
Yes
Seat Adjustment
2-Way Manual
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
2-Way Manual
4-Way Manual Adjustment
Adjustable Front Seat
2-Way Manual
Yes
Driver Lumbar Support
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
60 40 Split Seat
No
No
Folding Rear Seats
No
Not Applicable — Panel Van
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Yes — Adjustable
Rear Headrest
No
Not Applicable
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
2
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
247
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
276
180
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Size
195R15C
175/65 R14
Wheel Rim Size
195R15C
14 Inches
Front Tyre Width
195
175
Rear Tyre Width
195
175
Wheel Diameter
15
14
Wheel Type
Steel
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Tyre Type
Radial
Tubeless Radial
Tyre Load Index
116
82
Tyre Speed Rating
L
T
Spare Tyre
Full-Size Spare
Full Size Spare
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size Spare
Full Size Spare
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Infotainment Display
0
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Infotainment Screen
0-inch Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Infotainment Screen Size
0
8
Navigation System
No
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
No
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
No
Android Auto
No
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
No
Yes
USB Ports
0
2
Rear Usb
No
No
AUX Input
No
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Number of Speakers
2
6
Premium Audio
No
No
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
No
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
No
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
Audio Controls On Steering
No
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
No
Yes
Spec
K2500
Picanto Panel Van
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
7 Years/150
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years Roadside Assistance
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Picanto Panel Van
wins with 56 pts
vs 34 pts for K2500
In structured scoring, Picanto Panel Van emerges as the stronger overall package. However, K2500 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 Picanto Panel Van 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 Picanto Panel Van 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, Picanto Panel Van 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: K2500 20, Picanto Panel Van 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, Picanto Panel Van 14. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: K2500 7, Picanto Panel Van 4. 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 Picanto Panel Van edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Picanto Panel Van 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 Picanto Panel Van in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: K2500 scores 7 vs 4.
Efficiency: K2500 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: K2500 scores 0 vs 18.
Practicality: K2500 scores 7 vs 14.
Ownership: K2500 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Picanto Panel Van
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.
