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.
Kona starts ZAR 549900 cheaperKona from ZAR 459,900 · Ora 5 from ZAR 549,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Engine Power
88
150
Torque
172
225
Engine Size
998
-
Claimed Mileage
15.5
-
Ground Clearance
165
165
Boot Space
466
410
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1460
1750
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Ora 5
62
/ 100
+4
pts
#2
Kona
58
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Kona and Ora 5 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Ora 5
+4 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Ora 5
Performance
12/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
Kona
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Kona
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Ora 5
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Kona
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Ora 5
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Length
4355
4550
Width
1825
1855
Height
1570
1645
Wheelbase
2660
2700
Ground Clearance
165
165
Kerb Weight
1460
1750
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
466
410
Rear Track Width
1556 mm
1550
Gross Vehicle Weight
1850 kg
2100
Front Track Width
1561 mm
1540
Turning Radius
5.5 m
11.5
Towing Capacity
1000 kg (Unbraked)
500
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Front Legroom
Available
1040
Rear Legroom
Available
870
Front Headroom
Available
985
Rear Headroom
Available
955
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1420
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1380
Boot Space Seats Folded
Available
610
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
-
Boot Volume
Available
410
Front Overhang
Available
880
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
-
Rear Overhang
Available
820
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Engine
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Electric Motor (Front Mounted)
Engine Type
Petrol
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor
Displacement
998
-
Cylinders
3
0
Power
88
150
Torque
172
225
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Electric
Turbocharger
Yes
-
Top Speed
185
175
0-100 km/h
10.5
-
Power @ RPM
5500
-
Torque @ RPM
1500
-
Valves per Cylinder
12 (4 per cylinder)
-
Compression Ratio
9.9:1
-
Engine Position
Front
Front Mounted Motor
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Electric
Engine Type Config
Inline
Single Front-Mounted Electric Motor
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
No
Cylinder Bore
Available
-
Piston Stroke
Available
-
Engine Code
Available
-
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
-
Power
150
201
Cylinder Layout
Available
Electric Motor
Engine Aspiration
Available
Electric
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
12,000
0–100 km/h
Available
7.1
Battery Capacity
Available
76 kWh
Charging Port
Available
Type 2 AC + CCS2 DC
AC Charging Time
Available
5.5 Hours (7.4kW AC)
Engine Displacement
Available
0
EV Range
Available
560
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Transmission
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Single-Speed Fixed Ratio
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Motor Front Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
Yes
-
Transfer Case
None (FWD)
-
LSD Available
No
No
Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
1
Final Drive Ratio
Available
7.73
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
13.5:1
Clutch Type
Available
Single-Speed Reducer
Drivetrain
Available
Front Wheel Drive
Transmission
Available
Automatic
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Claimed Mileage
15.5
-
City Mileage
12.5
16.0
Highway Mileage
19.0
12.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
-
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Zero Emissions
Auto Start Stop
Yes
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
No
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
14.0
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
0.0
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Excellent
Real-world Mileage
Available
14.0
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
-
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
5
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Cruise Control
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
Yes
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Yes
Heated Seats
Front
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
Yes
Cup Holders
4
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Full Digital Cluster
Rear Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
Yes
Fabric Seats
Yes
No
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
No
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Available
2
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Power Windows
All
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Yes
Boot Opener
Inside
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Engine Start Stop Button
No
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Dual Zone Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
No
Chrome Grille
Available
No
Climate Zones
Available
2
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.29
Driver Display
Available
Digital HUD
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
-
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
-
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
165
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
-
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
Yes
Payload Capacity
Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
60/40
Rear Wing
Available
Integrated Spoiler
Remote Engine Start
Available
Yes
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Integrated Antenna
Seat Type
Available
Sports Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Yes
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
-
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
9
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Yes
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
14
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
Aerodynamic Alloy
Body Cladding
Wheel Arch & Skid Plate Cladding
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Exterior Accents
No
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Electric Adjustable
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured Flush
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Available
6
Roof Type
Available
Metal Roof
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Tyre Size
235/45 R18
215/55R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc with Regenerative
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Steel
Tyre Speed Rating
H
V
Tyre Load Index
91
94
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Electronic
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Low Rolling Resistance Radial
Spare Tyre
Steel
Yes
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
305
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
285
Wheel Rim Size
Available
19
Front Tyre Width
Available
215
Rear Tyre Width
Available
215
Wheel Diameter
Available
18
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link Independent
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Hydraulic with Regenerative Braking
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
8 Years / 160,000 km
Approx Service Cost
R2,500 – R4,000 per service
Included in Service Plan
Service Plan Duration
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
75000
First Service At
15000
15000
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lithium-Ion NMC
Alternator
120A
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
CO2 Emissions
120
0
Start Stop System
No
No
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
-
Noise Level
68 dB
Very Low
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
Electric
Particulate Filter
Available
No
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Zero Emissions
Green NCAP Rating
Available
5/5
Idle CO2 Output
Available
0
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Underbody Protection
Front Underbody Guard
No
Approach Angle
14°
17
Wading Depth
160 mm
-
Departure Angle
27°
22
Locking Differential
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
-
Hill Descent Control
No
-
Recovery Hooks
Available
No
4WD System Type
Available
Front-wheel drive
Ramp-over Angle
Available
15
Spec
Kona
Ora 5
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
15.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
19.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
11.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
14.0
Owner Review Count
Available
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Ora 5
wins with 62 pts
vs 58 pts for Kona
In structured scoring, Ora 5 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Kona 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 Ora 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: Kona 0 vs Ora 5 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: Kona 18, Ora 5 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: Kona 20, Ora 5 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: Kona 12, Ora 5 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Kona 8, Ora 5 12. 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 Ora 5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Ora 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 Kona and Ora 5 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Kona scores 8 vs 12.
Efficiency: Kona scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Kona scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Kona scores 12 vs 12.
Ownership: Kona scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Ora 5
the advantage in this comparison.
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