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.
Puma starts ZAR 459900 cheaperKona from ZAR 459,900 · Puma from ZAR 389,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Kona
Puma
Engine Power
88
92
Torque
172
170
Engine Size
998
999
Claimed Mileage
15.5
16.4
Ground Clearance
165
170
Boot Space
466
456
Airbags
6
8
Kerb Weight
1460
1325
Seating Capacity
5
Available
Warranty
5
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Puma
61
/ 100
+3
pts
#2
Kona
58
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Kona and Puma are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Puma
+9 pts
Safety
Puma
+2 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Kona
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Puma
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
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
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Puma
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Kona
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Puma
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Kona
Puma
Length
4355
4186
Width
1825
1805
Height
1570
1531
Wheelbase
2660
2594
Ground Clearance
165
170
Kerb Weight
1460
1325
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
466
456
Rear Track Width
1556 mm
1534
Gross Vehicle Weight
1850 kg
1775
Front Track Width
1561 mm
1541
Turning Radius
5.5 m
5.4
Towing Capacity
1000 kg (Unbraked)
1200
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Available
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Available
Doors
5
Available
Seats
5
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Available
1500
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Engine
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Displacement
998
999
Cylinders
3
3
Power
88
92
Torque
172
170
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Yes
Single Turbo
Top Speed
185
185
0-100 km/h
10.5
10.5
Power @ RPM
5500
6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
1500
2000-4500 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
12 (4 per cylinder)
4
Compression Ratio
9.9:1
10.5:1
Engine Position
Front
Front Transverse
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Engine Type Config
Inline
Available
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Available
Cylinder Bore
Available
82.0
Piston Stroke
Available
92.0
Engine Code
Available
Standard
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Cylinder Layout
Available
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Available
Turbocharged
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Transmission
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
7-Speed Automatic DCT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Standard
Transfer Case
None (FWD)
Not Applicable
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Transmission
Available
Automatic CVT
Spec
Kona
Puma
Claimed Mileage
15.5
16.4
City Mileage
12.5
12
Highway Mileage
19.0
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
42
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
Available
Distance To Empty
Yes
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Standard
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
EBD
Yes
Available
BA
Yes
Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Cruise Control
Yes
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
No
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Lights
Yes
Available
EV Mode
No
Available
Eco Mode
Yes
Available
Sport Mode
No
Available
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Available
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Seat Material
Leather
Sport Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Ventilated Seats
Front
Not Available
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
Ambient Sport Lighting
Front Armrest
Yes
Standard
Rear Armrest
No
Standard
Cup Holders
4
4
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Available
Rear Headrest
Yes
Available
Front Headrest
Yes
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Available
Leather Seats
No
Available
Fabric Seats
Yes
Available
Cooled Seats
No
Available
Memory Seats
No
Available
Rear AC Vents
Available
Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Interior Colour Options
Available
Black
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Standard
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Available
Power Mirrors
Yes
Power Adjustment
Headlamp Washer
No
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Available
Tachometer
Yes
Available
Trip Computer
Yes
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Available
Boot Opener
Inside
Available
Front Power Outlet
Yes
150
Tilt Steering
Yes
Available
Telescopic Steering
No
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
No
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Payload Capacity
Available
500
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
Navigation System
Yes
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
12-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Available
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
19-inch Sport Alloy
Body Cladding
Wheel Arch & Skid Plate Cladding
Standard
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Exterior Accents
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Sport Rear Spoiler
DRL
Yes
Available
Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Available
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Chrome Finish
Body Type
SUV
Available
Rear Wiper
Yes
Available
Exterior Colour Options
Available
Pearl White
Roof Type
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Tyre Size
235/45 R18
225/40 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Tyre Repair Kit
Tyre Speed Rating
H
Available
Tyre Load Index
91
Available
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Available
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Available
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Available
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Available
Spare Tyre
Steel
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Optional
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approx Service Cost
R2,500 – R4,000 per service
Approx R5,000
Service Plan Duration
4
Available
Service Plan Distance
60000
Available
First Service At
15000
5000
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Available
Alternator
120A
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Available
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
CO2 Emissions
120
118
Start Stop System
No
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
Mild Hybrid
Noise Level
68 dB
67
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
Unleaded 95 RON
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Idle CO2 Output
Available
2.0
Spec
Kona
Puma
Underbody Protection
Front Underbody Guard
Available
Approach Angle
14°
25
Wading Depth
160 mm
600
Departure Angle
27°
23
Locking Differential
No
Available
Terrain Modes
No
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
Available
Hill Descent Control
No
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
4WD System Type
Available
Part-time 4WD
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Kona
Puma
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
12
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
15
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
15
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
18
Owner Review Count
Available
16
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Ford Puma
wins with 61 pts
vs 58 pts for Kona
In structured scoring, Puma 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 Puma 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 Puma 9. 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, Puma 20. 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, Puma 12. 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, Puma 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Kona 8, Puma 8. 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 Puma edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Puma 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 Puma in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Kona scores 8 vs 8.
Efficiency: Kona scores 0 vs 9.
Safety: Kona scores 18 vs 20.
Practicality: Kona scores 12 vs 12.
Ownership: Kona scores 20 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Puma
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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