KIA Sonet vs Foton Truckmate

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

KIA Sonet in South Africa

KIA Sonet

1.5 EX+ CVT Petrol CVT Current
ZAR 469,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 85 kW 🔧 143 Nm ⛽ 16.9 km/l
VS
Foton Truckmate in South Africa

Foton Truckmate

Box Body Petrol 5-Speed Manual Current
ZAR 239,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 82 kW 🔧 142 Nm ⛽ 12.66 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

KIA Sonet vs Foton Truckmate: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Truckmate starts ZAR 130,095 cheaper Sonet from ZAR 329,995 · Truckmate from ZAR 199,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Sonet Truckmate
Maximum Power Sonet85 kW @ 6300 rpm Truckmate82 kW
Maximum Torque Sonet143 Nm @ 4000 rpm Truckmate142 Nm
Engine Size Sonet1497 cc Truckmate1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Sonet16.9 km/l Truckmate12.66 km/l
Ground Clearance Sonet211 mm TruckmateNot Officially Disclosed

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Sonet Truckmate
Model Introduced Year 2021 2025
Generation First generation (BC3); launched globally 2020, SA 2021 Compact single-row cab platform with a 2,400 mm wheelbase and dropside or box-body factory configurations.
Facelift History 2023 model year update with revised front styling and expanded ADAS features Current South African Truckmate range, with no separate facelift identified.
Facelift Launched Since 2023 Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending Current Not Applicable
Body Style SUV Light truck
Color Note Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Intense Red, Steel Grey, Glacier White Pearl (two-tone options on SX) -
Dealer Stock Note Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup -
Model Year 2026 2026
Production Status active active
Segment SUV Compact business truck
Tare Mass Kg 1270 kg -
Vehicle Type SUV Light commercial vehicle
Spec Sonet Truckmate
Length 3995 mm 4735 mm
Width 1790 mm 1695 mm
Height 1635 mm 2420 mm
Wheelbase 2500 mm 2400 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 211 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) 190 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 l Not Officially Disclosed
Boot/Cargo Space 392 l Not Officially Disclosed
Kerb Weight 1270 kg 1310 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 1710 kg Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity 408 kg 1100 kg
Towing Capacity 1100 kg Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Rows 2 rows 1 rows
Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius 10.4 m Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom 990 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom 950 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom 1030 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom 860 mm Not Officially Disclosed

In depth: how these cars differ

This Sonet and Truckmate comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Sonet vs Truckmate questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.

Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.

Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.

A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.

Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.

Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.