KIA Sportage vs Chery Tiggo 7

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.

KIA Sportage in South Africa

KIA Sportage

2WD 1.6T-GDI GT-Line S DCT Petrol Automatic
ZAR 823,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 132 kW 🔧 265 Nm Nm ⛽ 13.9 km/l
VS
Chery Tiggo 7 in South Africa

Chery Tiggo 7

Prime 1.5T DCT Petrol Automatic
ZAR 429,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 108 kW 🔧 210 Nm ⛽ 14.5 km/l
＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Sportage
⛽ Fuel Economy Tiggo 7
🛡 Safety Sportage
📦 Practicality Tiggo 7
🔑 Ownership Sportage
Tiggo 7 starts ZAR 662995 cheaper Sportage from ZAR 662,995 · Tiggo 7 from ZAR 429,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec Sportage Tiggo 7
Engine Power 132 kW 108 kW
Torque 265 Nm 210 Nm
Engine Size 1591 cc 1.5 cc
Claimed Mileage 13.9 km/l 14.5 km/l
Ground Clearance 181 mm 154 mm
Boot / Load Bay 466 l 565 l
Airbags 7 Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight 1570 kg -
Seating Capacity 5 5
Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km 5 Year / 150 000 km

= leads in this spec

The Bottom Line

Sportage has a slight advantage, but Tiggo 7 remains highly competitive.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Sportage +11 pts
Efficiency Tiggo 7 +4 pts
Safety Sportage +25 pts
Practicality Tiggo 7 +7 pts
Ownership Sportage +16 pts

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

Sportage

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Stronger safety package
  • Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to: Highway Driving

Tiggo 7

Strengths
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Less comprehensive safety features
  • Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Which One's Right for You?

Sportage

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
  • Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
  • Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Tiggo 7

  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
  • Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Sportage Tiggo 7
Engine Type Inline 4 Cylinder Turbopetrol 1.5T petrol
Engine Type Config Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbopetrol 1.5T petrol
Engine Code G4FJ -
Cylinder Layout Inline 4 (I4) Inline
Cylinders 4 4
Displacement 1591 cc 1.5 cc
Engine Displacement 1591 cc 1.5 cc
Induction Turbocharged Turbocharged
Turbocharger Yes Standard
Cylinder Bore 77.0 mm -
Piston Stroke 85.4 mm -
Compression Ratio 9.5:1 -
Fuel Grade Required 95 Octane Petrol
Variable Valve Timing CVVT -
Engine Oil Capacity 4.5 l -
Max Power kW 132 kW 108 kW
Power 132 kW 108 kW
Power 177 bhp 144.8 bhp
Power @ RPM 5,500 rpm 5500
Max Torque Nm 265 Nm 210 Nm
Torque 265 Nm 210 Nm
Torque @ RPM 1,500 rpm 1750-4000
Maximum Engine RPM 6,500 rpm -
0–100 km/h 8.5 sec -
0-100 km/h 8.5 sec -
Top Speed 198 km/h -
Engine Displacement Cc 1591 cc 1.5 cc
Engine Power kW 132 kW 108 kW
Engine Torque Nm 265 Nm 210 Nm
Maximum Power 132 kW 108 kW
Maximum Torque 265 Nm 210 Nm
Engine Config 1.6 T-GDI G4FJ Inline-4 Petrol Turbo 1.5T petrol
Engine Cylinders 4 4
Engine Valves 16 16
Power kW Rpm 5,500 rpm 5500
Torque Nm Rpm 1,500 rpm 1750-4000
Acceleration 0 100 8.5 sec -
Turbo Type Turbocharged Single turbo
Power Assisted Steering Electric Power Assisted -
Battery Capacity - -
Charging Port - -
AC Charging Time - -
EV Range - -
Motor Position - -
Motor Power - -
Motor Torque - -
Motor Type - -
System Output - -
Combined System Power - -
Combined System Torque - -
Engine Displacement Litres 1591 cc 1.5 cc
Engine 1.6 T-GDI G4FJ Inline-4 Petrol Turbo 1.5T petrol
Valves per Cylinder 16 16
Engine Aspiration Turbocharged Turbocharged
Engine Position Front Transverse -
Power Sliding Doors No -
Fuel System Gasoline Direct Injection Petrol injection
Spec Sportage Tiggo 7
Valves Per Cylinder 4 4
Intercooler Yes -
Launch Control No -
Rev Matching Yes -
Performance Data Logger No -
Fuel Consumption Combined 7.2 -
Engine Start Stop Yes Standard
Engine Start Stop Button Yes Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination Yes -
Engine Check Warning Yes -
Gear Shift Type Automatic Electric
Ground Clearance Unladen 181 -
Drag Coefficient 0.33 -
Roof Load 75 kg -
Stabilizer Bar Yes -
Skid Plates No -
Side Steps No -
Spare Wheel Temporary Spare -
Tyre Repair Kit No -
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner Yes -
Seatbelt Reminder Yes Standard
Hill Start Assist Yes -
Speed Limiter Yes -
Speed Alert System Yes -
Impact Sensing Door Unlock Yes -
Surround View Monitor Yes -
Adaptive Dampers No -
Wireless Charging Yes -
Voice Command Yes -
Digital Speedometer Yes -
Driver Display Digital Cluster -
Heads Up Display Yes -
Tachometer Yes -
Trip Computer Yes -
Multi Function Steering Yes -
Steering Mounted Controls Yes -
Climate Control Yes Manual / automatic by trim
Climate Zones 2 -
Rear Air Conditioning No -
Glovebox Cooling No -
Seat Type Leather Seats -
Driver Seat Height Adjustment Yes -
Headrest Adjustable Yes -
Front Armrest Centre Armrest -
Vanity Mirror Yes -
12V Accessory Socket Yes -
Front Power Outlet Yes -
Rear Reading Lamps Yes -
Push Button Start Yes Standard
Push Button Start Yes Standard
Remote Engine Start Yes -
Remote Start Yes -
Remote Central Locking Yes -
Door Ajar Warning Yes -
Fuel Lid Opener Remote -
Boot Opener Remote -
Power Windows Yes Standard
Power Mirrors Yes -
Heated Mirrors Yes -
Electric Folding Mirrors Yes -
Remote Side Mirror Yes -
Auto Dimming Irvm Yes -
Auto Dimming Mirror Yes -
Rain Sensing Wipers Yes -
Rear Window Defroster Yes -
Rear Defogger Yes -
Follow Me Home Headlamps Yes -
Tail Lamps Yes -
Automatic Headlamps Yes -
Headlamp Height Adjust Yes -
Headlamp Washer No -
Sunroof Yes -
Panoramic Roof Yes -
Roof Antenna Yes -
Rear Wing Yes -
Aero Kit Yes -
Chrome Grille No -
Chrome Exterior Highlights No -
Ride Mode Selection Yes -
Electric Tailgate Yes -
Powered Tailgate Yes -
Engine Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km -
Service Plan 3 Years / 45,000 km 5 Year / 60 000 km
Service Reminder Yes -
Trim Level flagship -
Variant Role Flagship / premium derivative -
Accelerator 0 100 8.5 sec -
Common Rail Injection Gasoline Direct Injection -
Diff Lock No -
Difflock No -
Vdc Yes -
TPMS Yes Standard
Sonar Yes -
Automatic High Beam Yes -
Steering Column Adjustment Tilt and Telescopic -
Tilt Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Telescopic Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Glove Box Yes -
Manual Aircon Yes -
Intelligent Keyless Entry Yes -
Passive Entry Start Yes -
Wireless Charger Yes -
Lift Gate Yes -
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors Yes -
Power Socket 12v Yes -
Sound System 10 4-6
Roof Rack Compatibility Yes -
Mirror Electric -
Rim Size 235/45 R19 18-inch alloy
Stabilizer Bar Front Yes -
Stabilizer Bar Rear Yes -
Sub Frame Unibody -
Vehicle To Grid - -
Vehicle To Load - -
One Pedal Driving - -
Regenerative Braking - -
Regenerative Braking Levels - -
Rear Electric Motor - -
Battery Preconditioning - -
Load Bed Cover - -
Tailgate Lock - -
Sports Bar - -
Canopy Fitment - -
Bed Extender - -
Source Model Column sportage -
Battery Voltage - -
Front Diff Lock - -
Loadbox Depth Mm - -
Load Bed Light - -
Load Bed Steps - -
Loadbox Rope Hooks - -
Tailgate Damper - -
Tow Bar Type - -
Unlocking Yes Standard
Walk Away Lock Yes -
Walk Away Auto Door Lock Yes -
Rear LED Combination Taillights Yes -
Front Wiper No -
Front Wipers Type No -
Rearview Mirror Inside Yes -
Vanity Mirror Illuminated Yes -
Reading Lights Rear Yes -
Centre Console Centre Armrest -
Side Impact Bars Yes -
Steering Response Normal -
Stability Control Yes Standard
Voice Command Support Yes -
Air Conditioning Yes Manual / automatic by trim
Rear Seat Split Yes -
Keyless Entry Yes Standard
Bottle Holders 4 -
Intelligent Battery System - -
Rear Diff Lock - -
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets - -
AC Type Yes Manual / automatic by trim
Electric Mirror Folding Yes -

Overall Verdict Score

Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.

Weighted / 100
Verdict readout

Sportage leads by 9 points

Sportage has a slight advantage, but Tiggo 7 remains highly competitive.

Winner 70 /100
Lead 9 points
Data 97% confidence
70
#1 Winner

Sportage

97% data confidence 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 100 Check Efficiency 54
Performance 57
Efficiency 54
Safety 100
Practicality 65
Ownership 71
Leads by 9 points
61
#2

Tiggo 7

72% data confidence 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 75 Check Performance 46
Performance 46
Efficiency 58
Safety 75
Practicality 72
Ownership 55
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance Sportage +11 Efficiency Tiggo 7 +4 Safety Sportage +25 Practicality Tiggo 7 +7 Ownership Sportage +16

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Why this score View full breakdown
Overall Winner

Sportage

Performance 57/100
Efficiency 54/100
Safety 100/100
Practicality 65/100
Ownership 71/100

Tiggo 7

Performance 46/100
Efficiency 58/100
Safety 75/100
Practicality 72/100
Ownership 55/100

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 KIA Sportage wins with 70 pts vs 61 pts for Tiggo 7

In structured scoring, Sportage emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tiggo 7 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Sportage 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: Sportage 54 vs Tiggo 7 58. 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: Sportage 100, Tiggo 7 75. 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: Sportage 71, Tiggo 7 55. 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: Sportage 65, Tiggo 7 72. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Sportage 57, Tiggo 7 46. 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 Sportage edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Sportage 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 Sportage and Tiggo 7 in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Sportage scores 57 vs 46.

Efficiency: Sportage scores 54 vs 58.

Safety: Sportage scores 100 vs 75.

Practicality: Sportage scores 65 vs 72.

Ownership: Sportage scores 71 vs 55.

Final structured scoring gives Sportage the advantage in this comparison.