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.
T1 starts ZAR 568900 cheaperT1 from ZAR 514,900 · Tucson from ZAR 568,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
T1
Tucson
Engine Power
180
137
Torque
375
416
Engine Size
1998
1995
Claimed Mileage
9.0
14.5
Ground Clearance
190
181
Boot Space
574
540
Airbags
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
6
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
1720
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
-
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both T1 and Tucson are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
T1
+8 pts
Efficiency
Tucson
+20 pts
Safety
T1
+2 pts
Practicality
Tucson
+2 pts
Ownership
Tucson
+9 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
T1
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
🏆 Overall Winner
Tucson
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
T1
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Tucson
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
T1
Tucson
Model Introduced Year
2026
2004
Generation
Current local listing
Fourth generation Tucson on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; distinctive parametric design language makes it one of the more striking mid-size SUVs in SA
Facelift History
Not listed by current South African source page.
Fourth generation launched in SA in 2021; major step change in styling, interior quality, and technology over the third-gen car
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Blue, Grey, Green
Dealer Stock Note
-
Executive grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.0D AT Executive AWD
Spec
T1
Tucson
Ground Clearance
190 mm
181 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2755 mm
Length
4705 mm
4630 mm
Width
1967 mm
1865 mm
Height
1840 mm
1665 mm
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
1720 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
2208 kg
2110 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
574 l
540 l
Towing Capacity
1600 kg
Not Applicable
Front Track Width
1690 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1700 mm
Not Applicable
Turning Radius
Not Applicable
5.4 m
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1455 l
1799 l
Number of Doors
Not Applicable
5
Max Payload
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Volume
574 l
540 l
Doors
Not Applicable
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
54 l
Gross Combined Mass Kg
3808 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
2208 kg
2110 kg
Ground Clearance Max
190 mm
181 mm
Ground Clearance Min
190 mm
181 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
190 mm
181 mm
Height Mm
1840 mm
1665 mm
Length Mm
4705 mm
4630 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cargo Volume
574 l
540 l
Tare Mass Kg
Not Applicable
1720 kg
Turning Circle
Not Applicable
5.4 m
Turning Circle M
Not Applicable
5.4 m
Width Mm
1967 mm
1865 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
1455 l
1799 l
Spec
T1
Tucson
Engine
Turbocharged petrol
2.0 R2 CRDi Diesel
Engine Type
Turbo petrol
Diesel
Displacement
1998 cc
1995 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
16
Power
180 kW
137 kW
Power @ RPM
5500
3800
Torque
375 Nm
416 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1750-4000
2000
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Yes
Top Speed
180 km/h
195 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Applicable
9.5 sec
Compression Ratio
10.2:1
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
80.5 mm
Not Applicable
Piston Stroke
98.12 mm
Not Applicable
Engine Code
SQRF4J20
Not Applicable
Power
241 bhp
184 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Diesel
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Engine Type Config
Not Applicable
Inline
0–100 km/h
Not Applicable
9.5 sec
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1995 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
2 l
2 l
Acceleration 0 100
Not Applicable
9.5 sec
Engine Config
Not Applicable
2.0 R2 CRDi Diesel
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
1995 cc
Engine Power kW
180 kW
137 kW
Engine Torque Nm
375 Nm
416 Nm
Engine Valves
4
16
Induction
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Max Power kW
180 kW
137 kW
Max Torque Nm
375 Nm
416 Nm
Maximum Power
180 kW
137 kW
Maximum Torque
375 Nm
416 Nm
Power kW Rpm
5500
3800
Torque Nm Rpm
1750-4000
2000
Turbo Type
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Engine Position
-
Front
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Battery Capacity
-
Not Available
Charging Port
-
Not Available
AC Charging Time
-
Not Available
EV Range
-
Not Available
Combined System Power
-
Not Available
Combined System Torque
-
Not Available
Motor Position
-
Not Available
Motor Power
-
Not Available
Motor Torque
-
Not Available
Motor Type
-
Not Available
Power Assisted Steering
-
MDPS Electric
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
System Output
-
Not Available
Spec
T1
Tucson
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
4WD
4WD / AWD
Drivetrain Layout
4WD
AWD
LSD Available
Multi-Plate Clutch Limited-Slip Differential
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
7 km/h
7 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
4WD
4WD / AWD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4WD
4WD / AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7 km/h
7 km/h
Spec
T1
Tucson
Claimed Mileage
9.0 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
18.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
54 l
Emission Standard
VI B
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
No
Average Fuel Consumption
9.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
9.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
9.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
9.0 km/l
14.5 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
9.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
9.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
9.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
70 l
54 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
T1
Tucson
Airbags
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
AEB
Yes
Yes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
-
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
6
ESC With Traction Control
-
Yes
Spec
T1
Tucson
Cruise Control
No
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
No
Drive Modes
Not Available
Eco / Normal
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Emergency Braking
-
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Front & Rear
Parking Sensor
-
Front & Rear
Pre-Collision System
-
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
-
No
Rear View Camera
-
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
-
Yes
Reversing Camera
-
Yes
Surround View Camera
Yes
Yes
Spec
T1
Tucson
Seat Material
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Nappa Leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front & Rear
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Front
Ambient Lighting
Multi
64-Colour Ambient
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Power 8-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
Seat Trim
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Nappa Leather
Seat Adjustment
-
Power 8-way
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Rear USB Ports
-
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Interior Colour Options
-
6
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Armrest Front
-
Yes
Armrest Rear
-
No
Boot Space Seats Down
-
1799
Boot Space Seats Up
-
540
Cargo Space
-
540
Driver Seat
-
Power 8-way
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bose premium sound on Executive, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Nappa Leather
Interior Colours
-
6
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
-
No
Seat Belt Warning
-
Yes
Seat Capacity
-
5
Seat Count
-
5
Seat Fold Type
-
60/40 Split
Spec
T1
Tucson
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Not Available
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
50W
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Yes
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Engine Warranty
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
4
Fuel Consumption Combined
9.0
7.2
Gear Shift Type
Not Applicable
8-speed Automatic
Rear Seat Split
60/40
60/40 Split
Remote Engine Start
Yes
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Yes
Service Plan
7-year/75,000 km service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Valves Per Cylinder
1
16
Roof Load
300kg static / 100kg dynamic kg
-
Towbar
Yes
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Power Adjustable
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
No
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Climate Zones
-
2
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Yes
TPMS
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Glovebox Cooling
-
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
-
181
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Hill Start Assist
-
Yes
Launch Control
-
Not Available
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
-
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Rear Wing
-
Yes
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Nappa Leather
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
145/80 R18 space saver
Full Size
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Yes
Tachometer
-
Yes
Tail Lamps
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Voice Command
-
Yes
Voice Command Support
-
Yes
Accelerator 0 100
-
9.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Battery Voltage
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Bottle Holders
-
4
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Yes
Common Rail Injection
-
Common Rail Direct Injection
Diff Lock
-
No
Difflock
-
No
Digital Speedometer
-
Analogue + MID
Front Wiper
-
Yes
Front Wipers Type
-
Yes
Glove Box
-
Yes
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Yes
Lift Gate
-
Yes
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Mirror
-
Power Adjustable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Yes
Power Socket 12v
-
12V
Powered Tailgate
-
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
-
Yes
Rear Air Conditioning
-
Yes
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Rear LED Combination Taillights
-
Yes
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
No
Regenerative Braking
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Yes
Remote Side Mirror
-
Power Adjustable
Rim Size
19
18
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Yes
Sonar
-
Front & Rear
Sound System
9 Sony Speakers
8 Bose Premium
Source Model Column
-
tucson
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
executive
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
-
Yes
Variant Role
-
Off-road or adventure derivative
Vdc
-
Yes
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Yes
Walk Away Lock
-
Yes
Wireless Charger
50W
15W Wireless
Spec
T1
Tucson
Infotainment Screen
15.6-inch infotainment system
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
9 Sony Speakers
8 Bose Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Front Type-A/Type-C and rear Type-A/Type-C
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
15.6-inch
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
15.6-inch
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
15.6-inch
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
9 Sony Speakers
8 Bose Premium
Audio System
-
Yes
Display Audio
-
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Multi Information Display
-
Analogue + MID
Connected Services
-
Yes
Voice Control
-
Yes
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Yes
Radio
-
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless
Yes
Spec
T1
Tucson
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
See OEM source page for colour availability.
6
Headlights
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Roof Type
-
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Yes
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Led Taillights
-
Yes
Auto Headlights
-
Full LED Parametric
Automatic Headlamps
-
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Exterior Door Handle Colour
-
Body Coloured
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Exterior Mirror Folding
-
Power Adjustable
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Headlamp Levelling
-
Full LED Parametric
Headlamps
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Spec
T1
Tucson
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Eco
Not Available
Locking Differential
Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
No
Underbody Protection
Metal guard plate for front compartment
-
4WD System Type
4WD
4WD / AWD
Breakover Angle
Not Available
20 deg
Crawl Control
Yes
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Ramp-over Angle
-
20 deg
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Spec
T1
Tucson
Tyre Size
235/60 R19
235/50 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc brake
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc brake
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
145/80 R18 space saver
Full Size
Wheel Rim Size
19
18
Electric Park Brake
Yes
Manual
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Manual
Towing Braked Kg
1600 kg
-
Towing Unbraked Kg
750 kg
-
Wheel Material
Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Wheel Type
Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
145/80 R18 space saver
Full Size
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
19
18
Auto Brake Hold
-
Manual
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Yes
Brakes
-
Disc
Cornering Brake Control
-
Yes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
-
Yes
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Leather
Spare Wheel Size Type
-
Full Size
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Leather
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Wheel Size Type
-
18
Wheelbase Mm
2800 mm
2755 mm
Wheels
Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Spec
T1
Tucson
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link independent suspension
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Spring Type
-
MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type
-
Multi-Link
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut suspension
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
-
Multi-Link
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link independent suspension
Multi-Link
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut
Spec
T1
Tucson
CO2 Emissions
203 g/km
162 g/km
Start Stop System
Yes
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
Idle CO2 Output
-
162
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
162
Spec
T1
Tucson
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
7-year/75,000 km service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
7-year/75,000 km service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Spec
T1
Tucson
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Executive
Price Source
https://jetour.co.za/models-t1/
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
634900 ZAR
764900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship
Current listed price
Starting Price
514900
764900
Starting Price Zar
514900
764900
Spec
T1
Tucson
Warranty
Not Available
5
Warranty Years
Not Available
5
Warranty Kilometers
Not Available
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Not Available
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Tucson leads by 2 points
Both T1 and Tucson are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Tucson
Performance
69/100
Efficiency
58/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
T1
Performance
77/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
71/100
Ownership
56/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Tucson
wins with 72 pts
vs 70 pts for T1
In structured scoring, Tucson emerges as the stronger overall package. However, T1 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 Tucson 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: T1 38 vs Tucson 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: T1 94, Tucson 92. 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: T1 56, Tucson 65. 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: T1 71, Tucson 73. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: T1 77, Tucson 69. 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 Tucson edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tucson 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 T1 and Tucson in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: T1 scores 77 vs 69.
Efficiency: T1 scores 38 vs 58.
Safety: T1 scores 94 vs 92.
Practicality: T1 scores 71 vs 73.
Ownership: T1 scores 56 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Tucson
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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