VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
270 Nm
245Nm@2000
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
9.2
Towing
—
1600
0-100 km/h
—
14.7
Engine
1497 cc
1991
Choosing between the GAC Emkoo and the HYUNDAI TUCSON is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC Emkoo delivers 130 kW while the HYUNDAI TUCSON produces 83kW@4000. On fuel, the Emkoo returns 6.4 l/100km while the TUCSON uses 9.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R559 900 for the Emkoo and R299 900 for the TUCSON. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
270 Nm
245Nm@2000
0-100 kph
—
14.7
Top Speed
190 Km/h
191
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1991
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
4
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
9.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
58
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
210
Dimensions
Length
4680 mm
4325
Width
1901 mm
1830
Height
1670 mm
1730
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
160 mm
195
Kerb Weight
1540 Kg
1781
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
420 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1600
Load Capacity
—
1856
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
60
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
150000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
100000
—
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Emkoo
Fuel Economy
Emkoo
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
TUCSON
Pros & Cons
GAC Emkoo
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Emkoo or TUCSON?
The Emkoo uses 6.4 l/100km and the TUCSON uses 9.2 on the combined cycle. The Emkoo is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Emkoo or TUCSON?
The Emkoo produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the TUCSON delivers 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Emkoo and TUCSON?
The Emkoo starts from R559 900 and the TUCSON from R299 900. The TUCSON is cheaper by R260 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Emkoo or TUCSON?
The Emkoo has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the TUCSON can tow 1600. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Emkoo or the TUCSON?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.