VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
120 kW
Torque
144 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.3 s
—
Engine
1497 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the Kia Sonet and the Mitsubishi Destinator is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sonet delivers 85 kW while the Mitsubishi Destinator produces 120 kW. On fuel, the Sonet returns 6.2 l/100km while the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R391 995 for the Sonet and R489 990 for the Destinator. 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
85 kW
120 kW
Torque
144 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
10.3 s
—
Top Speed
175 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
172 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
4680 mm
Width
1790 mm
1840 mm
Height
1610 mm
1780 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
214 mm
Kerb Weight
1197 Kg
1455 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
385 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
5
Service Plan Distance
45000
75000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Sonet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Destinator
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
Sonet
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
Kia Sonet
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R391 995)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 120 kW)
Mitsubishi Destinator
More powerful engine (120 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or Destinator?
The Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km and the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 Sonet or Destinator?
The Sonet produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the Destinator delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The Destinator is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and Destinator?
The Sonet starts from R391 995 and the Destinator from R489 990. The Sonet is cheaper by R97 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or Destinator?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Destinator can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sonet or the Destinator?
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.