Audi Q7 vs Porsche Cayenne
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Q7 | Cayenne | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 958 000 | R 2 149 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 34 223/m | R 37 561/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 177 750 | R 1 270 484 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 780 250 | R 878 516 |
| Value after 5 years | R 869 719 | R 928 723 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi Q7 →
Audi's seven-seat flagship SUV has sold here since 2006 and now starts near R2 million in 55 TFSI Platinum form. Diesel 45 TDI versions did the volume work for family and towing duty over the years. Early used examples are affordable, but air suspension and electronics repairs can get expensive.
Known for: seven-seat quattro family hauler
Porsche Cayenne →
Since 2003 the Cayenne has been Porsche's volume seller in South Africa alongside the Macan, offering petrol, diesel and later plug-in hybrid power. The current third generation starts around R2.15 million and the coupe body adds a style-led option. Early V8 and diesel models are now affordable used buys, but running costs catch out bargain hunters.
Known for: sports car pace in a family suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi Q7 or the Porsche Cayenne?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi Q7 loses about R 780 250 over three years and the Porsche Cayenne loses about R 878 516. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Audi Q7 runs about R 34 223 per month and the Porsche Cayenne about R 37 561, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.