BAIC X55 vs Haval Jolion
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 64% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X55 | Jolion | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 429 900 | R 348 950 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 514/m | R 6 099/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 64% |
| Value after 3 years | R 270 479 | R 221 735 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 159 421 | R 127 215 |
| Value after 5 years | R 210 065 | R 173 120 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Chinese (established) |
BAIC X55 →
BAIC's compact SUV arrived as the Beijing X55 in late 2022 and was updated to X55 Plus form in 2024. A 1.5 turbopetrol and long spec sheets are the draw, with 2026 pricing from R429,900 and a 5-year/150,000km warranty. Volumes have grown, though resale values remain softer than Haval or Chery equivalents.
Known for: big spec for the money
Haval Jolion →
The Jolion is the car that made Haval mainstream in South Africa, regularly appearing in the top ten best-seller lists since 2021. Buyers get far more equipment than similarly priced rivals, though resale values trail the Toyota and VW alternatives. The original car remains on sale alongside the newer Jolion Pro as a cheaper entry point.
Known for: big spec for corolla cross money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BAIC X55 or the Haval Jolion?
They are close to inseparable: 63% vs 64% 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 BAIC X55 loses about R 159 421 over three years and the Haval Jolion loses about R 127 215. 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 BAIC X55 runs about R 7 514 per month and the Haval Jolion about R 6 099, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.