Chery Tiggo Cross vs Jaecoo J5
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Chery Tiggo Cross wins on money kept: 64% retained after three years vs 57%, worth about R 34 242 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tiggo Cross | J5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 359 900 | R 339 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 290/m | R 5 941/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 64% | 57% |
| Value after 3 years | R 228 693 | R 194 451 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 131 207 | R 145 449 |
| Value after 5 years | R 178 552 | R 145 224 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Chinese (new entrant) |
Chery Tiggo Cross →
Launched in late 2024 as a more modern sibling to the Tiggo 4 Pro, and badged Tiggo 4 Cross on the current price list. The range pairs a 1.5T DCT with full hybrid HEV variants, which is rare below R500k in South Africa. Sales took off quickly on the strength of that value pitch.
Known for: hybrid power at budget crossover prices
Jaecoo J5 →
The J5 slotted in below the J7 in September 2025 at R379,900, and the range now starts at R339,900. It carries the brand's blocky styling into the crowded compact SUV class. Electric and SHS hybrid versions have been announced for SA but were not yet on sale by mid-2026.
Known for: upmarket cabin in a compact package
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chery Tiggo Cross or the Jaecoo J5?
The Chery Tiggo Cross. It keeps about 64% of its price after three years against 57% for the Jaecoo J5, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chery Tiggo Cross loses about R 131 207 over three years and the Jaecoo J5 loses about R 145 449. 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 Chery Tiggo Cross runs about R 6 290 per month and the Jaecoo J5 about R 5 941, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.