Haval Jolion vs Jaecoo J5
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Haval Jolion wins on money kept: 64% retained after three years vs 57%, worth about R 27 284 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Jolion | J5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 348 950 | R 339 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 099/m | R 5 941/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 64% | 57% |
| Value after 3 years | R 221 735 | R 194 451 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 127 215 | R 145 449 |
| Value after 5 years | R 173 120 | R 145 224 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Chinese (new entrant) |
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
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 Haval Jolion or the Jaecoo J5?
The Haval Jolion. 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 Haval Jolion loses about R 127 215 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 Haval Jolion runs about R 6 099 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.