Honda BR-V vs Kia Carens
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Carens wins on money kept: 70% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 5 562 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| BR-V | Carens | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 409 000 | R 399 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 149/m | R 6 991/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 84% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 70% |
| Value after 3 years | R 272 932 | R 278 493 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 136 068 | R 121 502 |
| Value after 5 years | R 216 756 | R 226 501 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Honda BR-V →
A seven-seat crossover built in India, the BR-V replaced the Mobilio in late 2016 and gave SA families three rows for modest money. The second generation arrived in 2022 but sales tapered off, and Honda discontinued it in early 2025. Used demand stays steady among buyers needing cheap seven-seat transport.
Known for: affordable seven-seat family transport
Kia Carens →
The Carens returned in May 2026 as an Indian-built seven-seat MPV starting under R400k, ending a roughly 13-year absence after the old people-carrier was dropped. Every version uses a 1.5 turbodiesel, a rarity at this price. Families and shuttle fleets are the target market.
Known for: affordable diesel seven-seater
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Honda BR-V or the Kia Carens?
The Kia Carens. It keeps about 70% of its price after three years against 67% for the Honda BR-V, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Honda BR-V loses about R 136 068 over three years and the Kia Carens loses about R 121 502. 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 Honda BR-V runs about R 7 149 per month and the Kia Carens about R 6 991, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.