Honda HR-V vs Kia Seltos
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 67% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| HR-V | Seltos | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 379 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 6 642/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 360 283 | R 255 751 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 617 | R 124 244 |
| Value after 5 years | R 286 129 | R 204 086 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Honda HR-V →
On sale here since 2015, the HR-V is Honda SA's core compact SUV, now in its second generation with a coupe-like roofline and a 1.5 petrol. It trades on comfort and dependability rather than pace. Resale is respectable although the segment is crowded with cheaper Chinese rivals.
Known for: comfortable easy-to-own compact suv
Kia Seltos →
Slotting between the Sonet and Sportage, the Seltos has taken on the Creta class since late 2019. South Africa gets both petrol and turbodiesel engines, and the diesel remains unusual among compact SUVs. It sells steadily rather than spectacularly, which gives used buyers room to negotiate.
Known for: rare diesel option in its class
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Honda HR-V or the Kia Seltos?
They are close to inseparable: 67% vs 67% 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 Honda HR-V loses about R 179 617 over three years and the Kia Seltos loses about R 124 244. 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 HR-V runs about R 9 437 per month and the Kia Seltos about R 6 642, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.