Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-30
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 | CX-30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 539 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 9 435/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 360 283 | R 360 216 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 617 | R 179 584 |
| Value after 5 years | R 286 129 | R 286 076 |
| 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
Mazda CX-30 →
Slotting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 arrived in South Africa in early 2021. Every version pairs the naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol with a six-speed auto, which keeps running costs predictable if unexciting. It sells in modest numbers against the Corolla Cross and T-Roc, so used supply is limited.
Known for: refined compact suv with simple 2.0 petrol
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Honda HR-V or the Mazda CX-30?
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 Mazda CX-30 loses about R 179 584. 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 Mazda CX-30 about R 9 435, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.