Honda HR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Corolla Cross wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 23 997 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| HR-V | Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 900 | R 424 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 437/m | R 7 427/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 360 283 | R 336 286 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 617 | R 88 614 |
| Value after 5 years | R 286 129 | R 289 979 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
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
Toyota Corolla Cross →
Built at Prospecton since late 2021, the Corolla Cross quickly became one of South Africa's top-selling passenger vehicles. The hybrid versions are a big part of its appeal, offering genuine fuel savings without charging infrastructure. Demand has outstripped supply at times, and used examples trade remarkably close to new prices.
Known for: locally built hybrid suv with waiting lists
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Honda HR-V or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 67% for the Honda HR-V, a gap of 12 points.
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 Toyota Corolla Cross loses about R 88 614. 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 Toyota Corolla Cross about R 7 427, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.