Hyundai Creta 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
| Creta | Seltos | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 428 900 | R 379 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 496/m | R 6 642/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 286 211 | R 255 751 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 142 689 | R 124 244 |
| Value after 5 years | R 227 302 | R 204 086 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Hyundai Creta →
A consistent top seller for Hyundai SA since 2017, imported from India. Buyers value the space, light controls and warranty more than outright polish. Second-generation cars from 2021 sell strongly used and the nameplate holds value well for its segment.
Known for: family suv space and comfort at a fair price
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 Hyundai Creta 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 Hyundai Creta loses about R 142 689 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 Hyundai Creta runs about R 7 496 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.