Hyundai Creta 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 50 075 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Creta | Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 428 900 | R 424 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 496/m | R 7 427/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 286 211 | R 336 286 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 142 689 | R 88 614 |
| Value after 5 years | R 227 302 | R 289 979 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
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
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 Hyundai Creta or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 67% for the Hyundai Creta, a gap of 12 points.
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 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 Hyundai Creta runs about R 7 496 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.