Hyundai Exter vs Kia Sonet
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Sonet wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 64%, worth about R 28 315 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Exter | Sonet | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 299 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 5 243/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 64% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 173 593 | R 201 908 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 96 307 | R 98 087 |
| Value after 5 years | R 135 533 | R 161 120 |
| Our tier | Budget & entry level | Mainstream |
Hyundai Exter →
Launched locally late in 2024 as the successor to the Atos, slotting below the Venue as Hyundai's cheapest model. It shares its 1.2 petrol engine and platform with the Grand i10. Early sales have been healthy against the Fronx and Sonet.
Known for: budget crossover that replaced the atos
Kia Sonet →
Kia's Indian-built compact crossover has been a steady seller since 2021 and shares its platform with the Hyundai Venue. The unstressed 1.5 petrol keeps running costs low, and a panel van derivative targets small businesses. Consistent demand keeps used prices reasonably firm for the class.
Known for: practical compact crossover value
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Exter or the Kia Sonet?
The Kia Sonet. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 64% for the Hyundai Exter, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Exter loses about R 96 307 over three years and the Kia Sonet loses about R 98 087. 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 Exter runs about R 4 717 per month and the Kia Sonet about R 5 243, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.