Hyundai Exter vs Suzuki Fronx
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Fronx wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 64%, worth about R 47 350 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Exter | Fronx | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 303 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 5 312/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 64% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 173 593 | R 220 944 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 96 307 | R 82 956 |
| Value after 5 years | R 135 533 | R 184 051 |
| Our tier | Budget & entry level | Strong 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
Suzuki Fronx →
Suzuki's coupe-styled compact crossover arrived in late 2023 and quickly became one of the brand's best sellers. It shares its underpinnings with the Baleno and is twinned with the Toyota Starlet Cross. Sharp pricing and a well-specced cabin make it a strong contender in the sub-R400k crossover segment.
Known for: keenly priced crossover with a toyota twin
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Exter or the Suzuki Fronx?
The Suzuki Fronx. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 64% for the Hyundai Exter, a gap of 8 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 Suzuki Fronx loses about R 82 956. 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 Suzuki Fronx about R 5 312, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.