Hyundai Staria vs Volkswagen Caravelle
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Caravelle wins on money kept: 71% retained after three years vs 69%, worth about R 687 875 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Staria | Caravelle | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 1 643 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 28 722/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 84% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 69% | 71% |
| Value after 3 years | R 483 534 | R 1 171 409 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 216 366 | R 471 891 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 552 | R 965 012 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Hyundai Staria →
Replaced the H-1 in 2021 with styling nobody misses in traffic. The range runs from a panel van through 9 and 11-seaters to a plush Luxury model, all with the 2.2 diesel. Shuttle operators and big families keep demand and resale firm.
Known for: spaceship styling and shuttle duty
Volkswagen Caravelle →
The luxury version of VW's bus has long been the executive shuttle of choice in SA, favoured by hotels, VIP transport firms and big families alike. The T6.1 continued into 2026 in Highline 4Motion form, with a plug-in hybrid T7 Caravelle announced to follow. Used values hold up unusually well for a vehicle this expensive.
Known for: executive shuttle status
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Staria or the Volkswagen Caravelle?
The Volkswagen Caravelle. It keeps about 71% of its price after three years against 69% for the Hyundai Staria, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Staria loses about R 216 366 over three years and the Volkswagen Caravelle loses about R 471 891. 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 Staria runs about R 12 233 per month and the Volkswagen Caravelle about R 28 722, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.