Hyundai Staria vs Volkswagen Transporter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Transporter wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 69%, worth about R 110 256 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Staria | Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 827 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 14 455/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 84% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 69% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 483 534 | R 593 790 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 216 366 | R 233 210 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 552 | R 491 164 |
| 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 Transporter →
VW's workhorse van line stretches back decades in SA, and the current generation has been built alongside the Ford Transit Custom since 2025. Panel vans dominate fleet and courier sales, and the badge holds value well in the commercial market.
Known for: workhorse van with strong resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Staria or the Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 69% for the Hyundai Staria, a gap of 3 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 Transporter loses about R 233 210. 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 Transporter about R 14 455, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.