Hyundai Tucson vs Jaecoo J7
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Hyundai Tucson wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 62 937 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tucson | J7 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 559 900 | R 549 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 786/m | R 9 611/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 373 629 | R 310 692 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 186 271 | R 239 208 |
| Value after 5 years | R 296 728 | R 230 582 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Chinese (new entrant) |
Hyundai Tucson →
First sold here in 2005, then replaced by the ix35 before the nameplate returned in 2016. The current range offers petrol and diesel power with a comfort-first setup. It sells steadily against the Sportage and RAV4 and holds value adequately rather than exceptionally.
Known for: comfortable family suv with generous warranty
Jaecoo J7 →
Jaecoo's first South African model launched in April 2024 and found buyers quickly with its upmarket, Range Rover-ish styling. The SHS plug-in hybrid added in 2025 at R689,900 claims well over 1,000 km of combined range. Sales volumes have been strong for a brand this new, which helps its used-market liquidity.
Known for: range rover looks at haval money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Tucson or the Jaecoo J7?
The Hyundai Tucson. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 56% for the Jaecoo J7, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Tucson loses about R 186 271 over three years and the Jaecoo J7 loses about R 239 208. 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 Tucson runs about R 9 786 per month and the Jaecoo J7 about R 9 611, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.