Kia Carens vs Suzuki Ertiga
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Ertiga wins on money kept: 74% retained after three years vs 70%, worth about R 50 714 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Carens | Ertiga | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 399 995 | R 307 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 991/m | R 5 382/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 84% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 70% | 74% |
| Value after 3 years | R 278 493 | R 227 779 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 121 502 | R 80 121 |
| Value after 5 years | R 226 501 | R 191 621 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Kia Carens →
The Carens returned in May 2026 as an Indian-built seven-seat MPV starting under R400k, ending a roughly 13-year absence after the old people-carrier was dropped. Every version uses a 1.5 turbodiesel, a rarity at this price. Families and shuttle fleets are the target market.
Known for: affordable diesel seven-seater
Suzuki Ertiga →
Suzuki's budget seven-seater has been on sale since June 2014 and is a favourite of e-hailing operators and larger families. Toyota sells the same vehicle as the Rumion. Wide fleet use puts plenty of high-mileage stock into the used market, but private demand for affordable seven-seaters keeps values steady.
Known for: cheap seven-seat family transport
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Carens or the Suzuki Ertiga?
The Suzuki Ertiga. It keeps about 74% of its price after three years against 70% for the Kia Carens, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Kia Carens loses about R 121 502 over three years and the Suzuki Ertiga loses about R 80 121. 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 Kia Carens runs about R 6 991 per month and the Suzuki Ertiga about R 5 382, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.