Kia Carens vs Toyota Rumion
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 70% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Carens | Rumion | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 399 995 | R 314 100 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 991/m | R 5 490/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 84% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 70% | 69% |
| Value after 3 years | R 278 493 | R 216 080 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 121 502 | R 98 020 |
| Value after 5 years | R 226 501 | R 174 558 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | 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
Toyota Rumion →
Toyota's version of the Suzuki Ertiga took over the Avanza's role in late 2021. A 1.5-litre petrol engine and seven seats make it the default choice for shuttle operators and big families on a budget. The Toyota badge adds resale strength over its Suzuki twin despite the shared underpinnings.
Known for: ertiga twin serving the shuttle market
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Carens or the Toyota Rumion?
They are close to inseparable: 70% vs 69% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
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 Toyota Rumion loses about R 98 020. 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 Toyota Rumion about R 5 490, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.