Kia Seltos vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 67% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Seltos | Eclipse Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 379 995 | R 534 990 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 642/m | R 9 351/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 255 751 | R 357 007 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 124 244 | R 177 983 |
| Value after 5 years | R 204 086 | R 283 526 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Kia Seltos →
Slotting between the Sonet and Sportage, the Seltos has taken on the Creta class since late 2019. South Africa gets both petrol and turbodiesel engines, and the diesel remains unusual among compact SUVs. It sells steadily rather than spectacularly, which gives used buyers room to negotiate.
Known for: rare diesel option in its class
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross →
Launched locally in 2019 as a coupe-styled compact SUV, the Eclipse Cross uses a 1.5 turbo petrol with a CVT. South Africa still sells it new even after markets like Australia dropped it in 2025. Slow sales make used examples good value for buyers, though that same rarity means weak resale percentages.
Known for: coupe-styled looks in a compact suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Seltos or the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
They are close to inseparable: 67% vs 67% 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 Seltos loses about R 124 244 over three years and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross loses about R 177 983. 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 Seltos runs about R 6 642 per month and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross about R 9 351, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.