Kia Seltos vs Suzuki Vitara
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Vitara wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 61 185 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Seltos | Vitara | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 379 995 | R 438 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 642/m | R 7 671/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 255 751 | R 316 936 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 124 244 | R 121 964 |
| Value after 5 years | R 204 086 | R 263 006 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong 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
Suzuki Vitara →
The Hungarian-built Vitara sold here from 2015 to early 2024, latterly with a 1.4 turbo engine. It felt more European than Suzuki's Indian-sourced models but cost noticeably more, which capped sales. Suzuki dropped the nameplate once the cheaper Grand Vitara covered the same ground.
Known for: refined european-built compact suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Seltos or the Suzuki Vitara?
The Suzuki Vitara. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 67% for the Kia Seltos, a gap of 5 points.
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 Suzuki Vitara loses about R 121 964. 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 Suzuki Vitara about R 7 671, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.