Kia Seltos vs Toyota Corolla Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Corolla Cross wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 80 535 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Seltos | Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 379 995 | R 424 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 642/m | R 7 427/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 255 751 | R 336 286 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 124 244 | R 88 614 |
| Value after 5 years | R 204 086 | R 289 979 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
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
Toyota Corolla Cross →
Built at Prospecton since late 2021, the Corolla Cross quickly became one of South Africa's top-selling passenger vehicles. The hybrid versions are a big part of its appeal, offering genuine fuel savings without charging infrastructure. Demand has outstripped supply at times, and used examples trade remarkably close to new prices.
Known for: locally built hybrid suv with waiting lists
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Seltos or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 67% for the Kia Seltos, a gap of 12 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 Toyota Corolla Cross loses about R 88 614. 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 Toyota Corolla Cross about R 7 427, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.