Kia Seltos vs Volkswagen T-Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen T-Cross wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 34 987 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Seltos | T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 379 995 | R 399 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 642/m | R 6 990/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 255 751 | R 290 738 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 124 244 | R 109 162 |
| Value after 5 years | R 204 086 | R 242 191 |
| 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
Volkswagen T-Cross →
VW's Polo-based compact SUV has been a consistent top seller since its 2019 launch. Its 1.0 TSI engines are familiar from the Polo, and resale is among the strongest in a crowded small SUV segment.
Known for: polo-based suv practicality
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Seltos or the Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross. It keeps about 73% 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 Volkswagen T-Cross loses about R 109 162. 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 Volkswagen T-Cross about R 6 990, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.