Kia Sonet vs Toyota Starlet Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Starlet Cross wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 24 197 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sonet | Starlet Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 299 995 | R 311 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 243/m | R 5 436/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 201 908 | R 226 105 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 98 087 | R 84 895 |
| Value after 5 years | R 161 120 | R 188 351 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Kia Sonet →
Kia's Indian-built compact crossover has been a steady seller since 2021 and shares its platform with the Hyundai Venue. The unstressed 1.5 petrol keeps running costs low, and a panel van derivative targets small businesses. Consistent demand keeps used prices reasonably firm for the class.
Known for: practical compact crossover value
Toyota Starlet Cross →
Toyota's twin of the Suzuki Fronx arrived in August 2024 and filled the gap a Yaris Cross would have occupied here. Sales took off immediately, averaging over 800 units a month within its first year. It shares the Starlet's 1.5-litre engine and offers crossover looks at hatchback money.
Known for: affordable crossover styling on suzuki bones
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Sonet or the Toyota Starlet Cross?
The Toyota Starlet Cross. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 67% for the Kia Sonet, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Kia Sonet loses about R 98 087 over three years and the Toyota Starlet Cross loses about R 84 895. 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 Sonet runs about R 5 243 per month and the Toyota Starlet Cross about R 5 436, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.