Kia Sportage vs Proton X70
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Sportage wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 143 034 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sportage | X70 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 662 995 | R 529 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 588/m | R 9 262/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 442 426 | R 299 392 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 220 569 | R 230 508 |
| Value after 5 years | R 351 365 | R 222 195 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Chinese (new entrant) |
Kia Sportage →
Kia's best-known nameplate locally, on sale since the brand's 1998 arrival and now in its fifth generation. Striking styling and generous spec pull buyers who would otherwise look at a Tucson or RAV4. Depreciation is typical Korean mainstream, steeper than a Toyota but cushioned by the long warranty.
Known for: bold-styled family suv with long warranty
Proton X70 →
Family SUV based on the Geely Boyue, launched at the brand's 2022 return from R529,900. It offers plenty of kit for the money but fights better-known Chinese rivals. Thin volumes make resale hard to predict.
Known for: boyue-based family suv value
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Sportage or the Proton X70?
The Kia Sportage. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 56% for the Proton X70, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Kia Sportage loses about R 220 569 over three years and the Proton X70 loses about R 230 508. 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 Sportage runs about R 11 588 per month and the Proton X70 about R 9 262, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.