Mazda CX-3 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 23 318 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CX-3 | Vitara | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 440 000 | R 438 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 690/m | R 7 671/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 293 618 | R 316 936 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 146 382 | R 121 964 |
| Value after 5 years | R 233 185 | R 263 006 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Mazda CX-3 →
A light crossover on Mazda2 underpinnings, the CX-3 has been on sale in South Africa since 2015 and is one of the brand's local volume models. Recent ranges are sold only with the 2.0 petrol and automatic gearbox. Steady demand and a long warranty help it hold value reasonably well for the segment.
Known for: polished light crossover, petrol auto only
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 Mazda CX-3 or the Suzuki Vitara?
The Suzuki Vitara. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 67% for the Mazda CX-3, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mazda CX-3 loses about R 146 382 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 Mazda CX-3 runs about R 7 690 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.