Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru XV / Crosstrek
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 67% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CX-30 | XV / Crosstrek | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 800 | R 609 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 435/m | R 10 644/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 360 216 | R 406 395 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 584 | R 202 605 |
| Value after 5 years | R 286 076 | R 322 749 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Mazda CX-30 →
Slotting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 arrived in South Africa in early 2021. Every version pairs the naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol with a six-speed auto, which keeps running costs predictable if unexciting. It sells in modest numbers against the Corolla Cross and T-Roc, so used supply is limited.
Known for: refined compact suv with simple 2.0 petrol
Subaru XV / Crosstrek →
The XV arrived in 2012 as a jacked-up Impreza crossover and was renamed Crosstrek with the generation launched here in late 2023. It sells from R609k in 2026 with all-wheel drive standard as always. Strong safety ratings and genuine light off-road ability are the draw, though the CVT-only drivetrain divides opinion.
Known for: rugged hatch-based crossover
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda CX-30 or the Subaru XV / Crosstrek?
They are close to inseparable: 67% vs 67% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mazda CX-30 loses about R 179 584 over three years and the Subaru XV / Crosstrek loses about R 202 605. 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-30 runs about R 9 435 per month and the Subaru XV / Crosstrek about R 10 644, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.