Mazda CX-30 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Corolla Cross wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 23 930 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CX-30 | Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 800 | R 424 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 435/m | R 7 427/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 360 216 | R 336 286 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 584 | R 88 614 |
| Value after 5 years | R 286 076 | R 289 979 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
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
Toyota Corolla Cross →
Built at Prospecton since late 2021, the Corolla Cross quickly became one of South Africa's top-selling passenger vehicles. The hybrid versions are a big part of its appeal, offering genuine fuel savings without charging infrastructure. Demand has outstripped supply at times, and used examples trade remarkably close to new prices.
Known for: locally built hybrid suv with waiting lists
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda CX-30 or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 67% for the Mazda CX-30, a gap of 12 points.
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 Toyota Corolla Cross loses about R 88 614. 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 Toyota Corolla Cross about R 7 427, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.