Nissan Magnite vs Suzuki Fronx
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Fronx wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 51 203 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Magnite | Fronx | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 252 200 | R 303 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 408/m | R 5 312/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 169 740 | R 220 944 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 82 460 | R 82 956 |
| Value after 5 years | R 135 450 | R 184 051 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Nissan Magnite →
Launched in April 2021, the Indian-built Magnite gave Nissan a foothold in the budget compact SUV boom. Sharp pricing and a 6-year/150,000 km warranty quickly made it the brand's best-selling passenger car. A 2024 facelift added updated styling and even a panel van version.
Known for: aggressive pricing and a long warranty
Suzuki Fronx →
Suzuki's coupe-styled compact crossover arrived in late 2023 and quickly became one of the brand's best sellers. It shares its underpinnings with the Baleno and is twinned with the Toyota Starlet Cross. Sharp pricing and a well-specced cabin make it a strong contender in the sub-R400k crossover segment.
Known for: keenly priced crossover with a toyota twin
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Nissan Magnite or the Suzuki Fronx?
The Suzuki Fronx. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 67% for the Nissan Magnite, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Nissan Magnite loses about R 82 460 over three years and the Suzuki Fronx loses about R 82 956. 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 Nissan Magnite runs about R 4 408 per month and the Suzuki Fronx about R 5 312, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.