Nissan Qashqai 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 42 882 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Qashqai | Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 568 200 | R 424 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 931/m | R 7 427/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 379 168 | R 336 286 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 189 032 | R 88 614 |
| Value after 5 years | R 301 127 | R 289 979 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Nissan Qashqai →
Nissan launched the original Qashqai here in September 2007 and effectively created the compact crossover segment in SA. The first two generations sold in big numbers, but the pricier third-generation car struggled and was axed in June 2024. Used demand for earlier models stays healthy.
Known for: starting sa's compact crossover boom
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 Nissan Qashqai or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 67% for the Nissan Qashqai, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Nissan Qashqai loses about R 189 032 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 Nissan Qashqai runs about R 9 931 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.