Omoda C5 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 57%, worth about R 141 836 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| C5 | Corolla Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 339 900 | R 424 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 941/m | R 7 427/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 194 451 | R 336 286 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 145 449 | R 88 614 |
| Value after 5 years | R 145 224 | R 289 979 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Legendary retainer |
Omoda C5 →
Omoda's launch model arrived in 2023 as a design-first crossover on Chery Tiggo underpinnings. Updated variants and the C5 X derivative pushed the starting price down into the mid-R300k bracket. It sells on looks and equipment, though heavy new-car discounting weighs on used values.
Known for: fashion-led crossover styling and spec
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 Omoda C5 or the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Toyota Corolla Cross. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 57% for the Omoda C5, a gap of 22 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Omoda C5 loses about R 145 449 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 Omoda C5 runs about R 5 941 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.