Proton X50 vs Volkswagen T-Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen T-Cross wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 57%, worth about R 84 789 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X50 | T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 359 999 | R 399 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 292/m | R 6 990/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 205 949 | R 290 738 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 154 050 | R 109 162 |
| Value after 5 years | R 153 811 | R 242 191 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Strong mainstream |
Proton X50 →
Compact SUV twin of the Geely Coolray that led Proton's 2022 return under CMH. Launch pricing was later cut, with the range starting around R360,000 by 2026. Volumes are modest, so used values lean on a small dealer network.
Known for: geely coolray twin, keen pricing
Volkswagen T-Cross →
VW's Polo-based compact SUV has been a consistent top seller since its 2019 launch. Its 1.0 TSI engines are familiar from the Polo, and resale is among the strongest in a crowded small SUV segment.
Known for: polo-based suv practicality
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Proton X50 or the Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 57% for the Proton X50, a gap of 15 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Proton X50 loses about R 154 050 over three years and the Volkswagen T-Cross loses about R 109 162. 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 Proton X50 runs about R 6 292 per month and the Volkswagen T-Cross about R 6 990, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.