Subaru XV / Crosstrek vs Volkswagen T-Roc
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen T-Roc wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 62 186 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| XV / Crosstrek | T-Roc | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 609 000 | R 648 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 10 644/m | R 11 342/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 406 395 | R 468 581 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 202 605 | R 180 319 |
| Value after 5 years | R 322 749 | R 388 846 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Subaru XV / Crosstrek →
The XV arrived in 2012 as a jacked-up Impreza crossover and was renamed Crosstrek with the generation launched here in late 2023. It sells from R609k in 2026 with all-wheel drive standard as always. Strong safety ratings and genuine light off-road ability are the draw, though the CVT-only drivetrain divides opinion.
Known for: rugged hatch-based crossover
Volkswagen T-Roc →
Positioned as a sportier Golf-based crossover, the T-Roc has been sold locally since 2020. It sells steadily rather than strongly, sitting above the T-Cross and Taigo in price, with a new generation lined up to keep the nameplate going.
Known for: sporty golf-based crossover
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Subaru XV / Crosstrek or the Volkswagen T-Roc?
The Volkswagen T-Roc. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 67% for the Subaru XV / Crosstrek, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Subaru XV / Crosstrek loses about R 202 605 over three years and the Volkswagen T-Roc loses about R 180 319. 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 Subaru XV / Crosstrek runs about R 10 644 per month and the Volkswagen T-Roc about R 11 342, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.