5 New compact SUVs that offer excellent value
South Africans are a finicky bunch! We want it all but we don't want to pay for it. Some cars offer value in spades, while others will have you shaking out your last few cents for pretty alloys. These five contenders are pretty solid in the value department, however.
Looking for the compact SUV that delivers on all fronts? These impressive newcomers will have you swooning with their hot design, tech, practicality, and space.
We've listed them from most to least affordable. Please note that we unpack only the entry-level model's spec and tech. The models higher up in the pecking order will have more features.
1. Mahindra XUV 3XO (from R259 999 for the 1.2T MX2 manual)
The most value-packed car in this list has to be the humble Mahindra which replaces the XUV300, which was known for its good safety features and frugal nature. Price wise, you cannot go wrong with this good-looking city-slicker, built in India, and completely at home on our dilapidated roads.
Featuring a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine with 82kW and 200 Nm, performance is more than adequate. The entry-level model gets a 6-speed manual transmission, ABS, stability control, six airbags, touchscreen, smartphone functionality and USB ports in the front and rear, as well as rear-park distance control. What more could a cash-strapped South African buyer want? With 8 models in the range, you even have access to adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance if you have more to spend.
Read our Mahindra XUV 3XO review.
2. Kia Seltos (from R379 995 for the 1.5 LS manual model)
The Seltos is built with families in mind, especially where space is concerned; it's one of the biggest compact SUVs in the segment with legroom for days and a well-sized boot.
The manual Seltos 1.5 LS undercuts the auto version by R25,000, landing at R379,995. That's serious money in anyone's budget, and you're not sacrificing much for the savings.
The naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine produces 84kW and 144Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that actually enhances driver engagement. Claimed fuel consumption sits at 6.7l/100km, and in real-world driving, you'll likely see figures closer to 7.2-7.8l/100km, still respectable for this class.
What impresses is the equipment level: six airbags, ABS, stability control, air conditioning, electric windows all around, remote central locking, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports front and rear, and a rear-view camera. That's generous kit for R380K. The 433-litre boot, split-folding rear seats, and 190mm ground clearance tick the practical SUV boxes.
The manual gearbox feels well-matched to the engine, so for those comfortable with three pedals, this represents exceptional value, especially when you factor in Kia's 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 4-year/60,000km service plan.
Read our review of the diesel model here.
3. Toyota Corolla Cross (from R414 800 for the 1.8 Xi model)
At R414,800, the Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi carries that Toyota premium, but delivers the dependability South Africans have trusted for decades. This entry-level model doesn't skimp on essentials while maintaining Toyota's reputation for bulletproof reliability.
The naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre engine produces 103kW and 172Nm, paired exclusively with a CVT automatic transmission. It's adequate rather than exciting, with claimed fuel consumption of 6.8l/100km – expect real-world figures closer to 7.5-8.0l/100km in mixed driving. The 47-litre fuel tank provides a theoretical range of 691km, making it suitable for longer journeys.
What sets this Xi model apart is its generous equipment level for an "entry" variant: LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and start, cruise control, rear-view camera, electronic parking brake with hill-start assist, and auto-folding mirrors. The 440-litre boot with split-folding rear seats handles family duties, while 17-inch alloy wheels come standard.
Safety includes five airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, and front side airbags), ABS, stability control, and a decent approach angle of 18 degrees.
Toyota's extensive dealer network across South Africa ensures parts availability and service convenience, backed by a 3-year/100,000km warranty and 6-service/90,000km service plan.
We review the 2025 1.8 Hybrid XR model here.
4. Omoda C5 X Series (from R425 900 for the 1.5T 230T Lux X model)
At R425,900, the Omoda C5 1.5T Lux X delivers specifications that would cost significantly more from established brands. Don't let the Chinese badge put you off – this crossover punches well above its weight class. Plus, it's not an unfamiliar badge; Omoda is a premium sub-brand in the Chery Group, and the C5 X Series has enjoyed a series of updates that makes it drive a lot better than the garden variety C5. (We tested it the X Series in Wuhu recently.)
The turbocharged 1.5-litre engine produces a healthy 115kW and 230Nm of torque available from just 1,750rpm, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The result? A genuine 9.0-second 0-100km/h sprint – the quickest in this comparison. Claimed fuel consumption sits at 6.9l/100km, though real-world figures will likely be closer to 7.5-9l/100km.
Equipment levels border on ridiculous for this price: 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and taillights, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, electric adjustment for both front seats, artificial leather throughout, surround-view cameras, electric tailgate, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The 442-litre boot expands to 1,149 litres with rear seats folded.
However, there's a small compromise – ground clearance of just 145mm makes this more glamorous urban crossover than proper SUV, but the urban jungle is its playground.
The warranty package remains unmatched: 5-year/150,000km general coverage plus a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner, backed by a 5-year/70,000km service plan.
We review the 1.5T 230T Elegance from 2025 here.
5. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (from R429 900 for the GL variant)
The Outlander sport replaces the ASX and if you value excellent build quality and a rock solid reputation, we reckon you should take the handsome Outlander Sport for a spin.
At R429,990, the Outlander Sport sits at the pricier end of this lineup, but delivers the kind of refinement that justifies this price tag.
The naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine produces a modest but decent-enough 77kW and 141Nm, paired exclusively with a CVT transmission. Let's be honest – with a 13.6-second 0-100km/h time, you won't be impressing anyone at traffic lights. However, the claimed 6.2l/100km fuel consumption looks promising, though real-world figures will likely settle closer to 7.0-8.0l/100km depending on your driving style.
What sets the Outlander Sport apart is its SUV capability and thoughtful design. The 193mm ground clearance, 21-degree approach angle, and 35-degree departure angle mean this can handle more than just shopping centre parking lots. Inside, rear seat slide adjustment is a clever touch, while the cooled front armrest storage and full-size spare wheel show attention to practical details.
The equipment level feels appropriate for the price: LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloys, rear camera, electric folding mirrors, and push-button start. Four airbags are standard in the entry-level model.
Mitsubishi's 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty plus 3-year/45,000km service plan provides solid coverage, though some rivals now offer more generous terms. The level of Mitsubishi's after-sales service, however, makes up for this.
Read our 2025 Outlander Sport review of the Aspire model.
Related: Toyota Corolla Cross HEV vs Haval Jolion HEV vs Kia Seltos CRDi
