Family SUVs with rugged styling and small displacement engines are fast becoming the vehicle of choice for thousands of SA consumers. Car buyers shopping in this segment are spoiled for choice. Brands like Ford are still top contenders, and legacy makers like the left-field Mitsubishi and newcomers like BAIC remain popular choices as well.
Related: BAIC B30 First Drive Impression
To determine which of these three SUVs has the lowest running costs, we have to look at the big three factors: fuel consumption, pre-paid maintenance, and depreciation/insurance.
Mitsubishi Destinator (2026) - First Drive Review
Comparison table of running costs
| Feature | BAIC B30 1.5T Premium | Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T | Ford Territory 1.8T Trend |
| Claimed Fuel (L/100km) | 8.06 | 7.2 | 7.4 |
| Tank Size | 60L | 50L | 60L |
| Service Plan | 7-year / 90 000km | 5-year / 60 000 km (Est) | 6-year / 90 000km |
| Warranty | 7-year / 200 000km | 5-year / 100 000km | 4-year / 120 000km |
| Tyre Size | 19-inch | 17 or 18-inch | 18-inch |
Fuel Consumption
The winner: Mitsubishi Destinator. With a claimed average of 7.2 L/100 km, the Mitsubishi is the most efficient of the trio. The BAIC B30 is significantly thirstier at 8.06L/100km, which adds up quickly if you commute daily.
The runner-up: Ford Territory. Despite having the largest engine (1.8 vs 1.5), Ford’s EcoBoost tech keeps it competitive at 7.4 L/100 km. However, in real-world "stop-and-go" traffic, the Ford's 1.8 often struggles to stay near that number compared to the lighter Mitsubishi.
Maintenance & Service
The Winner: BAIC B30.
BAIC is currently aggressive with its value proposition, offering a massive 7-year / 90 000km maintenance package. This means you won’t pay for a single service for nearly a decade for most average drivers.
The Runner-Up: Ford Territory.
The Trend trim comes with a solid 6-year plan. Ford’s parts basket is also generally well-stocked in South Africa, which can lower insurance premiums and out-of-warranty repair costs.
Long-term value & reliability
Insurance & tyres: The BAIC Premium Adventure uses 19-inch alloy wheels. Replacing these tyres will be significantly more expensive (roughly 30–40% more) than the 17 or 18-inch tyres found on the Mitsubishi or Ford.
Resale value: This is where the Mitsubishi and Ford typically pull ahead. Chinese brands like BAIC often face steeper depreciation in the second-hand market, which can push your cost per kilometre over the life of the car higher due to a lower trade-in value later on.
Verdict
Based on current 2026 figures, the Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T Exceed offers the lowest total cost of ownership for a high-mileage driver, while the BAIC B30 offers the most comprehensive safety net for long-term owners.
Lowest monthly spend (fuel + tyres): Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T Exceed. It is the lightest on fuel and uses more common, affordable tyre sizes.
Best peace of mind (warranty + service): BAIC B30 1.5T Premium. If you plan to keep the car for the full 7 years, the lack of service costs and the 200 000km warranty protect your wallet from big surprises.
The balanced choice: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend. It offers the best performance-to-efficiency ratio and has a more established service network.
