What SUV has the lowest cost of ownership?
While many new vehicles will offer you peace of mind thanks to their service and maintenance plans, what happens when the vehicle gets older or you need to replace a component that isn't covered? We look at the costs of ownership of SUVs in several sub-categories to ascertain which one is the most pocket-friendly in the long run.
The term SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is bandied about on a regular basis these days. While the segment generally caters for large wagon-like vehicles with off-road capabilities, the topic is a little more complex than that. The fact of the matter is that there are actually fewer true SUVs on the market than one would think, despite what marketing messages would have you believe.
Related: 3 New choice SUVs to take for a test drive
Mainstream adoption of the SUV-type vehicle has resulted in a number of variations on the theme. Downscaling of the SUV model has given rise to the crossover, which in its own right is not definitive. A crossover can range from a small hatchback with raised ground clearance to a compact SUV, all retaining SUV proportions but varying in size. Colloquially, the term SUV is used for a number of vehicle segments, all of which offer SUV-like properties and styling cues.
Cost of ownership
The cost of ownership is never an accurate figure. Numerous variables influence the total cost of ownership and many of these will vary based on the use, maintenance and care taken when owning a vehicle. The best way to approach it is to look at set figures to allow owners to gather estimates of what the typical ownership experience can and may involve. The AA Kinsey report looks at several factors when compiling their report.
The 2020 AA Kinsey report took a look at numerous makes and models across a number of segments, calculating the cost of service parts (section A), repair parts (section B), and crash parts (section C). The winners of the SUV categories are listed below and we've included the claimed fuel consumption figures to help give you an idea of the running costs.
Ownership costs include insurance but as each individual has their own risk profile, it's not possible to give an accurate estimation of what one can expect to pay for insurance on the said make and model.
Compact Crossover
The winner in this category is the Mahindra KUV100 NXT with a section A parts basket total of R3 781.59, and a section B basket total of R10 012.12. The cost of the crash parts basket, section C, can in at R67 982.91. While the combined total formed a rather high 42% of the retail price of the KUV100, the parts basket total remained the cheapest of the vehicles samples. The Haval H2 placed second and the Citroën C3 Aircross came third in this segment.
Mahindra KUV100 fuel consumption (claimed): 5.9 l/100km.
Crossover
In the crossover segment, it was the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 Auto that came out on top with a total parts basket costs of R100 429.31 forming only 15% of the retail price of the vehicle. This was comprised of a section A cost of R4 883.78, a section B cost of R12 496.48, and a section C total of R83 049.05. Second place was awarded to the Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Techna and third, went to the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI Comfortlline.
Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 Auto fuel consumption (claimed): 7.2 l/100km
Executive Crossover
Taking top honours in the Executive Crossover segment was the Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum that finished with a total parts basket price of R242 070.75, 31% of the purchase price. This was made up of a section A total of R8 964.25, a section B total of R17 964.50, and a section C total of R215 142.00. This segment saw the Audi Q5 40 TDI Off-Road place second and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class finishing third.
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum fuel consumption (claimed): 7.3 l/100km.
