Before choosing to invest in an SUV, it’s good to know which used SUVs have the best resale values. This will help determine whether you can expect a decent return, and no nasty surprises, when you eventually put up your used SUV for sale and find out your vehicle’s market value.

Popularity of used SUVs in South Africa

The midsize SUV segment is one of the most competitive in South Africa. From Korean contenders like Hyundai and Kia to family favourites like VW and Toyota, many manufacturers are fighting for a piece of the pie.

South Africans can’t get enough of these SUVs because of all the boxes they tick. Most have good safety features and the latest tech, they’re reasonably spacious and they can handle less-than-perfect road conditions.

Used SUV book values

Some used SUVs hold higher book values than others. Opting for an SUV with high resale value is a good way to protect your investment. It can also help if you ever wish to take out a cash loan against your SUV.

Along with investing in the right vehicle, it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls that cause people to struggle when selling their cars.

SUVs that hold the best book value

Typically, the following five SUVs have the best resale values in South Africa.

Toyota RAV4

Fast Facts

• Price R416 000 upwards
• Engines: 2.0 and 2.5 L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol
• Gearbox: 6-speed manual and 8-speed auto and CVT
• Fuel economy: 6.7 L /100 km (2.0 L) (claimed)  7.3 L /100km (2.5 L)
• Power/Torque: 127kW/ 203 Nm (2.0 L)   152kW / 243Nm (2.5L)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Loading Space: 698 L (2.0 L) 733 (2.5)
• Service plan: 6 service / 90 000 km
• Warranty: 3 years / 100 000 km

Toyota has just released the fifth generation of its ever-popular RAV4 in South Africa. The vehicle that started the compact SUV craze back in 1994 has grown into a larger, family-sized SUV. It’s one of the best-selling SUVs in South Africa.

The new range consists of five models, from the 2.0L GX 2WD up to the 2.5L VX 4WD. There’s no diesel model in the line-up.

In general, Toyota SUVs hold their car book values very well, thanks to their outstanding reputation in South Africa. Being a brand new model, it is also in demand right now.

With the RAV4, you get an all-round modern vehicle with a sleek, user-friendly interior. All Toyota RAV4 models come standard with a touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth and reverse camera. The higher-end models also come with push start and wireless charging.

The RAV4 is the best-selling vehicle in its class. It has excellent resale value, for when you finally put your SUV up for sale.

Hyundai Tucson

Fast Facts

• Price R419 000 upwards
• Engines: 2.0 petrol naturally aspirated, 1.6 turbo, 2.0 Diesel
• Gearbox: 6-speed manual and 8-speed auto and CVT
• Fuel economy: 8.9 L /100 km (2.0 L) (claimed)  7.3 L /100km (1.6 L)  7.9/100 km (2.0 D)
• Power/Torque: 115kW/ 196 Nm (2.0 L)   130kW / 265Nm (1.6L)  131kW/400 (2.0D)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Loading Space: 877 L (2.0 L) 733
• Service plan: 5 years/ 90 000 km
• Warranty: 5 years / 150 000 km

The Hyundai Tucson is another SUV for sale that holds its car book value.

Hyundai has been in South Africa only for around 20 years, but in that time, it has built up its reputation for reliability.

Another reason why the Tucson SUV holds its car book value is because it has a more extended warranty than most of its rivals, giving potential buyers peace of mind.

The Tucson comes in three different engine variants – the 1.6-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0 L diesel. Hyundai has really upped its game to make the newest iteration stylish by adding a distinctive grill and LED lights all around.

All models come equipped with Apple CarPlay and USB, as well as convenience features like remote keyless entry and hands-free tailgate. The Hyundai Tuscon also has one of the most significant loading areas in its class with 877 litres.

When you’re thinking of selling a used SUV, always start by finding out the real value of your car. In the case of the Tucson SUV, resale values are generally healthy.

Mazda CX-5

Fast Facts

• Price R410 000.00 upwards
• Engines: 0 and 2.5 L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and 2.2 L turbo diesel
• Gearbox: 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto
• Fuel economy: 3 L /100 km (2.0) (claimed)  5.1 L / 100km (1.6 DCI) (claimed)  8.3 L / 100 km (2.5)
• Power/Torque: 121kW /  213 Nm (2.0)   140kW / 450Nm (2.2)   143kW / 258 (2.5)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Loading Space: 505 L
• Service plan: 3 years / unlimited km
• Warranty: 3 years / unlimited km

Mazdas used to be known as some of the cheapest cars in South Africa. Those days are long gone. Instead, Mazda has continued pursuing its philosophy of “KODO – Soul of Motion”, with better reliability and excellent designs.

Generally, Mazdas are also retaining higher resale values since the introduction of the Mazda Lifetime Parts Warranty. Even after your warranty is over, Mazda will replace any part that fails for the lifetime of the vehicle, as long as it’s under one owner. This also assures the next buyer that all repairs were carried out by Mazda.

If you’re looking for an eye-catching SUV for sale that holds its book value, the Mazda CX-5 is definitely a contender. It’s got a distinctive look and a classy interior, and comes in attractive colours.

It’s available with one of three different engines – the 2.0 or 2.5 L petrol or the 2.5 L diesel. The Mazda CX-5 comes with a three-year warranty, but extended warranties are available.

Kia Sportage

Fast Facts

• Price R386 000.00 upwards
• Engines: 0 naturally aspirated 1.6 turbo petrol and 2.0  L turbo diesel
• Gearbox: 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto and 7 speed auto
• Fuel economy: 5 L /100 km (2.0) (claimed)  7.9 L / 100km (1.6 GDI) (claimed) 7 .3 L / 100km (2.0D) (claimed) )
• Power/Torque: 114kW /  192 Nm (2.0) petrol   130kW / 265 (1.6) petrol   85kW /  280 Nm (1.07) turbo diesel     130kW /  400 Nm (2.0) turbo diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Loading Space: 466 L
• Service plan: 5 year / 90 000 km
• Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km

Kia is another Korean manufacturer that has made a name for itself in South Africa over the last 20 years or so.

The Kia Sportage holds its book value because it offers good value for money and comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

With its distinctive “smiley face” grill, there’s no mistaking the KIA Sportage. This attractive SUV was recently updated and has the biggest range in this category. This means that you can spec the vehicle to your particular budget. The base model starts at R386 000 for the 1.6GDI Ignite, going all the way up to R560 000 for the 2.0 CRDI EX+ A/T.

Even the base model comes with MP3/iPod/USB connectivity and rear parking assist, making the Kia Sportage one of the best value for money cars in this segment.

Disadvantages of the Kia Sportage are that it doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay of Android Auto, and has a comparatively small loading area.

Note: Although this is one SUV for sale that represents excellent value for money, it’s always wise to look out for the hidden costs when buying a new vehicle.

VW Tiguan

Fast Facts

• Price R442 000.00 upwards
• Engines: 4 and 2.0 L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and 2.0 L turbo diesel
• Gearbox: 7-speed auto and 6-speed auto
• Fuel economy: 1 L /100 km (1.4) (claimed)  7.81 L / 100km (2.0) (claimed)  6.4 L / 100 km (2.0 TDI)
• Power/Torque: 110kW /  250 Nm (1.4)   140kW / 450Nm (2.2)   143kW / 258 (2.5)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Loading Space: 520 L
• Service plan: 5 year / 90 000 km
• Warranty: 3 years / 90 000 km

The first generation VW Tiguan was a massive seller for VW, despite its conservative looks.

For the second generation, VW had to do something special, and boy have they delivered. The interior is more spacious and has a premium quality feel to it. The Trendline models still have conservative styling, but the higher end model with the R-line package is probably one of the best-looking vehicles in its class.

After Toyota, VW is very much in demand and well-established in South Africa. The Tiguan retains good resale value because of its premium look and feel, with the R-line preserving better value than the lower-end models.

The VW Tiguan comes with a couple of things that most of the other vehicles in this class don’t have, such as adaptive cruise control and heads up display. However, this comes at a price. The VW Tiguan is one of the more expensive SUVs for sale, although it’s possible to get good deals.

The VW Tiguan is probably the closest to the Toyota RAV4 in terms of demand in South Africa. It’s an excellent alternative for those looking for the extra German class, if you’re willing to pay the price.

VW has also added the New Tiguan Allspace to the line-up, for those looking for more space but not wanting to upgrade to the expensive Touareg.

A sixth SUV with good resale value

We’ve added a bonus vehicle that while still new is also holding its value and is loaded with great features. This is the Toyota Rush, which starts at only R312 000 but punches well above its weight.

These are some of the new SUVs for sale that hold their car book values reasonably well. They may not be the cheapest cars on the market, but having that extra value can help when you resell or if you’re ever looking for a cash loan against your SUV.

With Pawn My Car, you can use an SUV or another vehicle in your name to secure a loan quickly and easily, with no delays. For more information, contact us on 086 172 9648 or simply complete and submit our online application form.

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