Best crossover SUVs for under R400,000 in South Africa

Crossovers have grown in popularity among South African motorists over the years, in part because they have more clearance than standard hatchbacks, allowing their drivers to handle the challenging terrain and pothole-ridden roads that South Africa has to offer.

Another advantage of crossovers is that they provide more space than a hatchback while remaining relatively compact in comparison to traditional SUVs, making them easier to manoeuvre around parking spaces and in rush-hour traffic.

This could explain why three crossover SUVs made the top ten best-selling cars in November 2022, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa).

Toyota was the best-selling car brand in South Africa in November, selling 13,903 units, while Volkswagen Group (VWSA) came in second with 6,406 units sold, according to their new vehicle sales report.

The Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and VW T-Cross were the three crossovers in Naamsa’s top ten best-selling cars list, selling 2,109, 1,334 and 1,046 units, respectively.

VWSA also stated that their sales performance in South Africa in the first 11 months of 2022 were boosted by a growing preference for the T SUV model range, which accounted for 30% of all Volkswagen vehicles sold in the country.

“Volkswagen’s T SUV range, which consists of the T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan (including Allspace and R) and the Touareg, has continued to grow in popularity in the local market,” said VWSA.

VWSA singled out the T-Cross, which saw a 44% increase in year-on-year sales in the first 11 months of 2022, with 9,695 units sold – making it Volkswagen’s best-selling imported vehicle.

The Beijing X55, BAIC’s new luxury crossover offering, is a more exciting addition to the crossover SUV market, with a competitive starting price of R394,900. The all-new X55 crossover is well-equipped for its class, with one of the more powerful engines.

Standard fitment for the most cost-effective Artificial leather upholstery, dual-zone manual air conditioning, keyless entry and start, driver drowsiness warnings, cruise control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, auto brake hold, hill-start and descent assist, and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Dynamic variant.

Each model also includes a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.1-inch media screen with smartphone mirroring for iOS and Android via the CarbitLink app. The Beijing is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130kW and 305Nm and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The X55 is reasonably priced in South Africa, but it must compete with tried-and-true vehicles in the same price range that South Africans have come to know and love.

With this in mind, the best crossover SUVs available in South Africa for less than R400,000 are listed below.

• Nissan Magnite

Starting price: R290,500

• Hyndai Venue

Starting price: R294,900

• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Starting price: R299,900

• Kia Sonet

Starting price: R306,995

• Ford EcoSport

Starting price: R311,400

• Opel Crossland

Starting price: R329,900

• Sukuzi Jimny

Starting price: R334,900

• Haval Jolion

Starting price: R342,950

• Renault Duster 

Starting price: R352,999

• Toyota Corolla Cross

Starting price: R360,400

• Honda BR-V

Starting price: R379,900

Mitsubishi ASX

Starting price: R379,990

• Mazda CX-3

Starting price: R384,700

• VW T-Cross

Starting price: R387,600

• BAIC Beijing X55

Starting price: R394,900