All the SUVs you can get for under R650,000 in South Africa

·3 Dec 2023

New vehicles have become quite expensive in South Africa, including Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), with only 16 models priced under R650,000 in South Africa right now.

SUVs have become increasingly popular in South Africa due to their versatility and practicality on the country’s roads. The diverse terrain and challenging road conditions make SUVs a practical choice.

Whether navigating rough off-road trails or tackling pothole-ridden city streets, SUVs offer a higher ground clearance and sturdy build, providing drivers with confidence and safety. As a result, they have become a common sight on the country’s roads.

South Africans enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. SUVs offer the versatility and capability to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from national parks to camping trips.

With ample cargo space and towing capacity, SUVs are perfect for carrying equipment and gear, catering to the needs of families and outdoor enthusiasts.

However, despite their popularity, this vehicle class has become relatively expensive due to its size, fuel consumption, and inflationary increases in the manufacturing costs of vehicles in South Africa.

According to TransUnion’s latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI), the price of new vehicles, on average, increased by 6.7% in 2023.

Although this is already slightly above inflation (CPI), TransUnion noted that this is forecasted to increase further in the upcoming months.

The price increases in three segments exceeded CPI, and the price of all new vehicles is forecasted to increase in the coming months, noted the report.

On average, the price of all body types increased over the period, with medium SUVs and hatchbacks seeing the steepest increases at 7.4% in Q2 2023. Other YoY price increases included: Small SUVs (6.8%), premium and hybrids (6.6%), Crossovers (6.4%), and Electric (3.1%).

This has meant that there are now only three SUVs – the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Mahindra XUV700, and the Haval H6 – retailing for under R500,000.

On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive SUV under R650,000 is the Kia Sportage – retailing at R637,995.

To put the cost of these vehicles into perspective, one could look at how much you’d have to earn to afford these vehicles.

Assuming a term of 60 months (5 years) at an interest rate of 11.75% with a 0% balloon payment, one would have to earn just over R42,000 to afford the cheapest SUV (the Mahindra Scorpio-N).

The 16 SUVs currently on sale for under R650,000 in South Africa are listed below, with pricing.

Mahindra Scorpio-N