Best Crossover SUVs You Can Buy In South Africa For Under R400,000

Crossovers have become hugely popular with South African motorists over the years, partly because they offer higher ground clearance than standard hatchbacks, giving their drivers the ability to handle the demanding terrain and pothole-strewn roads that South Africa has to offer.

Another thing to like about crossovers is that they offer more space than a hatchback while remaining relatively compact compared to traditional SUVs – making it easier to maneuver in parking spaces and in rush hour traffic.

That may be why three crossover SUVs made the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) top 10 best-selling cars in November 2022.

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

The three crossovers in Naamsa’s top 10 best-selling car list are from these two brands, which were the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Toyota Urban Cruiser and the VW T-Cross – selling 2,109, 1,334 and 1,046 units respectively.

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

“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,” says VWSA.

VWSA gave a special mention to the T-Cross, which saw a significant 44% increase in year-on-year sales in the first 11 months of 2022, with 9,695 units sold over the period – which making it Volkswagen’s best-selling import. vehicle.

A more exciting addition to the crossover SUV market is the Beijing X55, BAIC’s new luxury crossover offering, launched on 16 November 2022 with a competitive starting price of R394 900. The all-new X55 crossover is impressively specified for its bracket while boasting one of the more powerful engines.

Standard equipment for the most affordable Dynamic variant consists of leatherette upholstery, dual-zone manual air conditioning, keyless entry and start, driver drowsiness warnings, cruise control, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, automatic brake hold, hill start and descent assist . , and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.

Each variant is also equipped with a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch media display that supports smartphone mirroring for iOS and Android through the CarbitLink app. Powering the Beijing is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130kW and 305Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The X55 is priced competitively in South Africa, but it is also up against proven vehicles in the same price range that South Africans have come to know and love.

With that in mind, the best crossover SUVs you can currently buy in South Africa for under R400 000 are listed below.

Nissan Magnite