Most powerful automatic SUVs you can buy for under R400,000

For under R400,000, you can buy yourself a new, small SUV with over 100kW of power and an automatic gearbox.

Whether you want a Toyota or a Mazda model, or a more price-focussed Haval or Chery unit, there are several options on offer.

There’s even an option to pick up a more exotic Mahindra, for those so inclined.

Automatics SUVs

SUVs are hugely popular in South Africa, with the SUV segment gaining large market share in the country over the past 10 years.

In fact, according to data from Lightstone the SUV/Crossover body type was the most popular vehicle category in the country in 2021.

This body type combined with the convenience of an automatic gearbox therefore makes for a hot property in the local car market.

This is evident when we see top brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Haval offering vehicles which fit this criteria at competitive prices, catering to the average car buyer.

Below, we list five small SUVs which run automatic gearboxes and sell for below R400,000 – ranked by engine power in kW.

Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active Auto – R379,400

• Power – 115kW
• Torque – 206Nm

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite Auto – R349,900

• Power – 108kW
• Torque – 210Nm

Haval Jolion 1.5T Luxury Auto – R367,900

• Power – 105kW
• Torque – 210Nm

Mahindra XUV500 2.2CRDe W6 – R398,999

• Power – 103kW
• Torque – 330Nm

Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R349,900

• Power – 103kW
• Torque – 172Nm