The Crossover/SUV has become South Africa’s favourite new financed Light Vehicle bodyshape over the past five years, Lightstone’s analysis of data gleaned from their transactional systems shows.

In 2020, 27% of financed new Light Vehicle sales purchased by men were Crossover/SUVs, while 19% were full size Double Cab Pick-ups. The Entry segment was the third most popular option at 13% market share, and the Hatch sector (excluding those vehicles included under Entry) made it four bodyshape groupings with a greater than 10% share, comprising 12% of the Market.

By 2024, and into 2025, the landscape had changed as the Crossover/SUV shape increased its share to 40% of new vehicles financed by men, whilst the only other segment to have grown in market share is the Minibus/MPV sector, which was in ninth spot in 2020 with a 2% share, now sitting in fifth place on 9%.

New Light Vehicle preferences amongst men



The Crossover/SUV also leads the way amongst used Light Vehicles being financed by male consumers, although back in 2020 it was running neck-and-neck with the Hatch segment, which has seen its popularity dip over the last five years. In line with its general popularity amongst new vehicle buyers, the Double Cab sector climbed from fifth spot in 2020 to third in 2025, usurping the position previously held by the Sedan shape.

Used Light Vehicle preferences amongst men



Crossover/SUVs dominate new financed Light Vehicle sales among women to a much greater extent than men.

In 2020, this segment accounted for 43% of all new financed Light Vehicle sales to women, and by 2024 this had climbed to well above 60%. In 2020, the Entry segment was the second largest sector of the market amongst women buyers, with the Hatch shape third. These two sectors both lost market share between 2020 and 2024, and swapped positions, but still retained their spots in the top three.

New Light Vehicle preferences amongst women


The Crossover/SUV, Hatch and Entry segments were also the three largest segments amongst women used vehicle buyers, with the Double Cab Pick-up and Sedan segments rounding out the top five shapes.

Used Light Vehicle preferences amongst women


Examples of vehicles in each of the segments mentioned above: