Much of the success of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) is because of its broad classification, encompassing everything from entry-level compact crossovers to full-size, fully fledged off-roaders. Consumers globally are drawn to the segment for the versatility, safety and status appeal of these vehicles, but SA’s diverse landscape and a culture that embraces adventure make SUVs particularly appealing locally.
In 2024, SUVs maintained their stronghold in the global market, accounting for a significant portion of passenger car sales. In SA, despite a 3% decline in overall vehicle sales compared to 2023, the SUV segment demonstrated resilience, maintaining a steady sales flow. Established brands such as Toyota, Ford and Suzuki dominated sales for ladder-frame SUVs. Notably, the Toyota Fortuner led the segment with 10 666 units sold, followed by the Suzuki Jimny with 3 753 units, and the Ford Everest with 3 109 units. The Toyota Corolla Cross emerged as the top-selling SUV and the fourth-best-selling vehicle overall in SA.
The already extensive market continues to grow, with more than 30 automotive brands competing in the compact and full-sized SUV segments. While established European and Japanese manufacturers introduce refined legacy vehicles, Chinese automakers are flooding the market with value-driven options. In 2024, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro was the best-selling Chinese vehicle in SA, with 6 102 units sold in the first half of the year, while the Haval Jolion followed with 3 558 units sold in the same period.
According to a MarketsandMarkets report, the global SUV market is projected to continue expanding at a CAGR of 4.4%, with sales expected to reach 53 million units by 2030, up from 41 million units in 2024. SUVs have hit a purple patch, which shouldn’t discolour any time soon. Last year the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Ford Everest, Volkswagen Tiguan, Renault Duster and Chery Tiggo 7 were highlighted as notable players in the SUV space in SA. This year, some new models are entering the SA market and are poised to make a significant impact in the segment.
Lexus GX 550
In 2024, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 garnered significant attention in SA’s full-sized SUV market, experiencing an immediate surge in sales following its launch. Now SA welcomes its sophisticated counterpart, as the Lexus GX nameplate arrives in the country for the first time. As Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus has earned local favour among customers loyal to the Japanese firm, offering familiar reliability with a more premium and powerful take on existing Toyota models.
In production since 2002 exclusively as a left-hand drive, the GX, now in its third generation, becomes available to right-hand drive markets for the first time. The seven-seater shares a table with SA’s more expensive SUVs, appealing to affluent customers and families seeking sophistication, but with an eye on adventure. Notable luxuries include a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a multi-terrain camera system, a head-up display, a premium 10-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a built-in refrigerated cooler box, luxurious synthetic leather upholstery and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.
Lexus’ luxurious ladder-frame SUV maintains segment-leading off-roading credentials and distinguishes itself with a powerful V6 engine not available in its Prado sibling.
BMW X3
Launched in 2003, the BMW X3 was among the pioneers of the compact premium SUV segment. Twenty years later, compact premium SUVs consistently rank among the best-selling models for their respective brands, with numerous manufacturers now participating in the segment. Following its early 2000s launch, the X3 rose to popularity in SA, being imported and sold for 15 years until 2018, when BMW Group Plant Rosslyn in Pretoria transitioned from assembling the 3-Series to locally manufacturing and exporting the third-generation X3. By the end of 2024, it was the most popular BMW model globally.
The fourth-generation X3 became available in SA at the end of 2024, and despite the popularity of its predecessor, the new model has undergone a significant design overhaul. Beyond its appearance, major updates include a revamped cabin and an updated feature list, while a mild-hybrid engine joins the lineup alongside the familiar turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel options. With SA not yet fully equipped for an all-electric future, hybrid powertrains are growing in popularity as customers seek improved economy and reduced emissions.
Despite increased competition in the premium compact SUV segment, the X3 has maintained its aspirational status throughout its generations. Leaning towards sophistication rather than rugged appeal, the X3 remains a well-refined, expertly engineered choice for those seeking an SUV that balances comfort with performance.
Haval H7
Since its local debut in 2017, Haval – part of Great Wall Motors (GWM) – has steadily built a reputation for offering feature-rich, value-driven alternatives to established competitors, setting itself up as one of the most popular Chinese automakers in the country. Following the success of the popular Jolion and H6 models, the Haval H7 has arrived as an all-new midsize SUV offering a more spacious and premium spin on the brand’s signature formula.
From a design perspective, the H7 adeptly blends classic SUV styling with a distinctly modern package. In true Haval fashion, the new model is generously equipped, boasting a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting and comprehensive driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Omoda C9
Chery sub-brand Omoda has positioned itself as a premium, tech-driven alternative to traditional European and Japanese brands, fast becoming a leading player as Chinese automakers reshape the SA SUV market. The brand entered the local market in April 2023 with the Omoda C5, a futuristic crossover that quickly gained favour among SA buyers, thanks to its bold styling, feature-packed cabin and competitive pricing. In 2024, the C5 was one of the best-selling Chinese SUVs in the country, reinforcing the growing demand for value-driven, high-tech vehicles.
In October, Omoda expanded its offering with the C9, a premium midsize SUV, built to compete in the executive SUV segment. Despite the value proposition of most Chinese models available, few have been positioned to compete directly with European contemporaries as a premium SUV, earning the C9 an early moniker as a disruptor. Larger and more refined than the C5, the C9 aims to hook potential buyers previously faithful to the luxury German manufacturers who won’t compromise on sophisticated styling and advanced features but are seeking alternatives to the high pricing of European brands.
An extensive feature list complements a plush cabin, and the C9 is equipped with the luxuries expected in a premium SUV. From a driving perspective, the petrol engine produces ample power and performs well at highway cruising speeds. However, some reports indicate that acceleration in the C9 aligns with common concerns regarding throttle calibration in Chinese vehicles.
Volvo EX90
Volvo had a significantly successful year 2024, emerging as the leading manufacturer in overall electric vehicle (EV) sales in SA. The Swedish brand’s EX30 compact crossover became the best-selling EV nameplate, with its larger siblings, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, also receiving positive market reception. In total, Volvo delivered 539 EVs in 2024, outselling its nearest competitor by almost 21%.
Steadfast in its commitment to electric mobility, Volvo has introduced the EX90, the brand’s flagship fully electric SUV and spiritual successor to the XC90.
Launched internationally in late 2024, the EX90 is expected to arrive in SA in the first half of 2025. This seven-seater SUV will enter the market as one of the most advanced and safety-focused EVs in SA, rooted in Scandinavian luxury and reinforcing Volvo’s reputation for pioneering safety and technology.
Built on an all-new EV platform, the EX90 offers a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup that delivers substantial power and has an estimated range of up to 600 km on a single charge.
The cabin is an awesome display of minimalist luxury, featuring a 15-inch vertical touchscreen powered by Google-based software, sustainably sourced materials and an emphasis on safety-first innovation. The EX90 is a bold – albeit expensive – entry into the SA market, with few current competitors as a fully electric, full-size luxury SUV. But, given the positive reception of Volvo’s EVs in 2024, the EX90 should excite enough consumers to justify its local arrival.
