10 hot new SUV models that we’re looking forward to in 2025

SUVs and crossovers now account for more than half of South African vehicle sales, and each year the selection becomes even more comprehensive and tantalising.

2025 looks to be a bumper year for high-riding vehicles, with a glut of new models confirmed across the spectrum, from affordable and practical to rugged, luxurious and even fast.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 of the most anticipated new SUV models that we’re looking forward to seeing in 2025.

Audi Q5: The third-generation Audi Q5 is set to land in local showrooms towards the end of 2025, with a more striking exterior look and a high-tech cabin featuring an all-new Android-powered MMI infotainment system and optional Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with “Symphoria” technology.

As with the Audi A5 models that share the new PPC architecture, the Q5 will standardise 48V ‘mild hybrid plus’ technology, said to be significantly more efficient than other MHEV systems.

Haval H7: The Haval H7 brings a more rugged design language into the Haval fold, but as it’s based around the LEMON unibody platform that underpins other Haval models, it’s not quite a trailbuster in the same sense as the Tank models introduced in 2024.

At a shade over 4.7 metres in length, it’s slightly larger than the current H6 and power will reportedly come from the familiar 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine. 

Inside it boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen as well as a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and luxury features include a head-up display and heated steering wheel.

If the H7 is not big enough, South African buyers will also be able to get their hands on the even larger Haval H9 in 2025.

Jaecoo J5: The popular Jaecoo J7 will soon get a smaller sibling called the J5, boasting similarly smooth and classy styling, but in a more accessible package.

Power will reportedly come from the familiar 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, while cabin highlights include a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen with ‘smart’ navigation, as well as the largest panoramic sunroof in its class, an advanced air filtration system and numerous pet-friendly accessories.

Jetour T2: Joining the sporty Dashing and practical X70 models, Jetour’s new J2 boasts a boxy design inspired by the Land Rover Defender.

Powered by a choice of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbopetrol engines, according to The Citizen, it should also boast the off-roading ability to match its looks, with 220mm of ground clearance and features such as locking centre and rear differentials and ‘crawl control’ on the all-wheel drive version.

Arriving around the second quarter of 2025, the Jetour T2 will also be joined by the smaller and less rugged T1.

Land Rover Defender Octa: Billed as the toughest and most capable Land Rover Defender ever, the Octa blends brawny performance with the ultimate in off-road capability.

Power comes from a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8 turbopetrol motor offering 467kW and 800Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0-100km/h in four seconds flat.

But it’s the off-road tech that really impresses, with the Defender Octa boasting JLR’s advanced new 6D Dynamic suspension system designed to minimise roll and pitch when cornering and braking, and it comes with high-performance Brembo brakes.

The Octa also features a 28mm-higher ride height and 68mm-wider body, and additional underbody protection is also in place for those wild days in the wild. 

Read about our international launch drive here

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: We’d be highly surprised if this wasn’t Mitsubishi’s best-seller in South Africa in a year from now.

Though it wears X-Force badging abroad, the new compact SUV will go by the name of Outlander Sport when it reaches Mzansi in early 2025, Cars.co.za reports.

It’s set to become the brand’s entry-level model in South Africa, likely replacing the ageing ASX. Local specifics remain unknown, but it’s likely to follow overseas versions in offering a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 77kW on tap.

Omoda C7: Slotting neatly between the C5 and C9 models, as its name implies, the Omoda C7 has a similar footprint to the Toyota Rav4, but is somewhat more striking in its appearance.

Like the C5 it has slim headlights and a frameless grille, while the cabin boasts a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, which slides across the dashboard, and a 14-speaker “immersive” sound system that promises concert hall sound quality. Powertrain details are not known at this stage.

Renault Duster: The Duster is one of seven new models promised for the South African market in 2025, and this neat-looking third-generation model is also expected to usher in hybrid power for the brand.

It’s set to hit local showrooms around March, and while Renault is remaining tight-lipped about the local Duster details, indications are that it will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbopetrol mild hybrid powertrain with a system output of 96kW. Unfortunately the current version’s much-loved diesel engine looks set to fall away.

Volkswagen Tayron: Set to fill the shoes of the outgoing Tiguan AllSpace, the Tayron is being marketed as a separate and more upmarket model, albeit one that’s still fairly closely related to the new Tiguan.

Granted, the Tayron is a cool 230mm longer than its sibling and in overseas markets is offered in five-seat and seven-seat guises, with the former boasting an impressive luggage capacity of 885 litres.

Overseas the Tayron is sold with a variety of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, but with fuel quality delaying the launch of VW hybrids in SA, local buyers are likely to be offered the familiar assortment of 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI motors, and possibly a 2.0 TDI.

Volvo EX90: With the EX30 firmly established as South Africa’s best-selling electric vehicle, the Swedish carmaker will turn its attention to the premium market in 2025 with the launch of its EX90 electric SUV.

Although it doesn’t replace the XC90, which soldiers on in facelifted form, the EX90 does take the lead as the company’s new flagship.

It’s basically a computer on wheels, with computing and graphics via Snapdragon and Epic Games, and one of the most advanced sensor sets on the market. The latter comprises eight cameras, 16 ultrasonic sensors, five radars and a roof-mounted Lidar sensor that can see small objects hundreds of metres ahead.

As for battery power, the EX90 boasts a 111 kWh unit that enables a claimed WLTP range of up to 600km, while the twin-motor model boasts outputs of 380kW and 910Nm.

These 10 are by no means the only new SUV and crossover products heading to South Africa in 2025, and there will no doubt be a few surprises along the way. But they do illustrate that local buyers can look forward to a wide spectrum of new models that cover practically every corner of the market. 

The usual Ts and Cs apply of course, as we don’t yet know the pricing and exact specifications that will apply to local versions of the abovementioned models.

IOL