While the use of SUV (sports utility vehicle) has now become common language, it first appeared in 1974 on a Jeep Cherokee brochure, outlining the American manufacturer’s luxurious interpretation of a typical off-roader. The term has grown to become an umbrella description for various vehicles – from smaller ‘crossover’ cars to full-sized 4x4s. While the terminology is loose, the features of an SUV generally include a higher ride height, a more robust build and increased space and capability.

In 2023, SUVs accounted for 48% of global passenger car sales, and figures released by Hyundai in the same year showed that for the first time, SUVs made up for more than half of all new passenger vehicle sales in SA.

Customers are moving towards bigger vehicles for many reasons, from a sense of safety and practicality to stylistic preference and status. In SA a culture of adventure and easy access to rural roads and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle – at least, among the country’s middle and upper classes – make the SUV a sought-after vehicle.

With more than 30 automotive brands selling a spread of different types of SUVs, the market is spoilt for choice. European manufacturers continue to produce trusted models now into their third, fourth and even fifth generations, while Chinese automakers have come up with first-generation vehicles offering value propositions that are hard to ignore.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Prado? What about the Fortuner? First an honourable mention to the latter, the best-selling ‘full-size’ SUV in SA in 2023. The Fortuner is a staple of SA’s SUV history and continues to dominate sales despite the second-generation model being well into old age, having launched in March 2016. Toyota refreshed the model this year, and also introduced the fifth-generation Land Cruiser Prado 250 Series to succeed the beloved Land Cruiser Prado J150. Available in four iterations, all priced at more than R1 million, the new Prado is a statement vehicle, and while it presents as a tastefully designed luxury seven-seater SUV, it remains a supremely capable 4×4. Built with all the off-road technology required to cement its spot as a segment leader among 4×4 SUVs, the new Prado lives up to its 34-year history of comfort and capability. Despite the heavy price tag, the uptake in SA was immediate, with the retro-styled 250 Series selling 679 units in the first month.

Ford Everest
Positioned as a direct competitor to the Toyota Fortuner, Ford’s extensive range of next-gen Everests also compete – at higher up in their price range – with the latest Prado. The ladder-on-frame, seven-seater design also positions the Everest at the higher end of the SUV spectrum, in a niche segment that prioritises both luxury and comprehensive off-road capability. Launched in SA in late 2022, the new Everests are at the beginning of their life cycle. This much is evident, as their stylish design – characterised by Ford’s distinctive C-clamp headlights and imposing mesh grille – stands out among contemporaries on SA roads. Outside of the beautiful aesthetic, luxurious cabins and impressive list of features, the number of models available makes the next-gen Everests appealing vehicles. Four of the six derivatives include the 4×2 and 4×4 versions of the entry-level XLT models and 4×2 and 4×4 versions of the Everest Sport. On the higher end, the Everest Wildtrak and Everest Platinum are available only as selectable four-wheel-drives, with a host of extra features and a more powerful 3.0L V6 engine. The design language throughout the range remains consistent in its contemporary styling, while the different iterations serve the needs of both the family-oriented city vehicle and the weekend warrior intent on venturing off-road without sacrificing luxury.

Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen launched the Tiguan in 2007. Since then the name tag has generated more than 7.4 million sales globally, with 41 000 in SA. The Tiguan has been on a steady popularity trajectory since its inception, with the second generation enjoying healthy success following its introduction in 2016. The third generation – launched locally in early 2024 – seems set to continue in the same vein. Available in six iterations, the Tiguan is among the most stylish mid-sized SUVs on the market. It boasts an interior built with high-quality materials and packs some impressive performance in both the petrol and diesel engine variants. Unlike the Prado and Everest, the more compact Tiguan makes use of a unibody construction (not a body on a frame/ladder) and is not a four-wheel drive or off-roader. The Tiguan does, however, have all-wheel-drive options in the higher-end models. CAR magazine had high praise for the Tiguan, describing Volkswagen’s popular SUV as having ‘laid down the gauntlet for the rest of the compact SUVs currently available in and still coming to South Africa’.

Chery TIGGO 7
Chery’s Tiggo range has been a standout among a host of Chinese entries to the SA market in the SUV segment. The Tiggo 7 Pro launched in SA in early 2022, while the Tiggo 7 Pro Max was revealed locally last year in November. According to retail sales data, the Tiggo 7 Pro range achieved third position in the mid-sized SUV segment in the first quarter of 2024, with a total of 1 060 units sold for the period. While there will always be loyalty towards more established automotive brands, models such as the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Pro Max are finding favour among consumers for their ability to provide more affordable pricing while still delivering a high standard of comfort, luxury and technology. The Tiggo 7 Pro comes in two iterations, while the Pro Max offers five different models, with the highest spec version still costing just more than half a million rand.

Renault Duster
Since the Duster was revealed to the world in 2010, it has become a massive sales success for the French automaker, selling more than 2.2 million vehicles globally and rolling a healthy 1 000 units off the production line daily. The second-generation Duster was introduced in 2017 and, at the end of 2023, the European market was introduced to a fully restyled third-gen Duster. The new model is expected to arrive in SA in the fourth quarter of 2024/early 2025. The Duster is a regular sight on SA roads and, currently, customers can choose either 4×2 or 4×4 drive trains in both trim levels (known as Zen and Intens). While the current generation sports a classic, robust look, the third-generation Duster sees a stylistic overhaul inside and out and shares a platform with the third-gen Sandero, Captur and Clio. Customers will have a choice between automatic and manual options, as well as 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. While three engine options have been released internationally – including a mild hybrid system – Renault SA has yet to confirm the choices available locally. The design language of the new Duster is sporty and far more futuristic than its predecessor, but it retains its off-road capabilities. Inside, notable updates to the SUV include a 7-inch digital cluster, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, four illuminated USB ports, wireless charging and a six-speaker sound system. While the current generation Duster has proven a trusty companion to those wanting to bridge the gap between city life and adventure – at a reasonable price – the new version promises all of the same with a more comprehensive features list and contemporary exterior design.

By Oliver Keohane
Images courtesy of Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Chery, Renault