Between the six of us on the AutoTrader editorial team, we’ve driven a garage-fulls of SUVs this year — and a few really stood out. With cars improving at a rapid clip, bad ones are a rarity these days, which made choosing our best SUVs for 2025 anything but easy.
Scan the team’s selection and a pattern emerges: we’re embracing powerful plug-in hybrid tech for its punch and fuel savings, yet we still appreciate traditional internal-combustion SUVs with straightforward, fuss-free features. Some of our picks sit at opposite ends of the spectrum — and that’s the point.
So, without further ado, and in alphabetical order, here are Team AutoTrader’s top SUV picks for 2025.
Ané Albertse
Volvo EX 90
The EX90 is the pinnacle of large EV performance in SA, and our road trip proved that going fully electric is entirely doable if your car's battery is big enough. Then, the Google-powered infotainment system is just next level. Sure, there are a few software quirks that need some fine-tuning, but other than that, it's perfection.
Read my road-trip review of the Volvo EX 90 here.
Hyundai Alcazar
The affordable, frugal and versatile Hyundai Alcazar is like the Swiss army knife of cars. Seven seats, compact enough to be easily manoeuvrable, with easy-to-use infotainment, and diesel that lasts forever? A win in my books. Read my review of the Hyundai Alcazar here.
Then, the other impressive crossover launched in the beginning of 2025 is the locally produced Toyota Corolla Cross facelift, especially in hybrid form. Read all of our news and advice content on this model here and our latest review here.
(This quiz will help you decide whether you should go for the hybrid or the naturally aspirated model.)
What about PHEVs?
As for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, aka PHEVs, I was impressed by the sheer speed and sophistication of the Omoda C9 PHEV (read our review), Jaecoo J7 PHEV, and the Haval H6 GT PHEV (read my buying advice). With acceleration figures that can take on the hottest of hatches, yet easily travel over 1000 km (plus!) on one tank, it's amazing how far the Chery Group and GMW/Haval have come! While a multitude of Chinese brands have since come to SA, the Chery Group and Haval are the most established, and according to Auto & General, they are now more affordable to insure due to local parts availability, which bodes well for long-term ownership.
Chad Lückhoff
Hyundai Tucson 2.0D AWD N Line
Why it makes the cut: Sporty looks, long‑legged diesel efficiency, and an interior that keeps its cool with proper buttons. Great for long N1 slogs and Sunday detours. And I quote:
While the 2025 Hyundai Tucson's exterior updates are minimal, the massively reworked interior has us excited. This new, sleek approach has everything you need in a sensible, logical layout with physical buttons, something Hyundai has stated that they will keep for the foreseeable future; good news then. - Chad Lückhoff
Watch his video review of this model here.
Lawrence Minnie
Haval H7
His quote from his review:
The hybrid system delivers a compelling blend of brisk performance and excellent fuel economy, making it an attractive option as a family-friendly SUV. With a focus on comfort, practicality, advanced technology, and robust powertrain, it is a highly competitive and appealing vehicle. - Lawrence Minnie
Ryno Fourie
Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV
Why the Jaecoo J7 SHS is on this list: Big spec, big refinement and small consumption when you plug in. The SHS hybrid system keeps things silky around town and punchy on the move.
In Ryno's words:
In one fell swoop, Jaecoo has addressed previous issues with a spritely and powerful engine, better fuel consumption, smoother throttle response, and even the removal of the driver monitoring system altogether. - Ryno Fourie
Read his review here: Jaecoo J7 SHS (2025)
His other top picks include the Omoda C9 PHEV and the more compact Omoda C5 X Series.
Sean Nurse (editor)
In the luxury segment, Sean was most impressed by the Lamborghini Urus SE, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 (read review) and Defender Octa (see the video), while the VW Tiguan TDI (read review) and Haval H6 GT PHEV (read review) are his top picks in the mid-size segment.
Sean on the GLS 600:
It’s expensive, exclusive, and unashamedly opulent. If your priority is to be chauffeured in sublime comfort and enjoy a ride quality few others can match, the GLS 600 is one of the great automotive flexes. - Sean Nurse
In the compact SUV department, Sean says that the MG ZS Pro (read his first drive impression) and Suzuki Fronx (read his review here) were top choices, offering excellent quality and value.
Tayedza Mbiri
Audi Q3 35 TDI Urban Edition (2025)
Why the Audi Q3 is one of his favourites? He says it's polished, frugal and premium without the drama. Ergonomics and calibration are spot‑on for daily duty with weekend polish.
In Taye's own words:
The Audi’s powertrain calibration, fuss-free tech, solid ergonomics, refinement and frugality combine to create a wonderfully balanced premium SUV. - Taye Mbiri
Read his review here: Audi Q3 35 TDI Urban Edition (2025)
Mazda CX‑30 2.0 Individual Edition (2025)
Why the Mazda CX-30 makes the cut: Classy, driver‑focused crossover that feels crafted, not just built. If you like your commutes with a side of feel-good, this is it.
What Taye has to say:
Plenty of passion has gone into this vehicle, and it embodies its design philosophy well.
Read his review here: Mazda CX‑30 2.0 Individual Edition (2025)
