Adventure SUVs have long been a staple of the local market, but the 2025 CarsAwards finalists in this category must also double as comfortable family cars. As it turned out, the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE defeated its acclaimed rivals.
In this revised category, we were looking for the ultimate recreational vehicle to transport a family (and their holiday/lifestyle gear) in comfort to almost any destination (on- or off-road). The Best Adventure SUV of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) offers notable off-road-, towing- and long-distance cruising ability, plus practicality and comfort.
The Adventure SUV category
The Adventure SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards (updated in 2024/25 to have no price limit or 7-seater restriction) was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligible vehicles had to be equipped with an electronic stability programme, a minimum of 6 airbags, split-folding rear seats, all-wheel-drive capability, as well as a minimum ground clearance of 200 mm.
Pillars of success for this category included performance, space & practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort and all-surface ability.
WINNER:
Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE
Although it’s a far cry from its utilitarian progenitor, the new Defender is a kingpin in Jaguar Land Rover’s stable. In terms of sheer versatility, it simply blows the opposition away – so it’s no surprise that there’s still a waiting list for this Landy. It achieved the highest combined score in the 2025 CarsAwards: 81.8%.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Land Rover Defender:
The Defender 110 blends luxury, practicality and off-road ability in an eye-catching package. The D350 X-Dynamic HSE derivative is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel that makes 257 kW and 700 Nm.
The Land Rover Defender 110 is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE
Read a review of the Land Rover Defender 110
Find a Land Rover Defender 110 for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNERS UP:
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R
An all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado doesn’t come around very often, so when one does, you sit up and take notice. The South African market has certainly noticed, with strong sales straight off the bat and a growing waiting list. The 2.8GD VX-R achieved a combined score of 80% in the 2025 CarsAwards.
Jacob Moshokoa compares the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with a GWM Tank 500:
The new Prado boasts rugged, handsome styling and proven mechanicals (including the widely admired 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine) and, of course, it offers superb off-road ability. The Prado’s motor delivers 150 kW/500 Nm and Toyota claims an average consumption of 7.9 L/100 km for this variant.
The Prado is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the first 9 services are included (note that service intervals are every 10 000 km, however).
View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R
Read a Launch Review of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Find a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for sale on Cars.co.za
Ford Everest 3.0 TD V6 4WD Wildtrak
The 3rd-generation Ford Everest has brought new levels of space, comfort and technology to the bakkie-based 7-seater segment. The 3.0 TD V6 4WD Wildtrak achieved a combined score of 71.3%.
With a powerful 184 kW/600 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, the Everest provides excellent performance, both for driving and towing (it has a 3 500-kg braked tow rating).
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Ford Everest:
The cabin is a plush place to be, providing luxury and comfort in abundance. Ford claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.5 L/100 km.
The Everest is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and (optional) service plans of up to 8 years or 165 000km.
View the Price & Specs of the Ford Everest 3.0 TD V6 4WD Wildtrak
Read a review of the Ford Everest Wildtrak
Find a Ford Everest for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
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