These are the crossover SUVs that launched in South Africa in 2022

In 2021 SUVs and crossovers overtook hatchbacks for the first time in South Africa's new-car sales. The trend has continued this year as customers are attracted to the raised ride heights and practicality afforded by these vehicles. The compact and midsize crossover segment has flourished with new arrivals in 2022:

BUDGET LEAGUE

Ford EcoSport Active (R393,700). A model with more rugged styling added to the blue oval’s long-running crossover range, powered by a 1.0l petrol turbo engine.

Kia Sonet 1.0T (R370,000-R399,995). Two variants with a punchier new turbo engine and more premium specification were introduced alongside the existing 1.5l normally aspirated models.

Honda BR-V (R379,900-R459,900). The second-generation of Honda’s affordable seven-seater has more room and styling pizazz, with ground clearance raised to a pavement-straddling 207mm.

Beijing X55 (R394,900-R454,900). Futuristic styling and impressive sophistication puts this Chinese crossover from BAIC on the map. The entry-level model boasts a feast of features for its R394,900 price and power across the three-model range is supplied by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine.

Mahindra XUV 300 (R250,000-R356,000). A midlife update to the India-built compact SUV includes more practical black upholstery and a larger infotainment system. Engine options are a 1.2 petrol turbo and a 1.5 turbo diesel.

Hyundai Venue (R295,000-R450,000). The popular compact crossover adopts a fresh new face, updated luxuries and a new N Line range-topper. Except for the 1.2 normally aspirated entry model, all versions get a perky 1.0 petrol turbo engine.

COMPACT CROSSOVERS

Nissan Qashqai (R568,000-R670,000). The latest-generation Qashqai is a real looker, boasting improved refinement, space and technology, though it’s a tad pricey. All models are powered by 1.3l turbo petrol motors with varied outputs, with 96kW for the entry-level Qashqai Visia and 110kW for the Acenta and Acenta Plus.

Opel Mokka (R490,00-R540,000). The all-new Mokka oozes charm with its head-turning looks and fun-to-drive nature. A three-cylinder 1.2 turbo petrol engine supplies perky power with an entertaining sound.

Hyundai Grand Creta (R468,000-R581,000). Following the launch of the five-seater Creta in 2020, the Grand Creta provides more family practicality with its seven seats. It’s available in 2.0l petrol and 1.5l turbo diesel guises, and the latter runs on the smell of a fuel rag.

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (R437,000-R472,000). Chinese brand Chery has shed its formerly cheap image and the Tiggo 7 Pro is a modern, hi-tech SUV with a barrage of features for alluringly low prices. A perky 1.5l petrol turbo supplies power across the range.

Honda HR-V (R469,000-R554,000). With new styling that really pops, the third-generation HR-V also offers the practicality of Honda’s fold-flat or flip-up “Magic Seat” system that configures for different loads, including taller objects. Performance is so-so from the 1.5l normally aspirated petrol engine and CVT gearbox.

VW Taigo (R445,000-R503,000). The flamboyant new SUV-coupe targets a trendier crowd. Positioned between VW’s T-Cross and T-Roc models, the new Taigo brings flair to the compact crossover segment. All versions are powered by a 1.0l three-cylinder petrol turbo engine.

Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S (R453,200). The popular-selling range gained a sporty new variant with a stylish black package and stiffer suspension for improved handling.

Citroën C5 Aircross (R634,000-R684,000). The charismatic French SUV is updated with a facelift, more comfortable seats and upgraded infotainment. The peppy 1.6 petrol turbo engine remains.

Proton X50 (R449,900-R579,900). A decade after quitting the country, Proton returns with two SUVs: the X50 and X70 (see midsized crossovers). The Malaysian brand is almost unrecognisable from its previous cars and the X50 impresses with its refinement and sophistication, but its pricing also competes directly with established brands such as VW and Honda. All versions are front-wheel-drive and powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo.

Hyundai Kona N (R764,000). Following the i30N, the Kona N crossover becomes the second car from the Korean firm’s high-performance division to be offered in South Africa. It features a racy body kit and its feisty 2.0l petrol turbo engine gives it the ability to scoot from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

Volvo XC40 (R677,700-R1,260,000). A raft of updates to the XC40 includes a move to electrified power for the entire line-up, either in hybrid form or fully electric. The range-topping P8 Recharge electric is capable of 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a range of 400km.

MIDSIZED CROSSOVERS

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (R496,000-R574,000). Like the smaller Tiggo 7 Pro, the Tiggo 8 represents a real step forward for the Chinese brand. It offers a lot of refinement and attractive pricing. It also comes with an industry-leading 10-year/1-million km warranty for the first owner.

Hyundai Tucson (R540,000 to R720,000). The fourth-generation Korean SUV comes out to party with state-of-the-art features and a stunning design, highlighted by “parametric” lights hidden behind a geometric radiator grille that are only visible when switched on. The engine options are a 2.0l petrol or 2.0l turbo diesel.

Mahindra XUV700 (R475,000-R560,000). Available in five- and seven-seat configurations, the XUV700 welcomes a new phase for the Indian brand in terms of improved quality, fit and finish. The modern interior gets a digital cluster and infotainment systems, and power for all variants comes from a punchy 2.0l turbo petrol engine.

Kia Sportage (R540,000- R735,000). Kia’s all-new SUV arrives with eye-catching styling, more passenger room, a larger boot and the latest tech. All models are powered by a punchy 1.6l turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Toyota Rav4 E-Four (R676,700-R759,800). Toyota’s fuel-sipping Rav4 hybrid line-up is updated with a fourth-generation hybrid system that adds a rear electric motor to the existing one at the front axle. These combine with a 2.5l petrol engine for a total system output of 163kW, with fuel consumption claimed at just 4.8l/100km. It’s available in GX and more luxurious VX grades.

Haval H6 hybrid (R669,950). Aimed at buyers seeking a cleaner SUV with cheaper running costs, the high-specced HEV Ultra Luxury becomes the new flagship of the Chinese brand’s line-up. Powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine and an electric motor, the car delivers a fuel consumption of 5.2l/100km, claims Haval. With outputs of 179kW and 530Nm, the HEV also becomes the most powerful H6 model available.

Alfa Romeo Tonale (R739,000-R819,000). Slotting in under the Stelvio, the Tonale is a premium midsize crossover that presents the Italian brand’s style and driving enjoyment in a smaller package. Alfa’s first hybrid, the Tonale pairs a 1.5l petrol turbo engine with an electric motor and is able to run on solely electric power at very low speeds.

Proton X70 (R529,900-R639,900). Like its smaller X50 sibling, the X70 is impressively polished and bristling with high-end features. A 1.5l petrol turbo engine serves duty across the range, which includes an all-wheel drive model.

VW Tiguan R (R999,000). The same 235kW all-wheel drive powertrain as the racy Golf R turns the Tiguan into a crossover with attitude. It has the ability to scorch the 0-100km/h sprint in a hot hatch-like 5.1 seconds and handles well too, thanks to R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge (R1,349,000). This plug-in hybrid is the new flagship of the range. It’s powered by a 2.0l petrol engine with an electric motor for outputs of 340kW and 709Nm, making it the most powerful XC60 yet. The four-wheel-drive Volvo is capable of a claimed all-electric range of up to 81km between charges.