After the major fuel shift, many Nigerian car shoppers now prefer sedans over the traditional SUVs, driven by concerns about fuel efficiency. While it’s true that some SUVs may use more fuel, the mid-size SUV segment is particularly filled with highly capable vehicles that offer plenty of character and low fuel consumption. Mid-sizers are larger and more competent than compact options, yet not as large and unwieldy as full-size SUVs.
Full-size SUVs generally consume more fuel than mid-size SUVs due to their larger size and more powerful engines. Some of our favourites excel on both road and off-road conditions while also providing practicality and solid value. And yes, they look great, too.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a turbocharged 277-hp 2.5-litre inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is responsible for moving the Santa Fe's substantial weight while still achieving a 20-mpg city fuel economy rating from the EPA. Fresh from its 2024 debut, the 2025 Santa Fe remains unchanged, apart from a new Atlantis Blue exterior finish.
Beneath the bonnet of every non-hybrid Santa Fe lies the turbocharged 277-hp 2.5-litre inline-four engine generating 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic are standard, although all-wheel drive is offered as an option. As we have previously mentioned, the transmission can display laggy low-speed behaviour. The suspension setup prioritises soft-riding comfort, with only the sharpest impacts making their way into the cabin.
In keeping with its exterior design theme of strength and boxiness, the only round elements within the cabin of the new Santa Fe are the steering wheel and a few knobs. The remainder of the interior is defined by dramatic rectangles. On the off-road-ready XRT trim, the boxy ruggedness clearly draws inspiration from the cockpit of the Land Rover Defender.
The Mazda CX-90 isn’t included on this list for its off-road capabilities. On the contrary, the Mazda is featured here because it is one of the best-handling three-row SUVs available in Nigeria, priced at 58,000,00.00.
That familiar "Zoom-Zoom" tagline remains relevant in today’s Mazdas, and the CX-90 possesses the perfect spring, damper, and steering calibration to make a spirited drive along a winding canyon road an absolute joy. In its second year, the CX-90 introduces a Premium Sport trim level, replacing the standard Premium with the regular engine. The key features of the Premium Sport include black exterior accents: the grille, badging, side mirrors, lower bumpers, and roof rails.
The Premium Sport also comes with 21-inch wheels finished in a dark hue. Furthermore, the second-row bench seat is now more widely available (as opposed to the optional captain's chairs), and the 12.3-inch infotainment display is standard across the range, except for the base model. The Preferred Plus trim level is discontinued, alongside the base Turbo S.
Consider the Audi RS Q8 as a Lamborghini Urus at a substantial discount, with a base price of N206,065,131.45. The two SUVs share the same platform and utilise the identical twin-turbo V-8 engine. Here, that powertrain delivers a spine-compressing 637 horsepower. Best of all, when you switch to Comfort mode, the RS Q8 can serve as a smooth-riding and docile daily driver. Being quite a large vehicle, it offers ample space for all passengers and their belongings. Indeed, this Audi excels in nearly every aspect.
Don't be deceived by the 2025 RS Q8's understated styling: beneath its restrained exterior lies the same mechanical setup as the fierce and extravagant Lamborghini Urus SUV. Based on the standard Q8 SUV, the RS Q8 presents Lambo-chasing performance, with a twin-turbo V-8 engine powering the asphalt through an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The handling is sharp and effortlessly enjoyable, yet the RS Q8 can also exhibit restraint, providing a comfortable commute when required.
The RS Q8 receives a styling refresh for 2025 to align it with the Q8 and SQ8 models, which underwent a facelift last year. The standard RS Q8 has been replaced by the new 631-hp Performance trim.
The Telluride returns with no significant changes for 2025. Vehicles like the 2025 Kia Telluride make car shopping effortless. Among three-row midsize SUVs, it has ruled supreme since its debut in 2020; it also exceeds expectations in interior refinement, with its materials and design competing with some entry-level luxury SUVs, boasting a base price of N56,658,731.55.
On the practical side, the interior is spacious, adorned with high-quality materials, and comes standard with an abundance of features. In terms of chassis dynamics, the Telluride is more refined than nearly anything in its price bracket. Additionally, it can tow 5,500 pounds and achieve around 26 miles per gallon on the motorway. When you drive home in a Telluride, it feels as though you’ve secured a remarkable bargain.
Certainly, there are pricier SUVs that perform better both on and off-road. However, few SUVs offer such a well-rounded package that resonates so distinctly for such an attractive price.
The return of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser to Nigeria sees the rugged SUV shift downmarket, offering a more varied model lineup. Aside from the removal of the First Edition model available for 2024, there are no changes to the Land Cruiser lineup. The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser may be more affordable with a starting price of $57,900, rising to $63,900 depending on the trim and options.
However, once this popular SUV arrives in Nigeria, after various taxes, it may sell at a starting price between 180 million and 250 million naira.
The Cruiser is now hybrid-only, resulting in a significant boost in torque and fuel economy compared to the previous vehicle. Toyota hasn’t abandoned traditional Land Cruiser characteristics, as this model still provides a smooth ride around town. Additionally, it’s considerably nimbler than the old three-row model. When equipped with the right options, the Cruiser can tackle some quite challenging trails, thanks to the locking rear differential and front anti-roll bar disconnect.
This generation of Land Rover Defender SUVs occupies a unique position, merging the form-follows-function ethos of the rugged original models with the luxury-at-nearly-any-cost philosophy of the current Range Rover lineup, albeit at a higher cost than its competitors, starting from 178 million naira.
Unapologetically modern in every aspect, the Defender boasts a wide array of drive modes suited for various terrains and necessitates minimal compromise on the pavement, courtesy of its available air suspension that ensures a refined and supple ride. It’s available in a diverse selection of styles, ranging from the fun-loving two-door 90 model to the practical four-door 110, and even the more spacious 130 with a third row of seats, accommodating up to eight passengers in total.
The 518-hp V8 model is a powerhouse, racing to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, and there's also a newly enhanced off-road Octa model equipped with large tyres and flared fenders. It's even swifter, featuring a 626-hp twin-turbo V8 and a chassis that excels in rock crawling as adeptly as it performs over rugged desert terrain.
The 2025 Lexus GX is going head to head with the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, and both have maintained their position as the best-selling mid-size SUV in Nigeria, used by officials in the government and the public sector. Both are known for their durability and off-road capabilities, but also for their truck-like on-road demeanour and their advanced age. In 2024, we finally received an all-new GX that retains most of the good and eliminates much of the bad, with a price tag of NGN215,000,000.00 to NGN385,000,000.00 in Nigeria
All GXs are powered by a 349-hp twin-turbo V-6, working through a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with low range. Most GX variants come with a third row of seats, but the off-road specialist Overtrail versions seat only five. In the two-dozen-strong mid-size luxury SUV class, the GX is one of a small group of vehicles that balance their upscale appointments with a substantial amount of off-road capability.
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