The 2025 Geely Okavango represents the latest evolution of Geely’s practical, family-focused 7-seater SUV. Known in China as the Geely Haoyue, the Okavango blends contemporary design, generous space, and competitive pricing, positioning itself as a smart choice for large families and SUV enthusiasts looking for premium features without a luxury price tag.
As global demand for versatile, value-packed SUVs grows, the 2025 Okavango stands out for its balance of technology, comfort, and efficiency. This review explores everything you need to know from specs and performance to pricing, pros, and buying considerations.
Table of Contents
Model Background & Market Context
Origin and Naming
The Geely Okavango shares its DNA with the Geely Haoyue (VX11), which first debuted in 2020 as a large, three-row crossover. Outside China, Geely markets it under the Okavango name, with production localized for regions such as the Philippines, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
The model is part of Geely’s broader strategy to expand globally by offering competitively priced SUVs with premium technology. For 2025, it receives minor design updates and technology refinements while retaining its core strengths: spaciousness, practicality, and safety.
Segment, Competitors, and Target Buyers
The Okavango sits in the midsize SUV segment, competing directly with models like the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Toyota Fortuner. Its seven-seat flexibility and hybrid options make it attractive to families, company car buyers, and urban drivers needing both space and efficiency.
Exterior & Design
The 2025 Okavango continues Geely’s “Expansive Cosmos” design language, presenting a bold and premium aesthetic. The large front grille with metallic accents, flanked by slim LED headlights, gives the SUV an assertive stance.
- Dimensions: 4,835 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,786 mm tall, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase.
- Lighting: Full LED headlights, daytime running lights, and dynamic rear LED clusters.
- Exterior Features: Panoramic sunroof, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a power tailgate in higher trims.
The overall design emphasizes balance and presence rather than aggression. Practicality also plays a big role — with wide door openings, good ground clearance, and easy ingress for all three rows.
Interior, Comfort & Technology
Cabin Layout & Seating
Inside, the Okavango impresses with three rows of seating and remarkable flexibility. Geely advertises 32 seating configurations, meaning the cabin can be adapted for passengers or cargo as needed. Folding the second and third rows completely flat creates a 2.2-meter-long cargo space, enough to fit bikes, camping gear, or even a mattress.
Passengers in all rows benefit from generous headroom and legroom, while large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhance the sense of space.
Materials, Ergonomics & Comfort
Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces, and the dashboard adopts a clean, horizontal design. The front seats offer electric adjustment, lumbar support, and available ventilation in top trims. Dual-zone climate control ensures balanced temperature across all rows, with rear air vents and independent fan control for third-row passengers.
Infotainment, Driver Assistance & Safety
The 12.3-inch touchscreen houses Geely’s in-house infotainment system, compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Wireless phone charging, multiple USB ports, and voice commands add to convenience.
Safety and driver assistance technology is comprehensive:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
- 360° Surround View Camera
- Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Six airbags, high-strength steel construction, and ISOFIX mounts further ensure family safety.
Powertrain, Performance & Efficiency
Engine and Drivetrain Options
The 2025 Geely Okavango offers two primary engine configurations, depending on market:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid (48V EMS) producing 190 PS and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
- 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder generating around 215 HP and 325 Nm, also mated to a 7-speed DCT.
Both are front-wheel-drive, although some regions may receive optional all-wheel-drive versions in later model updates.
Performance & Driving Experience
Acceleration is smooth and predictable. The 2.0 TD variant can reach 100 km/h in approximately 7.9 seconds, while the 1.5 hybrid model is tuned more for efficiency and urban driving.
The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections with composure. Steering is light but accurate, ideal for city and suburban driving. Noise insulation is decent, and the cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds.
Fuel Efficiency
- 1.5 Hybrid: around 6.5 to 7.0 L/100 km combined
- 2.0 TD: approximately 7.7 L/100 km combined
These figures place the Okavango among the more efficient large SUVs in its class.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally spacious 7-seat layout | Limited brand service network in some regions |
| Refined engine and transmission pairing | No AWD in most markets |
| Good value compared to rivals | Interior materials not as premium as higher-end SUVs |
| Loaded with advanced safety features | Resale value uncertain |
Pricing, Variants & Market Availability
In most regions, the 2025 Geely Okavango is offered in three trims: Comfort, Urban, and Elite.
Approximate regional pricing:
- Philippines: PHP 1.5–1.8 million
- Oman: OMR 7,899–8,250
- UAE: AED 85,000–95,000
Each variant offers progressively more features, from manual-adjust cloth interiors in base trims to power leather seats, panoramic roof, and advanced ADAS in the Elite version.
Buyers should also consider Geely’s growing SUV lineup, such as the Geely Coolray, which caters to urban drivers wanting similar design quality in a smaller, sportier package.
Comparison with Alternatives
Geely Okavango vs Toyota Fortuner
| Feature | Geely Okavango | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Engine | 1.5L hybrid / 2.0L turbo | 2.4L / 2.8L diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.0 L/100 km | 9.5 L/100 km |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
While the Fortuner wins in off-road durability, the Okavango offers better refinement, comfort, and tech for the price.
Geely Okavango vs Chery Tiggo 8 Pro
Both offer similar engine power and hybrid tech, but the Okavango’s cabin flexibility and Geely’s newer platform give it a slight advantage in practicality and smoothness.
Buying Tips & Ownership Insights
When test driving the Okavango, check for:
- Smooth transmission response during stop-and-go traffic
- Operation of ADAS systems such as lane assist and adaptive cruise
- Third-row comfort and ease of access
- After-sales service coverage in your region
Routine maintenance costs are generally affordable compared to Japanese rivals, though parts availability may vary outside core Geely markets. Owners report solid reliability over time when properly maintained.
FAQs
1. What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Geely Okavango?
Between 6.5 and 7.7 L/100 km depending on engine and driving conditions.
2. Does it offer all-wheel drive?
Most markets only receive front-wheel drive, though AWD versions may appear in select regions later.
3. How many seats does it have?
Seven seats in total, with flexible folding and up to 2.2 m of flat cargo length.
4. What is the warranty coverage?
Typically 5 years or 150,000 km (varies by market).
5. How does the mild-hybrid system work?
It uses a 48V electric motor to assist acceleration, reduce turbo lag, and improve efficiency.
Conclusion
The Geely Okavango 2025 demonstrates how far the brand has come in refining comfort, practicality, and performance. It’s not just a large SUV it’s a balanced family hauler with thoughtful engineering and standout value.
For families wanting space and safety at a reasonable price, the Okavango delivers impressive results. While service accessibility may still vary by market, its overall package rivals mainstream Japanese models at a lower cost, making it one of the smarter seven-seater choices of 2025.
