2025 Geely Okavango – The affordable family hauler

We sort of had an idea of what to expect when we drove the Geely Okavango. You see, we’re no strangers to Geely here at Karsabi, having reviewed several of their other cars before. The brand has established a clear formula—modern design, a tech-rich and comfortable interior, and a smooth driving experience. Geely has consistently delivered on these qualities, striking a balance between affordability and refinement. Given their track record, we expect future models to continue this trend, offering stylish, well-equipped, and budget-friendly vehicles.

First impressions

Geely knocked it out of the park with this color choice. The bold blue color looks amazing and very premium especially in the sunlight. Up front, the large grille makes a strong first impression, while the futuristic headlights add a sleek, high-tech touch. It’s clear that Geely has put effort into making this SUV look both confident and contemporary.

Step inside, and the space is the first thing that stands out. With seating for seven, the Okavango feels roomy and comfortable, making it a great option for families or anyone who needs extra space. The layout is practical and well thought out, ensuring that even passengers in the third row get a decent amount of room.

The Exterior

The 2025 Geely Okavango has a bold yet practical design that stands out. Its large front grille gives it a strong presence, while the sleek LED headlights add a futuristic touch. The sculpted hood and sharp side lines give it a sporty yet refined look, making it fit well in both city streets and highways.

From the side, the Okavango has a well-balanced shape with high ground clearance and large alloy wheels, enhancing its SUV appeal. Subtle chrome accents and a floating roof design add a touch of sophistication. At the rear, slim LED taillights wrap neatly around the sides, giving it a clean and modern finish. A small roof spoiler and a streamlined bumper complete the stylish yet functional look.

The Interior

We were impressed with the interior of the 2025 Geely Okavango. The seats were comfortable, and the choice of materials and colors gave the cabin a premium feel. The large central head unit was fast and responsive. However, since many of the car’s functions are controlled through the touchscreen, there was a learning curve in navigating some settings. For instance, accessing the camera menu required multiple taps, which could be more intuitive.

The fully digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel adds to the modern feel of the cabin. It offers customizable displays, allowing drivers to access key information such as fuel consumption, mileage, and more. The layout is clear, easy to read, and simple to adjust, making it both practical and visually appealing.

The Okavango also comes with 4 cup-holders in the front, which we greatly appreciated on our long test-drive

The driving experience

The 2025 Geely Okavango delivers a driving experience in line with Geely’s reputation for comfort and refinement. The well-cushioned driver’s seat ensures a relaxed ride, while the suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections for a smooth journey. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission, enabling quick and seamless gear changes. Road noise is also well-controlled, keeping the cabin quiet even at highway speeds, which adds to the overall comfort.

The Okavango offers three drive modes—Eco, Comfort, and Sport—though the differences between them feel subtle. While the feature is a nice addition, it doesn’t significantly alter the driving dynamics enough to justify a dedicated switch.

A standout aspect of the driving experience is the turbo’s responsiveness. It engages quickly when extra power is needed, delivering a noticeable boost without hesitation. The subtle turbo whine further enhances the experience, adding a slight sporty edge to what is otherwise a smooth and composed SUV.

Conclusion

The 2025 Geely Okavango continues to build on the brand’s strengths, offering a stylish design, a well-appointed interior, and a smooth driving experience. Its bold exterior, spacious cabin, and tech-forward features make it a strong contender in the seven-seater SUV segment. On the road, the Okavango delivers a comfortable ride with a responsive turbocharged engine and well-insulated cabin, making it a solid choice for daily commutes and long drives alike. The Price for the Geely Okavango is around AED 99,500 for the GK variant and around AED 106,000 for the GF variant (which is the one we tested).

Overall, it’s a well-rounded SUV that blends practicality with a touch of sophistication. For those seeking an affordable yet premium-feeling seven-seater, the Okavango proves that Geely remains committed to delivering value-packed, stylish, and comfortable vehicles. Read more about the Geely Okavango