Let’s say that you’re eyeing a seven-seater car, but don’t want to end up in a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

You also aren’t keen on spending boatloads of money on a large, pick-up-based sport-utility vehicle (SUV). Where shall you go?

Well, the 2023 Geely Okavango presents itself as a viable alternative to regular SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. But there’s a new kid in town – and it’s out for the Okavango’s slice of the pie.

The 2023 Jetour X70 Plus is the top-of-the-line model in the X70 range. Aside from being stuffed to the roofliner with bells and whistles, it undercuts the Okavango by a considerable amount.

And so for today’s Spec Showdown, it’s a battle of the Chinese seven-seat crossovers: the Jetour X70 Plus and the top-spec Geely Okavango Urban Plus.

Fetching or plain?

Dimensionally speaking, the larger Okavango is the more capable hauler, but Jetour Auto Philippines itself chose the Geely as its target.

Although both crossovers feature low and flat floors, the palatial interior volume of the Okavango means that it can carry seven passengers or vast amounts of cargo with more ease.

However, if you only need the third row occasionally, the X70 Plus makes up by having a more plush interior than the Geely.

Looks-wise, the rather anonymous styling of the Okavango is a stark contrast to the chrome and glitz of the X70 Plus.

More toys in the Jetour

Speaking of the cabins, it’s a choice between having plenty of space or more equipment.

Although the specifications of the Philippine-market X70 Plus have not yet been released, it is expected to go for the jugular with its two-tone cabin, integrated digital gauges and infotainment system and its floating center console.

Meanwhile, although the Okavango Urban Plus has good equipment levels, it possesses neither the styling nor the toys of the X70 Plus or its SUV rivals.

Geely outguns Jetour

Pop the hood and it all looks like a fair fight.

Both crossovers get a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, with the bonus of a mild-hybrid system for the Okavango. 

However, if we look at the numbers, the Geely will outgun the Jetour fair and square. 

But what's going for the Jetour is its compelling 10-year engine warranty. And this could seal the deal for many who are after some form of long-term peace of mind with their brand new car purchase. 

Considerable safety gap

The Okavango Urban Plus features plenty of safety gear to keep its occupants secure in a collision.

But the X70 Plus, at least in other markets, is available with active-safety features that can avoid road crashes in the first place. Here’s hoping that Jetour Auto Philippines includes these in the local model.

A matter of priorities

This seems like a simple showdown – buy the Jetour if you want more panache or buy the Geely if you want more space and performance.

But there’s also the matter of price. The X70 Plus is only ₱1,499,000, which is considerably cheaper than the Okavango Urban Plus at ₱1,765,000.

In effect, the Jetour X70 Plus occupies a spot in the market in between top-spec MPVs and entry-level SUVs.

Only time will tell if this pricing strategy will work out for the fledgling Chinese brand.  Although, Jetour does offer an industry-leading six-year, unlimited-mileage warranty for the X70 Plus.

Which of these seven-seat crossovers would you go for?

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