FEMI OWOEYE
Nigeria’s Car-of-the-Year was once a predictable coronation for Japanese and Korean SUVs. Not anymore. The 2025 shortlist, Changan CS55, Jetour Dashing, and Chery Tiggo 8, signals a permanent power shift. That means, Chinese SUVs are not just knocking on the door; they’re already in the living room, rearranging the furniture.
Organized by the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA), the Auto awards, which a stakeholder described as a powerful engine for industry growth, is scheduled for Tuesday, 16th December 2025.
This year’s final showdown is not a beauty pageant. It is a fight for dominance in a market shaped by FOREX volatility, brutal road conditions, after-sales anxiety, and increasingly value-obsessed buyers.
As the D-Day approaches, as NAJA jurors warm up for decisive voting, each competitor puts forward a distinct argument. But only one will convince the jury that it isn’t just the best SUV on paper, but the one Nigeria can actually live with. Now, how does each competitor stand before the judges?
CHANGAN CS55: The Safe Money Favourite
The CS55 enters this race like a seasoned campaigner. Not the flashiest SUV on the list, it has what Nigerian buyers value most: predictability.
Why it can win:
- Proven performance on Nigerian roads
- Stronger dealer presence and relatively reliable spare-parts flow
- Reasonable fuel economy and lower ownership risk and
- Resale value better than most new-market challengers
The CS55’s trump card is simple. If majority of NAJA jury leans toward value, serviceability and real-world dependability, the CS55 becomes the frontrunner, even if it is not the most glamorous choice.
JETOUR DASHING: The Stylish Upset Specialist
Jetour’s Dashing lives up to its name. It is the most attention-grabbing of the trio, parading sharp lines, futuristic LED signatures and a cabin that looks like it belongs in a tech startup CEO’s driveway.
Why it can win:
- Strong design appeal and showroom presence
- Relatively reliable spare-parts flow
- High-spec turbo engines with good output
- Infotainment and safety tech that punch above price
- A fresh brand narrative the jury may want to reward
But the Dashing carries the burden of being too new. Dealer footprint is still evolving. It is the classic dark horse. If NAJA juror, however, decide 2025 is the year to reward innovation, design and audacity, the Dashing could shock the field. If the jury prioritizes long-term ownership reality, its chances drop.
CHERY TIGGO 8: The Family-Sized Heavyweight
If the competition were based on size, comfort and equipment alone, the Tiggo 8 would already have a trophy cabinet reserved. It is the most complete SUV of the three: larger, richer inside, feature-packed and more refined in long-distance driving.
Why it can win:
- 7-seater configuration gives unmatched practicality
- Stronger dealer presence and relatively reliable spare-parts flow
- Stronger engines and solid ride comfort
- Premium-leaning cabin and advanced safety equipment
The Tiggo 8 appeals to the family man, fleet buyer and inter-city commuter all at once. However, its potential weakness include higher running cost and bigger price tag, which may cause jurors to weigh value more cautiously. Still, if majority of the juror prioritize space, refinement, and overall capability, the Tiggo 8 becomes the strongest technical contender.
The Likely Winner, And Why
Of course, the NAJA jury traditionally rewards vehicles that combine real-world durability, affordability, service access and widespread acceptance.
However, barring a surprise, the contest comes down to a number of philosophies:
Practical Nigeria: If based on rewarding the SUV with the best balance of affordability, durability, and after-sales confidence CS55 leads.
Aspirational Nigeria: Reward the SUV that elevates design, technology and modern appeal, Dashing becomes the wild-card challenger.
Capability Nigeria: Reward the SUV with the most complete package and strongest all-round performance, Tiggo 8 takes the crown.
Fuel Economy / Running Costs: Most frugal of the three is the CS55, which covers 100 kilometers with about 6.5L. While the Dashing and Tigo covers the same distance with about, 6.93L and 7.8L respectively
For buyers in Nigeria, where fuel and running costs are significant, a more efficient SUV may hold a strong advantage.
Ride Comfort & Road Manners: The larger body and suspension design of Tiggo 8 give it an edge when it comes to comfort over longer journeys or uneven roads, relevant in Nigeria’s varied road conditions.
CS55 and Dashing remain competitive for typical city or moderate-distance driving; their smaller size may also help with maneuverability in traffic.
What Motoring World’s Scorecard Suggests
If your priorities are low running cost, resale stability and lower ownership risk, especially for urban usage in Lagos or similar cities, CS55 remains the most balanced, “safe-money” option.
If you are looking for maximum cabin/space comfort, long-distance capability, and a family-sized SUV, Tiggo 8 stands out, especially on practicality and ride quality.
Jetour Dashing has the strongest appeal, if you value fresh styling, decent performance, and a modern feel.
Notwithstanding Motoring World’s analysis, since each nominated car comes with its strength and weakness, winner of the 2025 Car of the Year shall be determined by the preference of majority of the NAJA jurors, who are made up of motoring journalists from the nation’s leading print, broadcast and digital media.
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