It’s known as one of Southern Africa’s most memorable high-altitude journeys, climbing to over 2 800 metres above sea level and rising by more than 1 300 metres between South Africa and Lesotho. Combine this with dramatic hairpin bends, gradients that see vehicles climb one metre for every three metres travelled, along with snow and rain, and you get quite the road trip.
This is exactly what an expedition team behind the wheel of three Jetour T2 Odysseys did last week up Sani Pass, as part of the Beyond Borders showcase, capturing footage that demonstrates the SUV’s capabilities.
While the powerful late-winter cold front that swept across KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho wasn’t part of the original plan, the Jetour T2 more than proved its ability amidst bitterly cold temperatures, slippery mountain roads, rain and snow.
The black Jetour T2s made for dramatic images at the top of Sani Pass, where the expedition team remained for three days after heavy snowfall temporarily closed the pass and covered the surrounding landscape in a blanket of white.
Features of the Jetour T2 Odyssey put to the test on the descent of Sani Pass included crawl control, which works with the intelligent XWD system to distribute power between the front and rear wheels for enhanced traction while maintaining a slow, controlled speed.
Its hill descent control system helped the Jetour T2s negotiate steep descents safely and steadily, while a rear differential lock and generous ground clearance enhanced its capability across the rough and uneven terrain. Varied driving modes including Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock also assisted the vehicles to respond to the steep gradients, loose gravel, exposed rock and uneven terrain.
Priced at R679 900, this top of the range Jetour T2 Odyssey comes with the best of Jetour’s luxury and technology capabilities, including a 4WD system and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a maximum output of 180kW at 5 500rpm and a top speed of 180km/h.
The Jetour T2 is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-collision warning and rollover mitigation, auto-hold assist, rear parking sensors and a 540-degree panoramic camera system.
With several accolades already to its name, including the 2026 South African Car of the Year and Best Sport Crossover SUV at Egypt’s Car of the Year 2026, this Sani Pass expedition once again demonstrated the Jetour T2 Odyssey’s capabilities and versatility.
