Snow, rain and steep switchbacks: the Jetour T2 Odyssey takes on Sani Pass

Quick Facts

• Three Jetour T2 Odysseys tackled Sani Pass as part of the Beyond Borders showcase, climbing to over 2,800 metres above sea level.
• A late-winter cold front brought rain and heavy snow, temporarily closing the pass and keeping the expedition team at the summit for three days.
• The top-of-the-range Jetour T2 Odyssey is priced at R679,900 and features a 4WD system, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 180 kW of power.

Sani Pass is one of Southern Africa’s most memorable high-altitude drives. The route between South Africa and Lesotho climbs to over 2,800 metres above sea level, gaining more than 1,300 metres in altitude along the way. Add tight hairpin bends, gradients where vehicles climb one metre for every three metres travelled, and a dose of snow and rain, and you have a serious test for any SUV.

That is exactly what an expedition team faced when they took three Jetour T2 Odysseys up the pass as part of the Beyond Borders showcase, capturing footage of the SUV in action.

The powerful late-winter cold front that swept across KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho was not part of the original itinerary. Even so, the T2 handled bitterly cold temperatures, slippery mountain roads, rain and snow with confidence.

Heavy snowfall temporarily closed the pass, leaving the team at the summit for three days. The black T2s made for striking images against a landscape blanketed in white.

The descent put several of the T2 Odyssey’s off-road systems to work. Crawl control teamed up with the intelligent XWD system to distribute power between the front and rear wheels, improving traction while holding a slow, steady pace.

Hill descent control helped the SUVs manage steep downhill sections safely and smoothly, while a rear differential lock and generous ground clearance added capability over rough, uneven ground. The T2’s selectable driving modes, which include Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock, helped the vehicles adapt to steep gradients, loose gravel and exposed rock.

Priced at R679,900, the T2 Odyssey sits at the top of the range and brings together the best of Jetour’s luxury and technology. It pairs a 4WD system with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, producing a maximum output of 180 kW at 5,500 rpm, with a top speed of 180 km/h.

Safety is well covered too. The T2 comes equipped with six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-collision warning, rollover mitigation, auto-hold assist, rear parking sensors and a 540-degree panoramic camera system.

The T2 already has several accolades to its name, including the 2026 South African Car of the Year title and Best Sport Crossover SUV at Egypt’s Car of the Year 2026. The Sani Pass expedition added real-world proof of its capability and versatility in some of the region’s toughest conditions.

If the T2 Odyssey has you planning your next road trip, get in touch today to book a test drive and secure yours.