Review - 2023 GWM Haval H6

There’s good reason for this, too, considering the Haval H6 has been designed very specifically to undercut its major rivals while over-delivering on things like its features list, while offering a new hybrid option for fuel-conscious buyers.

The big question remaining, though, is what sacrifices are families making by swapping over to the GWM’s SUV over its more established rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

GWM Haval H6 Competition

Starting Price: $33,990 drive-away

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How Much Does It Cost?

The H6 range kicks off from $33,990 drive-away for the H6 Premium, while the H6 Lux is priced at $36,990 and the H6 Ultra is priced at $39,990 drive-away. Moving to the H6 Ultra AWD brings the price up to $42,990, while the H6 Vanta is priced at $40,990.

Finally, the range-topping H6 Hybrid is priced at $45,990 drive-away.

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GWM Haval H6 (ULTRA HYBRID) Specifications

What Features Does the Haval H6 Have?

Haval’s entry-level H6 Premium comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives LED head, tail lights with LED daytime running lamps, cloth upholstery, keyless entry & start, climate control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the H6 Lux adds LED fog lights, roof rails, leatherette upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, heated front seats, roof rails and a set of front parking sensors.

The H6 Ultra comes packing 19-inch alloys as well as a powered boot lift, ambient lighting, head-up display, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, panoramic sunroof, heated & ventilated seats, a wireless charging pad, heated steering wheel and upgraded safety equipment lists.

Finally, the limited edition H6 Vanta comes fitted with a black grille and black 19-inch alloys.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys 

• LED head & tail lights with LED daytime running lamps 

• Cloth upholstery 

• Climate control 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 

• Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors 

• 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Leatherette upholstery with leather steering wheel (Lux) 

• Roof rails (Lux) 

• Surround-view camera (Lux) 

• Adaptive cruise control (Lux) 

• 19-inch alloys (Ultra)

•  Powered boot lift (Ultra) 

• Panoramic sunroof (Ultra) 

• 12.3-inch infotainment display (Ultra)  

Is the Haval H6 Comfortable to Drive?

While GWM has done its absolute best to catch up with its major rivals, there is a noticeable gap when it comes to driving dynamics and all-round comfort inside the H6.

Having said that, the platform is relatively smooth and stable at speeds, and makes for an incredibly user-friendly drive around town.

Power for the H6 range comes supplied by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque, which are quite impressive outputs for the price point, and require upgrading to higher-spec rivals to match them on paper.

Opt for the H6 Hybrid and you get even more power, with the addition of an electric motor in the mix bringing power outputs to a very healthy 179kW and exceptional 530Nm of torque.

Power is thrown to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that offers fast shifts when it’s in the groove, but is prone - like most DCTs - to lurch at lower speeds.

Around town, the H6 feels confident and agile, with relatively effortless acceleration off the line thanks to its generous power figures, while the H6 Hybrid feels super perky while picking up speed.

The steering wheel is so lightweight that at times, can feel devoid of feedback at speed, though this also translates to some seriously user-friendly parking and low-speed turns through the urban jungle.

Pick up the pace and leave the smooth city streets and the gap between the H6 and its main rivals comes to the forefront.

While the suspension feels smooth around town, when tested on some country roads the H6 platform lacks the versatility of its competitors, and starts to roll through corners while struggling to iron out bumps on the road.

All up, though, the H6 isn’t embarrassed by its rivals - far from it. In fact, GWM’s development of the H6 is super impressive when it comes to narrowing the gap to the established leaders.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel economy figures for the H6 range stand at 7.4L per 100km for front-wheel drive variants, while the H6 AWD range is rated at 8.3L per 100km on a combined cycle.

If fuel efficiency is a key priority for your next midsize SUV, you’ll want to opt for the Haval H6 Hybrid which is rated at 5.2L per 100km on a combined cycle and gives major rivals like the RAV4 Hybrid a run for their money when it comes to sipping fuel.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

With so much competition out there, midsize SUVs need to perform when it comes to interior space and practicality, which we can confirm GWM has done a great job with the H6.

First impressions of the H6’s layout is the surprisingly refined nature of the cabin, which picks up some swooping lines across the dashboard and a heap of tech, even in the base model.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are separated by a chunky centre console that houses a couple of storage areas that double as cup holders, as well as some added storage inside the folding armrest and super large door bins on either side of the cabin.

Better yet, there’s another layer of storage underneath the centre console in a design borrowed from larger SUVs and electric vehicles that can swallow up small bags and loose items.

Base models feature a handful of cheaper interior trim pieces, though the company has done well to ensure the important touch points come packing some soft-touch finishes to keep arms and elbows comfortable.

Move to the rear of the cabin and there’s more than enough space for adults to get comfortable on long journeys, meaning you won’t hear any complaints from kids who pick up a set of air vents and a folding armrest.

With easy access into the second row, the H6 can accommodate a pair of child seats thanks to the pair of ISOFIX anchors and trio of top tether mounts, while the boot measures in at a very healthy 600L - expanding to 1485L with the second row folded.

All up, the H6 offers one of the most spacious and practical interior layouts in the midsize SUV segment which helps to claw back any points lost from the driving experience.

Is it Safe?

The Haval H6 has picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 90% for adult protection, 88% for child protection, 74% for pedestrian protection and 81% for safety assist.

As standard, the H6 range is fitted with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist with lane-departure alerts, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and curtain airbags.

Stepping up to the H6 Lux adds adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.

Our Verdict: Is The Haval H6 Worth it?

The Haval H6 is a surprisingly good package when you consider the accessible asking prices, extremely practical interior layout and the company’s generous features lists.

While it lacks the all-round refinement of its major rivals, the H6 is clawing back fast against its main competitors and remains one of the best value SUV packages on the market.

If you’re searching for a midsize SUV that ticks all your boxes, be sure to reach out to one of our automotive specialists who can help find you the best possible price on your next car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

3. Two engines available with choice of FWD and AWD

4. 7.4 - 8.3L/100km fuel economy drops to 5.2L in H6 Hybrid 

5. 600L boot expands to 1485L with second-row folded