A pretender no longer.
WHY THIS?
There comes a point where a car brand stops being "the Chinese alternative" and simply becomes another option on the shopping list. Haval reached that point a while ago. Between strong sales, a growing dealer network and a product range that keeps improving, the company has earned a seat at the table alongside the traditional players. The H6 is one of the big reasons why.
With a family SUV buyers want space, technology and comfort, but they also want value. The H6 arrives with enough features to embarrass some premium brands while costing considerably less. And with the uptick in quality and brand value, it’s becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
OUTSIDE
It’s not an easy time to be an SUV, even when you’re attractive and affordable. The problem is squarity. Squareness? Cubism? Rectanglitude? The problem is cars like the GWM Tank 300 (one of our favourites), the Jetour T2 (recently crowned South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2026), the iCaur 03T and V23, BAIC B30 and more. These all-angle clones of the Land Rover Defender or Suzuki Jimny have caught the buyers’ eye and cash. The result is that it’s harder than ever to stand out and get bought, particularly for a curvier car.
The Haval H6 is not one of these unrounded vehicles – it is a conservatively styled family SUV where the flash grille does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to making an impression. That said, it has got new 19-inch alloy wheels, svelte and sculpted lines and fancy LED lights front and rear.
INSIDE
Size wise, the H6 measures up to the Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage class, which means loads of usable space for occupants and belongings. Something to note, though, is that the hybrid’s boot is smaller than the petrol version, to fit in the batteries etc.
The only downside is that Haval has embraced the modern trend of hiding functions within screens. Most of the time it works well enough, but some tasks take more attention than a simple button press would require.
SAFETY
These days you are almost guaranteed that Chinese cars are jampacked with all the active safety systems around. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition are all included in the H6, along with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Particularly useful is the 540-degree camera system, which allows you to see not only around the vehicle but effectively underneath it as well. It sounds gimmicky until you're trying to avoid a rock, kerb or pothole.
The result is a vehicle that feels determined to keep its occupants out of trouble, something reinforced by its 5-Star ANCAP safety rating.
DRIVING
The H6 we drove was the 2-litre turbocharged petrol version, producing 170kW and 380Nm and paired with a 9-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox that is so smooth and responsive – it really is a pleasure. The combination was excellent, sporty when you demand it and relaxed when you need it. Unfortunately the fuel economy wasn’t great, and we averaged 10.2L/100km as opposed to the claimed 8.3L/100km. There is a HEV (hybrid) model that does much better in this regard with a claimed 5.2L/100km.
The ride quality and handling are excellent, and the all-wheel-drive model that we had also featured selectable drive modes including Standard, Sport, Eco, Sand and Snow, and Intelligent 4WD Torque Distribution. This makes the vehicle more usable when there’s not a lot of traction, in the wet or on dirt roads.
BEST BIT
The value proposition. You climb into the H6, look around at the materials, screens and equipment levels, and then remember what it costs. That's when the appeal becomes obvious.
There are very few vehicles offering this much metal, technology and comfort for the money. The performance is also exceptional for the money, as is the after-sales value.
WORST BIT
The driver assistance systems. They mean well, but some of them are simply too intrusive. Fortunately many can be adjusted, although you'll likely find yourself repeating the process after certain restarts.
FINAL WORD
The H6 is spacious, comfortable, well equipped and genuinely pleasant to live with. More importantly, it no longer relies solely on value to make its case. Even if it cost a little more, it would still be a competitive family SUV.
If you're shopping in the Corolla Cross, Tucson or Sportage segment and you don't test drive the H6, you're not doing your homework properly.
GO GET IT
The Haval H6 range starts from around R495 500 and extends to R686 500 for the Hybrid, while the H6 Ultra Luxury model we drove cost R614 500. There is also a plug-in hybrid model range that is priced from R700 000 to R750 000. All models come with a 7-year/200 000km warranty and a 7-year/75 000km service plan, and the hybrids have an 8-Year/150 000 km Battery Warranty too. Visit www.gwm.co.za for more information.
Haval H6 FAQs
How much does the Haval H6 cost?
The Haval H6 range starts at around R495 500. The H6 Ultra Luxury AWD tested here costs R614 500, while the hybrid is priced at R686 500. Plug-in hybrid models range from approximately R700 000 to R750 000.
What engine does the Haval H6 2.0 AWD have?
It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 170 kW and 380 Nm. Power is sent through a smooth and responsive nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Is the Haval H6 fuel-efficient?
The claimed fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre petrol model is 8.3 L/100 km, although we averaged 10.2 L/100 km during our test. Buyers prioritising fuel economy may prefer the hybrid, which has a claimed consumption figure of 5.2 L/100 km.
Is the Haval H6 available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2.0 AWD model includes intelligent four-wheel-drive torque distribution and selectable driving modes for Standard, Sport, Eco, Sand and Snow. This gives it added confidence on wet roads, gravel and loose surfaces.
Is the Haval H6 a good family SUV?
Yes. It offers generous passenger space, a large boot, a comfortable ride and plenty of standard technology. It is similar in size to rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, although the hybrid has slightly less luggage space due to its battery pack.
What safety features does the Haval H6 have?
The H6 includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition. It also has a 540-degree camera system and carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
What warranty does the Haval H6 come with?
The H6 is covered by a seven-year/200 000 km warranty and a seven-year/75 000 km service plan. Hybrid models also receive an eight-year/150 000 km battery warranty.
Is the Haval H6 worth buying?
The H6 offers strong performance, excellent equipment levels, generous space and competitive after-sales cover for the price. It deserves serious consideration alongside established family SUVs such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
