2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV review
The updated GWM Haval H6 Ultra HEV has landed in Australia, bringing a significant upgrade to the popular mid-size SUV.
GWM first launched the Haval H6 HEV – the hybrid electric version – in 2022, at a time when the market was hungry for fuel-efficient, family-sized SUVs.
Since then, times have changed, and GWM believes this refreshed model fills a new gap in an increasingly competitive market.
Prices for the H6 hybrid start from $40,990 drive-away – about $5000 less than the equivalent Toyota RAV4.
Our test car, the Ultra, is a little more expensive at around $43,990 drive-away.
Under the hood, the H6 Ultra pairs a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined 179kW of power and 530 Nm of torque to the front wheels.
That's a lot of power – almost 20kW more than the Toyota.
It can feel like too much in damp conditions, when the front tyres struggle for traction at low speed.
There are moments when you need the torque and power to manoeuvre through oncoming traffic to reach side streets. And with the immense power from the H6's hybrid engine, you may find yourself second-guessing whether wheelspin will occur.
Off the line, there's a noticeable lag before the instant torque kicks in from the front electric motor.
Another issue was the brake pedal.
Braking feels inconsistent, making it tricky to modulate gently in stop-start conditions as the car juggles conventional mechanical braking with electric regeneration.
That said, it is extremely impressive in terms of fuel consumption at 5.2L/100km, providing a range of over 1,000 km.
Packed with practical and premium touches, it comes with LED headlights, 19-inch alloys, keyless entry, a hands-free boot, and a panoramic sunroof.
Inside, the H6 Ultra feels polished and practical.
The dashboard is anchored by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a new, larger 14.6-inch infotainment screen (up from 12.3 inches), both of which are clear and easy to use.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all supported, which is always a plus.
A new column-mounted electronic gear selector frees up space on the centre console, making room for additional storage and easier access to the 50W wireless phone charger.
The heated steering wheel has received a thicker upgrade along with newly sculpted indentations at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, which improve comfort and stability.
The seats are trimmed in 'Comfort-Tek' faux leather and offer heated and ventilated options as standard for the Ultra trim.
Although the second row doesn't offer ventilated seats, it still provides comfortable seating for both adults and children, with ample legroom to spare.
Storage needs are well covered with over 30 different storage spaces available throughout the vehicle, including plenty of stowage space in the front.
Safety also hasn't been overlooked in this family-friendly SUV.
The Haval H6 comes loaded with smart features to keep you and your passengers protected.
Key safety features include a 360 degrees surround view camera and a 180 degrees transparent chassis view.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with junction assist actively monitors for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead, providing warnings and applying brakes if necessary.
Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning effectively keep the vehicle centred and alert the driver to unintentional lane drifts.
Rear parking sensors are standard, while front parking sensors are only available on the Ultra trims.
It comes with a seven-year new car warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.
The GWM Haval H6 HEV presents itself as a smart, well-equipped and affordable option for Australian drivers wanting a modern hybrid SUV.
It ticks plenty of boxes with premium features, loads of safety tech, and outstanding efficiency, all at a well-valued price.
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