2025 GWM Haval H6 review

Perth Now

5 days ago

GWM is a brand on the rise in Australia, and the Haval H6 has played an instrumental role in its success. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
The cheap and mostly cheerful mid-size SUV first arrived in 2021 and has since become a sales darling. GWM has shifted more 35,000 examples since launch and that number is set to rise quickly with the introduction of this – the refreshed Haval H6.
Updated styling, new tech, a more powerful petrol engine, and new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants headline the changes for 2025. Pricing remains competitive, too.
There's just one problem – the Haval H6 may be a growing fish, but it's swimming in a very, very big pond. Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia, where the segment is jam-packed with family favourites including the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, as well as cheaper challengers like the Chery Tiggo 7 and MG HS.
Does the upgraded Haval H6 have what it takes to stand out from the crowd? We put the Ultra Hybrid to the test to find out.
GWM has trimmed Haval H6 prices across the board, although the base price has actually risen by $2000 due to the axing of the entry-level Premium grades. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
The now entry-level Lux is $1000 cheaper than before, though GWM is continuing to offer stock of the pre-update Lux at $3000 off.
Likewise, the Lux Hybrid is now $1500 cheaper than before, but $3000 more expensive if you consider runout offers.
Our test vehicle for this review is the Ultra Hybrid, which slots in below both new plug-in hybrid versions of the H6.
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The interior of the updated Haval H6 is an example of evolution, rather than revolution. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
The gear selector has been moved to the steering column, while a new 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen replaces the old 10.25- and 12.3-inch units. There's a thicker steering wheel with sculpted indentations at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, while our tester presented in the new optional cream interior colour scheme.
All the aforementioned tweaks add value to the space, although most buyers would be wise to stay away from the bright yet easily dirtied cream interior.
Measuring in at 14.6 inches, the centre infotainment screen is bigger and certainly better, but not without flaws. Despite featuring GWM's latest-generation operating system, the screen sometimes takes a while to boot up after starting the vehicle, and upsizing the display also seems to have had a negative impact on the sharpness of the graphics.
The integration of wireless smartphone mirroring is convenient, yet I found wireless CarPlay to be less responsive than other native screen functions. At least CarPlay takes up the full screen – it's rare to experience nearly 15 inches worth of iPhone projection at this price point. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Staying connected is also made easier by the relocation of the wireless phone charger to a more accessible location. The charger itself has been upgraded from 15W to 50W, and an additional pair of USB-A outlets can be found underneath the central bridge.
If you prefer to disconnect while driving, the native system offers all the basics in a user-friendly package. A selection of handy shortcuts to key functions are pinned to the right side of the screen, although they disappear if you delve into Apple CarPlay. A separate set of 'quick keys' can be accessed by swiping down on the screen at any time.
Unless you trust GWM's voice control system, you'll need to learn all these little tricks, as the Haval H6 remains devoid of physical switchgear bar a single strip of climate control buttons below the centre screen. Tech-driven minimalism is all the rage right now, and GWM continues to drive that trend for better or worse.
The digital instrument cluster remains a 10.25-inch unit, but features a new visual layout previously seen in GWM's Tank models. It's slick, but lacking configurability, and the only way to cycle through data readouts is by using steering wheel buttons that double as volume controls… confusing, right? 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
A head-up display rounds out the tech suite, which is a generous one compared to many rivals, all things considered.
So, the tech gets a cautious tick, but what about the rest of the cabin? Our most recent review of the Haval H6 Hybrid complained about a lack of front seat comfort, and that's an issue that persists with this updated version.
A pair of uncomfortable, unsupportive front seats let down the interior, compromising the driving experience. The base cushion is too flat, too slippery, and needs more in the way of thigh support, while lateral bolstering is another point of weakness.
I don't think I've ever had so many complaints about a seat, and these issues undermine the inclusion of premium extras like seat heating and full electric adjustment. The pews are trimmed in a mix of perforated and smooth leatherette, the latter of which coats a host of interior surfaces, not limited to portions of the dash, door cards, and centre console. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Indeed, a significant portion of the interior panels are finished in soft-touch materials, giving the Haval H6 a more premium feel.
It also has rivals covered in the cabin storage department. GWM has extracted every inch of practicality possible out of this package, and you'll never fail to find a free nook or cranny. The door bins are huge, as is the centre console, and there's a generous tray around your ankles for loose mobile devices.
Moving back to the second row, space remains a key selling point. This is a proper family SUV, with enough leg-, toe, and headroom for taller adults. Even the middle seat is relatively usable by segment standards, as there's no nasty hump in the floor.
And, unlike the front row, the seats back here are relatively welcoming. Everything about the rear bench is soft and agreeable, great for long road trips. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
In this Ultra example, a panoramic sunroof fills the cabin with natural light, and the side windows offer plenty of outward visibility for nervous or curious passengers. Amenities in the second row include a pair of USB outlets (both varieties), map pockets, door bins, and a centre armrest with integrated cupholders.
If cargo capacity is more of a priority, then the rear bench folds completely flat to increase boot space from 560 litres to 1445L.
Even with both rows of seating in use, there's plenty of room to stash your stuff. A hands-free powered tailgate is standard on all variants bar the base petrol Lux. However, a spare wheel is absent, instead replaced by a tyre repair kit. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
There are now petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains on offer. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
ABOVE: Hybrid
You can no longer get all-wheel drive with the petrol engine, though the petrol engine has received a bump in outputs of 20kW and 60Nm, to totals of 170kW and 380Nm. It has also swapped its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in favour of a nine-speed unit.
The hybrid is unchanged, while there are new front- and all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid variants offering up to 106km of electric-only range.
Over a week of urban testing, our hybrid tester consumed an average of 7.0 litres per 100km.
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
There's no mistaking that this Haval H6 is a hybrid. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
It slinks away silently in EV mode, emitting only a faint whir at low speeds. The steering feels light and natural, while the elevated driving position offers excellent visibility out the front windscreen and side windows.
So far, so good. But it didn't take long for a problem to present itself – the indicator stalk. Annoyingly, it doesn't physically lock into place for a full signal, making it hard to distinguish between indicator modes. As such, I often found myself trying to cancel a right signal only to accidentally indicate left. It's an unnecessary nuisance that quickly grows frustrating during day-to-day driving.
Then there's the throttle mapping. Although the H6 is a proper hybrid with punchy specs on paper, real-world performance is mixed.
From a standstill, it struggles to put its power down effectively. It's all too easy to spin the front wheels if you apply any more than moderate pressure to the throttle pedal, which undermines both performance and safety. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Once you're moving, however, acceleration is brisk and much more predictable. Indeed, if speed was measured solely on rolling acceleration, the Haval H6 would best most traditional hybrid SUVs.
The dedicated hybrid transmission works well, with a seamless transition between electric and petrol power.
That interplay between the power sources also renders the Haval H6 Hybrid an efficient option in the market. GWM claims it'll sip an average of 5.2 litres per 100km, and we achieved 7.0L/100km over a week of mostly urban driving. Sure, a RAV4 will be slightly more frugal, but it also doesn't pack the same punch.
Beyond efficiency, you get up to 1000km driving range courtesy of a generous 61L fuel tank. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Compared to cheaper alternatives, this Haval H6 Hybrid rides firmer and feels more controlled, and that's a good thing. It's not overly floaty over undulating tarmac, instead remaining relatively flat while soaking up harsh impacts.
That's not to say this is a sporty vehicle – far from it – but it strikes the right balance between comfort and composure for daily driving.
The Haval H6 Hybrid also feels at home on the highway, where its struggles in stop-start driving fade away. There's more than enough power under your right foot to keep up with traffic and perform high-speed overtakes, something that can't be said of all mainstream family SUVs.
Semi-autonomous driving is also possible, should you prefer a more relaxed journey. The adaptive cruise control and active lane centring systems work together harmoniously… once you figure out how to use them – it took me a moment to figure out that you need to press the 'set cruise' button twice to active assisted driving. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
As is the modern way, the Haval H6 is loaded with active driver assist systems (ADAS). For the most part, they've been executed well. The driver fatigue monitoring system worked flawlessly throughout my test, and the overspeed warning function is more tolerant than most.
However, the forward collision warning system is a little sensitive, often issuing false alarms. To counteract that, the infotainment system offers extensive configurability, allowing owners to tweak nearly every safety and assistance feature.
With that said, some settings don't persist after restarting the car, so you'll need to make those adjustments every time you drive.
All versions of the Haval H6 get high-resolution surround-view cameras, which are among the best going around. If that wasn't enough, the car will also park itself, if you're that way inclined.
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
There are two trim levels in the 2025 GWM Haval H6 lineup. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
ABOVE: Ultra Hybrid
2025 GWM Haval H6 Lux equipment highlights: 19-inch black alloy wheels
Automatic LED headlights
Automatic high-beam
Rain-sensing wipers
Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
Puddle lights
Electronic parking brake + auto hold
Hands-free power tailgate (excludes petrol Lux)
Proximity entry with push-button start
14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
DAB+ digital radio
8-speaker sound system
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Microfibre, leather-wrapped steering wheel
4-way steering column adjustment
Leatherette upholstery
6-way power driver's seat
Dual-zone climate control with rear vents
50W wireless phone charger
2 x front USB outlets
2 x rear USB outlets
2 x 12V outlets (1 x front, 1 x boot)
Cargo cover
The Ultra adds: Rear privacy glass
Panoramic sunroof
Semi-autonomous parking and reverse assist (excludes PHEV)
Head-up display
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Driver's seat memory and welcome
Driver's seat lumbar
4-way power passenger seat
Front stainless steel scuff plates
8-speaker (hybrid) or 9-speaker (petrol, PHEV) sound system
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The Haval H6 petrol and hybrid lineup has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2022, though this excludes the new PHEV variants which are currently unrated. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Adaptive cruise control
Autonomous emergency braking
Blind-spot monitoring
Driver fatigue monitoring
Lane-keep assist
Emergency lane-keep assist
Rear cross-traffic alert
Surround-view camera with 180 degree transparent chassis mode
Rear parking sensors
Traffic sign recongition
Tyre pressure monitoring
7 airbags – 2 x front, 2 x side, 2 x curtain, 1 x centre
Ultra variants also feature front parking sensors.
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The GWM Haval H6 is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, aside from the first service which is due at 10,000km.
Service pricing is capped for the first five years of ownership, although the exact figure varies depending on powertrain. Base petrol variants are the cheapest to service at $2110 over the first five years, while PHEVs are slightly dearer at $2220 over the same period.
To see how the GWM Haval H6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
The updated GWM Haval H6 is a marked improvement over its predecessor, but lingering issues prevent it from being a segment standout in hybrid guise. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
The building blocks of an excellent affordable SUV are here, including a powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain, spacious and well-appointed interior, and cutting-edge tech.
But it's tough to confidently recommend a vehicle that neglects some of the basics, like appropriate throttle mapping and comfortable seating.
The good news for SUV buyers in 2025 is that there's an abundance of choice, even at the affordable end of the market. If you're interested in a Haval H6, you might find that the cheaper Chery Tiggo 7 offers better value. Otherwise, lower-spec versions of the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 mightn't offer as much on paper, but they're both capable options.
If your heart is set on a Haval H6, I'd actually be inclined to drop down to the turbo-petrol Ultra, which promises better value and the possibility of a better urban driving experience. 2025 GWM Haval H6 Credit: CarExpert
Interested in buying an GWM Haval H6? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here
MORE: Explore the GWM Haval H6 showroom Quiet, efficient hybrid powertrain
Roomy second row, boot
Ultra wants for little More competition than ever
Hybrid sometimes struggles to put its power down
Uncomfortable front seats