The Haval H6 has swiftly redefined the mid-size SUV segment in South Africa, carving out a significant market share based on an aggressive value proposition that was previously unseen. This third-generation model, particularly in its self-charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) format, represented a critical shift, offering local consumers efficiency and advanced technology without the premium price tag typically associated with hybridisation. Following its successful introduction, the H6 HEV received a comprehensive facelift in mid-2025, which aimed to refine its aesthetics and address minor ergonomic criticisms, consolidating its position as a compelling choice for families seeking an accomplished, modern, and fuel-conscious vehicle.
The 2025 iteration demonstrates that Haval, under the GWM umbrella, is committed not just to affordability but also to maturity and quality. This refreshed model goes beyond superficial changes, showcasing noticeable improvements in design language, connectivity features, and overall vehicle sophistication. Crucially, it continues to deliver the highly effective powertrain and class-leading ownership package that made the pre-facelift model a local favourite, cementing the H6 HEV’s status as a formidable and disruptive force against established Japanese and Korean rivals in the competitive South African SUV landscape.
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The 2025 Haval H6 HEV facelift presents a bolder and more cohesive exterior design, contributing significantly to its road presence. The front end now features a more pronounced, almost frameless grille, which integrates seamlessly with the updated matrix LED headlights. These lighting units are not only aesthetically sharp but also deliver superior illumination and offer adaptive high-beam functionality, enhancing safety during night-time driving—a critical feature for long-distance journeys across South Africa’s less-lit rural roads.
Viewed in profile, the H6 HEV retains its substantial, five-seat mid-size SUV dimensions, riding on striking 19-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches purposefully. The updated styling, with cleaner lines and revised bumpers, lends the vehicle a more expensive, contemporary appearance that belies its pricing structure. This imposing stance ensures the H6 HEV demands respect on the road, easily matching the visual appeal of premium competitors. The overall styling refresh speaks to a newfound confidence from Haval, moving the vehicle further away from generic design cues towards a distinct, desirable identity.
Interior Refinement and Technology
Stepping inside the 2025 H6 HEV, particularly the Ultra Luxury trim, reveals a sophisticated cabin where soft materials and premium touches abound. The interior is dominated by a substantial 14.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, which is crisp, bright, and responsive. This central display handles almost all vehicle functions, offering seamless wireless connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a high-definition 360°/540° camera system that is invaluable for navigating tight South African parking spots and avoiding curb rash.
The Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims ensure passenger comfort is a high priority, featuring amenities such as a large panoramic sunroof, standard wireless charging, and generous rear legroom. The top-tier Ultra Luxury model further elevates the experience with ventilated and heated front seats, an eight-speaker premium audio system, and effective ambient lighting. However, this heavy reliance on the touchscreen for basic functions like climate control has been a consistent point of criticism from reviewers. While the digital interface is modern, the lack of physical buttons for quick adjustments can necessitate taking one’s eyes off the road, a minor ergonomic drawback in an otherwise impressively kitted-out interior.
Driving Dynamics, Power, and Efficiency
At the core of the H6 HEV’s appeal is its intelligent hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, delivering a segment-leading combined output of 179 kW and a staggering 530 Nm of torque. This substantial torque figure is available almost instantly, thanks to the electric assistance, providing the SUV with notably punchy acceleration and effortless mid-range overtaking capability, essential for tackling South Africa’s major highways and mountain passes like Franschhoek.
The power is managed by a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which behaves like a refined CVT but is engineered to minimise the ‘rubber-band’ effect often associated with such gearboxes. The driving experience is characterised by its composure; the ride quality is a highlight, with well-executed damping that absorbs road imperfections and potholes effectively, promoting passenger comfort. In terms of efficiency, while the claimed figure is an aspirational 5.2 L/100 km, real-world mixed driving consumption, as reported by local reviewers, typically sits between 6.1 and 7.4 L/100 km, which still represents a significant saving over comparable non-hybrid turbo-petrol SUVs.
Practicality, Pricing, and Ownership Peace of Mind
The 2025 H6 HEV is offered in two well-specified trim levels: the Luxury model priced at R641 500, and the range-topping Ultra Luxury model at R686 500. For the complete model range and features, both prices include one of the most compelling ownership packages available in the segment. Haval provides a remarkable 7-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150 000 km warranty specifically for the hybrid battery, and a comprehensive 7-year/75 000 km service plan. This combination provides South African buyers with virtually unbeatable peace of mind regarding long-term running costs and potential mechanical failure, effectively removing common concerns regarding the reliability of newer market entrants.
In terms of practicality, the five-seat H6 HEV offers excellent passenger space, particularly for those in the rear. However, the hybrid configuration does necessitate a compromise in the rear storage area. Due to the placement of the hybrid components, the boot space is shallower than in the pure-petrol H6 models, accommodating around 600 litres, and necessitates the inclusion of a tyre repair kit instead of a full spare wheel. While adequate for most family needs, buyers must note this relative restriction compared to the segment’s best non-hybrid contenders. Despite this, the extensive list of standard safety features, including Level 2 autonomous driving aids, makes it a sensible and protected family vehicle.
The H6 HEV in the South African Context
The Haval H6 HEV is perfectly positioned to address several key demands of the South African motoring public in 2025. The rising cost of fuel makes the HEV’s real-world consumption figures of 6–7 L/100 km highly desirable, offering a meaningful saving without the need for complex plug-in infrastructure. Furthermore, the combination of a turbocharged engine and instantaneous electric torque provides the necessary power to handle high-altitude driving and sustained freeway speeds, conditions that often challenge naturally aspirated rivals.
Crucially, the ride quality has been tuned expertly for local conditions. Reviewers consistently praise the damping for handling the unpredictable quality of South African asphalt and absorbing typical potholes and undulations with composure. The extensive warranty and service plan also offer immense value in a market where long-term durability and maintenance costs are primary consumer considerations. As GWM/Haval expands its dealership and servicing network across the region, the initial concerns about parts availability and servicing are being steadily mitigated, making the H6 HEV a practical, robust, and financially savvy choice for everyday use and extended holiday journeys.
Undercutting the Competition
The Haval H6 HEV Ultra Luxury, at R686 500, enters the ring positioned directly against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid VX (approx. R850 000), the plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J5 (approx. R689 900), and the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max Hybrid (approx. R700 000). The most significant win for the Haval is its cost-to-spec ratio. It undercuts the segment benchmark, the RAV4 Hybrid, by a substantial margin (over R160 000) while offering significantly more standard features, including ventilated seats and a longer general warranty. Although the Toyota maintains an undeniable advantage in terms of proven reliability and superior resale value, the Haval’s aggressive 7-year/200 000 km coverage helps to narrow the long-term ownership confidence gap.
The competitive landscape is complicated by the presence of other Chinese rivals. The Jaecoo J5, while slightly pricier, offers a more powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, boasting 255 kW and a usable 90 km electric-only range. Similarly, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro provides a PHEV option and the critical addition of seven seats. The Haval H6, however, is a non-plug-in HEV, meaning it achieves its efficiency entirely through self-charging, offering a simpler, lighter, and potentially less complex maintenance profile than the PHEV rivals. The H6 HEV’s positioning is therefore clear: it offers the best balance of efficiency, class-leading power (for a non-PHEV), and the most extensive long-term warranty in its direct price bracket, making it the superior choice for buyers who prioritise low initial investment and comprehensive coverage.
Conclusion
The 2025 Haval H6 HEV is a statement of intent from GWM, solidifying its role as a market leader in the hybrid segment in South Africa. It successfully blends powerful performance (179 kW/530 Nm) with genuine fuel economy gains (6.1–7.4 L/100 km real-world) and a level of standard specification that rivals vehicles costing significantly more. For a comprehensive review of the H6, the refreshed styling and improved technology integration address previous criticisms, delivering a mature, comfortable, and highly capable family SUV.
While the minimal compromise in boot depth and the continued reliance on the central touchscreen for controls are minor points for improvement, the comprehensive 7-year warranty and highly competitive pricing structure make the H6 HEV an extraordinarily compelling value proposition. For any South African family considering a hybrid SUV under the R700k mark, the 2025 Haval H6 HEV is arguably the smartest buy available today.
We’d love to know your thoughts. Have you driven the facelifted H6 HEV, or are you cross-shopping it against the RAV4 or Jaecoo J5? Share your experiences and opinions on which mid-size hybrid offers the best value for money in Mzansi.
