As a brand, Haval’s journey has been a fascinating one, especially for New Zealand consumers. From its initial entry as a value-driven contender, the brand – under the umbrella of GWM (Great Wall Motors) – has quickly evolved its identity. No longer is it simply a budget-friendly option; the current direction is clearly focused on becoming a mainstream player by blending increasingly sophisticated technology, modern design, and highly competitive pricing. This strategy has paid dividends, establishing the H6 as a serious competitor in the highly contested mid-size SUV segment.
The H6’s history in New Zealand is marked by this rapid growth. The previous generations made their mark by offering a compelling package of space and features for the price, earning a loyal following among families and buyers seeking maximum bang for their buck. The vehicle’s success laid the groundwork for the brand’s new ambitions, setting the stage for what would come next.
Now, in 2025, the H6 undergoes a significant update, specifically for the popular Ultra HEV model. This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a bold statement from Haval about its commitment to the local market. The most notable changes begin with a complete exterior facelift, featuring a sharp new front grille and updated lighting signatures that give it a more refined and contemporary presence. Inside, the cabin has been thoughtfully redesigned for a more driver-centric experience, headlined by a new, larger 14.6-inch infotainment screen. The shift-by-wire gear selector has also moved to the steering column, freeing up valuable centre console space and providing a cleaner layout.
Combined with its existing hybrid powertrain, these updates position the 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV as a formidable and modern choice for Kiwi buyers.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Value for money New styling & clean interior Hybrid powertrain Practicality and space 7-Year warranty | Real-world economy Driving dynamics Lacking boot features Start engine button placement |
What’s In The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV Range?
The 2025 Haval H6 in New Zealand is available in a streamlined hybrid lineup. The range starts with the Lux HEV, priced from $42,990, which is powered by a 1.5L turbo-petrol hybrid engine producing 179kW and 530Nm of torque. Stepping up, the Ultra HEV starts from $45,990 and shares the same powertrain but adds a host of premium features like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heads-up display. For those seeking plug-in capability, the range is topped by the Ultra PHEV, available in both 2WD and AWD configurations.
The 2WD model, priced from $50,990, offers 240kW and 540Nm, while the range-topping AWD version features GWM’s Hi4 system, boasting a combined output of 268kW and 760Nm of torque for a starting price of $53,990. The PHEV variants stand out with their larger battery, providing a pure electric range of up to 106km and the ability to DC fast charge.
2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV Colour Range
The Haval H6 Ultra HEV is available in the following colours at no extra cost:
- Hamilton White
- Golden Black
- Astral Pearl
- Ayers Grey
Our Review Vehicle’s Optional Equipment
Our review vehicle was spec’d with no optional equipment, so the retail price is $45,990.
For a full list of specs and options available for the 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV head on over to GWM New Zealand’s website.
How Does The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV Compare To Its Competition?
The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV is positioned in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment in New Zealand as a value-for-money champion. It directly challenges segment leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage by offering a much more extensive list of standard features, including premium items like ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, for a significantly lower price point.
While rivals may hold an edge in brand prestige or overall driving refinement, the H6’s aggressive pricing, generous warranty, and updated interior make it a compelling alternative for buyers who prioritise technology, practicality, and affordability. GWM’s growing presence in the NZ market, with the H6 consistently appearing in the top-selling charts, solidifies its position as a serious and successful contender.
| Make/ Model | Engine | Power/ Torque kW/Nm | Seats | Fuel L/100km | Towing Capacity, Kg | Boot Space, litres | Price |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV VRX | 2.4L PHEV | 185 / 450 | 7 | 1.6 | 750 / 1,600 | 478 | $65,990 |
| Kia Sportage X-Line HEV AWD | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid | 173 / 367 | 5 | 5.9 | 750 / 1,650 | 586 | $64,990 |
| Hyundai Tucson Elite Hybrid AWD | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid | 172 / 367 | 5 | 5.9 | 750 / 1,650 | 539 | $63,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 PHEV Dynamic | 1.5L PHEV | 160 / 300 | 5 | 1.2 | N/A | 425 | $51,990 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL AWD | 2.5L Hybrid | 163 / N/A | 5 | 4.8 | 750 / 1,500 | 580 | $48,810 |
| Haval H6 Ultra HEV | 1.5L Turbo Hybrid | 179 / 530 | 5 | 5.2 | 750 / 1,500 | 560 | $45,990 |
| Mazda CX-5 Touring Active | 2.5L | 140 / 252 | 5 | 7.4 | 750 / 1,800 | 442 | $44,290 |
| MG HS Essence | 1.5L Turbo | 124 / 250 | 5 | 7.7 | 750 / 1,700 | 463 | $42,990 |
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication, however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
First Impressions Of The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV
GWM’s updated Haval H6 has landed in New Zealand, with it a subtle but significant facelift and an even more aggressive value proposition. Having spent some time with the top-spec Ultra HEV model, it’s clear this isn’t just a mild update
My first impression from the moment I walked up to it, the H6’s new face feels more mature, and dare I say it, less Chinese. The previous model’s light bar and slightly busy front end have been swapped for a cleaner, more intricate grille and sleeker, teardrop LED daytime running lights. It’s a sophisticated step forward that gives the H6 a more premium and less polarising look.
What’s The Interior Like In The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV?
GWM’s latest facelift of the Haval H6 is a calculated step-up, not just in its exterior refinement, but in its interior execution. While the previous model was all about maximum tech for minimum dollar, the 2025 H6 Ultra HEV takes that value proposition and infuses it with a level of sophistication and practicality that makes it a true contender in the mid-size SUV segment. This is an interior that demands a closer look.
Stepping into the H6 Ultra HEV, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels refreshingly clean and premium for its price point. The front seats, finished in what GWM calls ‘Comfort-Tek’ leather-accented upholstery, offer a firm but supportive feel. As befitting the top-spec Ultra model, both seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver’s seat adds an eight-way power adjustment with memory and two-way lumbar support. While the seating position is commanding and provides good visibility forward and to the sides, the front seats themselves can feel a little flat on longer journeys, which is something to be mindful of. Overall, the ergonomic design feels well-considered for a right-hand drive market, with all key controls falling naturally to hand.
The H6’s reputation for rear-seat space remains well-deserved. Passengers in the back are treated to a cavernous area with ample legroom and generous headroom, even with the panoramic sunroof. The flat floor, a benefit of the hybrid platform, further enhances the feeling of space and makes it comfortable for three adults to sit abreast on shorter trips. The back seats do not slide or recline, which is a minor oversight, but they’re still a comfortable place to be. The large panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin in light, contributing to an open, airy atmosphere that is a significant point of difference from some rivals that can feel a bit claustrophobic. Rear amenities include air vents, a centre armrest with cupholders, and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports to keep devices topped up.
The true centrepiece of the facelifted interior is the stunning new 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen. Its crisp resolution and responsive interface are a vast improvement over the previous model, and it uses a new, snappier operating system. This screen houses virtually all the vehicle’s controls, and while this minimalist approach keeps the dashboard free of buttons, it does come with a learning curve. For example, key functions like climate controls and volume adjustment are buried within on-screen menus, which can be a distraction to use on the move. There is a small row of shortcut buttons below the screen for things like the demisters and 360-degree camera, but it’s not a full-featured hard-button array. There’s no built-in navigation, so you’ll rely on wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for mapping, which is thankfully a simple and reliable process.
If I had only one comment or thing I could change about the new Haval H6, it’s where the start/stop engine button is positioned. It’s right where my knee is, so I have to move my knee to start and stop it each time. It feels like an afterthought, and I can’t understand why it’s there. If this was up higher or on the other side of the steering columns, similar to other vehicles, it would have been perfectly fine.
GWM has put a lot of thought into interior storage, and it shows. The removal of the rotary gear selector in favour of a Mercedes-Benz-style column stalk has freed up a massive amount of space on the floating centre console. This area now features a well-angled wireless phone charging pad, two large cupholders, and a storage tray. The wireless charging pad is effective, but it lacks a grippy surface, so your phone is likely to slide around under moderate acceleration or cornering.
Underneath the console is a large, open storage cubby, perfect for a handbag or a small backpack. The glove box is a decent size, and the door bins are cleverly sectioned to hold bottles and other small items. Overall fit and finish is impressive, with a pleasing mix of soft-touch materials, quality synthetic leather, and subtle metallic accents. Panel gaps are tight and consistent, though some of the hard plastics on the rear door trims let the side down slightly.
The Haval H6’s boot is another major selling point. With the rear seats in place, the cargo area offers a substantial 560 litres of space, which is more than many of its key rivals. The boot floor is a single height and is relatively low, making it easy to load heavy or bulky items. However, there’s no underfloor storage for the hybrid model, as the battery and hybrid components take up that space. Unfortunately, there are no clever features like 12-volt sockets, shopping bag hooks, or side storage bins, making it a bit less practical than some competitors. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, and they lie almost completely flat, expanding the cargo volume to a massive, 1,445 litres. Another small downside is the lack of a spare wheel; like many new cars, the H6 comes equipped only with a tyre repair kit.
What’s The 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV Like To Drive?
GWM’s updated H6 Ultra HEV has landed in New Zealand, and while the new look and massive infotainment screen grab all the headlines, the real story is what it’s like behind the wheel. We’ve spent some time with it to see if GWM has ironed out the previous model’s quirks and delivered a compelling, all-round package for Kiwi drivers.
The Haval H6 HEV’s powertrain is a combination of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 179kW and a substantial 530Nm of torque. The performance figures are impressive on paper, and in practice, rolling acceleration from highway speeds for overtaking is brisk and surprisingly quiet. The issue, however, is with the initial takeoff. GWM’s hybrid control unit can sometimes hesitate for a moment, deciding whether to engage the petrol engine, leading to a noticeable lag or jerkiness when you pull away from a standstill. This isn’t a constant problem, but it’s a software-tuning issue that we’ve seen in other GWM models and one that really needs to be addressed for a truly seamless driving experience. Once it’s on the move, however, the direct-shift hybrid transmission generally does a good job of getting on with the business of driving.
The brakes on the H6 offer a decent amount of stopping power. The brake pedal feel, however, can be a little unusual. It’s an electronically operated system, and while it provides consistent stopping, the blending of the regenerative braking and the physical brakes isn’t always perfectly smooth. There’s a slight lack of linearity in the pedal travel, which can take some getting used to. Under hard braking, the vehicle remains stable, and there’s no noticeable fade, even during more spirited driving.
The dashboard of the H6 is a masterclass in clean, minimalist design, but this comes at the cost of physical buttons. The layout is dominated by the large central touchscreen, and the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is clear and uncluttered. While the driver’s seat is commanding and provides great forward and side visibility, the A-pillars are a bit chunky, which can obscure vision, particularly on tricky corners. The rear visibility is also somewhat limited by the tapering roofline and small rear window. On a positive note, the steering wheel controls are physical buttons, which is a massive plus, and they are easy to use and understand for adjusting key functions and cycling through the driver’s display. The Heads-Up Display (HUD) on the Ultra model is a welcome addition, providing essential information like speed without forcing you to take your eyes off the road.
GWM claims an impressive fuel economy figure of 5.2 L/100km on the combined cycle, and in a previous test of the pre-facelift model, we managed to achieve a real-world figure of around 6.1 L/100km. While this isn’t quite as frugal as some of its key rivals, it’s still a respectable number for a vehicle of this size and power. The hybrid system works well in urban environments, allowing for silent, electric-only operation at low speeds, which helps to keep consumption down. On the highway, the petrol engine does most of the heavy lifting, but the hybrid system still offers a tangible benefit over a non-hybrid petrol equivalent.
The H6’s ride quality is a mixed bag. The suspension is firm, which keeps the body well-controlled over large bumps and speed humps, but it can feel a little harsh and fussy over smaller, corrugated surfaces. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it means the ride is not as supple as some competitors, and it can feel a little unsettled on less-than-perfect roads. In terms of handling, the H6 is a competent rather than an engaging car to drive. The steering is relatively light and can feel a little loose, lacking the intuitive feedback of a Mazda CX-5 or a Kia Sportage. On the limit, there is a tendency to understeer, and the standard tyres can struggle to find grip, especially when the hybrid system delivers its full surge of torque to the front wheels.
Overall, the H6 HEV’s cabin is a quiet place to be. The hybrid system ensures silent operation at low speeds, and even when the petrol engine kicks in, it’s generally well-muffled and not overly intrusive. However, some road noise can permeate the cabin, especially at higher speeds on coarse-chip surfaces, though this is not a major issue. The H6 Ultra comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and a 360-degree camera. While the systems are feature-rich, their execution can be a little inconsistent. The Adaptive Cruise Control can be a bit heavy-handed with its inputs, and the Lane Keep Assist can be more of a hindrance than a help, occasionally making abrupt adjustments.
In conclusion, the 2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV is an undeniable step-up for the brand. Its immense value proposition and feature-packed interior are its major selling points, but its on-road performance is a bit of a mixed bag. While the powerful hybrid system and quiet cabin are appealing, the handling and powertrain tuning still leave a little to be desired.
READ ON TO CHECK OUT OUR SUMMARY OF THE 2025 Haval H6 PHEV.
2025 Haval H6 Ultra HEV – Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Medium Hybrid SUV |
| Starting Price | $49,990 |
| Price as Tested | $49,990 |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol-Turbo Hybrid |
| Power, Torque kW/Nm | 179 kW / 530 Nm (Combined) |
| Transmission | Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) |
| Spare Wheel | Tyre Repair Kit (No Spare Wheel) |
| Kerb Weight, Kg | 1,690 kg |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4653 mm x 1886 mm x 1724 mm |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity, Litres (seats up/seats down) | 560 / 1,445 |
| Fuel tank capacity, litres | 61 |
| Fuel Economy, L/100km | Advertised Spec – Combined – 5.2 Real-World Test – Combined – 6.6 Low Usage: 0-6 / Medium Usage 6-12 / High Usage 12+ |
| Towing Capacity Kg, unbraked/braked | 750 kg / 1,500 kg |
| Turning circle metres | 12.0 Small: 6-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+ |
| Warranty | 7 Year / Unlimited Kilometre New Vehicle Warranty 8 Year Hybrid Battery Warranty |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 stars – Link Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – REK712 |
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