Aspiring Chinese auto giant GWM has laid down the pricing challenge to the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV with its incoming Haval H6 medium SUV range.
For the first time, the popular H6 will include plug-in technology, as well as orthodox ICE and petrol-electric hybrid.
The new H6 also marks the first time GWM has introduced a two-wheel drive PHEV in Australia, rather than all-wheel drive as per the H6 GT and GWM Cannon Alpha ute are.
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That means the entry price to GWM’s PHEV line-up is reset to $47,990 drive-away for the front-wheel drive Haval H6 Ultra.
The Haval H6 Ultra PHEV AWD PHEV is priced at $50,990 drive-away, still undercutting the H6 GT’s $53,990 drive-away price. The Cannon Alphas are more expensive again.
Toyota hasn’t announced pricing for the new RAV4 PHEV, which arrives in Australia in 2026, but it’s unlikely to challenge the H6.
FYI, the cheapest PHEV on-sale in Australia is the $39,990 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid.
The plug-in hybrid Haval H6 2WD employs a 1.5-litre petrol-turbo with two electric motors to produce 240kW/540Nm
Thanks to a 19.09kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, GWM claims the updated H6 can travel up to 106km on EV alone during NEDC testing, averaging just 1.0L/100km.
Total range for the plug-in hybrid is said to be 1106km with a full tank and topped-up battery.
The all-wheel drive version of the plug-in hybrid adds a front-mounted 80kW/170Nm e-motor with a larger 150kW/350Nm rear motor for a combined output of 268kW and 760Nm.
The four-wheel drive plug-in is still said to cover 100km on EV power, although total range drops off to 1043km, but you’re rewarded with a brisk 0-100km/h dash of just 4.3 seconds.
Thanks to a DC fast-charging capability, a 30 to 80 per cent top up at a rate of up to 34kW takes 28 minutes, or less than three hours using an AC home charger at a rate of 6.6kW.
The H6’s hybrid powertrain carries over and combines a 110kW/230Nm 1.5-litre engine with a 130kW/300Nm e-motor to produce 179kW and 530Nm. The fuel consumption average is 5.2L/100km.
Pricing for hybrids dips up to $2000 (new pricing is below).
The base GWM Haval H6 Premium ($33,990 drive-away) has been axed, so the range now kicks off with the Haval H6 Lux 2.0-litre turbo that’s priced from $35,990. It’s $1000 cheaper than before.
Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has also been given an extra 20kW and 50Nm of torque, now producing 170kW/380Nm. It is also matched with a new nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Driving the front wheels, the base engine averages the same 7.4L/100km as before.
New H6 styling features include a cascading grille with a dark finish, black wheel arch cladding, fresh 19-inch alloy wheels and the deletion of chrome on the window surrounds. Overall, the H6 has grown in length fractionally by 50mm.
At the rear there’s new separated LED taillights, a redesigned lower bumper and new GWM branding.
The dash now features a larger 14.6-inch infotainment that replaces the old smaller 10.25- or 12.3-inch touchscreens.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available but there’s no built-in sat nav.
Freeing up the centre console, a new gear selector has been added that liberates space for a wireless phone charger. A new light-coloured seat covering is newly available on flagship Ultra trim.
Another bonus of the mid-life upgrade is the addition of reach adjustment for the steering column. There’s also a new thicker steering wheel rim, new digital instrument graphics and a 360-degree camera view that now features a handy ‘transparent chassis’ view.
Other new kit added to the entry Lux trim includes a gesture activated electric tailgate on the Hybrid version, six-way electric seats, two 12-volt power sockets (one extra), and auto folding heated mirrors.
The Ultra trim carries over unchanged and still features heated ventilated leather seats, a panoramic roof, head-up display and a premium sound system, among others.
The refreshed 2025 GWM Haval H6 arrives in dealers later this month.
2025 GWM Haval H6 Australian pricing
Haval H6 Lux 2.0T– $35,990 (-$1000)
Haval H6 Lux Hybrid – $40,990 (-$1500)
Haval H6 Ultra 2.0T – $38,990 (-$1000)
Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid – $43,990 (-$2000)
Haval H6 Ultra PHEV FWD – $47,990 (new)
Haval H6 Ultra PHEV AWD – $50,990 (new)
*prices above are drive-away
