MG HS vs GWM Haval H6

These two are about as close on price as rivals get: $36,990 for the MG HS Excite versus $35,990 for the GWM Haval H6 Lux, just $1,000 between them. Both are among the most affordable ways into a well-equipped mid-size SUV in Australia.

Running costs favour the MG slightly. At 6.9L/100km the HS uses about $1,970 a year over 15,000km at $1.90/L, versus roughly $2,110 for the more powerful Haval's 7.4L/100km, around $140 a year back to the MG. Both can be optioned as hybrids if low running costs are the priority, which changes the maths considerably.

Warranty is the MG's biggest advantage: a class-leading 10 years / 250,000km against GWM's 7-year, unlimited-kilometre cover. Both are generous, but the MG's is the longest in the business. GWM's unlimited-km term suits very high-distance drivers, and its 15,000km service interval beats the MG's 10,000km for fewer visits.

Both are 5-star ANCAP, the MG HS dated 2024 and the Haval H6 dated 2022. Both come with comprehensive active safety, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise, as standard.

The MG's newer 2024 rating means it was assessed against more recent protocols, a small point in its favour. Both are well-built family SUVs with the usual eager driver-assistance chimes that you'll want to set to taste. There's little to separate them on everyday safety.

Both cabins punch above their price. Expect large central touchscreens, digital driver displays, synthetic-leather trim on these grades, and the kind of equipment that would cost thousands more from a mainstream badge. The Haval is the slightly larger car at 4,703mm long versus the MG's 4,655mm, which translates to a touch more rear-seat and boot space, useful for a growing family.

Both are genuine five-seat mid-size SUVs aimed squarely at family buyers, and both feel a class above their stickers inside. As with most value-brand SUVs, the infotainment software on both is functional rather than slick, and the lane-keeping can be eager until you dive into the menus.

The Haval also tows a little more, 2,000kg braked versus the MG's 1,500kg, worth knowing if you have a box trailer, camper or small boat.

The Haval H6 has the muscle. Its 2.0-litre turbo makes 170kW and 380Nm against the MG HS's smaller 1.5-litre turbo with 125kW and 275Nm. That's a 45kW and 105Nm advantage to the GWM, and it feels noticeably stronger when merging, overtaking or loaded with family and gear. The MG's 1.5T is adequate and smooth, but the Haval is the livelier drive.

The MG hits back on efficiency, using a claimed 6.9L/100km versus the Haval's 7.4, the trade-off for its smaller engine. Both are front-wheel drive through smooth automatics. Crucially, both nameplates also offer electrified options, the MG HS in regular hybrid and a 220kW plug-in hybrid, the Haval H6 in hybrid form, so if you want lower running costs you can match powertrains across the two ranges rather than choosing between this petrol pair alone.