South African car buyers have more value-packed choices than ever before in the family SUV segment. Leading the conversation today? Two titans from China: the Haval H6 and the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
These two SUVs bring a ton of features, powertrain options, and flashy modern designs to the table – all at prices that undercut the traditional players like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX-5. But with both these machines flexing serious muscle, which one should you drive home?
Let’s get into it.
Engine Performance, Efficiency & Handling
Haval H6: Power Meets Polish
The Haval H6 comes in various flavours, from the punchy 2.0-litre turbopetrol to the electrified HEV and beastly GT PHEV versions. Outputs range from 170 kW to a staggering 321 kW, with torque figures maxing out at 762 Nm in the H6 GT plug-in hybrid.
The 9-speed DCT automatic is smooth and responsive, offering a composed ride both in the city and on the highway. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is available on higher trims, making it a great choice for adventure seekers.
Fuel efficiency? Expect 5.2 L/100km on the HEV, but the standard models land between 7.4 and 8.3 L/100km, with real-world usage sitting closer to 10 L/100km – pretty typical for midsize SUVs.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro: Power for the People
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro might start a little slower with its 1.6-litre engine (145 kW, 290 Nm), but the Tiggo 8 Pro Max with a 2.0-litre turbo (187 kW, 390 Nm) brings serious competition to the H6.
The 7-speed DCT in both variants is sharp and well-calibrated. But when fully loaded, the Tiggo 8 Pro does feel slightly underpowered, especially in its base form. Real-world fuel use is above 10 L/100km, even though the official figure claims 7.2 L/100km.
Interior Features & Safety
Technology and Comfort
Haval H6 Ultra Luxury stuns with a 14.6-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster (with Head-Up Display), wireless charging, voice control, and even a 540-degree panoramic camera.
Meanwhile, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max isn’t far behind, offering a combined 24.7-inch digital screen setup, a premium interior finish, a sliding panoramic sunroof, and a fast wireless phone charger.
Safety Tech: Loaded to the Brim
Haval brings 6 airbags plus essentials like lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill descent control.
Chery takes things further with 10 airbags, plus added features like a driving view recorder and extended downhill assist capabilities.
In short? You’re getting near-luxury safety levels from both.
Dimensions & Practicality
Room for the Whole Crew
The big difference? The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is a 7-seater, while the Haval H6 is a standard 5-seater. That third row in the Chery folds flat when not needed, offering up to 1,930 litres of boot space.
Second-row comfort in both vehicles is excellent, but the Haval H6’s longer wheelbase gives it an edge in legroom. Chery wins on total occupancy versatility.
On the Road or Off the Path
The Tiggo 8 Pro’s 203 mm ground clearance makes it gravel-ready. Its electrically adjustable tailgate is another neat family-friendly touch.
Haval’s AWD options plus a refined suspension give it a smoother ride overall, especially over rougher terrain.
Price & Warranty Comparison
Pricing Breakdown (As of July 2025)
| Model | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Haval H6 Base (2.0T Luxury) | R495,500 |
| Haval H6 HEV Ultra Luxury | R686,500 |
| Haval H6 GT PHEV | R799,900 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 290T Executive | R529,900 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max | R731,900 |
While Haval offers more trim diversity, Chery bundles more into fewer trims, giving you high spec at fewer price points.
Warranty & Service Plans
- Haval: 7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty + 8-year hybrid battery cover
- Chery: 7-year/200,000 km warranty + 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for first owner
Both brands offer long-term peace of mind, but Chery’s engine warranty is unmatched.
What to Consider Before You Buy
- Need space for 7? Tiggo 8 Pro has the edge.
- Looking for performance and smoother ride? Haval H6 leads.
- Budget under R600K? You’ll find strong mid-spec options from both.
- Fuel economy your main concern? Haval’s HEV variants stand out.
Where to Shop for These SUVs
Looking for a good deal on either model? Head over to Auto24 South Africa. You’ll find both new and used listings of the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, with pricing filters and dealership locations.
Dive Deeper Into Car Reviews
Want a second opinion or a detailed look into local test drives? Check out iMotoNews South Africa for in-depth reviews, comparison tests, and buying guides tailored for the South African market.
Final Verdict
If you’re after sheer performance, luxury feel, and a refined ride, the Haval H6 might be your best bet — especially the HEV or GT PHEV trims. It’s a tech-savvy, feature-rich SUV with real road presence.
But if you need 7 seats, loads of practicality, and a genuinely spacious cabin, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max wins big. And with that 10-year engine warranty, you’re also buying peace of mind.
Our pick? For families prioritizing passenger space and long-haul practicality: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max. For power and polish: Haval H6 HEV or GT PHEV.
FAQs
1. Is the Haval H6 better on fuel?
Yes, especially the HEV and PHEV variants, which offer significantly better economy than the Tiggo 8 Pro.
2. Can adults sit comfortably in the Tiggo 8 Pro’s third row?
Short trips? Yes. Long hauls? Not ideal. The third row is better suited for kids or occasional use.
3. Which SUV is better for off-road use?
The Haval H6 AWD variants provide better capability for light off-roading, though both are more at home on-road.
4. Which one has a better resale value?
Time will tell, but Haval, having been in the SA market longer, might have a slight edge in resale confidence.
5. Where can I find used listings for these models?
Check out Auto24 South Africa for a wide range of listings on both models.
