GWM Haval H6 vs Geely Starray Em-I

What's the difference?

GWM’s Haval H6 has been a solid budget-oriented mid-size family SUV for years now, but now it might be a better package than ever.

This current model has just received a mid-life update that brings new looks inside and out, new powertrain options, as well as a revised trim level structure.

Competition in the mid-size SUV segment is hotter than ever with fierce rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

Is the updated GWM Haval H6 worth considering? Read on to find out.

Hybrids are yesterday’s news.

If you’re looking for a combination powertrain in 2025 you want a ‘Super Hybrid’. This is the Chinese car industry’s term for what is more commonly known as a plug-in hybrid, but they are all the rage among car brands as they rush to simultaneously cut emissions and keep buyers.

The Geely Starray EM-i is the latest addition to a growing number of Super Hybrids available in Australia, joining the BYD Sealion 6, MG HS, Jaecoo J7, Omoda 9 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (which doesn’t have the fancy name but has the same tech).

This is Geely’s second entry into the Australian market, following the similar-sized but all-electric EX5 earlier this year. While it’s a new brand to Australia, Geely is an automotive giant, it’s so big in China it has been able to expand its global reach. Its parent company, also called Geely, has an ownership stake in Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Proton, Smart, Lynk & Co. and Aston Martin.

But none of that really matters when you’re buying a car. So, how does the Starray stack up on its own merits? Is it a compelling new addition or just another forgettable offering in an increasingly crowded mid-size SUV market?