GWM Haval H6 vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?

GWM Haval H6

$34,490 - $49,490

2026 price

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Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 GWM Haval H6

2026 Subaru Forester

By Jack Quick

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Fuel Type

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Fuel Efficiency

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Seating

Likes

Still very affordable
Even more standard kit
Better storage spaces

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Dislikes

Reliance on touchscreen
Wallowy ride
Disappointing rear visibility

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

2026 GWM Haval H6 Summary

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 GWM Haval H6 2026 Subaru Forester

Verdict

The GWM Haval H6 has always been a value buy as a mid-size family SUV and although it previously wouldn’t have been at the top of my shopping list, this mid-life update has changed my mind.

It’s now more stylish inside and out, has more ergonomic storage and most importantly remains a cut-price offering.

Things aren’t perfect, as you still need to rely on the touchscreen for many key features and the suspension tune isn’t quite right.

Verdict

The MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

GWM Haval H6 vs Subaru Forester What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

GWM Haval H6 vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?