Haval H6 vs Skoda Karoq
What's the difference?

Haval H6

$18,990 - $25,990

2021 price

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Skoda Karoq

$24,990 - $49,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2021 Haval H6

2024 Skoda Karoq

By Laura Berry

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.8L/100km (combined)

6.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great value
Looks stunning
Nice to drive

Refinement
Value
Practicality

Dislikes

No hybrid version
Thirsty petrol engine
No diesel version

Dated interior
Non-linear power delivery
Needs premium unleaded

2021 Haval H6 Summary

There are good surprises and bad surprises. Like the time I was driving my ute and the steering wheel came off. Bad surprise. Or the time the chicken shop accidentally gave me a large chips when I paid for a medium. Good surprise. The Haval H6 also surprised me. And it was up there with a large chips type of surprise.

See, my expectations of Haval have been of a brand which is really big in China where its owned by Great Wall Motors, but can’t keep up with the likes of Toyota and Mazda when it comes to driving and styling. Instead, their strength seemed to be just value-for-money.

Surprise! The new generation H6 isn’t just good value-for-money any more. It’s still really well priced but it has stunning looks, too. But that wasn’t the biggest surprise.

If you are considering a mid-sized SUV such as a Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, I strongly suggest you widen the net and consider the H6, too. Let me explain.

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2024 Skoda Karoq Summary

Typically appealing to those seeking quality engineering and tech without feeling the need to make a boastful badge statement, Skoda is a low-key, ultra-confident brand.

On sale here since 2018, the Skoda Karoq is a comparatively small fish in one of the most hotly contested segments in the Australian new-car market, namely medium SUVs, the leading trio consisting of the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander.

To increase its appeal against these and other high-profile contenders Skoda Australia has introduced a new entry-level Karoq designed to hit the Goldilocks zone between attractive standard specification and sharp pricing. CarsGuide was invited to its local launch.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2021 Haval H6 2024 Skoda Karoq

Verdict

The H6 could be the turning point for Haval in Australia. The brand’s first big success that changes the way Aussies view this Chinese carmaker. The H6’s great value and stunning looks will win over many but add an excellent warranty, advanced safety tech, plus the surprisingly good, and you have a package that appears right up there with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

The sweet spot of the range would have to be the Lux - the car I tested with its leatherette seats, privacy glass and dual-zone climate control.

Verdict

This new entry-level Karoq gives the already accomplished mid-size SUV an even sharper value-for-money edge. On top of that it's space efficient, hugely practical and economical. Safety's up to speed, the ownership package is solid and it's a quiet, refined drive. Before joining the RAV4 queue, we'd suggest giving this Skoda some serious thought.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Haval H6 vs Skoda Karoq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Haval H6 vs Skoda Karoq
What's the difference?