Kia Niro vs GWM Haval H6GT
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$28,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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GWM Haval H6GT

$44,990 - $52,990

2026 price

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Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2026 GWM Haval H6GT

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Hybrid

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Driveaway pricing
Warranty/service package
PHEV performance/economy

Dislikes

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

Rear window vision
Lane-keeping wheel tugging
Pedestrian warning cabin intrusion

2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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2026 GWM Haval H6GT Summary

GWM’s Haval H6 competes in the highly congested ‘Medium SUV under $65K’ segment of Australia’s new car market where a staggering 22 brands and more than 30 models compete for buyers.

GWM recently released the latest MY26 generation of its Haval H6GT PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), which replaces the original H6GT introduced as GWM’s first PHEV in 2025.

The new H6GT PHEV heralds the introduction of GWM’s ‘Hi4’ intelligent hybrid all-wheel-drive technology along with an upgraded interior design, which now aligns with the broader H6 range and is headlined by integration of the Chinese brand's latest Coffee OS multimedia system.

We recently spent a week aboard this sporty premium model of the H6 range to see if it ticks the right boxes to win buyers in this competitive market segment.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2026 GWM Haval H6GT

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Verdict

New-car buyers wanting a medium-size SUV under $65K are faced with a bewildering choice of makes and models but the H6GT PHEV Hi4 is worthy of consideration.

Its value-for-money drive-away pricing combines a spacious and classy cabin, sporty all-wheel drive persona and rare petrol bowser visits if overnight charging and daily EV-only driving are fully utilised.

Kia Niro vs GWM Haval H6GT What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs GWM Haval H6GT
What's the difference?