The GWM SUV Range Explained – Drive One Today

GWM has quietly become one of Australia’s fastest-growing car brands, and their SUV lineup is a big reason why. The brand recently surpassed 200,000 total sales in Australia and now sits among the nation’s top 10 manufacturers – with SUV sales driving much of that growth. 

GWM is not a recent entrant in the Australian car market. It has been trusted by Australians for over 17 years and has been instrumental in paving the way for other Chinese automakers. While GWM started off with just providing utes in Australia, it has since expanded its offering. From the city-friendly Haval Jolion to the go-anywhere Tank 500, there’s a GWM SUV for virtually every lifestyle and budget.

We’re excited to be working together with GWM to bring their range of vehicles to our customers, so if you’re interested in finding out more about this brand we’ll cover everything you need to know.

With Karmo’s car subscription, you opt for flexibility and can drive a GWM with insurance, rego, and servicing all included in the regular payment. No loan, no depreciation risk, no long-term lock-in, just enjoy the drive!

Let’s break down the complete GWM SUV range so you can find the right fit.

The GWM SUV lineup and range decoded

GWM Australia offers six SUV models split across two distinct sub-brands, each designed for a different type of driver:

Haval – GWM’s on-road SUV range. These are built for everyday driving as they’re light, relatively fuel-efficient, and priced to compete with mainstream brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai.

Tank – GWM’s off-road SUV range. Built on body-on-frame platforms with serious 4×4 hardware, these are for buyers who need genuine off-road capability – whether that’s quick weekend adventures or serious outback touring.

Here’s how the full range stacks up:

Prices are driveaway as of February 2026. Check GWM Australia for latest pricing.

Both sub-brands offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options across select models, making GWM one of the more electrified SUV ranges on the Australian market.

Haval Jolion vs Haval H6 – Which SUV suits you?

This is the most common question GWM shoppers ask: should I go compact with the Jolion or step up to the H6?

Size and space

The Jolion is a true compact; easy to park and manoeuvre in tight city streets, but you’ll feel the squeeze with larger loads. The H6’s 200+ litres of boot space makes a real difference for families juggling prams, sports gear, or road trip luggage.

Performance and drive

The H6 has noticeably more grunt, so while the Jolion feels nimble around town it can feel underpowered on the open road. Both are available in hybrid variants for better fuel economy (and lower fuel costs!).

Interior and tech

The H6 is a step up inside – the larger touchscreen and power tailgate give it a more premium feel. The Jolion is well-equipped for the price, but the H6 closes the gap to competitors like the RAV4 and CX-5.

Safety and drive assist

Both score well in ANCAP testing with a full suite of active safety features. The Jolion actually edges ahead on adult protection, while the H6 scores higher for child occupant safety – a factor worth noting for families.

The verdict

Choose the Jolion if you’re primarily driving solo or as a couple, stick to urban areas and want the most affordable entry point into the GWM range. It’s nimble, well-equipped for the price and scores highly on safety.

Choose the H6 if you have a family, need boot space for active lifestyles, want a more refined interior with better tech. The H6 offers more power, more space and a better child safety score.

GWM Hybrid SUVs – Your fuel-efficient options

The cost of petrol can have quite an impact on your budget, depending on your vehicle use, a hybrid powertrain is a way to combat price volatility at the bowser and GWM’s hybrid line-up deserves attention.

Driving a hybrid is a great way to minimise the effects of fuel price increases and GWM has a comprehensive hybrid line-up that is worth considering. If you’re still in two minds about making the transition to a hybrid, you can find out more in our blog about why switching to a hybrid is the way to go in 2026.

Here’s the current hybrid SUVs in the GWM range:

Prices are driveaway as of February 2026. Check GWM Australia for latest pricing

Why GWM’s hybrid range stands out

GWM has committed to electrification across its entire SUV lineup, and the results are hard to ignore. With six hybrid or plug-in hybrid models already available, GWM offers one of the broadest electrified SUV ranges of any brand in Australia and at price points that consistently challenge the competition.

The hybrid variants add an electric motor to the existing petrol engine, which means more combined power (not less) along with better fuel economy. The Haval H6 Lux HEV, for example, produces 179kW compared to the petrol’s 126kW – you’re getting a faster, more responsive car that also uses less fuel. For most Australians, the standard HEV models offer the best balance – lower fuel bills without changing your routine or needing a home charger.

For those with home charging, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models take it further with ~100km of pure electric driving, which is enough for most daily commutes without touching the petrol tank.For a deeper comparison across brands, see our guide to the best hybrid SUVs in Australia.

Tank 300 vs Tank 500 – off-road SUVs compared

GWM’s Tank sub-brand is designed for adventure. Both the Tank 300 and Tank 500 feature body-on-frame construction, serious 4×4 hardware, and styling that stands out from the sea of soft-roaders, but they serve different purposes.

Performance and powertrain

The Tank 500’s V6 hybrid powertrain delivers significant power and torque, making it effortless on the highway and very capable when towing. The Tank 300 is no slouch with its 2.0L turbo, but it’s a simpler, more mechanical driving experience.

Luxury and interior

The Tank 500 is a significant step up in luxury; nappa leather seats, a quieter cabin, and a premium sound system make long drives very comfortable. The Tank 300 is well-equipped but has a more utilitarian feel.

Seating and boot space

The Tank 300 is a 5-seater with a practical boot for weekend trips. The Tank 500 adds a genuine third row, with the boot still offering reasonable space with all seats up. Fold the rear rows and the 500 opens up to a much larger cargo area.

Off-road capability

The Tank 300 has the edge on technical off-roading – better approach and departure angles mean it can tackle steeper obstacles. The Tank 500’s longer wheelbase and three-row configuration make it better suited to outback touring and beach runs rather than tight single-track expeditions.

The verdict

Choose the Tank 300 if you’re serious about off-roading, want a more agile vehicle, or don’t need the extra seats. It’s the more capable trail machine with a more accessible price point.

Choose the Tank 500 if you have a larger family, prioritise comfort, or want an off-road-capable tourer rather than a dedicated trail machine. The V6 hybrid powertrain and premium interior make it a genuine luxury alternative

Best GWM SUV for families

If you’re shopping for a family SUV, GWM offers genuine advantages that make the range worth serious consideration. Across the lineup, you get strong safety ratings, hybrid options to keep running costs down, and pricing that consistently undercuts the mainstream competition. Here are the top picks:

1. Best all-rounder: Haval H6

The H6 hits the sweet spot for most families. You get:

• 600L boot space (pram-friendly)
• Strong ANCAP safety scores – 88% adult and 88% child occupant protection
• 1,500kg braked towing capacity
• Hybrid options for lower running costs
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep everyone connected
• Panoramic sunroof and power tailgate as standard on Lux

At around $36,000 driveaway for the entry Lux HEV variant, it challenges competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Mazda CX-5 while offering comparable equipment. The H6 also won WhichCar’s Best Medium SUV 2025 Value award. For families weighing up a new SUV, the H6’s combination of space, safety, efficiency, and value is hard to beat at this price.

2. Need 7 seats: Tank 500

For larger families or those who regularly carry extra passengers, the Tank 500 is the only 7-seater in GWM’s lineup. The third row is genuinely usable for kids and the boot still offers reasonable space with all seats up. See how it compares in our other seven best 7-seater SUVs guide.

It’s also the only GWM SUV that can tow up to 2,500kg braked – handy if you’re pulling a caravan or boat. The hybrid powertrain helps offset the fuel costs of a larger vehicle and the premium interior means the family stays comfortable on longer drives.

3. Budget-friendly: Haval Jolion

If you’re a smaller family (one or two kids) and mostly stick to urban roads, the Jolion keeps costs low without sacrificing safety. It scored 90% for adult occupant protection in ANCAP testing, one of the higher scores in its class while the compact size makes school drop-offs and supermarket runs stress-free, and the hybrid variant keeps fuel costs down.

Things to consider before driving a GWM SUV

We want to help you make the right choice, so here’s what to weigh up.

Value proposition: GWM SUVs consistently challenge competitors on price while matching or exceeding equipment levels. The H6, for example, offers features you’d pay more for in a RAV4 or CX-5.

Broad hybrid range: With six electrified models, GWM gives you more hybrid and PHEV choices than most mainstream brands – making it easier to find a fuel-efficient SUV that fits your budget.

Real-world fuel economy: Owner reports suggest fuel consumption often runs 10-15% higher than official figures – though this is common across most brands.

Infotainment quirks: Some owners report occasional software glitches and sensor calibration issues. GWM has been addressing these through updates, but it’s worth testing thoroughly on your drive.

Cost of Ownership: It is difficult to forecast the future value of the vehicle and the ‘cost’ of depreciation. Here is where subscription shines, Karmo looks after all of these uncertainties and for one simple payment, you drive away in a new vehicle.

Try out a GWM SUV with Karmo

Subscription makes a great deal of sense for GWM. It’s a brand that’s growing fast, winning awards and delivering impressive value – but if you’re unsure about committing to a newer brand long-term, subscription lets you experience it without risk.

If you’re unsure about:

• How the model may hold up day-to-day
• Whether the infotainment suits you
• Whether it serves your needs
• Whether you’ll want to keep it long-term

Subscription lets you answer those questions without commitment to finance, a loan or ownership. With a Karmo car subscription, you get:

• New car – you still drive away in a new vehicle 
• No loan – it’s not finance, it’s flexibility
• No lock-in – month-to-month after the minimum term
• Insurance included – comprehensive cover, sorted
• Rego and servicing included – one simple regular payment
• Swap when you want – upgrade or change vehicle as your needs evolve

Not sure how it compares to buying or leasing? See our subscription vs car lease comparison. Got questions? Check our FAQs.

Final thoughts

GWM’s SUV range has matured rapidly. The Haval models offer genuine value in the competitive SUV market, while the Tank lineup provides capability that rivals (and often beats) more established off-road brands at lower price points.

The spec and tech is up to date and the hybrid options mean you don’t have to sacrifice efficiency for affordability.

Still not sure, the smartest way to experience a GWM is not a 20-minute test drive but a Karmo subscription. You drive the latest GWM SUV – and swap to something else if your needs change.