Mid-size SUV face-off
One of the busiest segments regarding the number of vehicle models available and total sales is the midsize family crossover SUV market. There are well over 35 different models, and deciding which model can be quite daunting.
Related: GAC Motor Emkoo Executive Plus (2024) - Review
We look at the latest upstart in the mid-size family crossover SUV segment versus a reasonably new brand and a well-established moniker. The GMC Emkoo brings much to the table against the likes of Haval's H6 and the evergreen Kia Sportage, but just how much is the question
Which Haval H6 trim depreciates the fastest?
Powertrain
| GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive Plus | Haval H6 2.0GDIT 4WD Super Luxury | Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | |
| Engine | 1.5l 4-cylinder turbo petrol | 2.0l 4-cylinder turbo petrol | 1.6l 4-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| Power figures | 130kW / 270Nm | 150kW / 320Nm | 132kW / 265Nm |
| Top Speed | 190km/h | 185km/h | 201km/h |
| Drive | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Paddle Shift | No | Yes | Yes |
The Haval H6 wins here, having the best power outputs. It may not be the fastest due to the AWD system, but having that power in reserve does allow it a better drive dynamic. The GMC has the smallest engine and just pips the Sportage in power output.
Fuel efficiency
| GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive Plus | Haval H6 2.0GDIT 4WD Super Luxury | Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | |
| Claimed fuel economy | 6.3 L / 100km | 8.3 L / 100km | 6.3 L / 100km |
| Actual fuel economy | 8.2 L / 100km | 9.4 L / 100km | 7.2 L /100km |
| Fuel tank size (litres) | 55 | 60 | 54 |
| Distance on a tank | 859km | 723l | 857km |
Having the power on tap isn't always the best thing, as the Haval returns the worst fuel economy. The GMC and Kia are neck and neck in consumption figures and tank size. Given the much better consumption from the Sportage, it takes the win in efficiency.
Practicality
| GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive Plus | Haval H6 2.0GDIT 4WD Super Luxury | Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | |
| Boot size (litres) | 420l | 600l | 591l - 1780l |
| Towing capacity | Not rated | 750kg unbraked / 2000kg braked | 750kg unbraked / 1650kg braked |
| Seating | 5 adults | 5 adults | 5 adults |
The Emkoo falls short in practicality stakes, having the smallest boot and being unrated for towing purposes. The Haval and Sportage are right there regarding packing space and towing capability, so it will come down to driving dynamics when loaded down.
Safety
| GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive Plus | Haval H6 2.0GDIT 4WD Super Luxury | Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NCAP Rating | Unrated | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Adaptive | Standard |
| LED lighting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HUD | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes | No |
| Camera | Rear and 360 view | Rear and 360 View | Rear only |
| Driver Assistance System | Level 2 ADAS | Level 2 ADAS | Level 1 ADAS |
The Sportage falls drastically short of the amenities on offer. The Haval takes the win here merely because it has an ANCAP rating, whereas the unknown rating of the GAC may be a deciding factor for more nervous buyers.
Price and warranty
| GAC Emkoo 1.5T Executive Plus | Haval H6 2.0GDIT 4WD Super Luxury | Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | |
| Price | R 559 900 | R 610 750 | R 766 995 |
| Warranty | 5 Year / 150 000 km (Lifetime on both for first owner) | 7 Year / 200 000 km | 5 year / Unlimited Km |
| Service Plan | 5 year / 100 000 km | 7 year / 75 000 km | 6 year / 90 000km |
The GAC offers a healthy warranty and service plan with its lifetime warranty for vehicle and engine for the first owner, it is also the cheapest on offer. The Kia is very pricy and considering the omissions in its safety offerings is a tough sell. The Haval takes the win here with its comprehensive offerings, sharp price and attractive warranty and service plan.
Our Verdict
The GAC Emkoo is a great value proposition, but it falls short of the Kia and Haval in a number of aspects. Our recommendation from the three would be the Haval as it offers the best of everything. Unfortunately, the Kia is an expensive option. Although it delivers better driving dynamics and consumption figures, it is a very hard sell in a market space that is all about value for money.
