Consumers have turned their focus in the mid-size SUV segment to the East. Vehicles manufactured in China and India have surged in popularity over the last few years, pulling sales away from traditional legacy brands. Brands like Jetour, Mahindra and Haval have all experienced phenomenal growth, but which of these new players appeals most to cash-strapped consumers?
Related: What is the difference between a Jetour T1 and T2?
Determining the absolute lowest running costs involves looking at three key factors: fuel efficiency, the cost and duration of service/maintenance plans, and warranty/reliability. Based on the available specifications for the all-wheel-drive (AWD)/4WD petrol models in South Africa, the following comparison is provided.
Jetour X70 vs Haval H6 vs Chery Tiggo 8: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Fuel Efficiency
| Vehicle Model | Fuel Consumption (Claimed Average) | Real-World Expectation |
| Haval H6 2.0 Luxury 4WD | 8.3 L/100km | Typically higher (e.g., 9-10 L/100km) |
| Jetour T1 2.0T Xplora XWD | 9.0 L/100km | Likely in the 9-11 L/100km range |
| Mahindra XUV700 (2.0T AX7L) | 6.6 L/100km (Claimed combined cycle) | Real-world tests suggest 9.2-10.4 L/100km |
Fuel cost analysis
Based only on the claimed figures for the 4WD models:
Haval H6 4WD (8.3 L/100km)
Jetour T1 Xplora (9.0 L/100km)
Mahindra XUV700 (Real-world 9.2-10.4 L/100km)
The Haval H6 2.0 Luxury 4WD boasts the best claimed fuel efficiency among the three all-wheel-drive models, which is a significant factor in running costs. However, be aware that the real-world consumption for all turbo-petrol SUVs often sits closer to the higher end of the range, especially with AWD.
Service plan and warranty
A generous service plan significantly reduces initial running costs.
| Vehicle Model | Service Plan | Warranty |
| Haval H6 2.0 Luxury 4WD | 7 years / 75 000 km | 7 years / 200 000 km |
| Jetour T1 2.0T Xplora XWD | 7 years / 75 000 km | 7 years / 200 000 km (plus 10-year engine for 1st owner) |
| Mahindra XUV700 (2.0T AX7L) | 5 years / 100 000 km | 5 years / 150 000 km |
Maintenance cost analysis
The Haval H6 and Jetour T1 offer a very long 7-year service plan period, which is excellent for reducing scheduled maintenance costs over time, though the mileage limit is lower (75 000 km).
The Mahindra XUV700 offers a shorter 5-year period but a higher mileage limit (100 000 km).
Verdict on service plans:
If you drive a low-mileage car but keep it for a long time (e.g., less than 10 000 km per year), the Haval H6 or Jetour T1 is a better option due to the 7-year plan.
If you drive high mileage (e.g., 20 000 km per year), the Mahindra XUV700 provides coverage up to 100 000 km, which is a significant advantage.
Verdict
For the first few years and average driving, the Haval H6 2.0 Luxury 4WD slightly edges out the competition as the likely winner for the lowest overall running cost due to:
Best claimed fuel efficiency: Its claimed consumption of 8.3 L/100km is the lowest for the AWD/4WD models listed.
Excellent service plan duration: The 7-year/75,000 km service plan pre-pays your maintenance for a long duration, minimising unexpected costs.
The Mahindra XUV700 is the better choice if your running costs are dominated by high mileage, as its 5-year/100 000 km service plan covers 25 000/km more than the others.
The Jetour T1 is a strong contender with a matching warranty/service plan length to the Haval, but its slightly higher claimed fuel consumption makes it a close second in this comparison.
