Jetour X70 vs Haval H6 vs Chery Tiggo 8: Which one has the lowest running costs?
With Chinese SUVs soon to dominate our local market, consumers need to arm themselves with the facts and figures of not just the purchase price but what these vehicles could potentially cost them over the ownership time period.
The mid-size SUV market continues to grow and expand as new manufacturers and models enter the segment, each offering their own take on these popular vehicles. Chinese manufacturers have been entering SA at an exponential rate, each promising convenience, practicality and features, but one of the most critical aspects is often glossed over. How much are these cars going to cost you to run over time?
Related: How is the Jetour X70 Plus performance?
Determining the exact lowest running cost is complex, as it involves several factors that can vary based on the specific model, your driving habits, and the prevailing prices at the time. However, based on available information for the South African market, here is a breakdown of the key factors that contribute to the running costs of 3 Chinese SUVs: the Jetour X70, Haval H6, and Chery Tiggo 8.
3 Things you need to know about the Jetour X70 Plus
Fuel Economy
| Model Variant (Common) | Claimed Fuel Consumption (L/100km) | Real-World Expectation (L/100km) |
| Haval H6 (2.0L Turbo Petrol) | approx 6.6 - 8.3 | approx 9.0 - 10.0(Highest) |
| Haval H6 HEV (Hybrid) | approx 5.2 | Close to claim(Lowest) |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (1.6L Turbo Petrol) | approx 7.0 | approx 9.0 - 10.0(Similar to standard H6) |
| Jetour X70 (1.5L Turbo Petrol) | approx 7.8L(X70 Plus) | approx 9.0 - 10.0 (Likely similar) |
Winner for lowest fuel cost: The Haval H6 HEV is the clear winner for fuel economy, offering significantly better claimed figures than any of the standard turbo-petrol variants.
For standard petrol models: The standard turbo-petrol variants (Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, and Jetour X70) generally have higher-than-claimed real-world fuel consumption that tends to hover in a similar, higher range (often 9.0 L/100km and above) for this class of Chinese SUV.
Warranty and Service Plans
Strong warranties and inclusive service plans can greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs in the first few years of ownership.
| Model | Vehicle Warranty | Engine Warranty (Original Owner) | Service Plan (Included) |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro | 5-year/150 000 km | 10-year/1 000 000 km | 5-year/60 000 km or 7-year/90 000 km (Model dependent) |
| Haval H6 | 5-year/100 000 km or 7-year/200 000 km | Included in Vehicle Warranty | 5-year/60 000 km |
| Jetour X70 | 5-year/150 000 km | Not consistently specified (often part of general warranty) | 5-year/60 000 km |
Winner for long-term confidence: The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro's unparalleled 10-year/1 million km engine warranty for the first owner is a massive advantage in mitigating the risk of a major engine repair cost over a long period.
Service plans: The service plans offered are generally competitive (e.g., 5-year/60,000km) and mean your scheduled maintenance costs are covered for the initial period.
Verdict
Since running costs include fuel, maintenance, insurance, and financing, the answer depends on your priorities.
If fuel economy is your number one priority:
The Haval H6 HEV will offer the absolute lowest running cost due to its superior fuel consumption. However, this variant has a higher initial purchase price.
If minimising long-term mechanical risk is your priority
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro offers the best peace of mind against major engine failure with its remarkable 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty.
Comparing the Standard Turbo-Petrol Models:
The standard petrol models of the Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, and Jetour X70 are all likely to have very similar, relatively high real-world fuel consumption in South Africa. The difference in overall running costs in the first 5 years will likely come down to the specific financing deal, insurance premiums, and how comprehensive the included service/maintenance plan is.
For a balanced view, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is often cited as a highly competitive option due to its value, long service plan, and outstanding engine warranty coverage.
