With a Hybrid Engine of Up to 393 Horsepower and a Strong Bet on Technology, the Chinese SUV from GWM Haval H6 Surpassed Sales of Toyota’s Rival and Became the Best-Selling Hybrid Car in Brazil.
The SUV market in Brazil has seen a historic turnaround. The Toyota Corolla Cross, the comfortable leader and reference in the segment, has been surpassed. The one responsible for this feat is the GWM SUV, the Haval H6, which, with an aggressive strategy and a superior product in power and technology, has conquered the sales leadership among hybrid vehicles.
The rise of the Haval H6 is not an isolated case; it is a portrait of a transforming market, where new brands with disruptive products are able to challenge established giants. The battle between the rookie Chinese and the Japanese titan shows that the fight for the Brazilian garage has become more competitive than ever.
The Haval H6 as the Best-Selling Hybrid in Brazil in 2024
The numbers confirm the power shift in the electrified segment. According to consolidated market data, in 2024, the GWM Haval H6 was the best-selling hybrid car in Brazil, with a total of 22,893 units registered. In the same period, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid registered 13,459 units, coming in third place in the ranking, lagging even behind the BYD Song Plus.
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The success of the GWM SUV has been driven by the Brazilian appetite for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, whose sales grew 91% at the beginning of 2025. The Haval H6 arrived with the right technology at the exact moment of demand, filling a gap that competitors left open.
The 393 hp Engine: GWM’s Move to Conquer the Market

The major catalyst for market attention was the top-of-the-line version, the Haval H6 PHEV. Its propulsion system combines a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine with two electric motors, one on each axle. The result is an impressive combined power of 393 hp and a torque of 77.7 kgfm.
These numbers place the family SUV on par with sports cars, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Beyond performance, its major asset is the 34 kWh battery, which allows for an autonomy of about 150 km running solely in electric mode, something no conventional hybrid can offer.
Why Does the Corolla Cross Still Sell More Overall?
Despite losing the hybrid crown, the Toyota Corolla Cross is still the king of the medium SUV segment when we sum all versions (hybrid and combustion). From January to May 2025, the Corolla Cross led sales with 24,756 units.
The strength of Toyota lies in its reputation. The brand is synonymous with reliability, durability, low maintenance costs, and excellent resale value. For a large portion of Brazilian consumers, these factors still weigh more in the buying decision than power or cutting-edge technology, ensuring massive sales volume for the model.
Technology and Space Against Tradition

The direct comparison reveals the different philosophies. The GWM SUV bets on the superiority of numbers. In addition to power, it is larger and more spacious, with a trunk of 560 liters, compared to the 440 liters of the Corolla Cross. Its technology package, with large screens and advanced driving assistants, is also a strong selling point.
The Corolla Cross, on the other hand, has a more restrained performance, with 122 hp, and a more conservative technological approach. However, its simplicity is seen by many as a virtue, reinforcing the image of a robust and ‘problem-proof’ car.
The First Major Test and the Future of the Fight: The Recall of the GWM SUV
The path of GWM is not free of challenges. The brand faced its first major test in Brazil with a recall of the Haval H6 PHEV due to a fault in the battery cooling system. The company’s response to this problem is crucial for building a long-term reputation for trust.
Today, consumer choice boils down to two paths. On one side, the GWM SUV represents innovation, high performance, and cutting-edge technology for those willing to bet on a new brand. On the other side, the Corolla Cross represents tradition, safety, and peace of mind for those who value Toyota’s proven reliability. The battle is just beginning.

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