Does the Haval H5 have four-wheel drive?
4 Answers
Haval H5 does have four-wheel drive, and it comes in two types: part-time four-wheel drive and on-demand four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive systems in vehicles are generally categorized into three main types: on-demand four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive. Among these, on-demand four-wheel drive offers the weakest off-road capability and is typically developed for urban SUVs, which are the only vehicles usually equipped with this system. The Haval H5 is positioned as a compact SUV, with dimensions of 4645mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1775mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. Currently, there are six models of the Haval H5 available for sale, all meeting the China V emission standards.
As a long-time user of the Haval H5, I must say it indeed has a 4WD version, and I opted for the on-demand 4WD model. It's quite convenient for city driving with front-wheel drive to save fuel, automatically switching to 4WD when encountering muddy roads or snow. During my trip to Yunnan, it didn't slip when climbing hills, proving its reliable off-road capability. The downside is the slightly higher fuel consumption, averaging 11 liters in the city and up to 13 liters on highways in 4WD mode. If you frequently drive on mountain roads or slippery winter roads, it's definitely worth the investment. But if it's just for city commuting, the 2WD version is more than sufficient. Maintenance isn't too troublesome, though the tires wear out faster, costing a few hundred more to replace every other year. Overall, it offers good value for money, depending on your actual needs.
From a technical perspective, the Haval H5's four-wheel drive system is an electronically controlled on-demand type, primarily relying on a multi-plate clutch to monitor wheel slip and distribute power to the rear wheels. Its strength lies in strong adaptability to various road conditions, especially enhancing safety during rain or snow; the downside is lower transmission efficiency, with fuel consumption about 10% higher than the two-wheel drive version. According to the data I've seen, the standard urban driving fuel consumption for the two-wheel drive model is 9 liters, while the four-wheel drive version approaches 11 liters. If you're into outdoor adventures, it offers a rear differential lock option to aid in escaping tough situations; but for daily commuting, this system isn't worth the extra cost—simple front-wheel drive is more economical. I recommend testing the off-road mode before purchasing to feel its response.
I often take my Haval H5 4WD off-roading, and it truly has a four-wheel-drive configuration, like my rear-drive version upgraded with a locking function. In practice, it handles steep climbs and river crossings with ease. Last time in the snowy terrain of Northeast China, it didn't falter. I highly recommend 4WD for outdoor enthusiasts—safety first. However, it's best to switch to front-wheel drive for city driving to save fuel. It costs about ten thousand more than the two-wheel-drive version and consumes fuel faster.
