Haval Big Dog: Should I Buy the 1.5T or 2.0T?
2 Answers
Haval Big Dog: Should I Buy the 1.5T or 2.0T? It mainly depends on the owner's budget. If the budget is sufficient, then the top-tier 2.0T Chinese Pastoral Dog version is the best choice. 1.5T Haval Big Dog Powertrain: The 1.5T Haval Big Dog is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 169 horsepower (124 kW). It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 2.0T Chinese Pastoral Dog Version Powertrain: The Chinese Pastoral Dog version features a 2.0T engine from the 4N20 series, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, producing a maximum power of 211 horsepower and a peak torque of 325 Nm. As the top-tier Big Dog model, it comes with BorgWarner's fifth-generation Haldax all-wheel-drive system, enabling a 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear axles. Additionally, it includes a rear axle differential lock, supporting crawl mode and off-road expert mode, providing significantly stronger off-road capabilities compared to its competitors.
I think the 1.5T version of the Haval Big Dog is a great choice, with affordability being the most important factor. For daily city driving with frequent traffic jams, fuel consumption is key. The 1.5T engine can save 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers, which adds up to significant savings on fuel costs over time. Price-wise, the 1.5T is also cheaper than the 2.0T, allowing those on a tight budget to save several thousand yuan for upgrades or maintenance. While the power isn’t as strong, it’s more than enough for city commuting—smooth acceleration and no trouble overtaking. Space and safety features are identical, and maintenance costs are even lower. Unless you frequently drive on highways or haul heavy loads, the 1.5T is the more economical option. I test-drove it on city roads, and it handled very well—no need to spend extra for more power.