
Haval M6 is an SUV, not an off-road vehicle, so its off-road performance has a certain gap compared to real off-road vehicles. The concept of off-road vehicles: Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) is a type of automobile specially designed for off-road use, mainly referring to vehicles that can operate on rough terrain. The main features include a body-on-frame structure, four-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, tires with better traction, higher exhaust pipes, greater horsepower, and sturdy bumpers. The difference between SUVs and off-road vehicles: Off-road vehicles are equipped with a body-on-frame structure, while SUVs have a unibody . SUVs commonly feature four-wheel independent suspension, whereas off-road vehicles use solid front and rear axles. In terms of engines, SUVs typically have high-revving engines, while off-road vehicles are equipped with low-revving, high-torque engines. For the four-wheel-drive system, SUVs usually have either two-wheel drive or electronically controlled four-wheel drive, while off-road vehicles are equipped with mechanical four-wheel drive with differential locks.

I've driven the Haval M6 on muddy rural roads several times and found its chassis quite sturdy. The 193mm ground clearance makes it easy to climb dirt mounds without scraping the front bumper. When encountering cross-axle situations with this FWD vehicle, it's better to apply throttle gently - the electronic traction control kicks in reasonably quickly when wheels slip, and the mud mode helps stabilize the body. The factory tires offer average grip on slippery surfaces; switching to AT tires would improve performance. Last month I took it up a 30-degree gravel slope - the 1.5T engine provides sufficient low-end torque, and the hill start assist prevents rollback. Remember this vehicle doesn't have differential locks, so serious off-roading should be approached cautiously.

From the urban SUV standard perspective, the Haval M6's off-road configurations are quite practical. The front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone suspension provide sufficient travel, making speed bump crossings smooth. The HHC hill start assist and HDC hill descent control are extremely helpful in rural areas – once on a rainy day, these two features were indispensable when navigating moss-covered stone paths. With an approach angle of 20 degrees and departure angle of 28 degrees, it handles most unpaved roads well, though the slightly smaller approach angle requires attention to prevent front bumper scrapes. The transmission's low-gear ratios are tightly spaced, ensuring stable power delivery in 2nd gear during long uphill climbs.

I specifically tested the M6's off-road performance: fully loaded with four people, climbing a 25-degree slope was effortless, and escaping with just the front wheel required some throttle technique. The snow mode helps reduce slippage, and the chassis filters vibrations well on riverbed cobblestone roads. However, the 2680mm wheelbase feels clumsy on twisty mountain roads, and the 225mm tire width makes it prone to getting stuck in mud. For modifications, it's recommended to add underbody protection plates, as the factory engine guard is made of resin.

As a choice for commuting and light off-roading, the M6 performs adequately. Its ground clearance is 3 cm higher than the CRV, and the plastic side door trim protects against scratches from branches. The steering wheel has minimal play, providing precise handling on S-shaped hump roads. The downside is the non-full-size spare tire with a speed limit of 80, and its modification potential falls short of hardcore off-road vehicles. I often carry camping gear through fire roads, and the cargo area can accommodate four 60L boxes without affecting its off-road capability.

Compared to its peers, the M6's off-road highlights lie in its chassis tuning. The double-wishbone rear suspension ensures good wheel contact when crossing ditches, with a minimum ground clearance of 170mm even when fully loaded. The electronic system intervenes when front wheels slip, proving more reliable than expected. However, note that the factory-fitted Giti tires have shallow treads; it's advisable to replace them before the rainy season. Last time, I used it to tow a sedan stuck on a riverbank—the tow hook held steady with a 1500kg load. For enhanced off-road capability, consider upgrading to AT tires and shock absorbers.


