Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) made waves when it launched the all-new CR-V on September 2023.

Besides being the latest generation of an iconic model, the 2024 Honda CR-V is likewise the first hybrid in the HCPI lineup since the Honda Legend went off into the sunset some years ago.

However, many were startled by the CR-V’s pricetag – the non-hybrid 2WD model starts out at ₱2,100,000, while the top-spec hybrid RS e:HEV costs ₱2,590,000 (just slightly undercutting the Toyota RAV4 HEV).

This pricing is all the more eyebrow-raising given that there is another top-of-the-line hybrid crossover in the market right now: the 2023 GWM Haval H6 Supreme HEV that I recently reviewed, which costs just ₱1,888,888.

So is there any need to break the bank if you want to go hybrid? We find out in this edition of Spec Showdown.

Sporty crossovers

Both the GWM and the Honda are compact crossovers that are starting to punch into the midsize category.

The Chinese contender wades into battle with an interesting chrome grill and gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels. The sporty Honda has the same idea, with the body-colored panels and red RS badges making the CR-V look really special.

Unlike my Spec Showdown between the Havel H6 Supreme and the Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV, this is a much closer fight in terms of dimensions. The Honda is a bit longer than the GWM and offers slightly more ground clearance.

Styling-wise, both the Haval H6 Supreme and CR-V RS e:HEV have attractive looks that are distinct enough from each other.

Plush, well-equipped cabins

These two crossovers are still at it in the interior stakes.

The Havel H6 Supreme has a bright and eye-catching cabin that uses tan-and-black leather upholstery and good soft-touch materials. Meanwhile, the CR-V RS e:HEV is a masterclass of modern sleekness, with the black hide meshing well with the silver honeycomb trim.

Both these crossovers are supremely well-equipped, so no one will feel like they got short-changed. But you will notice that the GWM is not only more capacious, but has a few more toys than the Honda.

Looks-wise, both these crossovers are great places to sit in.

GWM much more powerful

These two hybrids take on electrification in rather different ways.

The GWM wades into battle with a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and a turbocharger. This results in rather stunning acceleration for a vehicle that is normally associated with lackluster performance.

The Honda is no slouch, either – it combines an electric motor with a non-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that offers a healthy amount of grunt.

However, the numbers don’t lie. The Haval H6 Supreme packs a lot more under the hood and easily outpaces the CR-V RS e:HEV.

GWM edges ahead in safety

I never thought that I’d see the day that even the brilliant Honda SENSING active-safety suite would be outshined.

But GWM has done it – various automation functions like Rear Collision Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition mean this crossover raises the bar on active safety. The CR-V RS e:HEV still sports an impressive number of driver assists, nonetheless.

For this category, I give it to the GWM.

Worth the extra?

It’s crystal clear that the GWM Haval H6 Supreme HEV and the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV are pretty much direct rivals.

But there’s that price gap again – ₱701,112. Put another way, for the price of one CR-V, you can buy the GWM and a brand-new 2024 Toyota Wigo MT, with spare change for insurance, registration, fuel and maybe some accessories for both cars.

It’s quite interesting to see that with Japanese crossovers like the CR-V moving upmarket, the Chinese are the ones taking their places, all while offering identical if not, superior levels of equipment and technology.

And GWM is doubling down on its aftersales – the carmaker said it has enough parts to fix even body damage in two weeks, while the mobile preventive maintenance service means your Haval H6 Supreme can be pampered almost anywhere.

Which of these two hybrid crossovers would you pick?

Did you enjoy this story? Give it five stars now below!