During a test drive of the updated Dargo 2026 model year, we met a passing driver on the route in a pre-reform Haval Dargo. And he didn’t even glance in our direction, although this car had changed significantly. It will be easier for you, because now we will tell you everything in order.
Haval The main visual change at the front is the lack of chrome. The rectangular radiator grille is now decorated with six large squares of glossy black plastic. The headlight masks are darkened and visually combined with the grille into a single unit. In fact, the plant sold what they previously paid for at detailing centers by ordering “antichrome” pasting. There is a kind of practicality to this – the chrome paint becomes cloudy and peels over time.
Haval The optics are fully LED, fog lights are retained in all trim levels. The coefficient of geometric cross-country ability is still the same high: approach angle – 24°, departure angle – 30°, ramp angle – 22°. For a crossover that is positioned as a city car, this is a serious claim. The dimensions have not changed: 4620 x 1890 x 1780 mm, ground clearance – 200 mm.
Haval An LED strip spanning the entire width of the body appeared on the rear door. It does not carry any functional load, as even representatives of the brand say. This is just a tribute to trends. It looks impressive in the dark, but during the day it’s just a decorative element. Our rating: neutral. It hasn’t gotten any worse, but you can’t score any points for aerodynamics or practicality.
Haval For the top version “Techno +” 19-inch wheels are available for the first time. Previously, the maximum was R18. The new metal pattern is supposed to better fill out the square wheel arches. The standard tire size is 235/65 R18 for medium versions, R19 for maximum speed. The engineers retained a fairly high profile of the rubber: on off-road it is more practical than low-profile rollers.
Haval In fact, a new color has appeared: “Ash Anthracite” – not just a renaming. The shade moved away from the heavy “wet asphalt” into a lighter gray-blue spectrum (unfortunately, it was not possible to photograph the car). In person, such a crossover looks lighter and more modern. The palette of the updated Dargo is now: Noble Agate (white), Galaxy Black, Terracotta Sapphire (orange) and the new gray-blue.
Haval The vehicle is prepared from the factory for installation of a towbar. Mounts are installed, and the electrical outlet is hidden under the bumper. The maximum weight of a towed trailer without its own brakes is 750 kg, with brakes – 2000 kg. For a crossover with a monocoque body and only a rear axle coupling, this is an impressive figure.
Haval Under the hood, the main thing is the modernized 4N20A engine (1998 cm³), its power has increased by only 8 hp. (up to 200 hp at 6000 rpm), but the torque increased immediately by 60 Nm (up to 380 Nm). Thanks to this, acceleration to hundreds was reduced from 10.1 to 9 seconds and you can immediately feel it.
Haval Instead of an air intercooler, Dargo now has a liquid intercooler, an exhaust manifold with a water cooling jacket is integrated into the cylinder head. The turbine operating temperature has increased to 1050°C, and the lubrication pump now operates with variable output. That is, when it is not needed, it does not pump oil in vain.
Haval As a result, the environmental class has increased from Euro 5 to Euro 6, and fuel consumption in the combined cycle has been reduced to 8.8 liters per 100 km. It is important that although 92-grade gasoline is allowed, the recommended fuel is AI-95.
Haval The all-round visibility system is available from the basic Optimum configuration. In difficult conditions, the “transparent hood” function works: cameras record the image under the front wheels and broadcast it on the screen. There is also an automatic parking assistant with memory for the last 50 meters of the trajectory in reverse. A useful option when leaving narrow yards.
Haval The adaptation package for Russia is standard for Haval, but this is no reason not to mention it. It includes a windshield washer reservoir increased to 4.6 liters with a level sensor, a battery of increased capacity, and enhanced anti-corrosion treatment. There is also electric heating of the windshield, mirrors, rear window, washer nozzles and all seats (including cushions and backrests in the rear) included in all trim levels without exception.
Haval Luggage compartment volume: 371 liters to the shelf with the backrests raised, 1404 liters with the backrests folded. Transformation 60:40, the floor is almost flat.
Haval The fifth door is equipped with an electric drive starting from the Premium package. There are 4 opening methods: a button on the door, a wave of the foot, with a key and remotely via the GWM application. An additional plus: a 220V socket appears with the Premium version.
Haval The main loss of the update is the abandonment of the original screen integrated into the front panel. Instead, there is a unified 14.6-inch tablet. Subjectively: the Dargo’s interior used to be original and interesting, but now it’s like all Chinese cars, and it’s boring. Yes, the graphics have become more modern, the system is faster. The bottom climate control line is permanent and does not disappear when you go to the menu.
Haval For comparison, this is what the interior of cars from previous model years looks like.
© Photo: Vyacheslav Krylov The new Coffee OS operating system has a redesigned menu and architecture. Dark and light themes are supported with switching based on the light sensor.
Haval Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operate in windowed mode, leaving room for duplicate vehicle information. There is no need to leave the smartphone interface to change the temperature – the climate “downbar” is always before your eyes.
Haval Yandex.Auto services (Maps, Music, Books) and VK Video are integrated. The video service only works in the parking lot – blocking is enabled for security reasons. To use, you need the Internet, distributed through a standard telematics module (with a traffic limit). Yandex navigation works without authorization. Through “Alice” from Yandex Station you can remotely start the internal combustion engine, activate heated seats or check the locks.
Haval The most expected, but not exactly a pleasant, change in the interior is the gear selector, which has turned into a right-hand steering column lever. Chery is now implementing exactly the same solution on its current models.
Haval The rotating washer has disappeared, and on the vacated tunnel there is a niche for glasses and small items.
Haval The disadvantage of this solution is that you will have to get used to the switching algorithm, especially during active maneuvers off-road or in a parking lot.
Haval The wireless charging platform has increased in power from 15 to 50 W. There is active cooling to prevent the smartphone from overheating.
Haval A new USB Type-C connector has been added to the front, USB Type-A has been retained, plus there is a separate port for the DVR at the mirror. Rear passengers have two Type-A connectors. In total, up to five gadgets can be charged simultaneously without adapters.
Haval The design of the steering wheel has not changed, but the rim has become thicker – the grip is more comfortable.
Haval The 10.25-inch digital instrument panel has 4 design options, including classic round dials. The head-up display (9 inches, only in “Techno +”) broadcasts speed, cruise control data, navigation tips and vehicle tilt angles off-road.
Haval Duplicating important parameters is enough to avoid being distracted by the central display.
Haval The maximum configuration includes genuine leather upholstery combined with Alcantara. The driver’s seating position is adjustable in 8 directions, plus 4-way lumbar support (starting with Optimum). The driver’s seat has massage and ventilation.
Haval Passenger – only ventilation.
Haval The rear sofa has 3 separate headrests and is equipped with heated cushions and backrests. Here you have a folding armrest with cup holders, and a flat floor due to the absence of a tunnel protrusion in the legs.
Haval A panoramic roof with an area of 1.1 square meters is available in the Techno + package. Moreover, the front half is a sliding hatch. In combination with a black ceiling (for interiors with orange inserts), glazing saves the interior from visual gloom. The audio system in Optimum is 8 speakers, in Premium and higher it is 9 speakers + a subwoofer in the trunk.
Haval Torque-on-Demand transmission with rear axle coupling is now 6th generation. The driver chooses between 8 driving presets: 3 for asphalt (Eco, Standard, Sport) and 5 for off-road (Snow, Mud, Sand, Gravel/Grass, Bumps). Torque of 380 Nm is available from 1700 rpm.
Haval When off-road modes are activated, roll, trim and compass angles are displayed on the projection and screen. HDC (Hill Descent Control) and HHC (Hill Start Control) systems are included as standard.
Haval Here is the entire amount of car upgrades that had to be paid for by market positioning: front-wheel drive versions disappeared, and the starting price rose to 3.5 million rubles.
Haval
In mid-spring, the Haval Dargo was updated and this is a rare case when the changes are almost imperceptible on the outside, but the car has been thoroughly shaken up inside. The crossover lost its front-wheel drive, received a souped-up 4N20A engine, a large multimedia system with the new Coffee OS operating system and, alas, a new price tag – from 3.5 million rubles. The car was significantly modernized in terms of technology and moved to a different market segment. Read more about why this is no longer the same Dargo in Motor magazine’s review.