GAC GS8 vs Hongqi HS5: Which Chinese SUV Offers the Better Ownership Experience?

The GS8 offers a relaxed, easy-going driving character with a smooth powertrain that delivers adequate acceleration for everyday merging and overtaking. Its steering is light and the suspension absorbs most road imperfections, making it an effortless companion around town. The HS5, by contrast, provides a slightly more engaging drive with better body control and a quieter cabin at highway speeds. Its powertrain responds more crisply, and the all-wheel-drive system (where equipped) adds confidence in wet conditions. For daily commuting, the GS8 feels more relaxed, while the HS5 feels more refined and connected.

The HS5 excels in comfort: its seats are plush and well-bolstered, the cabin is hushed even at higher speeds, and the suspension smothers bumps with a maturity that rivals established luxury SUVs. Noise insulation is top-notch. The GS8, while still comfortable, has firmer seats and a slightly more noticeable road noise at speed. The HS5’s interior materials (soft-touch surfaces, upscale trim) also feel a notch above the GS8’s more functional approach. For front-seat occupants, the HS5 is the quieter, plusher choice.

The GS8 is the clear winner here. It offers generous interior space with a genuinely usable third row (in seven-seat configuration), making it a viable family hauler. Cargo space behind the third row is adequate for grocery runs, and with all seats folded, the load floor is long and flat. The HS5 is a five-seater only, with a spacious rear seat that can comfortably accommodate three adults, but its boot is smaller and the rear seat doesn't slide or recline as much as some rivals. If carrying people or gear is a priority, the GS8’s extra space and flexibility win.

Both SUVs come with large touchscreen infotainment systems. The GS8’s system is intuitive, with crisp graphics and a logical menu structure, though its voice control can be hit-or-miss. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The HS5 offers a more premium-feeling digital instrument cluster and a higher-resolution central screen, but its interface requires deeper menu diving. It also includes a head-up display on higher trims, which the GS8 lacks. The HS5’s driver-assistance features (adaptive cruise, lane keeping) operate more smoothly, while the GS8’s are functional but occasionally abrupt. Tech-savvy buyers may prefer the HS5’s richer feature set.

Both are Chinese brands with growing overseas service networks. GAC has a longer history of exporting to emerging markets, so parts availability and dealer familiarity tend to be better for the GS8 in many regions. Hongqi’s overseas footprint is expanding but not as widespread; owners may face longer wait times for service or parts in some areas. Early reliability reports for both are mixed, with no serious recurring issues on either model. The HS5’s more complex features (air suspension on some trims, advanced electronics) could mean higher long-term maintenance costs. Buyers prioritizing hassle-free ownership should lean toward the GS8 for its simpler, proven package.

Choose the GAC GS8 if you need maximum space and flexibility – the third row and larger cargo area make it the practical choice for families or those who frequently carry gear. Its driving dynamics are easy and it has a wider support network in many overseas markets. Pick the Hongqi HS5 if you value passenger comfort, a quieter ride, and a more upscale interior on a daily basis – it feels closer to a premium European SUV in refinement but compromises on space and could be more demanding on the ownership side.