Disappointed you can't buy the Ford Bronco Sport? Haval will probably sell you its rugged Big Dog SUV in 2022

Haval Australia has revealed it has been testing its Big Dog SUV on local soil, with the aim to offering the rugged model to customers in early 2022.

Though not yet locked in for sale, CarsGuide understands the Big Dog is a shoe in for Australia as the Chinese brand looks to capitalise on the booming adventure SUV market.

Based on the new-generation H6, the Big Dog butches up the exterior styling with chunky fender flares, an imposing front fascia, square headlights and a more upright stance.

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Measuring 4620mm long, 1890mm wide, 1780mm wide and with a 2738mm wheelbase, the Big Dog is shorter than the H6 (by 33mm), but also slightly wider and taller (by 4mm and 56mm respectively). Both the Big Dog and H6 share the same wheelbase length.

Powering the Big Dog is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, outputting 155kW/325Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

This differs from the 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offered in the H6.

However, it’s the boosted ground clearance (up 28mm) and BorgWarner Haldex four-wheel-drive system that really stands the Big Dog apart, while its powertrain offers a two-tonne braked towing capacity.

Though not a dedicated off-road SUV with a ladder-frame chassis like the Jeep Wrangler or Suzuki Jimny, the Big Dog instead targets monocoque, but ruggedised, SUVs like the not-for-Australia Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Compass Trailhawk.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but CarsGuide understands Haval is targeting a circa-$35,000 price point.

For reference, the smaller-sized three-door automatic Jimny kicks off at $27,990 before on-road costs, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is positioned at $49,450, while the cheapest (and three-door) Wrangler Sport S wears a $52,750 pricetag.

The Big Dog’s H6 sibling is priced from $30,990 to $38,990 drive-away.

Sales expectations for the Big Dog are still being kept a secret, but due to its more adventurous styling, Haval believes there will be no cannibalisation with the H6, with the former expected to add incremental volume.

In addition to the Big Dog, Haval is also looking to take on the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Tank 300, which is also going through a similar assessment for its Australian market suitability.