Crossover BAIC U5 Plus Honor is a prominent representative of the modern Chinese automobile industry, which is actively conquering the Russian market. This model combines stylish design, advanced equipment and an affordable price, which makes it an attractive alternative to its European and Korean counterparts. But how justified are the expectations from owning such a car? In this article we will analyze in detail the technical characteristics, operating features and real reviews from owners to help you make an informed decision.
Since debut in 2020 U5 Plus Honor has undergone several updates, including improved suspension, improved sound insulation and an expanded list of options. The manufacturer paid special attention to safety: the model received high marks in the C-NCAP crash tests, which is far from standard for Chinese cars. However, like any car, it has its own nuances - from the specifics of service to the peculiarities of behavior on Russian roads. Let's figure out what lies behind the big name and whether the game is worth the candle.
Technical characteristics of BAIC U5 Plus Honor: engines, transmission, suspension
Under the hood BAIC U5 Plus Honor There are two petrol engines available - both naturally aspirated, but with different output. Basic 1.5 liter unit (model BJ415B) develops 114 hp at 145 Nm torque. It is enough for a quiet ride around the city, but on the highway when overtaking you have to actively work with the gearbox. The top version is equipped 1.8 liter motor (BJ418B) power 136 hp and 180 Nm, which reacts noticeably more quickly to the gas pedal.
Both engines are combined with 6-speed automatic transmission from Aisin (model TF-61SN), which is known for its reliability, but not always fast switching logic. There are no alternatives in the form of “mechanics” or a robot - this should be taken into account by fans of manual control. Suspension standard for class: front McPherson, behind multi-lever. Ground clearance is 190 mm, which allows you to confidently overcome city speed bumps and light off-road conditions.
- 🔧 Engines: 1.5 l (114 hp) / 1.8 l (136 hp) - both naturally aspirated, without a turbine.
- ⚙️ Box: only 6-automatic Aisin TF-61SN — reliable, but not the most dynamic.
- 🛣️ Suspension:
McPhersonfront,multi-leverrear - balance of comfort and handling. - 📏 Dimensions: 4455x1830x1680 mm, wheelbase 2680 mm - more compact Toyota RAV4, but more spacious Hyundai Creta.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, check the ECU firmware version! In early batches (until 2022), there were problems with “floating” idle speed. After updating to version ECU v2.14+ the defect has been eliminated.
Options and equipment: what the Honor version offers
Model BAIC U5 Plus Honor is positioned as the top modification in the line, and its equipment confirms this. Standard "Comfort" there are already LED optics, dual-zone climate control, a multimedia system with 10.25-inch screen and support Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. However, the real "wow effect" begins with the version "Luxury"where they appear:
- 🔥 360° camera with screen projection and dynamic markings.
- 🛡️ Adaptive cruise control (works until
120 km/h). - 🎵 Audio system Infinity with 8 speakers and subwoofer.
- 🌡️ Heated/ventilated front seats + heated steering wheel.
The security system deserves special attention. In addition to standard ESP, ABS and 6 pillows, there are automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring (BSM) and lane keeping assistant (LKA). However, according to owner reviews, The pedestrian recognition system does not always work correctly in poor visibility conditions (rain, snow) — this should be taken into account when driving in difficult weather conditions.
| Equipment | Engine | Price (2026) | Key options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 1.5 l (114 hp) | from 1,890,000 ₽ | LEDs, climate control, multimedia 10.25" |
| Luxury | 1.5 l / 1.8 l | from 2,150,000 ₽ | 360° camera, adaptive cruise, leather interior |
| Premium | 1.8 l (136 hp) | from 2,380,000 ₽ | Seat ventilation, Infinity audio, panoramic roof |
When ordering through an official dealer, ask for the package "Winter Comfort" - it turns on the pre-heater Webasto and reinforced floor mats.
Pros and cons of BAIC U5 Plus Honor: honest analysis
Like any car, BAIC U5 Plus Honor has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's start with the advantages that owners most often note:
- ✅ Design: modern, memorable, with LED optics and an aggressive front bumper.
- ✅ Price/equipment: for the same money competitors (for example, Changan CS35 Plus) offer fewer options.
- ✅ Spacious interior: high ceiling, wide seats, luggage rack
450 l(1300 l with seats folded). - ✅ Warranty: 5 years or
150,000 kmfor the body and 3 years for the mechanics.
Now about the disadvantages - there are plenty of them too, and some are critical:
- ❌ Dynamics: Even the 1.8-liter engine does not pull briskly - acceleration to 100 km/h takes
11.5 sec. - ❌ Noise insulation: at speeds over
90 km/hYou can hear noise from wheels and wind (improved in 2023, but not perfect). - ❌ Spare parts: Not all parts are on sale - some have to wait 2-3 weeks.
- ❌ Electronics: multimedia glitches (freezes Android Auto) and false alarms of parking sensors.
The main trump card of the model is the ratio of price and equipment. But if performance or a premium build is important to you, consider alternatives like Geely Coolray or Haval Jolion.
Comparison with competitors: who is better?
In the compact crossover segment, BAIC U5 Plus Honor there are many rivals. Let's look at the key differences from the most popular models:
| Model | Price (from) | Power | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAIC U5 Plus Honor | 1 890 000 ₽ | 114–136 hp | Rich equipment, 5 year warranty, spacious interior | Poor dynamics, sound insulation, spare parts |
| Changan CS35 Plus | 1 750 000 ₽ | 150 hp | More powerful turbo engine, reliable automatic transmission | Fewer options in the database, stiffer suspension |
| Haval Jolion | 2 050 000 ₽ | 143–190 hp | Premium interior, turbo engines, good sound insulation | More expensive, smaller trunk (430 l) |
Compared to Koreans (for example, Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta), then BAIC It loses in reliability and the secondary market, but wins in price and warranty. But with other Chinese (Geely, Chery) competition is more serious: the same Geely Coolray or Chery Tiggo 7 Pro offer more modern turbo engines and better handling.
Why is BAIC cheaper than its competitors?
The manufacturer saves on marketing (there is no mass advertising on TV) and uses localized components (for example, glass and plastic are produced in Russia). This reduces costs, but does not always have a positive effect on quality.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
Analysis of reviews on sites like Drom.ru and Drive2 shows that opinions about BAIC U5 Plus Honor polar. Some praise it for its comfort and equipment, others criticize it for its “dampness” and problems with service. Here are typical comments:
✅ Pros (according to reviews):
"For 2 years and 30 thousand km - not a single breakdown. The car is comfortable, the climate control works perfectly, the interior is spacious. For a family with two children - ideal." (Alexey, Moscow)
"I like the design better than Creta or Duster. The 360° camera is a lifesaver when parking in tight yards." (Irina, Ekaterinburg)
❌ Cons (according to reviews):
"On the highway at a speed of 110+ km/h it starts to buzz - as if you are driving Lade 2000s. You have to finish the soundproofing yourself." (Dmitry, Novosibirsk)
"After the winter, plastic creaking appeared in the interior. The dealer said that this was a 'feature of the model' and was not a warranty case." (Oleg, Kazan)
Most often, complaints are made to:
- 🔊 Noise at high speeds.
- ⚙️ I'll lock up the automatic transmission under sudden acceleration.
- 📱 Multimedia glitches (especially when connected via Bluetooth).
At the same time, many note that with careful operation and regular maintenance (every 15,000 km) no serious problems arise. The main thing is not to skimp on consumables (oil, filters) and monitor the condition of the suspension, which is sensitive to potholes.
Service and spare parts: what you need to know before buying
One of the key questions when purchasing BAIC U5 Plus Honor — this is the availability of service and spare parts. For 2026 the situation is as follows:
- 🔧 Official dealers: more than 100 in Russia (full list on the website baic.ru). In small towns, service may only be available in the neighboring region.
- 💰 Maintenance cost:
- TO-1 (15,000 km): ~8,000 ₽
- TO-2 (30,000 km): ~12,000 ₽
- TO-3 (45,000 km): ~15,000 ₽ (brake fluid replacement)
- 🔄 Warranty: 3 years for mechanics, 5 years for bodywork. But there are nuances - for example, battery Only covered for 1 year.
⚠️ Attention: Repairing it yourself (not at a dealer) will void the warranty! Even changing the oil at an unofficial service center may result in denial of warranty service.
The situation with spare parts is better than that of many Chinese brands, but not ideal:
- ✅ Consumables (filters, brake pads) are available for sale (for example, on Exist.ru).
- ❌ Body parts (bumpers, headlights) sometimes you have to wait 2-4 weeks.
- 🔋 Electronics (sensors, control units) are ordered upon request.
Service book (presence of all maintenance)|Suspension condition (knocking, play)|Electronics operation (camera, sensors)|Integrity of paintwork (Chinese paint is thin)|Test drive on the highway (checking noise and dynamics)-->
Is it worth buying BAIC U5 Plus Honor in 2026?
To summarize, we can say that BAIC U5 Plus Honor - this is a good option for those looking for a budget but well-equipped crossover. It will suit:
- 👨👩👧👦 Families who need a spacious interior and a large trunk.
- 🚗 For those who drive mostly around the city and rarely go on the highway.
- 💰 Buyers who are on a limited budget but want to get the most options for their money.
However, if you care:
- ⚡ Dynamics and responsiveness (consider Geely Coolray or Haval Jolion).
- 🛡️ Long-term reliability (it's better to take a closer look at Koreans or Japanese).
- 🔧 Ease of repair (y BAIC not as developed a service network as Toyota or Hyundai).
It is also worth considering that in the secondary market BAIC U5 Plus Honor loses value faster than, for example, Kia or Skoda. If you plan to sell your car in 3-5 years, be prepared for significant depreciation.
If you are willing to put up with the shortcomings (noise, dynamics) for the sake of a low price and rich equipment, then BAIC U5 Plus Honor - an excellent choice. But for long-term use, it is better to consider alternatives.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about BAIC U5 Plus Honor
❓ Which engine is more reliable: 1.5 or 1.8?
Both engines are naturally aspirated and built on the same base, so the reliability is approximately the same. However 1.8 liter less stressful (no need to “turn” to high speeds), which theoretically should extend its life. At the same time 1.5 liter easier to maintain and cheaper to repair.
❓ Is it possible to install HBO on BAIC U5 Plus Honor?
Technically yes, but official dealers do not recommend do this as the engine warranty will be voided. If you decide, choose 4th generation equipment and get tuned by certified technicians. Owners note that after installing gas equipment, gas consumption is about 10–11 l/100 km.
❓ What oil to pour into the engine?
The manufacturer recommends semi-synthetics 5W-30 or 5W-40 according to standard API SN/GF-5. Optimal options:
- Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30
- Shell Helix HX8 5W-40
- Total Quartz 9000 Future NFC 5W-30
Refill volume: 4.2 l for 1.5 and 4.5 l for 1.8.
❓ How to enable "Sport" mode in BAIC U5 Plus Honor?
This model does not have a separate button Sport Mode, but you can activate a more dynamic automatic transmission mode:
- Move the selector to position
M(manual mode). - Click the button
+on the lever to downshift. - The automatic transmission will hold speed longer and shift up later.
You can also use the button OD Off (on the automatic transmission lever) to turn off overdrive - this will make acceleration a little faster.
❓ Where is BAIC U5 Plus Honor produced for Russia?
The model is assembled at the factory in Cherkessk (Karachay-Cherkessia) from 2021. Localization includes body welding, painting and partial assembly. Engines and gearboxes are supplied from China, and some components (glass, plastic) are made in Russia.