The GWM Haval H7 is a new car that has been introduced to the market, and it is a fairly well-established fact that Chinese car names can be confusing. The H7 is no exception, as it has been sold under different names in various markets. In Australia, for example, there was a Haval SUV called the H7 in 2018 that was based on the Chinese domestic market Haval H7L.
In 2025, another Haval SUV was introduced in Australia, which was actually the Chinese market Haval Big Dog. Now, there’s another H7, which is actually the Haval Raptor in its home market. The reason for the name change is likely due to Ford not allowing the use of the Raptor name in certain markets.
Design and Features
The H7/Raptor looks like a mini Land Rover Defender, particularly in profile, which makes it a handsome and distinctive medium-sized SUV. It occupies the middle ground between the Haval H6 and the ladder chassis Tank 300. The H7 launches in New Zealand in top-spec Vanta AWD form, both in hybrid and plug-in hybrid, with a FWD Lux hybrid coming before the end of the year.
All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine hooked up to a four-speed DHT driving the front wheels, with the AWD models getting an additional electric motor on the rear axle. The AWD hybrid pumps out 182kW and 67Nm, while the PHEV packs a prodigious 320kW and 670Nm.
The H7 delivers a robust, sturdy four-wheel-drive experience, bridging the gap between the car-like H6 and the firmer Tank 300. Its driving position is notably upright, offering a commanding view over the broad, square hood. The chassis remains stable and flat, minimizing body roll in corners, ensuring strong road grip and precise steering.
Performance and Equipment
Vanta AWD models enhance the specification with gloss black exterior accents, black badges, a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear sunshades, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, privacy glass, a head-up display, and a premium 10-speaker audio system. The PHEV further includes a larger battery, fast charging, V2L functionality, and superior power and performance.
The H7’s powertrain is responsive, punchy and exceptionally quiet and refined, though the traction and stability control systems can intervene somewhat aggressively when exiting tight corners. The PHEV is clearly the powerhouse of the pair, being nicely muscular when up and running, although its “super hybrid” nature does bring the traditional initial sluggishness of the line as the DHT sorts out where the power needs to both come from and go to.
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GWM claims the H7 boasts a more convincing off-road package than other mid-size SUVs, and the inclusion of 8 drive modes does back that up to a degree. The Vanta AWD PHEV emerges as the clear pick of the range at this stage, delivering an impressive on-road driving experience and combining strong performance with generous equipment levels.
The H7’s pricing starts at $49,990 for the Lux 2WD hybrid, while the Vanta AWD hybrid is priced at $55,990 and the Vanta AWD PHEV tops the range at $61,990. The most obvious rival is the Toyota RAV4, which covers off the H7 range with FWD hybrid models, AWD hybrid models, and AWD PHEV models, as well as a 2WD PHEV model.
Other cars that should be considered in the mid-size SUV segment include the Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Honda CR-V, which offer a choice of ICE and hybrid options in FWD and AWD. The H7’s sharp pricing and tough truck looks make it a compelling option in this segment, and it remains to be seen if the 2WD Lux can top that when it arrives.
The H7’s standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as keyless entry, automatic LED headlights with high beam assist, electrically adjustable front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a full suite of safety assists.
Comparison to Other Mid-Size SUVs
The RAV4 prices range from $50,990 to $67,990.
These models offer a choice of ICE and hybrid options in FWD and AWD, with prices ranging from $39,990 to $85,590.
The H7’s 33.7kWh LFP battery in the PHEV model provides a claimed range of up to 137km. The PHEV also features DC fast charging and V2L output.
