BYD Seal vs GWM Haval H7
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Seal starts from $46,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $51,689 and $51,689 respectively.
The BYD Seal qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Haval H7, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Seal and GWM Haval H7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Seal and 90% for the GWM Haval H7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Haval H7 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BYD Seal.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Seal and 6 in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Seal misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Seal features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Haval H7 gets a 14.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Seal stands out with Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Seal uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The GWM Haval H7 responds with a Petrol making 179kW and 530Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The GWM Haval H7 has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Seal is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Seal measures 4,800mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 40mm longer than the GWM Haval H7 at 4,760mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Seal generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the BYD Seal and 520L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the GWM Haval H7 a 120L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Seal) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Seal if: You or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H7 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the GWM Haval H7 has a clear edge. The GWM Haval H7 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Seal and GWM Haval H7?
The BYD Seal is the cheapest at $46,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Haval H7 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Seal and GWM Haval H7 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GWM Haval H7 has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Haval H7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Haval H7 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Haval H7 makes the most power at 179kW. The BYD Seal is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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