GWM Haval H7 vs Kia EV5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 GWM Haval H7 starts from $46,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the GWM Haval H7 the more affordable entry point by $2,780.
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 $54,747 respectively.
The Kia EV5 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 GWM Haval H7 and Kia EV5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the GWM Haval H7 and 88% for the Kia EV5.
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 Kia EV5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM Haval H7 and 7 in the Kia EV5. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Haval H7 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval H7 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof and heated front seats that you will not find on the Kia EV5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Haval H7 uses a Petrol producing 179kW and 530Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
The GWM Haval H7 has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Haval H7 measures 4,760mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 145mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the GWM Haval H7 and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the GWM Haval H7 a 60L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H7 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the GWM Haval H7 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM Haval H7 and Kia EV5?
The GWM Haval H7 is the cheapest at $46,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV5 by $2,780.
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 — GWM Haval H7 and Kia EV5 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 is the most powerful?
The GWM Haval H7 makes the most power at 179kW. The Kia EV5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.2s.
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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