GWM Haval H7 vs Subaru Outback
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 Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the GWM Haval H7 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Haval H7 by roughly $3,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Haval H7 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the GWM Haval H7 and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
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 Subaru Outback.
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 9 in the Subaru Outback. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Outback misses.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Haval H7 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval H7 stands out with head-up display and wireless charging that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. 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 Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The GWM Haval H7 has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Haval H7 is 2.0s 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, 110mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the GWM Haval H7 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 455L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H7 and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $769 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H7.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (GWM Haval H7) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The GWM Haval H7 saves you roughly $769 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H7 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GWM Haval H7 will save you roughly $769 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback 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, GWM Haval H7 and Subaru Outback?
The GWM Haval H7 is the cheapest at $46,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $2,000.
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 Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
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 GWM Haval H7 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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