Kia Sorento vs GWM Haval H7
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 Kia Sorento starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $10,500.
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 $40,139 and $51,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Haval H7 by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sorento and GWM Haval H7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sorento and 6 in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Sorento misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval H7 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Kia Sorento does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sorento uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 332Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 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 Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Haval H7 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 55mm longer than the GWM Haval H7 at 4,760mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 520L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the GWM Haval H7 a 341L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
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.
11.2m to 12.0m
Based on 11.2m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Kia Sorento and $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H7. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H7.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Kia Sorento) vs $1,682 (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H7 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The GWM Haval H7 will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. 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, Kia Sorento and GWM Haval H7?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Haval H7 by $10,500.
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 — Kia Sorento 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 is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 200kW. 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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