Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail starts from $37,750 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $9,240.
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 $41,525 and $51,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Haval H7 by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and GWM Haval H7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan X-Trail and 6 in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Nissan X-Trail misses.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Haval H7 gets a 14.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan X-Trail stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan X-Trail lines up producing 135kW and 244Nm 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 GWM Haval H7 has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 135kW. 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 Nissan X-Trail measures 4,680mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 80mm shorter than the GWM Haval H7 at 4,760mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Nissan X-Trail and 520L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the GWM Haval H7 a 315L 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.
11.0m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail and $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H7. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H7.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail) vs $1,682 (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 saves you roughly $427 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H7 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. The GWM Haval H7 will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. 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, Nissan X-Trail and GWM Haval H7?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $37,750 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Haval H7 by $9,240.
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 — Nissan X-Trail 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 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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