Renault Arkana 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Renault Arkana starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. That makes the Renault Arkana the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $50,589 and $51,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Arkana features a 9.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Haval H7 gets a 14.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Arkana stands out with Bose audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Arkana uses a Petrol producing 116kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 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 116kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GWM Haval H7 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Arkana measures 4,568mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 137mm shorter than the GWM Haval H7 at 4,705mm (2,810mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 485L in the Renault Arkana and 483L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the Renault Arkana a 2L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg 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 11.7m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,682/year for the Renault Arkana and $1,625/year for the GWM Haval H7. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H7.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You prioritise performance, 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 5 of 7 key spec categories. The GWM Haval H7 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. 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, Renault Arkana and GWM Haval H7?
The Renault Arkana is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Haval H7 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Haval H7 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
GWM Haval H7 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Renault Arkana, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Arkana has the largest boot at 485L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Haval H7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Haval H7 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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.
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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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