Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 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
Both the Toyota RAV4 and GWM Haval H7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Toyota RAV4 and 90% for the GWM Haval H7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota RAV4 and 6 in the GWM Haval H7. The GWM Haval H7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota RAV4 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Haval H7 gets a 14.6-inch display. 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 Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 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 143kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Haval H7 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 160mm 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 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 520L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 60L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.0m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H7. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H7.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,682 (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Toyota RAV4) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota'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 $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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