Volkswagen Tayron 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 Volkswagen Tayron starts from $48,290 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H7 opens at $46,990. That makes the GWM Haval H7 the more affordable entry point by $1,300.
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 $53,119 and $51,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Haval H7 by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tayron and GWM Haval H7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron 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 Volkswagen Tayron.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron and 6 in the GWM Haval H7.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tayron features a 12.9-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, panoramic roof and heated front seats that the Volkswagen Tayron does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tayron uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 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 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tayron is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tayron measures 4,792mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 32mm longer 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 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron and 520L in the GWM Haval H7, giving the Volkswagen Tayron a 50L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Haval H7 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg 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 $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron and $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H7. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H7.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron) vs $1,682 (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 saves you roughly $484 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H7). The GWM Haval H7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H7 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H7 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GWM Haval H7 will save you roughly $484 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tayron 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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