Haval started the year on a good note by introducing the H7 on local shores. The H7 is a rugged SUV with an urban appeal. We attended the launch of the H7, and you can check out our thoughts here.
Related: Haval H7 vs MG HS vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which one has the lowest running costs?
The H7 looks urban at heart but has offroad capabilities, too. The broad fenders, body cladding with visible rivets for that rough and tumble style, and an assertive front end make the H7 a well-styled vehicle. For this comparison, we chose the top-of-the-range 1.5T HEV Super Luxury to compete against a mainstay in the South African market, the Toyota Rav4. Another urban SUV has offroad capability like the H7, but this vehicle has existed for over 20 years. The current iteration represents part of Toyota South Africa's introduction of new energy vehicles and the model we're using for this comparison, the 2.5 Hybrid GX-R E-Four. Let's see how the RAV4 compares to the H7.
Haval H7
The H7, as we've established, is another highlight offering from the Haval brand. Rugged but also urban. Naturally, there's also an emphasis on tech, such as infotainment and safety with the H7.
Powertrain
You have the choice of full combustion or hybrid powertrain with the H7. For this comparison, though, we're looking at the hybrid powertrain. We have the GWM turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain with dual hybrid transmission. Total power output figures are 179kW /530Nm, and when we break it down, you get 113kW /233Nm from the engine component and 139kW /300Nm from the electrical side. Power here is sent to the front wheels. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 5.7 L /100km with a range of 1071km from the 61-litre tank.
Notable Standard Specification
- 19-inch wheels
- 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Heads-Up Display (Super Luxury)
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Seat cooling (Super Luxury)
- Panoramic Sunroof
Notable Safety
- 6 airbags
- TCS (Traction Control)
- CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
- ESP
- ABS with Emergency Brake Assist
- Hill Descent with Hill Hold
- 360 Degree Camera System with a 180-degree electronically made view of the road surface
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
ADAS Systems
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure, Lane Keep and Lane Centering
- Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist
- Emergency Lane Keeping
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking
- Rear Collision Warning
- Intelligent Evade
Practicality
The H7 is a five-seater SUV. Depending on how you fold the rear seats, the boot space can be from 483 to 1362 litres. You also get a 17-inch space-saver wheel to help you in a pinch.
Price and Value
The H7 in 1.5T HEV Super Luxury trim comes from R730 950. That purchase price includes a 7-year /75 000km service plan, 7-year /200 000km warranty, 7-year/Unlimited km roadside assistance and 8-year /150 000km HEV and EV battery warranty. If you opt to finance a H7, use our finance tool and set the parameters at 72 months, a 10% deposit, no balloon/residual, and a 12% interest rate. You can expect to pay around R12 861 p/m
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX-R E-Four
Much like the H7, the RAV4 employs rugged aesthetics, and arguably, this is more pronounced with the RAV4, which has a more assertive front end and more body creases. This has evolved significantly from the original RAV4, which looks softer. Now, the RAV4 is sporting a hybrid powertrain and rocks newer variants.
Powertrain
In pure combustion form, the RAV4's 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol produces 131kW /221Nm. The hybrid component produces 88kW /202Nm on the front axle and 40kW /121Nm on the rear. The total kW figures are rated at 163kW. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT transmission and the E-Four system. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 4.8 L/100km, with a range of 1146km from the 55-litre tank.
Notable Standard Specification
- 18-inch wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Smart Entry
- Wireless Charger
- Driver memory seats
- Seat ventilation
Notable Safety Specification
- 7 Airbags
- Rear Park Distance Control
- Brake Assist
- EBD
- Hill Assist Control
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Trailer Sway Control
- Downhill Assist Control
Practicality
The RAV4 is a 5-seater SUV. Regarding boot space, you have 733 litres to play with, which can be extended when you fold down the rear seats. The GX-R E-Four even comes with a full-size spare wheel. Also, this vehicle can tow with capacities rated at 750kg unbraked and 1000kg braked.
Price and Value
The RAV4 in GX-R E-Four trim comes in from R748 700. Within that purchase price is a 6-services /90 000km service plan, 3-year /100 000km warranty, and 8-year /195 000km hybrid battery warranty. If you opt to finance your RAV4, use our finance tool and set the parameters at 72 months, a 10% deposit, no balloon/residual, and a 12% interest rate. You can expect to pay around R13 174 p/m.
Who wins?
While the H7 has many standard specifications, we'll have to win the RAV4 because of its more frugal and powerful powertrain and practicality—the RAV4 can even tow. You can search AutoTrader for the latest Haval H7 and Toyota RAV4 deals here and sell your car.
