The design and styling choice of the moment is the blocky, squared-off Defender-esque SUV. One brand that is doing the design justice is GWM. It has the Haval H7 family SUV and the rugged Tank 300, two vehicles that look remarkably similar but couldn't be any more different.
Related: Haval H7 vs Jetour T1 vs Mahindra XUV: Which one has the lowest running costs?
While both the Haval H7 HEV and the GWM Tank 300 HEV come from the same parent company, GWM, and feature rugged, blocky styling, they are fundamentally different vehicles beneath the skin. The simplest way to look at it: the Haval H7 is a family crossover dressed up as an off-roader, while the Tank 300 is a hardcore, old-school 4x4 built for the wild.
How does the Haval H7 compare to the Toyota RAV4: Hybrid Car Battle
Chassis and architecture
Haval H7 HEV: Built on a monocoque (unibody) chassis. This is the same type of construction used in ordinary road cars and city SUVs. It results in sharper road handling, a more comfortable daily ride on tarmac, and better cabin space efficiency.
Tank 300 HEV: Uses a ladder-frame (body-on-frame) chassis, similar to a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger. This makes the vehicle incredibly tough and flex-resistant over rocks and ditches, but it means a slightly heavier, truck-like ride on city streets.
Off-road capability
Haval H7 HEV: It has a healthy 210mm ground clearance and adventure-inspired styling, but it is primarily an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Front-Wheel Drive layout designed for gravel roads, rainy weather, and light weekend camping tracks. It does not have a low-range transfer case.
Tank 300 HEV: A true 4x4. It features a 224mm ground clearance, excellent approach/departure angles, a proper low-range (4L) gear selector, and electronically locking differentials. It is built to tackle serious sand dunes, deep mud, and technical rock crawling.
Powertrain
Both use GWM's smart hybrid tech, but the performance delivery matches their intended use:
| Feature | Haval H7 HEV | GWM Tank 300 HEV |
| Engine Setup | 1.5L turbo petrol + electric motor | 2.0L turbo petrol + electric motor |
| Combined Power | ~179 kW | 255 kW |
| Combined Torque | 530 Nm | 648 Nm |
| Transmission | Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) | 9-Speed automatic |
The Tank 300 HEV packs a massive torque punch of 648Nm to help pull it over obstacles or tow heavy loads, whereas the H7 prioritises highway efficiency.
Interior and practicality
Haval H7 HEV: The cabin is highly modern, spacious, and packed with family-friendly storage bins. Second-row legroom is exceptionally generous, though the hybrid battery layout slightly compromises the boot floor height.
Tank 300 HEV: Embraces a premium aviation-meets-retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, with circular air vents, a chunky gear selector, and rugged grab handles. It feels robust yet surprisingly luxurious.
Verdict
If you spend 95% of your time on tarmac, doing school runs and highway cruising, but want a boxy, distinctive vehicle that can effortlessly handle South African gravel roads, the Haval H7 HEV is the more sensible, comfortable choice. If you intend to take your vehicle to places like Botswana, the Transkei, or technical 4x4 trails, the Tank 300 HEV is the one you want.
