The Haval H7 Hi4 PHEV 4WD is easy to like from the start. It looks good, is surprisingly easy to drive for its size, and comes loaded with comfort and tech features. At P1,698,888, it is the flagship of the H7 range. The H7 HEV 2WD starts at P1,298,888, while the H7 PHEV 2WD is priced at P1,548,888. GWM launched the H7 locally in June.
We were lucky enough to drive an H7 at GWM’s proving ground in Baoding, China, in January this year. While the vehicle we drove did not have exactly the same specifications as the Philippine-market version, we were able to experience pushing it to its limits. Called the Haval Menglong (or Menglong Plus) in China, the exercise highlighted just how sturdy and well-built the vehicle is. The route took us up a mountain and river crossings, putting the SUV in conditions well beyond a typical city commute.
Power and capability
Just recently, I got to drive the top-specced Hi4 PHEV 4WD which combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors. Hi4 stands for Hybrid Intelligent 4WD, an innovative plug-in hybrid electric four-wheel-drive architecture developed by the brand.
This top variant has a combined output listed at 364 PS and 760 Nm, delivered through a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. Its 19.09 kWh battery has a claimed NEDC electric range of 91 km.
The H7 is agile despite its size, and fun to drive whether you take it easy or choose a more spirited pace. A rotary dial on the center console lets you select from seven driving modes: Normal, Sport, Economy, Snow, Sand, Mud, and AWD.
In Baoding, we drove through challenging terrain including steep offroad inclines. I remember the H7 staying composed through the route, and how amazed we were at what they put the vehicles through. The spec sheet lists a 25-degree approach angle, a 32-degree departure angle, 210 mm of ground clearance and a stated 30 percent climbing gradient. Those figures were put to good use by our experienced guides in Baoding who conducted those drives regularly.
Easy to drive, roomy inside
Despite its size, the H7 never felt intimidating from behind the wheel. Visibility is good, the steering is light in its Comfort setting, and the cameras make maneuvering in tight spaces easier. Its independent MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension are paired with electric power steering, which offers Light, Comfort and Sport settings.
The predominantly black cabin with gray accents has a clean, uncomplicated look. The surfaces also don’t look particularly difficult to keep clean, and will probably age well. The seats are comfortable for both the driver and passengers. There is ample legroom for all occupants, and the cargo area has plenty of room for everyday errands or weekend bags.
What I particularly liked were some of the smaller details. A bottle cubby with an elastic band helps keep a water bottle secure. The side-mounted rear door is easy to open and close, even for children or people who find heavier doors awkward. The large panoramic sunroof brings more light into the cabin and makes the space feel airier.
Controls and equipment
The H7’s 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is large and easy to navigate. It runs Coffee OS 3.3, GWM’s proprietary operating system, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and Bluetooth. The 12.3-inch instrument display, head-up display and off-road information display add useful information for the driver. The Hi4 version also has a 10-speaker sound system with an eight-channel amplifier.
GWM has kept physical buttons for the air-conditioning controls, a welcome choice for quick adjustments on the move without having to dig through sub-menus to adjust. The Hi4 also gets ventilated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Exterior equipment includes LED headlamps and tail lamps, automatic headlamp control, rain-sensing front wipers, roof rails and power-folding side mirrors. The Hi4 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 R19 tires and has a full-size spare mounted at the rear.
Safety, braking and charging
The H7’s braking system uses ventilated discs at all four wheels, with an electric parking brake and Auto Brake Hold. For added safety, it also has ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, Brake Assist, Braking Torque Control and an Integrated Brake Control System.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, hill-hold and hill-descent control, rollover mitigation, tire-pressure monitoring and a 540-degree camera system. Four front and four rear parking sensors are also listed. Driver-assistance features include intelligent cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot information, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic-sign recognition.
For charging, the H7 PHEV supports Type 2 AC and CCS2 DC charging. It is capable of Vehicle-to-load (V2L) that lets you use the vehicle to power compatible devices. The Hi4’s listed 2,200-watt outlet can come in handy for outdoor equipment, while Camp, Nap and Immersive modes add functions for time spent parked.
What we think
The Haval H7 Hi4 PHEV 4WD pairs strong, readily available torque with a comfortable cabin and useful everyday details. Familiar controls, ample leg room, and practical storage help it feel approachable, while the seven drive modes, all-wheel drive and charging options broaden its appeal.
For P1,698,888, the H7 Hi4 PHEV 4WD isn’t cheap, but you get a lot of SUV for your hard-earned buck. Whether you plan to take it off-road or simply cruise through the urban jungle, the Haval H7 Hi4 PHEV 4WD just might be the sleeper SUV worth considering.