GWM’s Haval H9 tested: can this new 7-seater SUV truly threaten the Toyota SW4’s long-held reign?

The automotive landscape in Brazil witnessed a significant shift in September 2024 when GWM introduced its first non-electrified product, the Haval H9. This bold entry aims directly at the established dominance of the Toyota SW4 within the highly competitive seven-seater SUV market, promising a fresh alternative for consumers.

To thoroughly assess its potential, a team recently conducted an extensive week-long evaluation of the Haval H9. The rigorous testing regimen covered more than 700 kilometers, traversing diverse conditions from challenging dirt roads to smooth asphalt, navigating bustling city streets, and cruising open highways.

This comprehensive test provided critical insights into the Haval H9’s capabilities, comfort, and real-world performance. The objective was to determine if this new contender from GWM possesses the attributes necessary to challenge the deeply entrenched market position of its primary rival.

GWM’s strategic entry into the 7-seater segment

GWM’s introduction of the Haval H9 marks a strategic move into a segment traditionally dominated by a few strong players. The vehicle positions itself as a premium offering designed to appeal to buyers seeking both robust utility and a sophisticated driving experience.

Its market launch in September of last year underscored the brand’s intent to diversify its portfolio beyond electrified models, tapping into a broader consumer base that values traditional powertrain options coupled with modern amenities. This expansion signals GWM’s growing ambition in the Brazilian automotive sector.

Performance and pricing: a head-to-head comparison

The Haval H9 enters the market with a compelling price point of R$ 329,000, significantly undercutting the Toyota SW4, which is priced at R$ 424,590 for a comparable seven-seater configuration. This nearly R$ 100,000 difference represents a substantial advantage for GWM in attracting value-conscious premium SUV buyers.

In terms of raw power, the SW4 holds a slight edge, delivering 204 horsepower and 50.9 kgfm of torque. The Haval H9, by comparison, offers 184 horsepower and 48.9 kgfm of torque. Despite the nominal difference in output, the H9’s performance during daily use proved to be more than adequate across various driving conditions.

On-road and off-road impressions: driving comfort and capability

During its week-long evaluation, the Haval H9 demonstrated a consistently pleasing driving experience, adapting well to both urban environments and more challenging off-road segments. Its suspension and steering system are calibrated effectively, providing a comfortable ride even when traversing difficult terrain.

The vehicle’s handling characteristics instill confidence, offering a stable and controlled feel across different surfaces. This blend of comfort and capability ensures that the H9 is a versatile option for diverse driver needs, from daily commuting to adventurous excursions.

The front and middle-row seating proved exceptionally comfortable, maintaining support even after extended periods behind the wheel. The intuitive design of the cabin, coupled with these ergonomic seats, enhances the overall travel experience for occupants.

A notable premium feature contributing to the H9’s luxurious feel is its retractable running board. This system automatically deploys and retracts with the opening and closing of the doors, enhancing ease of access and underscoring the vehicle’s sophisticated design.

Interior refinement and advanced technology

Inside the Haval H9, GWM has prioritized a technologically advanced and premium cabin experience. The driver is greeted by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, complemented by a expansive 14.6-inch central infotainment screen that supports seamless wireless device pairing.

The SUV features a sophisticated three-zone digital air conditioning system, fully controllable via the central display, with vents strategically distributed throughout the cabin for efficient cooling. Furthermore, the audio experience is immersive, delivered through a 640W sound system with 10 high-fidelity speakers.

Safety and convenience are bolstered by a comprehensive 540-degree camera system. This includes a 360-degree view around the vehicle plus a transparent chassis function, offering unparalleled situational awareness for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

Adding to the luxurious appointments, the Haval H9 provides eight distinct massage modes for both the driver and front passenger, with three intensity levels. These features, combined with full electric seat adjustments, significantly elevate passenger comfort during any journey.

Cabin space and practical dimensions

The Haval H9 excels in interior space compared to its primary rival, the SW4, offering more generous dimensions across several key metrics. This translates into a more expansive and comfortable cabin for passengers.

Specifically, the Haval H9 is 15.5 cm longer (4,950 mm vs. 4,795 mm), 12.1 cm wider (1,976 mm vs. 1,855 mm), 9.5 cm taller (1,930 mm vs. 1,835 mm), and boasts a 10.5 cm longer wheelbase (2,850 mm vs. 2,745 mm) than the Toyota SW4. These larger dimensions contribute to greater passenger room, although the third-row seating, typical for three-row SUVs, offers reduced space.

Despite its superior overall interior volume, the Haval H9’s cargo capacity is marginally smaller than the SW4’s by two liters, a minor difference that rarely impacts practical utility. However, a key distinction lies in ground clearance, where the H9 measures 224 mm, 5.5 cm less than the SW4’s 279 mm, which might be a consideration for extreme off-road enthusiasts.

Fuel efficiency: diesel power in real-world conditions

The Haval H9, powered by a diesel engine, provided a respectable performance in fuel economy during testing, particularly for a vehicle of its substantial size. While the SUV offers limited options for tracking consumption data, presenting only a primary partial reading and an automatic calculation upon departure, the actual figures recorded offer a clear picture of its efficiency.

During urban driving, the seven-seater SUV achieved an average close to 9 km/l, a competitive figure considering its weight and dimensions. Its performance improved significantly on longer journeys, with highway consumption reaching an impressive 12.7 km/l over a 220-kilometer stretch, indicating its potential for economical travel on open roads and long-distance trips.

Market reception and future outlook

Sales data up to February 2025 indicates the SW4 maintained a lead with 2,161 units sold, a decrease from 3,105 units in the previous period. The Haval H9, in contrast, recorded 1,554 registrations during the same two-month timeframe, demonstrating a strong start for the new entrant.

From its September 2024 launch through December 2025, the SW4 accumulated 4,765 sales, while the Haval H9 achieved 2,205 sales. Although the SW4 continues to outperform in overall volume, the H9’s rapid uptake highlights its appeal and GWM’s commitment to capturing market share.

To further entice customers and challenge Toyota’s loyal base, GWM has mirrored the competitor’s strategy by offering a generous 10-year warranty for the Haval H9. This move underscores the brand’s confidence in its product’s durability and aims to reassure potential buyers about long-term ownership.