2025 Kia H7
By Lorenzo Bianchi July 14, 2025
The 2026 Haval H7 gets a sharper look with 20% brighter headlights and a refreshed grille.
Tech upgrades include a 14.6" floating touchscreen, 9” W-HUD and enhanced speaker system.
Practical dimensions and rugged styling keep it competitive in compact SUV segment.
The 2026 Haval H7 steps up its game. With that name early, it’s obvious this is no mild mid-cycle refresh—it’s a statement. From the first press images, it’s clear: the boxy, rugged silhouette remains, but with modern polish and tech that make it look current.
Look at the front. That updated grille fills the face more aggressively. Those retro-round headlights are still there, but now they shine—low beams 47,800 cd, highs 94,500 cd, a 20% jump in brightness. It’s like giving your gaze a little punch. The inverted L–shaped light bar at the rear echoes that intent and maintains the H7’s distinctive look.
Compact Proportions, Strong Presence
With dimensions locked in—4,620 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, and 1,780 mm tall on a 2,738 mm wheelbase—it’s a compact, yet purposeful package. It’s short enough for city life but tall and sturdy for weekend rough roads. The roof racks, chunky plastic arches, and traditional door handles ensure it keeps that off-road vibe intact.
Birthing point: competitors like Suzuki Jimny or Kia Seltos may glance over, but the H7 muscles in with style that’s both rugged and modern.
Interior: Tech Upgrade, Familiar Feel
Inside is where the new H7 starts feeling like a proper upgrade. The D-shaped steering wheel is a sporty touch. The highlight? A 14.6-inch floating central screen running Coffee OS 3, a big leap from before. Alongside, there’s a 9-inch W-HUD plus a digital instrument display. Sounds are boosted too—10 speakers fill the cabin. Seat cooling? Yes. And cargo space stretches to 1,404 L with seats folded. Practical. Simple. Maybe a bit rough in finish, but clearly upgraded.
Mechanical & Powertrain Reality
Haval hasn’t yet shared the new powertrain specifics. Looking back, the 2024 model offered a 1.5T (135 kW/181 hp, 275 Nm) or a 2.0T (175 kW/235 hp, 385 Nm) engine mated to a 7- or 9-speed DCT. It’s safe to say the 2026 will stick with those or tweak them slightly. Rugged enough for mild off-roading, responsive enough for daily driving.
Market Context: Compact But Confident
In a sea of compact SUVs, the H7 stays bold. It’s rugged—not pretending to be sporty like the Toyota RAV4, but it’s got more character. For buyers who want capability wrapped in urban practicality, the H7 just got sharper. In China, the 2024 model sold from ¥123,900 to ¥149,900 (≈ US $17,300–20,900), and with these enhancements, expect the 2026 version to sit just above that.
Technical Specification
Performance:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine: approx. 135 kW (181 hp)
- 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine: approx. 175 kW (235 hp)
Body Measurements:
- Length: 4,620 mm (approx. 181.9 in)
- Width: 1,890 mm (approx. 74.4 in)
- Height: 1,780 mm (approx. 70.1 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,738 mm (approx. 107.8 in)
Powertrain:
- Engine options: 1.5T or 2.0T inline-4 turbocharged gasoline
- Transmission: 7-speed or 9-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive (depending on trim)
Capacities:
- Seating: 5 passengers
- Luggage capacity: Up to 1,404 L (with rear seats folded)
- Fuel tank capacity: Approx. 60 L
Price (Estimated for China):
- 2024 model pricing ranged from ¥123,900 to ¥149,900 (approx. USD $17,300–$20,900)
- 2026 model expected to see a modest increase depending on trim and tech features






