CAR magazine has shown the 2026 Haval H7 in a video ahead of its official South African launch on October 22, 2026. The vehicle in the preview is a different model from the H7 tested by the magazine in 2025: it is known as the Raptor in China, while the earlier H7 was based on the Big Dog. The new model is also featured on the cover of the magazine’s November 2026 issue.
South African buyers will have three powertrain choices: conventional petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The petrol version uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 kW and 380 N.m. It is offered with front- or all-wheel drive and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with one electric motor and a 1.53 kWh battery. Its combined output is 182 kW and 540 N.m, delivered through a Direct Hybrid Transmission. The plug-in hybrid is available with front-wheel drive, rated at 240 kW and 540 N.m, or all-wheel drive using GWM’s Hi4 system, rated at 320 kW and 670 N.m. Haval claims the top-output version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.