Haval H9 Review: Is It the Best Family SUV?

The car above is the Haval H9, the biggest, oldest, and most expensive model in the brand’s line-up. By the end of this review, you are going to find out if this seven-seater family SUV has what it takes to go up against newer Chinese SUVs such as the GAC GS8 and MG RX8.

Exterior

Released in 2014, the Haval H9 is a rough and tough SUV that looks the part too. Its design features include:

• Flared wheel arches
• Excellent approach angle
• Enviable departure angle
• Ample clearance between the tires and the body

While the designers have almost certainly taken strong inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Toyota Prado, the H9 effectively combines these influences to form its own identity.

In the back, the most noticeable change the H9 has undergone since its mid-cycle refresh is the removal of the spare wheel in favor of a more elegant design. As a three-row SUV, it offers ample room for passengers of all ages, and when the third-row seats are folded flat, you can comfortably transport cargo with 747 liters of space at your disposal.

Interior

Despite its spaciousness and commanding view of the road from a high seating position, the interior of the Haval H9 appears and feels quite dated. Drawing heavy influences from the Toyota Land Cruiser, the H9 lacks the uniqueness and refinement found in newer Haval models. In the second row, there's plenty of space, complemented by comfort features such as:

• Independent A/C controls
• Vents integrated into the roof liner
• A charging outlet for tech-savvy kids

Features

While there are a few notable features such as:

• A sunroof
• A 10-speaker Infinity sound system
• An 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• A 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat

the Haval H9’s age becomes evident when evaluating the technology offered. Although it includes an infotainment screen, the graphics and user interface are outdated. Modern amenities like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as safety features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, are missing, which its rivals provide.

For audiophiles, there’s also a CD player available, but the most intriguing feature is the voice-guided parking assistant system, which requires some getting used to as it feels like a tutorial on how to park your car for the first time.

Drive

Much like its competitors, the Haval H9 is powered by a small-displacement turbocharged engine—a 2.0-liter variant that delivers 240 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, well-known for supplying transmissions to luxury brands such as Bentley, BMW, and Porsche.

Since the H9 utilizes a body-on-frame chassis, it drives similarly to a truck, featuring a soft suspension and noticeable body roll. Nevertheless, it comes equipped with essential 4x4 gear, including:

• A low-range setting on the transmission
• An altimeter
• A barometer
• A digital inclinometer above the infotainment screen

To ensure the H9 can tackle any terrain, it is also fitted with six drive modes, three for on-road and three for off-road driving: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, and Mud.

Verdict

Priced at 109,900 Dirhams, the Haval H9 occupies a challenging position in its segment. While it is undeniably the most capable of the three off-road, the MG RX8 and GAC GS8 are newer, cheaper, and superior in almost every other aspect.