Haval H9 Review – The Family-Friendly SUV
Introducing the Haval H9, the largest, oldest, and most expensive Haval available in the UAE today. In this report, we will explore all the cars offered by Haval in the UAE, focusing on this seven-seater family SUV, and see how it compares to new competitors such as the GAC GS8 and MG RX8.
Design of the Haval H9
Launched in 2014, the Haval H9 competes in the family SUV segment, ready for all types of terrains. Its design reflects this readiness, featuring:
- Excellent approach and departure angles of 28 degrees at the front and 23 degrees at the rear.
- Prominent wheel arches.
- Significant ground clearance between the wheels and the body of the vehicle.
- Impressive dimensions: 4.8 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.9 meters in height.
Unlike the Haval H2 and H6, the Haval H9 suffers from a common issue found in many Chinese car designs. It's evident that its designers drew inspiration from other models, such as the Mercedes ML and Toyota Prado, but the H9 ultimately achieves a cohesive design suitable for its class.
Interior Space and Comfort
At the rear, the H9 features large vertical LED lights and a side-opening tailgate instead of a top-hinged one, providing a trunk space of 747 liters when the third-row seats are folded down.
Once seated in the driver's seat, it's apparent that the Haval H9 feels dated compared to other Haval models in the market. While there are wood and chrome accents in the cabin, the overall design lacks modernity and a distinctive personality, resembling the interior of the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Second Row Seating Features
In the second-row seats, passengers enjoy ample space, with the ability to slide the seats forward and backward. Additionally, there are controls for the air conditioning in the back, making it a comfortable space for families.
Technology and Features
As expected from Chinese cars in this price range, the Haval H9 is packed with features, including:
- Sunroof.
- Infinity audio system with ten speakers.
- Leather seats with power adjustments (eight for the driver and six for the passenger).
- Keyless entry and ignition.
However, the age of the Haval H9 becomes evident when using the infotainment system, as it lacks support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as blind-spot monitoring, features available in competing Chinese cars.
Engine and Driving Performance
The Haval H9 is equipped with a small turbocharged engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission from the renowned German company ZF.
This engine won’t make the Haval H9 a contender in terms of acceleration, but it is sufficient to achieve appropriate speeds in both city and highway driving.
Since the H9 is built on a body-on-frame platform, its driving feel is closer to that of a small pickup truck, with noticeable body roll during turns.
Pricing and Competition
With a price tag of AED 109,900, the Haval H9 can be considered one of the most affordable options if you're looking for off-road capabilities, outperforming both the GAC GS8 and MG RX8. However, at this price point, both MG and GAC offer vehicles that excel in many other aspects, being newer and better-equipped.
