HAVAL H5

Model Overview

The HAVAL H5 is a full-size, all-purpose rugged SUV under GWM's HAVAL brand. Defined by its core hallmarks of a ladder-frame chassis, immense cabin space, and high value-for-money, it bridges the gap between a commercial workhorse and a family SUV. On 21 August 2023, the all-new generation HAVAL H5 officially made its comeback underpinned by the tagline "Ladder-frame, Extra-long, Powerful, Spacious" (ladder-frame chassis, extended body dimensions, robust powertrain, and expansive interior space). As of June 2026, the lineup is headlined by the 2025 model launched on 13 March 2025, available in five variants (three petrol and two diesel options) with official retail prices ranging between RM147,800 and RM177,800, reduced to an outright price of RM127,800 to RM157,800 after trade-in subsidies. The refreshed model drops the manual gearbox and 2WD configurations, making the 2.0T engine paired with an 8-speed automatic (8AT) and part-time 4WD standard across the range, further cementing its hardcore off-road credentials. Since debuting in 2010, the HAVAL H5 has amassed over 800,000 owners, boasting one of the longest lifecycles in GWM’s portfolio.

Design Language

The 2025 HAVAL H5 retains its boxy, muscular silhouette, measuring 5,190 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,864 mm in height, with an expansive wheelbase of 3,140 mm. Compared to its predecessor, overall height has grown by 29 mm, while ground clearance has been raised from 200 mm to 225 mm. Boasting an approach angle of 26°, a departure angle of 24°, and a water-wading depth of 600 mm, its all-terrain clearance credentials comfortably outperform the previous iteration.

On the exterior, the new model comes standard with the "Dark Night Edge" blackout package across the board, featuring gloss black treatment on the front grille, window surrounds, alloy wheels, roof rails, as well as the front and rear bumpers, creating a bold, mecha-inspired aesthetic. Newly added fixed side running boards now come standard across all variants, making ingress and egress easier for children and elderly passengers. The front end is dominated by a bold trapezoidal grille flanked by squarish LED headlamps, while the rear features a smoked full-width garnish strip and twin exhaust tips finished in black on both sides.

Inside, the cabin takes on a rugged yet minimalist layout, retaining an array of physical buttons to facilitate easy operation during off-road driving. Tech highlights include a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen paired with a 3.5-inch LCD instrument cluster, running the Tencent TAI3.0 ecosystem with voice control, telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) update support. Designed around human ergonomic databases, the seats feature pronounced side bolsters for enhanced lateral support, while the cabin houses a generous total of 37 storage compartments throughout.

Powertrain Performance

Under the bonnet, the 2025 HAVAL H5 is powered standard across the range by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with a ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (8AT), available in both petrol and diesel guises. The 2.0T petrol mill puts out 165 kW (224 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, while the 2.0T turbodiesel delivers 122 kW (166 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. The petrol engine achieves an impressive thermal efficiency of 42.35% and employs a 2,000-bar high-pressure fuel injection system to balance fuel economy with lower emissions. With the manual transmission discontinued, the standard ZF 8AT gearbox enhances daily driving refinement and fuel efficiency. An optional Eaton mechanical rear differential lock is available to bolster off-road self-recovery capabilities. Depending on the variant, the SUV rides on 245/65 R17 or 245/70 R17 tyres, with all-terrain (A/T) tyres available as an option.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis underpinnings serve as the core foundation of the HAVAL H5's rugged persona. Built on GWM's Tank platform, it utilizes a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis with reinforced frame rails; the longitudinal chassis rails boast a maximum cross-section of 160 × 130 mm, achieving a torsional rigidity of 232 kN·m/rad. The suspension setup features a front double-wishbone independent suspension paired with a rear five-link solid axle setup—the former provides superior lateral support and steering precision, while the latter delivers the structural rigidity and payload-carrying capacity needed for heavy hauling and rough-terrain driving. High-strength steel makes up 73.79% of the vehicle structure, with hot-stamped steel exceeding 1,500 MPa tensile strength applied in critical load-bearing zones.

For the drivetrain, an electronically controlled dual-speed part-time 4WD system comes standard across all variants, enabling drivers to manually select between 2H, 4H, and 4L depending on driving conditions. In 4L (low-range) mode, torque is multiplied by 2.48 times, substantially enhancing hill-climbing power and obstacle-clearing prowess. The integration of BorgWarner's EMOD 4WD system ensures dependable torque distribution on tricky terrains. Coupled with a generous 225 mm ground clearance and a 600 mm wading depth, drivers can tailor the 4WD system to confidently conquer challenging surfaces such as mud, sand, loose gravel, and shallow water crossings.

Cabin and Features

The cabin specification focuses on practicality while elevating onboard comfort. Anchoring the dashboard is a 12.3-inch infotainment display powered by Tencent TAI3.0, supporting integrated apps such as iQIYI, TikTok, and WeChat, alongside voice commands and OTA update capability. The 2025 model introduces a suite of comfort amenities, including heated front seats (with independent squab and backrest heating zones), a powered tailgate, heated wing mirrors, and automatic climate control, while higher-spec trims also benefit from Level 2 semi-autonomous driver assistance. Seats are trimmed in synthetic leather (with mid-to-high-spec variants receiving a blend of Nappa leather and Alcantara), featuring power-adjustable front seats and two-stage reclining rear backrests (27°/31°).

Interior space stands as the HAVAL H5’s crowning selling point. The boot offers a standard cargo volume of 976 litres, capable of swallowing up to 14 units of 20-inch or larger luggage bags. With the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded down completely flat, cargo depth extends to nearly two metres, expanding boot capacity to a cavernous 2,116 litres—accommodating up to 27 suitcases. Complemented by a 0.8-square-metre panoramic sunroof, the expansive interior is primed for glamping, car camping, and transporting outdoor sports equipment. Across the entire range, it is offered exclusively as a five-seater, with no six- or seven-seat options available.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety-wise, the HAVAL H5 features a rigid safety-cell body construction, with high-strength steel making up 73.79% of the shell and hot-stamped steel rated over 1,500 MPa reinforcing critical crash points. The dual-layer protection of the ladder chassis and reinforced passenger cell ensures robust crash protection. On the passive safety front, the 2025 model adds extra-long 1,876 mm side curtain airbags providing front-to-rear head protection, alongside dual front airbags fitted as standard across all variants.

When it comes to advanced safety, the top-tier Pilot Edition variant comes equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a 360-degree surround-view monitor, offering Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Standard across all variants are conventional cruise control, Auto Brake Hold, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a 540-degree transparent chassis camera system. While fundamental driving aids are well covered, high-end automated driving features (such as automated navigation on highway ramps and active lane-change manoeuvres) are omitted.

Market Performance and Evaluation

In terms of sales performance, the HAVAL H5 has generally hovered within the range of 500 to 1,500 units per month, hitting its 2025 peak in April with 1,504 units. Total sales for full-year 2025 stood at 9,872 units, ranking 7th within the HAVAL brand lineup and accounting for a 2.52% sales share. Cumulative volume for the first four months of 2026 reached around 1,923 units, averaging roughly 480 units monthly. This falls considerably short of the marque's initial target of over 5,000 units per month when the all-new model was relaunched in 2023.

This sales trajectory aligns closely with the vehicle's niche market positioning. Buyers drawn to the HAVAL H5 are predominantly swayed by three core attributes: firstly, the bona fide off-road capability delivered by its ladder-frame chassis and part-time 4WD system, which faces virtually no direct rivals in its price bracket; secondly, the immense cargo volume afforded by its near-5.2-metre length and 3.1-metre-plus wheelbase, allowing it to effortlessly juggle the roles of work vehicle, family hauler, and camper tourer; and thirdly, an entry price starting from RM127,800 that significantly lowers the barrier of entry for a full-size rugged SUV. On the flip side, the firmer ride characteristic inherent to a ladder-frame construction and higher fuel consumption stemming from its hefty kerb weight make it less refined and economical than typical unibody urban crossovers for daily city commutes. Some owners have also noted a plasticky cabin feel, where overall fit and finish could be improved. Amidst intensifying competition in the RM150,000 petrol SUV segment, the HAVAL H5 secures its foothold through a differentiated rugged formula, standing out as a uniquely positioned 'category innovator' with practically no direct head-to-head competition at its price point.