HAVAL H9

Model Overview

The HAVAL H9 is the flagship mid-to-large ladder-frame off-road SUV from Great Wall Motor's (GWM) HAVAL brand. The first-generation model debuted in 2014, breaking the monopoly of joint-venture brands in the dedicated 4x4 segment with robust features such as a body-on-frame chassis, BorgWarner intelligent four-wheel-drive system, and triple differential locks. Spanning over a decade of continuous refinements, cumulative global sales of the HAVAL H9 have surpassed 200,000 units. The second-generation HAVAL H9 was officially introduced in September 2024, offering two powertrain choices: a 2.0T petrol and a 2.4T turbodiesel. In April 2026, the second-generation HAVAL H9 received another update, with official prices ranging from RM199,900 to RM247,900, alongside limited-time trade-in offer prices from RM174,900 to RM222,900, aimed at catering to both family commuting and serious off-roading at a more accessible price point. Available in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations with a 2,850 mm wheelbase, its key rivals include the TANK 300 and Beijing BJ40.

Design Language

The second-generation HAVAL H9 embraces a classic, rugged 'boxy' silhouette, pairing an imposing full-width front grille sporting central lettering with retro-inspired round headlights housed in square enclosures, exuding an imposing and dependable stance. The 2026 model features a factory blacked-out exterior package as standard across the range, darkening the front grille, headlight bezels, and front and rear skid plates to inject a modern edge into its rugged aesthetic. Its side profile is defined by clean, boxy character lines, complemented by muscular wheel arches and fixed or powered side steps, while the rear carries the signature tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Inside, the cabin is swathed in extensive soft-touch materials with the addition of a new Lava Red interior theme, striking a balance between rugged utility and premium refinement.

Powertrain Performance

The HAVAL H9 is offered with two powertrain options: petrol and diesel. The 2.0T petrol engine is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 165 kW (224 PS) and 385 Nm of torque, with linear, refined power delivery well-suited for daily urban driving and highway cruising. The 2.4T turbodiesel variant is mated to GWM's proprietary 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT), producing 137 kW and an impressive peak torque of 490 Nm, delivering robust low-end grunt ideal for heavy loads, steep climbs, and demanding overland expeditions. The vehicle also features a factory-fitted 131-litre dual fuel tank system (main and auxiliary tanks), yielding a maximum combined cruising range of up to 1,400 km to banish range anxiety on remote overland journeys, alongside a certified 2.5-tonne braked towing capacity for towing caravans and outdoor trailers.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a rugged ladder-frame chassis, the 2026 HAVAL H9 comes standard across the range with Torque-On-Demand (TOD) intelligent 4WD and Mlock mechanical locking, complemented by electronically controlled front and rear differential locks to deliver a complete "triple-lock" setup that ensures exceptional capability in extreme terrain. Suspension duties are handled by a front double-wishbone independent setup and a rear multi-link solid axle, striking a fine balance between on-road composure and heavy-duty off-road articulation. Drivers can select from nine all-terrain drive modes, including newly added Rock and Expert modes, while dedicated off-road features such as Tank Turn and low-speed Crawl Control come standard.

Cabin and Features

On the tech front, the 2026 HAVAL H9 is equipped as standard across the range with a 15.6-inch 2.5K HD central infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system is powered by Coffee OS 3.0 featuring the Coffee GPT smart voice assistant, supporting four-zone voice command recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Huawei HiCar smartphone connectivity. The front seats feature heating and ventilation as standard, with higher-spec variants gaining an 8-point massage function, while the 5-seater variant boasts a second-row seat base over 1.5 metres wide for generous passenger accommodation. The cabin offers 45 storage compartments, with boot capacity rated at 791 litres, expandable to 1,814 litres with the rear seats folded, alongside standard-fit soft-close tailgate and multi-colour ambient lighting across the lineup.

Safety and Smart Driving

In terms of passive safety, high-strength steel constitutes 83% of the vehicle body, with a roof crush resistance rated at 5.45 times the vehicle's kerb weight, while critical structural areas such as the A- and B-pillars employ 1,500 MPa hot-stamped steel to preserve passenger survival space during collisions. For active safety, the HAVAL H9 comes standard with a full Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, incorporating Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Door Open Warning (DOW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). A 540-degree surround-view camera system with a transparent chassis display is also standard, effectively eliminating blind spots during low-speed off-road driving and tight parking manoeuvres.

Market Performance and Reviews

While the HAVAL H9 retains a loyal following in the hardcore 4x4 segment, it faces competitive pressure amidst the surge of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and intensifying rivalry within its segment. Sales figures indicate that monthly deliveries hover steadily around the 1,000-unit mark, positioning it in the middle tier of the mid-to-large SUV market. Owners consistently praise its robust ladder-frame chassis, out-of-the-box off-road prowess, and accessible value proposition, though room for improvement remains in real-world fuel economy and certain interior trim finishes. Despite transitional headwinds, an electrified hybrid variant is currently in the works and is poised to be the crucial catalyst driving this veteran nameplate into its next era.