China's tough looking new hybrid SUV headed for Australia: 2025 GWM Haval H7 set for Australian launch in the second half of 2025 with its eyes on the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage

GWM will launch the Haval H7 in Australia later this year, an off-road capable mid-sized SUV poised to compete with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage.

CarsGuide understands that GWM is likely to launch the all-new model in Australia by the second-half of this year, with examples currently testing on local roads.

Previous homologation filings submitted in September last year have already revealed it is set to be offered in petrol and hybrid variations.

That includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in front- and all-wheel drive, or an all-wheel drive 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid configuration.

The former is capable of producing 170kW, while the latter can produce up to 179kW.

Transmissions have been listed as a nine-speed dual-clutch on petrol front- and all-wheel drive variants, while the hybrid will get its own three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

In China, there is also a dual-motor plug-in hybrid option that produces a whopping 240kW and 530Nm, along with 105km of pure-electric driving range, although homologation filings appear to have ruled this out for now.

Given GWM's preference for plug-in hybrids, though, we can assume it is a strong chance for Australia down the track.

According to CarNewsChina, the H7's Dimensions are 4705mm long, 1908mm wide, 1780mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2810mm.

That puts it in the ballpark of rivals such as the RAV4 and Sportage, although given it is close to 100mm longer than both of those models, it occupies a unique space as a more rugged alternative.

The H7 is tough looking with thick plastic wheel arches, a Ford Bronco-inspired front end with circular LED headlights and prominent Haval branding.

There are also multi-spoke alloys and roof rails as standard.

Interior details are light on, but on the PHEV variant in China, there is a huge 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

The Haval H7 will have its global launch in South Africa on January 15, with more details expected to follow.