Cupra Formentor vs GWM Haval H7
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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GWM Haval H7

$45,490 - $45,490

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 GWM Haval H7

By Jack Quick

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Well-equipped
Massive range boost for PHEV
Fun and engaging to drive

Ease of use
Peppy drivetrain
Solid features list

Dislikes

Small boot in PHEV
Formentor S runs out of puff
Lots of tyre roar

Divisive design
Compromised boot
No AWD variant

2026 Cupra Formentor Summary

We’ve waited more than two years and it’s finally here.

Cupra has introduced the updated version of its most popular car in Australia, the Formentor.

A spicy small SUV rival to the likes of the Mini Countryman, BMW X2 and Audi Q3, among others, this design-led small SUV is now offered in more flavours than ever before.

It’s our first time testing out this updated Formentor on local soil, so read on to see how it stacks up.

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2026 GWM Haval H7 Summary

Another new mid-size SUV from China has landed in Australia, but this time from a brand you might already be familiar with.

The GWM Haval H7 is the third Haval-badged SUV to land in Australia built on the unfortunately-named LEMON platform, following the Jolion small SUV and the H6 mid-size SUV.

Speaking of unfortunate names, 'H7' seems a little dull when you consider its native name in China is ‘Big Dog’.

GWM says the H7 lands between the family-friendly H6 and the more rugged Tank 300, but with only a single front-wheel-drive variant available, is this dog more bark than bite?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 GWM Haval H7

Verdict

It’s clear that Cupra has listened to feedback as this updated Formentor addresses many key criticisms of the pre-update car. Overall it makes it easier to live with and to recommend than before.

Although the VZe's updated PHEV powertrain offers double the amount of electric range, the V forms as a sweet spot of the line-up as it offers all the power and equipment you'd ever need. It's hard to look past the top-spec VZx though as power is a drug.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The H7 might struggle to secure a big chunk of the mid-size SUV market, which is probably why GWM is only offering one variant, but if you like the way this Big Dog looks, there’s a decent SUV underneath the boxy surface.

While it’s no dynamic masterpiece, there are no big issues in day-to-day driving, and even though the boot space is small it’s an otherwise decent interior to live with, if you don’t mind the busy design.

Being just a little more expensive than the more traditional looking H6 means the H7 feels well-placed to find itself in the driveway of those few buyers who want their family car to look a little more rugged, even if the car doesn’t have the off-road chops to back it up.

Cupra Formentor vs GWM Haval H7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs GWM Haval H7
What's the difference?