Haval H9 vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?

Haval H9

$17,758 - $24,990

2019 price

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Audi SQ7

—

2024 price

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Summary

2019 Haval H9

2024 Audi SQ7

By Laura Berry

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

10.9L/100km (combined)

12.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great value
Advanced safety equipment
Spacious and practical

Growling V8 soundtrack
Spacious, classy cabin
Impressive ride and handling

Dislikes

Seats could be more comfortable
Agricultural driving dynamics
No diesel engine available

Lacks clever interior storage
Engine is thirsty
Expensive to service

2019 Haval H9 Summary

Not content with being China’s biggest auto brand, Haval is trying to win Australia over and is now throwing everything it’s got at us in the form of its H9 flagship SUV.

Think of the H9 as an alternative to seven-seat off-roaders such as the SsangYong Rexton or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and you’re on the right track.

We tested the top-grade Ultra in the H9 range when it came to live with my family for a week.

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2024 Audi SQ7 Summary

The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.

But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.

A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Haval H9 2024 Audi SQ7

Verdict

There's a lot to like about the Havel H9 - it's great value, practical and spacious, packed with advanced safety tech, and also darn good looking. More comfortable seats would be an improvement and so would a better feel to the cabin materials and switchgear.

As for the H9's on-road performance - the 2.0-litre engine isn't the most responsive and the ladder frame chassis limits its dynamics.

So, unless you need an off-road SUV the H9 is borderline overkill in the city, where you could step into something without four-wheel drive and with more car-like comfort and handling.

Verdict

There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.

It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.

As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.

Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.

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

Haval H9 vs Audi SQ7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Haval H9 vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?