Honda Prelude vs GWM Haval H7
What's the difference?

Honda Prelude

$65,000 - $65,000

2026 price

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GWM Haval H7

$45,490 - $45,490

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Honda Prelude

2026 GWM Haval H7

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Electrifying handling
Hybrid economy and muscle
Design inside and out

Ease of use
Peppy drivetrain
Solid features list

Dislikes

No overhead grab handles
No frameless windows
No spare wheel

Divisive design
Compromised boot
No AWD variant

2026 Honda Prelude Summary

Honda is a company that rarely looks back.

Badge aside, the resurrected Prelude series is more about being revolutionary than retro, with not even any classic-era styling cues (though a few likely Porsche ones).

In fact, Honda made it clear this was created as a hybrid sports car first, with the name settled on later. Probably by marketing.

It could just as easily have been branded Integra, which – given the shared Civic platform and liftback when previous Preludes had two doors only – might have been the case, except that name is already on an Acura and Chinese GAC version of Honda’s venerable small car.

That said, its new sports car is arguably more Prelude in spirit than even some of the past originals were anyway, and then some, and here’s why.

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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 Honda Prelude 2026 GWM Haval H7

Verdict

Expectations have clearly been exceeded by the latest Honda Prelude.

Along with a striking design, combining hybrid with Civic Type R-enhanced engineering underneath has created a uniquely frugal yet ferociously capable 2+2-seater coupe experience that rarely puts a foot wrong. Possessing no spare wheel is its worst sin.

This is one of the most enjoyable Hondas we have ever driven, period. If sports coupes are your thing, then the $65,000 drive-away pricing is just the icing on a most delicious cake. Brilliant and tasty.

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.

Honda Prelude vs GWM Haval H7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda Prelude vs GWM Haval H7
What's the difference?