Skoda Kodiaq vs GWM Haval H7
What's the difference?

Skoda Kodiaq

$38,440 - $77,490

2025 price

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GWM Haval H7

$45,490 - $45,490

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

2026 GWM Haval H7

By Emily Agar

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Generous feature list for a base model
Clever, family friendly touches
Comfortable ride with solid cabin space

Ease of use
Peppy drivetrain
Solid features list

Dislikes

Engine can feel flat under pressure
Glitchy infotainment and climate controls
Reversing camera quality isn’t great

Divisive design
Compromised boot
No AWD variant

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Summary

In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.

You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.

This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.

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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

2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2026 GWM Haval H7

Verdict

The new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.

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.

Skoda Kodiaq vs GWM Haval H7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Kodiaq vs GWM Haval H7
What's the difference?