Suzuki Vitara vs Haval H2
What's the difference?

Suzuki Vitara

$35,990 - $44,990

2026 price

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Haval H2

$7,800 - $19,999

2019 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Suzuki Vitara

2019 Haval H2

By Byron Mathioudakis

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

9.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Old-fashioned charm
Performance/economy balance
Practical packaging

Price
Space
Warranty

Dislikes

Ancient dashboard
High prices
Premium unleaded petrol preference

Performance
Thirst
Dynamics

2026 Suzuki Vitara Summary

Now that the original Mitsubishi ASX is finally gone, the oldest small SUVs still on sale in Australia today are the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.

Both released in 2015, their longevity is due to a combination of good design, strong engineering, sound driving dynamics and an undefinable charm.

Given their high number of rotations around the sun, it’s also surprising that neither has received a major facelift in all this time. Clearly, their creators got it largely right early on.

Until now. The Vitara steps up with the Series III makeover, ushering in a fresh nose, larger central touchscreen and a hybrid tech upgrade for the (now-sole) turbo powertrain, among other more-minor changes.

Are these enough to keep the venerable Vitara from vulnerability?

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2019 Haval H2 Summary

Brand Finance self-effacingly describes itself as "the world's leading independent branded business valuation and strategy consultancy". And adds that it regularly picks apart the current and future value of more than 3500 brands across multiple market sectors around the world.

These London-based boffins reckon Delta trumps American Airlines, Real Madrid has knocked off Manchester United, and Haval is a more powerful SUV brand than Land Rover or Jeep. So, no surprise Haval promotes the research on its Australian website.

Just to split hairs, Land Rover leaps to the top of the rankings when it comes to overall value, but in terms of an upward trajectory and potential for future growth, Brand Finance says Haval is the one.

The irony is you probably wouldn't know a Haval if it ran into you, which obviously isn't good in any sense, but a factor of the Chinese Great Wall subsidiary's relatively brief time, and so far, limited sales in the Australian market.

One of three models released in late 2015 to launch the Haval brand locally, the H2 is a small, five-seat SUV competing against a hot bed of more than 20 established players including the segment-leading Mitsubishi ASX, ever-popular Mazda CX-3, and recently arrived Hyundai Kona.

So, is Haval's potential reflected in its current product offering? We spent a week living with the sharply priced H2 City to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Suzuki Vitara 2019 Haval H2

Verdict

In car years, 11 is ancient.

Back when it was first released, this-generation Vitara’s competitive pricing, progressive yet pretty design, pleasant interior packaging, sporty dynamics and general driving ease helped establish the emerging small SUV segment into the powerhouse it is today.

In some ways, today’s Turbo Hybrid still impresses, especially with its punchy performance, promising economy and no-nonsense packaging. Objectively, it is still a decent proposition, with few actual vices.

But the 2026 Vitara’s high pricing, embarrassingly outdated interior, underwhelming specification and noisy ride leave it feeling too expensive, too old and too exposed against newer and more-sophisticated rivals.

Even the brightest stars eventually need to retire.

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

Verdict

How you define value will determine whether the Haval H2 City is the right small SUV for you. In terms of metal for money it delivers heaps of space, a reasonable standard features list and adequate safety. But it's let down by mediocre performance, sub-par dynamics and a surprising thirst for (premium) unleaded. Brand Finance may rank Haval high on the power index, but the product needs to climb a few rungs higher before that potential's realised.

Suzuki Vitara vs Haval H2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Vitara vs Haval H2
What's the difference?