GWM Haval H9: 5 reasons to buy

The GWM Haval H9 midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) is now available in the Philippine market, and based on what we’ve seen of this nameplate in China, it has many qualities that many Filipino buyers might like. 

And, as Zigwheels Philippines has detailed before, the Haval H9 and other Great Wall Motor (GWM) nameplates are backed by heavy investments in technology, automotive engineering, and safety. These, of course, is just one mark that a particular car is well worth its asking price. 

But what are the specific reasons that you’d want a GWM Haval H9? Let’s find out here. 

Beefy turbodiesel engine

One of the features of the GWM Haval H9 that Filipinos will definitely love is its turbodiesel mill. To specific, the newly introduced model uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

To expound on this, just take a gander at the most popular midsize SUV nameplates in the Philippine market. There’s the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Ford Everest, and Isuzu mu-X. All of these are all oil burners that produce oodles of torque - making them ideal for hauling a full complement of passengers and keeping up to speed on highways despite their usually large sizes. 

In this regard, the GWM Haval H9 follows the same formula. However, it has some tricks up its sleeve that will make it highly competitive against other midsize SUVs in the market - as far as mechanical specs are concerned. 

For starters, the GWM Haval H9 can produce up to 183 horsepower and 480 Newton-meters of torque. With that kind of output figures, it is already comparable to the higher-spec trims of the Isuzu mu-X and Nissan Terra. 

But as mentioned above, it has a nine-speed gearbox, which is only beaten by the Ford Everest’s 10-speed torque converter. This means improved fuel efficiency while providing optimal torque delivery during towing and navigating challenging terrain. 

Additionally, the model has a paddle-shifter-actuated manual mode for a sportier feel during spirited driving. 

Off-road capability balanced with ride comfort

Without a doubt, the GWM Haval H9 is an off-road beast. During a trip to China, we managed to drive the SUV across a rocky river and through slippery, sandy terrain. We also got to ride the vehicle with GWM’s test drivers up a very challenging course that went up and down a steep hill. 

The aforementioned capability of the Haval H9 is mainly thanks to its “Torque on Demand” four-by-four system and its generous 220 millimeter ground clearance. These are further reinforced by several drive modes, including the “Off-road Expert Mode” and the “4L” (4x4-low) mode. 

Other drive modes available on the GWM-made model include normal, sport, economy, sand, and mud. 

Like most midsize SUVs in the local market, the GWM Haval H9 features a front double-wishbone suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. These provide the vehicle stability when taking on corners, as well as enough flexibility to handle off-road obstacles. At the same time, multi-link rear suspension systems also tend to be more comfortable for occupants while travelling on highways and in-city roads. 

Last but not least is the GWM Haval H9’s ladder frame chassis. By being built on this platform, the newly launched model qualifies as a “true” SUV, like many of its similarly sized Japanese and American competitors. 

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Attractive exterior design

Without a doubt, many will like the GWM Haval H9’s exterior design. In a nutshell, it looks like it is a tasteful mix of classic SUV design details and modern touches. 

For one thing, the Haval H9 gets a very vertical front nose adorned with horizontal slats over a square-shaped grille. These are flanked by a set of round headlamp clusters that are likewise framed by a square-shaped trim. 

Down below the model’s front fascia is a beefy-looking front bumper equipped with a skid plate. It also has a very slick side section with a refined set of character lines, appropriately sized wheel arches, and a conventional but graceful window line. 

Over towards the vehicle’s rear are square-shaped LED taillights, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel carrier, and a square-shaped tailgate. 

Overall, the appearance of the GWM Haval H9 isn’t too loud or radical. It also doesn’t employ dramatic lines and curves similar to the ones seen on new energy vehicles (NEV). Instead, it has a somewhat similar vibe to the Ineos Grenadier, which in turn was inspired by earlier generations of the Land Rover Defender. 

Sure, the vehicle has its own original take on the SUV design formula, but old gearheads who are used to boxy rides with plenty of heft and road presence will feel right at home with this newly launched SUV. 

Some notable exterior amenities present on the GWM Haval H9 include: 

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Hydraulic-assisted tailgate
• Side step board
• Rear windshield washer
• Roof rails
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Power-fold/adjust side mirrors

Abundant in amenities

While the GWM Haval H9 is no doubt a capable rig, its interior also doesn’t fall short when it comes to providing comfort. 

As mentioned above, the model has a seven-seater, three-row interior layout. This was equipped with supple black or Burgundy leather upholstery. Everyone inside, meanwhile, is kept cool by a triple-zone automatic climate control system with second and third-row vents. Mood inside the vehicle is also enhanced by the presence of a sunroof. 

Handling on-board entertainment, navigation, and many other in-vehicle functions is a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This goes together with an eight-piece speaker set, USB ports, and a 50-watt wireless charging pad. 

For the driver, the GWM Haval H9 provides the following amenities: 

• Power-adjust driver’s seat
• Push-to-start button
• Keyless entry
• Electronic parking brake with autohold
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
• Off-road Information display
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Leather steering wheel

Decent safety kit

While the GWM Haval H9 doesn’t have a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), its sheer amount of standard safety gear more than makes up for it. 

For reference, the model comes standard with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking, a brake assist system, a brake override system, electronic stability control, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, roll movement intervention, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, a 540-degree view camera, rear parking sensors, and cruise control (with off-road mode). 

Supporting the aforementioned is an engine immobilizer, an automatic crash door unlocking feature, and an automatic fuel cut-off function. 

Ready to purchase a brand-new GWM Haval H9? Click here to view exclusive offers from Zigwheels Philippines.

 

GWM Haval H9: specifications

Model	GWM Haval H9
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,950x1,976x1,930
Wheelbase (mm)	2,850
Ground clearance (mm)	220
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Automatic headlamp function Roof rails Rain-sensing wipers Soundproof glass Side step boards Leather steering wheel Tilt and telescopic steering column Off-Road Information Display 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster Push-to-start button Electronic parking brake Triple-zone climate control Power-adjust driver’s seat Power-fold/adjust side mirrors Sunroof Eight-piece speaker set Wireless smartphone charging pad Auto-dimming rearview mirror USB ports Keyless entry
Infotainment system	14.6-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter turbodiesel
Drivetrain	4x4
Transmission	Nine-speed automatic
Horsepower	183
Torque	480 Nm
Technology
Safety	Six airbags ISOFIX child seat anchors Anti-lock braking Brake assist system Brake override system Electronic stability control Hill-descent control Hill-start assist Roll movement intervention Traction control Tire pressure monitoring 540-degree view camera Rear parking sensors Cruise control
Price	P1.998 million

Final thoughts

As detailed above, the GWM Haval H9 has the makings of a smash hit for the brand’s local arm. It has a diesel engine, which Filipinos love, and a seven-seater interior layout that’s also all the rage in the local automotive scene. 

The aforementioned, of course, is coupled with its off-road capability, its decent safety kit, and its ample amount of creature comforts. 

Another key strength of the Haval H9, however, is its price. As of its launch, it is probably one of the most affordable 4x4 midsize seven-seater SUVs in the market right now. 

Most 4x4 SUV models, which are marketed as higher-end or even top-spec trims by the way, mostly go beyond the P2 million mark. The GWM Haval H9, meanwhile, retails at P1.998 million. This price was even brought down to P1.928 million until May 31, 2026 ,only. 

So, for those who like what they see in the GWM Haval H9, don’t hesitate to visit the nearest GWM dealership to see the SUV in the metal. Or, better yet, ask to take it out for a test drive. Who knows, this could be the three-row ride you’ve been looking for. 

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