2024 GWM Haval H9 revealed

A new version of the 2024 GWM Haval H9 has been revealed online, ahead of a possible Aussie launch later in 2024.

A rival for the popular Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, the first-generation Haval H9 was last sold in Australia between 2015 and 2021 where it gained traction with budget-focused buyers thanks to drive-away pricing that started at $41,990.

Now in its second-generation, the new H9 debuts a boxier exterior and has been extensively reengineered underneath thanks to an updated ladder-frame chassis and improved crash safety tech.

GWM published images of the new H9 to social media but is yet to share any official details around the off-roader’s specifications or engines.

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It’s also unconfirmed if the new H9 will make its way to Australia, with a local spokesperson telling Wheels:

“H9 is certainly on our radar but not confirmed for Australia at this stage. We have a number of exciting new GWM products on the horizon and we’re currently working with our head office colleagues to finalise our local SUV strategy for 2024 and beyond.”

Haval currently sells two SUV models in Australia in the form of the mid-size H6 and smaller Jolion so adding a larger, seven-seat model to the local line-up could make sense.

Conversely, GWM’s local arm might not want to tread on the toes of its fledgling Tank brand which currently spearheads the Chinese car maker’s offering in the off-road SUV segment with the Tank 300 and soon-to-arrive Tank 500.

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The Tank 300 starts at $46,990 drive-away in Australia

It’s likely the new H9 will be sold with two engines in China — a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol that produces 167kW and a 2.4-litre turbo diesel with 137kW — and it promises improved off-road capability thanks to an overhauled ladder-frame chassis and a boost in structural rigidity.

Differential locks and low-range gearing are also expected, as is a “second-generation off-road drive controller” that has up to six modes, to help make the H9 a genuine alternative to accomplished off-road rivals like the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.

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GWM is yet to reveal official images of the H9’s fresh interior but spy shots show an all-new design with a pair of large touch-screens likely to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Production of the new-gen Haval H9 is scheduled to begin in China in May 2024, meaning an Aussie launch is unlikely before late 2024 or early 2025.

Until then, what do you think of the boxy exterior styling? Would you consider the Haval H9 over the fresh Toyota Prado? Jump into the comments and let us know.

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