The mid-size SUV segment is going to be shaken up by a surprise challenger this year. GWM hopes to enter the fiercely competitive segment with its latest SUV, the GWM Haval H9 4x4. Based on its size and price, the Haval H9 will likely be compared to mid-size mainstays like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Like its competitors, Haval H9 is built on a body-on-frame platform, is powered by a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, comes with four-wheel drive, and is a seven-seater SUV. It has a high ground clearance of 224 mm and a high water wading depth of 800 mm. Besides the size and the specs, the Haval H9 also boasts of boxy, traditional design, yet is contrasted by the latest technology inside.

The Haval H9 has unapologetically angular design, with large, circular daytime running lamps encircling the LED headlamps, which in turn flank a rectangular grille. It’s crowned by a clamshell hood and a barrel size shoulders stretch through the body toward the back. Square mirrors are mounted on the body, while roofrails glide above the roofline. It rolls on large 18-inch wheels on 265/60 series tires. Behind, it features a swing-out door instead of the usual liftgate. The spare tire is hidden inside a squared off cover.

Inside, the Haval H9 boasts of an upscale cabin awash with leather, soft touch surfaces, and interior trims that give the cabin a rugged but still luxurious look. Most of the models come with black leather upholstery, but those that opt for the matte stealth grey color option will be treated to an orange leather interior.

The driver gets a 10.25-inch TFT digital instrument panel. For in-car entertainment, there’s a massive 14.6-inch central control screen that’s equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also serves as the display for off-road information display and the 540-degree view camera. It’s paired with a premium eight-speaker audio system.

It’s easy to get comfortable with a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and power adjustable front passenger seat. The front and side windows are also made with soundproof glass. The cabin is cooled by a three-zone climate control system, LED ambient lighting, a cooled center console box, a 50-watt wireless charging pad and USB Type A and C ports.

Powering the Haval H9 is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel. It produces 186-PS at 3600-rpm, and 480-Nm of torque from 1500- to 2500-rpm. The engine is regulated by a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It sends power to all four wheels all the time with its full-time 4WD system.

To adapt to various conditions, the driver can select from seven drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, and 4L. There’s also an additional off-road expert mode that electronically controls the stability, anti-lock brakes, and other driving assist systems to maximize the H9’s off-road abilities. It’s not just software as the Haval H9 is built with the hardware to back itself up. Keeping it aloft is a double wishbone front suspension setup and a coil spring, solid axle, multi-link setup at the rear.

Besides off-road aids, the Haval H9 is also up to date when it comes to safety. It has six airbags as standard, along with the traction control, ABS, stability control, hill descent, hill start, tire pressure monitoring, and even an automatic crash unlock function for the doors.

GWM is serious about competing in the very cutthroat segment. There’s no better proof of this than it’s incredible price. The Haval H9 will be offered in just one variant: the 4x4 Lux. Nonetheless, it’s priced at a suggested price of P1,998,888. It’s backed by a lengthy seven-year or 200,000 kilometer warranty, whichever comes first. In addition, for a limited time period, GWM is lowering that price to just P1,928,888 (a P70,000 discount) until May 31, 2026.

With looks alone, the Haval H9 already appears to be a winner, yet with the software and hardware that certainly can pull its weight, the segment formerly dominated by Japanese and American brands may soon be shaken up.