Haval H9 v Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2018 Comparison
With Toyota’s accomplished LandCruiser Prado as its benchmark, the Chinese-made Haval H9 is aiming high… and kicking goalsSpot the Difference
The second-generation Haval H9 returns to Australian roads with a raft of changes, addressing several key concerns that saw the Chinese manufacturer struggle to gain traction in the Australian market (710 sales in 2017).
The updated flagship H9 presides over the brand’s four-model Australian offering and it now brings more power, better safety and improved ride and handling… it’s cheaper than its predecessor, too.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s sales-dominating large SUV (15,982 Prado sales alone in 2017) has also received a refresh; the updated Toyota LandCruiser Prado also cutting prices across its six-model range.
Pitching the formidable Toyota LandCruiser Prado against the considerably cheaper, Chinese-made Haval H9 makes perfect sense, trust us. Their 4x4 credentials combine with seven-seat capability making these large SUVs ideal for adventure-bound families.
In a comparison that uncovers more similarities than there were differences, the much-maligned Haval H9 is a worthy contender. But which one offers the best combination of city-dwelling manners and off-road ability?
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Why are we comparing them?
The large SUV segment is brimming with great examples of built-for-fun family-sized off-roaders the likes of the Ford Everest, Holden Trailblazer, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, top of mind. We’re keen to see whether the budget-friendly Haval H9 has more than cut-price appeal on its side.
The Prado comes with one 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine across its four-model offering (GX, GXL, VX and Kakadu) all matched to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
Similarly, the Haval H9 has a sole engine offering, but it’s a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that spans a two-model range (LUX and Ultra) matched exclusively to an eight-speed automatic.
Dual-range four-wheel drive, rear-locking diffs, room for seven and myriad uncanny resemblances saw this comparisons spec-check much like a game of spot the difference.
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Who will they appeal to?
It’s the weekend and you have more kids than one household can deal with – a large seven-seat SUV with an off-road focus is your answer.
Our rivals easily accommodate their as-intended seven occupants. Both gain tri-zone climate control, back-of-seat pockets and small indoor storage. Centre arm rests are home to two cup holders and oddment storage.
Both have heated seats, dual controls for the Prado, but just one (all or nothing) for the Haval. Offset this with the inclusion of a second-row USB, which is absent in the Prado. Pick your battles, I say. If you regularly have three occupants in the third row, you’ll find a little more bench width in the Prado but slightly better head room in the Haval.
Each has a sliding and reclining second-row bench with identical fold and slide seat mechanisms and grab handles allowing good access to the third row, the Prado slightly better given its smaller portion of seating favouring the kerbside.
Positioned in the third row, it’s the Haval that offers best comfort, but the Prado’s stadium style seating (albeit a two-step process to engage, compared to powered in the Haval) affords third-row occupants better forward vision.
Off-road geometry favours the Prado, its approach and departure angles and ground clearance (30.4, 23.5, 219mm) a tad better than the Haval H9 (28.0, 23.0, 206mm).
Both feature two ISOFIX positions and three top-tether child-seat anchor points.
The Prado will tow 3000kg braked, compared to 2500kg for the Haval.
How much do they cost?
The mid-spec LandCruiser Prado GXL on test costs $62,990 (plus ORCs), while the top-spec Haval H9 Ultra costs $44,990 (plus ORCs).
With around $18,000 dividing our rivals, the Haval H9 quickly takes the upper hand in this department. Grunt and goodwill aside, it’s definitely not lacking to the tune of $18k.
With sole engine offerings at the heart of each vehicle, it’s trim levels that nudge the price point from their entry-level price tags. Around $4k divides the Haval H9 offerings, the Ultra gaining additional creature comforts such as heated steering wheel, up-spec leather-like Comfort-Tek finish, power adjustable heated/ventilated driver seat with massage function.
Lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, front and rear sensors and reversing camera are standard across the H9 range. It misses out on autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, both found on the Prado GXL, however.
Toyota comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty, only to be upstaged by the Haval’s five-year/100,000km deal. Suggested service intervals are six-month/10,000km for both vehicles. Numbers are not always what they seem and Haval’s light-on-the-ground dealer presence is well overshadowed by Toyota’s undeniable dominance. Peace of mind is priceless.
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What do they do well?
It’s no surprise the larger-capacity turbo-diesel of the Prado brings impressive torque to the table (130kW/450Nm), giving it superior punch under pressure. Off road the Prado proved superior in power delivery too, particularly in low-range gearing, it offered better pedal modulation to tackle tricky terrain. It felt made for the 4x4 task at hand.
The Prado’s communicative steering also won major points. Particularly at freeway speeds, it felt the more connected and confidence-inspiring drive.
But the turbocharged Haval is no slouch (180kW/350Nm) and tackled our off-road testing with gusto, its six-mode terrain system (auto, sand, snow, mud, 4L and sport) fit for the challenge.
Where the Haval H9 outshines the Prado however is its cabin refinement. It upstaged the Prado no end. Cabin ambience felt premium. I repeat, premium. The mix of soft-touch plastics, tactile switch gear and great ergonomics won the H9 praise from both judges. It feels more attuned to the dual-role it has at hand.
What could they do better?
The Prado feels agricultural alongside the Haval H9. Aside from good front of cabin storage, the interior lacks flair, which is important if you consider the weekday role these vehicles will likely play as a family commuter.
A prior four-star safety rating for the Haval H9 is overshadowed by the Prado’s five-star record.
The H9’s commendable off road prowess was let down by its low-range nerves – the engine lacking the fluidity of the big Toyota, ultimately making it a little harder to place carefully and accurately at low speeds. The lack of autonomous emergency braking is also a disappointment.
Which wins, and why?
A comparison that challenges the status-quo is the best kind, particularly for buyers. The Haval H9 v Toyota LandCruiser Prado is the ultimate example.
The infamous Prado had its work cut defending its long-standing position as the family-friendly off road choice when pitched against the relatively unknown Haval H9. But it did.
Better off-road performance, overall driver engagement and longevity count for a lot. The Toyota LandCruiser Prado takes the win. But a key take-out is the promise that the Chinese brand has shown. The times they are a changing.
2018 Toyota LandCruiser Prado pricing and specifications:
Price: $62,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 211g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
2018 Haval H9 pricing and specifications:
Price: $44,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 254g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA
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