Haval F7 and F7x: Restyling Review, Driving Feel, and Practical Impressions

Congratulations on the new car. That moment is always a little loud with excitement, even when the car isn’t yours personally. The scene is familiar: friends cheer, and strangers share a quick bit of advice or a compliment. The scene around the Haval F7 is no exception. The model has been a steady seller, and with the F7x variants, the lineup strengthened further, pressuring rivals such as the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 4 to keep pace.

What changed?

The days of stepping into a Chinese car with a gas-mask level of caution are long gone. There are still some quirks—like a curious mistranslation in the onboard computer menu or media system that can amuse or perplex the user. Climate control has shifted to a dual-zone setup, though this remains an optional feature in some trims. Certain controls live on physical keys, but others, such as temperature adjustments, seat heating, and ventilation for the driver, live on the touchscreen rather than tactile buttons. Adjusting these while driving can be less convenient.

These are the kinds of refinements a driver can adapt to over time.

Restyling updates affect the exterior: the grille, bumpers, and lighting elements received fresh styling cues.

The digital instrument cluster now mirrors the media screen in size, expanding to 12 inches. Three design themes exist for the display, with the dynamic option often preferred for its readability and flair.

The F7, including the updated version, carries a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, though some may be in the middle tier of capability. Adaptive cruise control maintains a generous following distance, and lane-keeping inputs can feel a touch cautious at times.

Material quality and assembly were already strong before the update, standing on par with mainstream Korean and European rivals in key areas of refinement and finish.

How does it drive?

There are no fundamental changes to the drivetrain, but calibrations have improved throttle response and drivetrain mapping. The pre-facelift F7 used a 2.0-liter turbo engine with about 190 horsepower; the updated version delivers a more engaging driving experience. It isn’t a direct equivalent to the best-in-class rivals, but the car feels livelier and more eager in most situations. While it may not match a compact SUV like the Tiguan in all metrics, the F7 shows smoother throttle response and a more confident feel overall. Fuel economy figures show a pragmatic appetite, averaging around nine liters on the highway and roughly fourteen liters in urban conditions, depending on driving style and conditions.

Steering and suspension are tuned for a balanced ride, though the system can feel a touch numb in certain situations. The electric power steering provides consistent feedback, but the feel through the wheel can vary with road texture and speed. A driver will notice a mild delay in response when pushing hard through corners, but the chassis remains composed overall.

Automatic high beams, paired with full LED headlights, operate cleanly and switch off automatically when entering illuminated areas or oncoming traffic is detected.

The update adds dual-zone climate control (optional), a heated windshield for the whole windshield area, and a larger 4.5-liter washer reservoir. The driver’s seat includes ventilation, though it may be less intuitive to activate using the dedicated buttons in some trims.

One driver notes a dislike for the car’s on-road behavior under aggressive maneuvering. The rear suspension response can feel unsettled when pushed, suggesting the need for attention to rear bushings and subframe dynamics. On rough roads, tire pressures appeared correct, but spring and shock calibration could still be tuned to improve comfort. The car generally handles potholes without undue fuss, though ground clearance and underbody protection can influence ride quality on poor surfaces.

Under the protective fairing, the clearance measures approximately 210 millimeters. If a metal shield is added, a small loss in clearance occurs, but a 190 mm ground clearance is still adequate for a crossover in this segment.

Different off-road modes adjust throttle response and suspension behavior, but the practical impact of modes like snow or sand is secondary to the overall driving experience and user comfort.

What source powers the drive?

The 2.0-liter, 190-horsepower engine maintains a steady appetite, with an observed average consumption near 11 liters per 100 kilometers. The engine’s reliability focus remains a core message, with a stated service life around 280,000 kilometers in favorable conditions. Real-world wear can occur in timing chains after roughly 100–120 thousand kilometers. A smaller 1.5-liter turbo engine, producing around 150 horsepower, is also offered and works with a single-gear robot transmission, including front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

What could be improved?

Acoustic comfort stands out as an area for improvement. Noise intrusion inside the cabin remains noticeable, with sealing iterations in the front doors seemingly doing little to completely quiet the interior. The 19-inch wheels contribute to noise, even when paired with studded tires. In a focused acoustic comparison, the F7 would rank modestly, indicating room for improvement in soundproofing and cabin isolation.

Bottom line

The F7 updates bring notable improvements in comfort, equipment, and overall refinement. The car remains stylish and well equipped, with a compelling case for buyers who want a feature-rich crossover. Yet the perception of Chinese automaker quality and engineering depth continues to mature, suggesting that further advances in cabin finesse and long-term reliability will help the F7 push further into mainstream acceptance.

AND NOW – A HARMONIZED STEP FORWARD Along with the F7, the F7x crossover coupe also received updates. The changes mirror the F7 enhancements: fresh front and rear bumpers, revised lighting, updated options, and a new exterior color option such as a magmatic red for the coupe. The major differences between the F7 and F7x lie in the roofline. The coupe’s more pronounced slope reduces headroom for rear passengers and sports a more compact trunk space, though rear legroom remains ample.

Haval F7	1.5T	2.0T
Length / Width / Height / Wheelbase	4691 / 1846 / 1690 / 2725mm
Axle loading / Gross weight	1640/2150 kg	1720/2118 kg
Cargo capacity	723/1443 l
Top speed	180 km/h	195 km/h
Engine	Petrol, 1.5L turbo, 110 kW/150 hp	Petrol, 2.0L turbo, 190 hp
Fuel / reserve	AI-95 / 56 l
Drivetrain	Four-wheel drive; Robotic transmission

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