The new generation Haval F7 crossover shows noticeable improvements in handling, yet its everyday operation still carries several inconveniences for drivers. A panel of automotive experts notes that the chassis feels more composed and the steering responds with greater immediacy, allowing quicker and more confident cornering. Despite these gains, the overall ownership experience can feel less intuitive because multiple tasks that once lived in simple, easily reachable controls now require navigating the vehicle’s broader infotainment ecosystem. In real-world Canadian and American driving, that learning curve translates into more time spent learning where to find settings and how to adjust them, especially when weather, lighting, or traffic demands quick action. The F7’s balance and stability remain strong, and the car tracks well at speed with minimal body roll, but some drivers may miss the ease of access they expect from rivals. Overall, the model presents a mixture of improved on-road control and a few practical frictions that affect daily usability, particularly for shoppers who prioritize straightforward accessibility to controls and quick transitions between driving modes. The result is a vehicle that feels more mature behind the wheel, offering confident handling without sacrificing a sense of everyday practicality.
Infotainment-driven controls come with a notable caveat. Many essential functions, including the parking brake and exterior lighting, are accessed through the media system rather than traditional physical buttons or stalks. This design makes it necessary to pause and scroll through menus during routine tasks, which can be disruptive in busy traffic or during sudden changes in weather. While a clean, minimalist cockpit presentation can be appealing, the hidden nature of frequently used controls adds cognitive load for drivers who need to adjust lighting, enable the parking brake, or switch drive modes on the fly. For families and daily commuters in North America, the extra time spent in menus can feel like a friction point, especially when conditions require rapid responses or rapid adaptations to lighting and visibility. The trend toward a more consolidated control interface is evident, but the practical impact on daily driving is real and worth weighing.
Another practical concern centers on accessibility for maintenance and routine checks. The engine oil filler neck sits beneath a decorative cover that must be lifted or removed to reach the fill point. The requirement to disturb the aesthetic cover for basic tasks adds an extra step to maintenance that some owners may find inconvenient, particularly if they frequently perform their own oil checks or top-ups. In addition, the side glass near the rear-view mirror is prone to quicker dirt buildup because of high-velocity air flow around the A-pillar, which means more frequent cleaning to preserve clear visibility. The parking brake also exhibits atypical behavior in which it does not always disengage automatically if the seat belt is not fastened, causing small but noticeable interruptions when starting from a standstill or negotiating tight spaces. These quirks are not safety risks, but they introduce small, recurring annoyances that owners should anticipate as part of ownership.
Despite these issues, the F7 keeps a steady grip on road manners even with a larger footprint. The model demonstrates precise steering input and strong chassis balance, delivering predictable responses during decisive maneuvers. The suspension tuning and overall chassis setup work together to minimize excessive body motion, helping the vehicle feel planted when navigating uneven surfaces or carrying a full load. In urban environments where space is at a premium, the extra size remains manageable thanks to confident steering feel and well-tuned throttle delivery. The upgraded dynamics offer a sense of assurance for drivers who want a comfortable yet capable travel experience, with the added size lending a sense of interior spaciousness without sacrificing control. Overall, the latest generation F7 presents a well-rounded package for those who value composed handling and a refined driving character, even as it asks for a bit of acclimation when interacting with the infotainment system and maintenance access points.