Great Wall Motor’s Haval brand has released teaser images of its refreshed second-generation H9 SUV. The updated model will make its first public appearance at the Chengdu Auto Show in China on 29 August. Despite being called “new”, the teaser images suggest little has changed in terms of exterior or interior design. Instead, the focus appears to be on more important mechanical and feature updates.
Where the current H9 stands
The current second-generation H9 launched in China in September 2023 with petrol power, followed by a diesel option in December. Pricing started at around ¥199,900 (about $44,000 AUD) for the petrol version and ¥233,900 (about $51,000 AUD) for the diesel.
Key specs for the existing model include:
- Full-time AWD
- Length/width/height: 5070(4950)/1960(1976)/1930 mm
- Wheelbase: 2850 mm
- Wading depth: 800 mm
- Approach angle: 31°
- Departure angle: 25–26°
- Braked towing capacity: 2,500 kg
Those figures put the H9 into the same territory as rivals like the Toyota Prado, Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest — but at a lower price point in its home market.
What the teasers show
The latest teaser images reveal a near-identical exterior, keeping the round headlights and upright proportions. The show car features an all-black finish, including grille, window frames, wheel arches, side skirts, roof racks and wheels.
Tow hooks remain prominent, but the rated towing capacity is unchanged at 2.5 tonnes — below the 3.5 tonnes offered by the Prado, Everest and MU-X, but adequate for lighter trailers and campers.
Engines still to be confirmed
Powertrain details haven’t yet been confirmed. For context, the current H9 is offered with:
- Petrol: 2.0-litre turbo, 165 kW, 385 Nm, 8-speed auto
- Diesel: 2.4-litre turbo, 137 kW, 490 Nm, 9-speed auto
Both versions are paired with AWD and multi-terrain driving modes.
Cabin design unchanged
The interior teasers show the same layout as the current model, with a burgundy theme. Features include:
- Four-spoke steering wheel
- 10.25-inch driver display
- 14.6-inch central touchscreen
- Physical controls for climate and vehicle functions
This mix of screens and buttons is likely to appeal to buyers who prefer more tactile controls than fully touchscreen-based rivals.
Sales performance in China
According to PCAuto, 1,125 units of the H9 were sold in July 2025, making up just over 4% of Great Wall’s monthly sales. From January to July, the H9 recorded 8,101 sales.
That’s modest compared to China’s best-sellers, but the H9 is positioned more as a niche off-road SUV rather than a mass-market family hauler.
What it means for Australia
The H9 has never been as popular in Australia as its Prado and Everest rivals, but it remains a value-driven option for buyers wanting a large, ladder-frame SUV. Pricing for the updated model in Australia has not yet been announced, but given the existing positioning, it’s likely to remain one of the more affordable diesel off-roaders in the segment.
More details — including final specs, engine options and Australian launch timing — will be confirmed after the official reveal in Chengdu.
