GWM Haval H5

We needed a vehicle for family trips since my retired parents love traveling. Our existing ix35 4WD was insufficient in power and space for people and gear. We considered light vans like Iveco and Maxus but chose the GWM Haval H5 after its launch, attracted by its large space (rear seats fold into a bed) and better off-road capability with 4WD and optional differential lock, plus it fits in underground garages and has an automatic transmission, which my mom can handle. We opted for the top gas version with a lock instead of diesel (due to lower specs, urea requirement, and cold-start issues as per my mechanic uncle). Delivered on September 22, the H5 offers ample space—I’m 1.93m and 100kg, yet comfortable with headroom, and my wife can stretch her legs in the back. Power is responsive once moving, though there’s a 2-second delay at startup. The 360-degree camera is very useful for parking. The only downside is slightly poor sound insulation, noticeable in the rain. Overall, it’s perfect for family road trips, and we’re excited for our October holiday drive.

The GWM Haval H5 has a sleek, spacious design that fits Chinese SUV aesthetics, though the side lacks bold lines. The interior feels quality with well-padded seats and a nice black-yellow color scheme. While missing wireless charging and one-touch window controls, the price offsets these. Its standout feature is the massive space—with 5 seats instead of 7, the trunk is huge, easily fitting 5 people, luggage, and pets. Folding the rear seats creates a flat bed for resting. Driving is decent: the steering offers good feedback, and the chassis clearly transmits road feel. Power is sufficient for daily use, with no strain at startup but slight sluggishness during mid-to-high-speed overtakes. However, wind noise from the A-pillar mirror above 80km/h is noticeable and needs improvement.

【Car Purchase Experience】 When choosing a car with a budget of around 150,000 RMB for a bare car, along with part-time 4WD, a ladder frame, and a large space, the GWM Haval H5 basically had no competitors, so I didn't compare other models. I fell in love with it more and more after watching online videos of its later modification and upgrade cases; after all, which guy doesn't like a big, long, and handsome car?

【Driving Experience】 The "like driving a boat" feeling is mainly due to its size, which isn't very noticeable during urban commuting or on highways. It's most obvious when going down to the basement and parking, as those unaccustomed to large cars may feel unsure about judging distances. I've driven over 600 kilometers on the highway so far, and it's very stable without any shaking. Wind noise is acceptable, and tire and engine noise are barely audible.

【Fuel Consumption】 With my current driving habits, combining 50% highway and 50% urban driving, the average fuel consumption is 13.13L/100km. For a large car of this size, it's as expected, but even lower than my own expectation. After all, a turbocharged engine running on 92-octane gasoline is already the greatest consideration from Great Wall for us enthusiast users.

【Least Satisfactory】 If there's a facelift, I suggest replacing the window glass with double-layer laminated glass!