VS
At a Glance
Power
170 kW
106kW@6000
Torque
380 Nm
189Nm@4250
Fuel
9.1 l/100km
—
Towing
—
1100
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
1998 cc
1998
Choosing between the Haval H7 and the KIA CARENS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Haval H7 delivers 170 kW while the KIA CARENS produces 106kW@6000. On fuel, the H7 returns 9.1 l/100km while the CARENS uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R674 950 for the H7 and R253 995 for the CARENS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
170 kW
106kW@6000
Torque
380 Nm
189Nm@4250
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1998
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
4
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.1 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
61 l
55
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4705 mm
4545
Width
1908 mm
1800
Height
1780 mm
1650
Wheelbase
2810 mm
2560
Ground Clearance
210 mm
156
Kerb Weight
—
1498
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
483-1362 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1100
Load Capacity
—
2106
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
120
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
150000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA CARENS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
H7
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARENS
Practicality
CARENS
Pros & Cons
Haval H7
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (9.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA CARENS
Lower starting price (R253 995)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the H7 or CARENS?
The H7 uses 9.1 l/100km and the CARENS uses 0 on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the H7 or CARENS?
The H7 produces 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the CARENS delivers 106kW@6000 and 189Nm@4250 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the H7 and CARENS?
The H7 starts from R674 950 and the CARENS from R253 995. The CARENS is cheaper by R420 955 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the H7 or CARENS?
The H7 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CARENS can tow 1100. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the H7 or the CARENS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.