VS
At a Glance
Power
170 kW
85 kW
Torque
380 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
9.1 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
0-100 km/h
—
12.0 s
Engine
1998 cc
1493 cc
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 85 kW. On fuel, the H7 returns 9.1 l/100km while the Carens uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R674 950 for the H7 and R399 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
85 kW
Torque
380 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.0 s
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1493 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.1 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
61 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4705 mm
4550 mm
Width
1908 mm
1800 mm
Height
1780 mm
1734 mm
Wheelbase
2810 mm
2780 mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
180 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1462 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
483-1362 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ 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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7
3
Service Plan Distance
75000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Carens
3 / 4 categories
Performance
H7
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
Haval H7
More powerful engine (170 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (9.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Kia Carens
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R399 995)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 170 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the H7 or Carens?
The H7 uses 9.1 l/100km and the Carens uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Carens is the more fuel-efficient choice. 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 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The H7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the H7 and Carens?
The H7 starts from R674 950 and the Carens from R399 995. The Carens is cheaper by R274 955 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
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.