What are the differences between Haval H3 and H5?
4 Answers
Haval H3 and H5 have the following differences: 1. The Haval H3 is a segmented model newly developed to meet different customer needs. It inherits the high safety standards of the Haval series, featuring a non-load-bearing body and achieving a 4-star rating in the European Euro-NCAP crash test. Additionally, standard dual airbags, high-version ABS+EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, child locks, and child seat fixing devices greatly ensure passenger safety. 2. The Haval H5 is equipped with a Mitsubishi 4G69 gasoline engine, delivering the strongest power in its class. The new Haval H5 European version has also undergone comprehensive upgrades in interior configurations, including air vent adjustment wheel rubber coating, new combination switches, new keys, chrome-plated decorative rings around the gear lever cover for MT models, and new footrests for AT models—eight interior upgrades in total, making it more aesthetically pleasing and high-end.
I drove a Haval H3 for eight years and switched to an H5 last year. The biggest difference I noticed is the significant change in exterior design. The H3 was boxy like a brick, while the H5 has much smoother curves, especially the eagle-eye-like headlights on the front. The interior is also a world of difference—the H3 had a strong plastic feel, whereas the H5 has much softer seats and even comes with electric adjustment. The power difference is even more noticeable. My old H3 always needed a running start for uphill climbs, but the new H5 can leisurely ascend in four-wheel-drive mode. The rear space is about the same, but the H5’s rear doors open wider, making it much easier to load a stroller. In terms of fuel consumption, the diesel version of the H5 saves over 1 liter per 100 kilometers compared to my old H3, which adds up to significant savings in the long run. That said, the H5’s longer body means it takes a couple more turns of the wheel for parallel parking, so new drivers might need a few days to adjust.
Last time I took my wife and kids on a self-driving trip, I carefully compared my friend's H3 with my own H5. The main difference is the chassis quality - the H3 felt noticeably floaty at high speeds and made loud clunking noises over speed bumps, while the H5 was much more stable. My wife said she experienced less motion sickness sitting in the back. The safety features differ even more - my H5 has six airbags and electronic stability control, while his older H3 only has the most basic dual airbags. As for the infotainment system, the H5's central display can connect to smartphone navigation, whereas the H3 doesn't even have a USB port. Both vehicles are quite rugged on rough roads, but the H5's ground clearance is about 2cm higher, resulting in fewer instances of scraping the undercarriage in muddy pits. The trunk depth is similar, but the H5's rear seats can fold completely flat, making it much more comfortable for camping with inflatable mattresses. Also, a reminder: if buying a used H3, pay special attention to the air conditioning pipes - older models are prone to refrigerant leaks.
Let's talk about these two vehicles from an off-road perspective. I've been doing desert crossings for five or six years and have driven both the H3 and H5. First, the transfer case structures are different. The H5 uses BorgWarner's electronically controlled four-wheel drive system, which switches over twice as fast as the H3. In terms of differential locks, the H3 requires aftermarket installation for limited-slip functionality, while the high-end H5 comes with an Eaton locker directly. For ground clearance, the H5 has a 3-degree larger approach angle, making it more capable in cross-axle situations. The engine modification potential is about the same, but the diesel version of the H5 has stronger low-end torque, making it almost unnecessary to build momentum when climbing steep slopes. The chassis rigidity has also improved—after a 2-inch lift, the H5 shows noticeably less body deformation than the H3. The only downside compared to the older model is the slightly longer wheelbase, which might scrape the side steps in extreme off-road conditions. My advice is to just remove them.
