On the road, the Changan X7 PLUS—equipped with the Blue Whale NE 1.5L turbocharged direct-injection engine—delivers a surprisingly brisk driving experience. Initial throttle response is prompt, and turbo lag is well suppressed, allowing for confident maneuvering in urban environments at low to moderate speeds. With a maximum output of 138 kW and peak torque of 300 N·m, its performance ranks among the best in its class, providing ample power for highway overtaking.

By comparison, the perennial bestseller Haval H6 (in its 1.5T variant) adopts a slightly different tuning philosophy: its initial throttle response feels more measured, prioritizing linear and smooth power delivery. In contrast, the Changan X7 PLUS deliberately emphasizes a more immediate and responsive feel off the line—a distinction that significantly shapes the first impression behind the wheel.

In city driving conditions, the Changan X7 PLUS prioritizes ride comfort. Its front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension effectively filters out minor road imperfections. When traversing common obstacles like manhole covers or pavement joints, occupants hear only a muted “thud,” with minimal physical jolt transmitted into the cabin. Over larger bumps or speed humps, the suspension’s secondary damping remains composed, preventing excessive body oscillation. However, at speeds above 100 km/h, wind noise around the A-pillars becomes noticeable, and road noise isolation falls short of its otherwise commendable bump absorption. The Haval H6, by contrast, has long excelled in high-speed cabin quietness, offering more balanced acoustic insulation overall—though the Changan X7 PLUS may hold a slight edge in smoothing out repeated surface irregularities.

Handling-wise, the Changan X7 PLUS features steering with moderate weight and a degree of play typical of comfort-oriented family SUVs. Body roll is evident during quick cornering, but it builds progressively and predictably, while electronic stability control intervenes smoothly without abruptness. The vehicle doesn’t aim to thrill, but it delivers a relaxed, stress-free drive. Switching to Sport mode adds slight heft to the steering and sharpens transmission shift logic. In this regard, both the Changan X7 PLUS and H6 share a similar philosophy: prioritizing stability and safety over dynamic excitement—perfectly adequate for everyday family use, if not particularly engaging at the limit.

“The Changan X7 PLUS clearly understands its mission: to serve as a comfortable, spacious, and dependable mobility solution for families. It doesn’t chase sportiness or sharp handling; instead, within cost constraints, it achieves a satisfying level of smoothness and ride comfort—a highly pragmatic product strategy.”— Chen Feng, Senior Automotive Editor

The Changan X7 PLUS benefits from a high seating position and a generously sized windshield, affording the driver an expansive forward view—an asset that boosts confidence in urban settings. Seat cushioning strikes a balanced firmness, offering modest lateral support but excellent long-distance comfort. Higher trims include power-adjustable driver’s seats, enhancing convenience.

Thanks to its relatively upright hood and well-placed A-pillars, forward visibility is a standout feature, with minimal blind spots on the left-front quadrant. Rearward sightlines are somewhat limited by thick C-pillars, though standard rear parking sensors and a reversing camera (with 360-degree surround-view on mid-to-high trims) effectively mitigate parking challenges. Blind-spot monitoring on select variants further bolsters safety. In these aspects, the Changan X7 PLUS matches the Haval H6 in both equipment and real-world usability—both clearly designed with family needs in mind.

Interior design is another area where the Changan X7 PLUS seeks to differentiate itself. High-spec models feature a modern dual 12.3-inch screen setup, significantly elevating the cabin’s tech-forward ambiance. The dashboard exhibits layered contours, complemented by brushed metal trim and extensive soft-touch materials, resulting in a more refined aesthetic than previous Changan models. The OnStyle intelligent infotainment system supports online navigation, voice control, and remote smartphone functions, operating with good fluidity. Compared to the Haval H6, the Changan X7 PLUS leans more aggressively into youthful, tech-centric styling, whereas the Haval H6 maintains a classic, understated interior ethos—long praised for its solid build quality and material integrity.

Material quality is competitive for its segment: soft-touch surfaces dominate driver-contact zones, though hard plastics remain on lower dashboard areas—consistent with pricing expectations. Attention to detail is evident in stitched accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Against the Haval H6, both vehicles demonstrate comparable material standards, reflecting the rapid advancement of Chinese brands in perceived interior quality, albeit through distinctly different design languages.

Space is a core strength of the Changan X7 PLUS. Its generous dimensions and long wheelbase—often marketed as “class-leading” or “midsize-level”—deliver exceptional rear legroom. Even passengers measuring 180 cm tall enjoy over two fists of knee clearance. The nearly flat rear floor ensures comfort for middle-seat occupants, while headroom remains abundant thanks to the boxy roofline. While the Haval H6—dubbed a “space magician”—excels in flexible seating configurations and versatile packaging, the Changan X7 PLUS arguably surpasses it in pure longitudinal rear space.

Storage solutions are thoughtfully executed: door pockets are wide, the center console includes a large under-armrest bin with USB ports, and a dedicated smartphone tray sits ahead of the gear selector. Rear passengers benefit from ample cupholders and storage slots. The trunk is spacious and regular-shaped, with split-folding rear seats that create a nearly flat load floor—ideal for bulky cargo. In practicality, the Changan X7 PLUS stands shoulder-to-shoulder with established benchmarks like the Haval H6.

“If maximum rear legroom is your top priority, the Changan X7 PLUS deserves serious consideration. Its rear space approaches that of some midsize SUVs—a compelling advantage for multi-child households.”— Wu Xiaolin, Head of Testing, Family Car Guide

Pricing and equipment form key pillars of the Changan X7 PLUS’s market strategy. Its entry price is competitively positioned, with essentials like a rearview camera, large touchscreen, and LED daytime running lights standard even on base trims. Mid-to-high variants add panoramic sunroof, fully digital instrument cluster, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Against the equally well-equipped Haval H6, the Changan X7 PLUS competes by offering “class-up” dimensions, greater rear space, and a more contemporary, tech-infused design—providing a distinct value proposition at similar price points.

Fuel efficiency is respectable. The Blue Whale 1.5T engine paired with a 7-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission (DCT) has undergone years of refinement, striking a sound balance between smoothness and efficiency. Official fuel consumption figures closely match those of the Haval H6 1.5T, with real-world results largely dependent on driving style and conditions—both falling well within acceptable norms for family buyers.

Changan backs the Changan X7 PLUS with a core-component lifetime warranty for first owners (subject to official terms), signaling strong confidence in build quality and offering peace of mind. Haval, meanwhile, leverages its vast service network and mature after-sales infrastructure—a legacy advantage in nationwide coverage. Safety-wise, the Changan X7 PLUS employs a high-strength body structure and comprehensive active/passive safety systems (on higher trims), positioning it to achieve high scores in C-NCAP crash tests, aiming to rival the Haval H6’s established five-star safety rating.

“The Changan X7 PLUS is a quintessential ‘well-rounded’ vehicle—free of glaring weaknesses and delivering strong performance precisely where family buyers care most: space, design, and value-packed features. In today’s fiercely competitive compact SUV market, this balanced competence—combined with Changan’s growing brand equity—gives it genuine blockbuster potential.”— Zhang Wei, Automotive Market Analyst

1. What is the Changan X7 PLUS?

A compact SUV from Changan Automobile’s “PLUS” series, strategically positioned in the mainstream family segment with an emphasis on spaciousness, advanced features, and strong value.

2. What engine does the Changan X7 PLUS use?

It is primarily powered by the Blue Whale NE 1.5L turbocharged direct-injection engine, mated to a 7-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission—engineered for smoothness, efficiency, and reliability.

3. How to choose between the Changan X7 PLUS and the Haval H6?

The Changan X7 PLUS excels with its youthful, tech-forward styling, class-leading rear legroom, and compelling feature-to-price ratio. The Haval H6 counters with decades of market validation, consistently balanced all-around performance, and unmatched brand familiarity. Preference hinges on priorities: opt for the Changan X7 PLUS if you favor modern design, generous space, and cutting-edge tech; choose the H6 if you value proven reliability, holistic maturity, and extensive user community support.