GWM Haval H7, Mitsubishi Pajero, Kia Seltos and Lepas L6 lead the final new-family-SUV arrivals of 2026

Haval H7 arrives weeks away with hybrid and plug-in hybrid lineups

The all-new GWM Haval H7 is the headline family-SUV arrival in CarExpert's rundown of models still to come in 2026, with the publication's contributor Tace Clifford reporting GWM has confirmed first customer deliveries are only weeks away. The rugged, boxy-styled mid-size SUV introduces GWM's Hi4 all-wheel drive system with a rear differential lock, paired with 210mm of ground clearance, a package aimed at buyers who want mild off-road ability alongside everyday family practicality. ¹

CarExpert details the Australian pricing as $46,990 drive-away for the H7 Lux HEV AWD, $49,990 drive-away for the Vanta HEV AWD, $50,990 drive-away for the Lux PHEV AWD and $53,990 drive-away for the flagship Vanta PHEV AWD. Both entry-level Lux and top-spec Vanta grades are offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the PHEV variants are claimed to produce 320kW with a 4.9-second 0-100km/h time, figures attributed to GWM in CarExpert's report. ¹

The plug-in hybrid variants carry a claimed 137km battery range on the WLTC cycle, according to CarExpert's article, which the publication notes is sufficient for several days of local driving between charges. The H7's braked towing capacity is 1.5 tonnes, which CarExpert notes is enough for a small trailer carrying team sports gear, weekend camping equipment or jet skis. On the practicality front, the H7 offers a 586-litre boot with a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, a full-size spare tyre behind a side-hinged tailgate, ISOFIX anchors in the two outboard rear seats and top-tether anchorages for all three rear seats, though CarExpert has not yet tested whether three child seats fit across the row. ¹

CarExpert reports large families will need to wait for the seven-seat version, expected to be called Haval H7 Plus and due in 2027, as the initial H7 is a five-seater. The H7 has yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating, but comes with up to seven airbags including second-row side curtains, and it remains unconfirmed whether the seven-seat H7 Plus will gain third-row side airbags. GWM backs the model with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and eight years of unlimited-kilometre battery coverage for both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid batteries. ¹

New Mitsubishi Pajero lands in December with 3500kg towing

For buyers needing stronger towing or off-road capability, CarExpert reports the new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero reaches Australian showrooms in December 2026. Based on the Triton ute, the big four-wheel drive replaces the Pajero Sport and is offered in five- and seven-seat configurations across four grades: GLS five-seat at $68,490 plus on-road costs, GLS seven-seat at $69,990 plus ORCs, Exceed at $79,990 plus ORCs and the GSR flagship at $84,990 plus ORCs. ¹

The Pajero is powered by a 150kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel with an eight-speed automatic, CarExpert reports, and adds low range plus centre and rear differential locks for serious off-roading. Its 3500kg braked towing capacity makes it boat- or caravan-ready, while five-seat models offer 519 litres of boot space with a 10-litre storage box under the cargo floor — dropping to just 131 litres when the third row is occupied. ¹

CarExpert notes ISOFIX points are fitted to the two outer second-row seats with top-tether anchorages for all three second-row positions, allowing three child seats across, but seven-seat models carry no child-seat anchors in the third row. The new Pajero also lacks an ANCAP rating for now, though it carries a full safety suite with a front-centre airbag, driver's knee airbag and, on seven-seaters, curtain airbags reaching the third row. Mitsubishi's warranty extends to 10 years or 200,000km with dealer servicing, otherwise five years or 100,000km. ¹

Lepas L6 EV launches Chery's new brand from $47,990

CarExpert introduces the Lepas L6 EV, a five-seat mid-size electric SUV from Chery's new Lepas brand, launching in Australia with a single Signature variant priced at $47,990 plus on-road costs. Test drives open from early November, with first deliveries due later that month, according to the publication's report. ¹

The front-wheel-drive L6 uses a 160kW motor and a 65kWh battery delivering a claimed 440km range on the WLTP cycle, CarExpert reports, with Lepas claiming the battery charges from 30 to 80 per cent via DC fast-charging in about 22 minutes. Purple and orange paint options distinguish the newcomer in a market the publication describes as awash with grey and white vehicles. ¹

On family practicality, CarExpert says the L6 has ISOFIX points in the two outer rear seats and top-tether anchors for all three rear positions, though the publication has yet to test three-across fitment. The 435-litre boot is on the small side — 323 litres measured to the window line, the way most brands measure — with an extra 99 litres of underfloor storage housing the puncture repair kit. ANCAP has not yet released a rating for the L6, which comes with a full safety tech suite and seven airbags including second-row side curtains. Lepas provides a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with the battery covered for eight years or 200,000km. ¹

New Kia Seltos goes hybrid-only from $39,990 drive-away

Rounding out CarExpert's list, the next-generation Kia Seltos is about to hit showrooms as a hybrid-only small SUV offered in six variants. CarExpert lists the entry S HEV FWD at $39,990 drive-away, the Sport HEV FWD at $43,990 drive-away, the Sport+ HEV FWD at $46,990 drive-away and the GT-Line HEV FWD flagship at $52,990 drive-away, with all-wheel drive a $2500 option on the GT-Line. A Safety Pack adds $2500 to the entry S, bringing a 360-degree camera, blind-spot view, side parking sensors and rear auto braking. ¹

CarExpert reports the larger new Seltos offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 'Sounds of Nature' white-noise feature the publication suggests could help families with infants. The 483-litre boot is 50 litres bigger than the previous Seltos and sits over a space-saver spare, though the GT-Line AWD gets only a puncture repair kit. A new reclining rear seat function is designed to reduce head flop for sleeping children, and the bigger proportions lead CarExpert to hope three child seats will fit more comfortably across the back. The new Seltos is yet to receive an ANCAP rating; Kia backs it with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven years or 150,000km of hybrid battery coverage. ¹

Volkswagen Tukan: MQB's first production ute for Brazil

Separately, CarExpert's senior editor William Stopford has reported the reveal of the Volkswagen Tukan, a replacement for the Latin American Saveiro and the first production ute based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB architecture. Derived from the T-Cross light SUV but with a leaf-sprung rear end, the Tukan will be built at Volkswagen's Paraná plant in Brazil for Latin American markets and launches in the first half of 2027, offered in single- and dual-cab forms. Volkswagen has yet to confirm dimensions or powertrains, though Brazilian media reports suggest turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol options, the latter possibly with a 48V mild-hybrid system, according to CarExpert. ²

Stopford's report places the Tukan within a US$3.7 billion (A$5.16 billion) Volkswagen investment in South America and one of 21 planned launches there through 2028. It slots under the body-on-frame Latin American Amarok, which will itself be replaced in 2027 by a new model developed with SAIC Motor, likely related to the LDV Terron 9 and MG U9 sold in Australia. The Tukan has no confirmed Australian availability, and CarExpert notes unibody utes remain rare here, with the KGM Musso EV currently the only one on sale. ²