The GWM Haval Big Dog gets a small update and might just be ready for the Malaysian market.
The Haval Big Dog is one interesting looking vehicle, bridging the gap between the proper off-roader they sell like the Tank 300 and their popular soft-roader SUVs like the H6 HEV and Jolion. While Malaysia never received the Big Dog, there’s now a facelift model shown and this could be the one that GWM Malaysia brings in.
The 2026 Haval Big Dog, a facelifted model from Great Wall Motor (GWM), introduces several updates to its design and interior features while retaining its rugged aesthetic. The official launch is set for July 17 in China. Since its original debut in 2020, the Big Dog has sold over 600,000 units, with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units for 12 straight months up to May 2025.
This facelift features five new exterior color options: Misty Blue, Moss Rock Green, Meteorite Gray, Moon White, and Black. At the front, the SUV sports an upgraded grille design while maintaining its signature retro LED headlights. These headlights deliver a luminous intensity of 47,800 cd on low beam and 94,500 cd on high beam, with a 20% increase in brightness for the low beam. The rear end keeps the inverted L-shaped through-type taillight design. The boxy silhouette, traditional door handles, and roof racks remain unchanged from previous versions.
While the official dimensions have yet to be confirmed, they are expected to mirror the 2024 model’s measurements of 4620 mm in length, 1890 mm in width, 1780 mm in height, and a 2738 mm wheelbase.
Inside the cabin, the 2026 model brings a refreshed look with a new D-shaped steering wheel and a larger 14.6-inch floating central infotainment display running GWM’s Coffee OS 3. The tech suite includes a 9-inch windshield head-up display (W-HUD) and a digital instrument panel. Practicality is also emphasized, with rear seats that fold down to provide up to 1,404 liters of cargo space. Comfort is enhanced with ventilated seating and a 10-speaker audio system.
Powertrain details have not yet been disclosed, though it is likely to carry forward the current 1.5T and 2.0T engine options paired with 7-speed or 9-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
What do you think of the Big Dog? I remember seeing quite a number of these while on vacation in Australia a few years back. If they’re easily acceptable in that market, perhaps Malaysians too will be receptive to a well-priced rugged looking softroader.
