A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Tank 500 starts ZAR 1199900 cheaperAcross from ZAR 1,199,900 · Tank 500 from ZAR 1,149,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Engine Power
225
340
Torque
227
750
Engine Size
2487
2999
Claimed Mileage
22.7
2.5
Ground Clearance
200
224
Boot Space
490
580
Airbags
8
8
Kerb Weight
1955
2680
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Tank 500
76
/ 100
+5
pts
#2
Across
71
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Across and Tank 500 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tank 500
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tank 500
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Tank 500
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
16/20
Ownership
20/20
Across
Performance
17/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
14/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Across
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Tank 500
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Across
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Tank 500
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Length
4635
5060
Width
1855
1996
Height
1690
1905
Wheelbase
2690
2950
Ground Clearance
200
224
Kerb Weight
1955
2680
Gross Vehicle Weight
2510
3200
Seating Capacity
5
5
Seats
5
5
Doors
5
5
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space
490
580
Boot Space Seats Folded
1604
780
Boot Volume
490
580
Front Track Width
1605
1560
Rear Track Width
1620
1570
Turning Radius
5.7
13.0
Front Headroom
1015
990
Rear Headroom
1004
960
Front Legroom
1090
1050
Rear Legroom
950
890
Front Shoulder Room
1455
1520
Rear Shoulder Room
1418
1480
Max Payload
555
-
Towing Capacity
1500
3000
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
80
Front Overhang
915
880
Rear Overhang
1030
890
Load Bed Length
Available
-
Load Bed Width
Available
-
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
80
City Mileage
22.7
8.0
Highway Mileage
20.4
6.8
Claimed Mileage
22.7
2.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
1.0
2.5
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.5
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Auto Start Stop
0.5
Yes
Real-world Mileage
18.5
7.5
Fuel Efficiency
1.0
Good
Emission Standard
EURO 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
No
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Engine
2.5L Petrol + Electric (PHEV)
3.0L GW4C30D V6 Turbocharged Petrol + Front Electric Motor
Engine Type
Hybrid
V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol Hybrid
Engine Type Config
Inline 4-cylinder + 2 electric motors
V6 (V6) DOHC 24-Valve Twin-Turbocharged
Engine Code
A25A-FXS + 5JM/5HM
GW4C30D
Displacement
2487
2999
Cylinders
4
6
Valves per Cylinder
16
24
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V6
Engine Position
Transverse Front
Front Transverse
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Twin-Turbocharged
Compression Ratio
14.0
10.5:1
Fuel System
D-4S Direct + Port Injection
Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol + Electric
Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
Dual VVT-i
Yes
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Power
225
340
Power @ RPM
6000
5,500 rpm
Power
302
456
Torque
227
750
Torque @ RPM
3600
2,000-4,000 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6000
5,500
Top Speed
180
210
0-100 km/h
6.0
340
Cylinder Bore
87.5
-
Piston Stroke
103.4
-
Engine Oil Capacity
4.6
7.5
Engine Displacement
2487
2999
0–100 km/h
6.0
4.8
Battery Capacity
18.1 kWh
27.0 kWh
EV Range
75
135
AC Charging Time
6.5 hours (3.3 kW)
-
Charging Port
Type 2
-
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
95 Octane Unleaded
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
EVAP Canister
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
CO2 Emissions
22
58
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Noise Level
62 dB
Low
Idle CO2 Output
0
58
Particulate Filter
Yes
No
Green NCAP Rating
5-star (PHEV)
5/5
Hybrid System Type
Available
Plug-In Hybrid AWD (Hi4-T)
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Lithium-Ion
Service Plan Duration
6
5
Service Plan Distance
90000
75000
First Service At
15000
5000
Approx Service Cost
R7500
Included in Service Plan
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
10,000 km
Alternator
DC-DC Converter
110A
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Maintenance Plan
6 Years / 90000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160000 km
8 Years / 160,000 km
Service Interval
Available
10000
Spec
Across
Tank 500
EV Mode
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes (Pre-Collision)
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
EV / Auto / Charge / Eco / Normal / Sport / Trail
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Adaptive
-
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Available
Front and Rear
Driver Fatigue Alert
Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Transmission Type
E-CVT
Automatic
Number of Gears
1
9
Differential Lock
No
Yes
Transfer Case
Electric (no mechanical)
Yes
Clutch Type
N/A (E-CVT)
Torque Converter
Final Drive Ratio
3.542
3.73
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
14.7:1
Transmission
E-CVT
Automatic
Drivetrain
AllGrip-e AWD (electric rear axle)
All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
AWD
Transmission
Available
9-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Available
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Available
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Tank 500
4WD System Type
AllGrip-e Electric AWD
Full-Time AWD with Low Range
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Approach Angle
19
33
Departure Angle
19
28
Wading Depth
500
800
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
Recovery Hooks
Yes (front + rear)
No
Ramp-over Angle
17
22
Terrain Modes
Available
Yes
Locking Differential
Available
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
22
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Airbags
8
8
ABS
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
AEB
Yes (Toyota Safety Sense)
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5-star Euro NCAP
5
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes (WIL Concept)
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Remote
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes (driver)
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual-zone Automatic
Tri-Zone Climate Control
Climate Zones
2
3
Front Armrest
Yes (with storage)
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes (illuminated)
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes (Smart Entry)
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Yes
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Auto
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside (button)
Yes
Boot Opener
Power Tailgate (Hands-free)
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes (12V + 1500W AC)
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V + 1500W AC outlet
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes (Hybrid System Indicator)
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
All (one-touch front)
Yes
Power Mirrors
Heated + Folding
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Auto
Electric
Heads Up Display
Yes (10-inch colour HUD)
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Sunroof
Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Yes
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.38
Driver Display
Available
Digital
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
2.5
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
195
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Payload Capacity
Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
60/40
Rear Wing
Available
Integrated Spoiler
Remote Engine Start
Available
Yes
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Shark Fin Antenna
Seat Type
Available
High Bolster Sports Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Side Steps
Available
Yes
Skid Plates
Available
Yes
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes (with cupholders)
Yes
Cup Holders
6
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
12.3-inch Digital
Digital Instrument Cluster
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Fabric Seats
No
No
Heated Seats
Front + Rear
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
Driver
Yes
Rear Headrest
3 (adjustable)
Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes (adjustable)
Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-way Power
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Driver 8-way / Passenger 8-way Power
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-way Power with Memory
12-Way Electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-way Power
4-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Power (driver)
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Seat Material
Available
Nappa Leather
Seat Adjustment
Available
Yes
Steering Type
Available
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Available
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
Available
60/40 Split
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power + Heated + Auto-folding
Electric Adjustable
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Body Cladding
Yes (lower)
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Pure White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Emotional Red, Cyan Metallic, Dark Blue Mica
6
Led Headlights
LED Bi-Beam Projector
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes (Bi-Beam Projector)
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes (LED)
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes (LED)
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
DRL
LED Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes (rear roof)
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured
Body Coloured
Chrome Exterior Finish
Lower trim
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Roof Type
Panoramic Glass
Metal Roof
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Machined Alloy
5-Spoke Premium Alloy
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Steering Column
Tilt + Telescopic
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil
Air Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Hydraulic
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone with Adaptive Dampers
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone (Multi-link)
Multi-Link with Adaptive Dampers
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Chassis Type
Available
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Infotainment Display
9-inch Touchscreen
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
9 inch
14
Android Auto
Yes (Wireless)
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes (Wireless)
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
9
12
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
Yes
Rear Usb
Yes (2x USB-C)
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
-
Navigation System
Yes (with cloud updates)
Yes
Premium Audio
JBL Premium 9-speaker
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Available
Yes
USB Ports
Available
4
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Parking Brake Type
Electric
Electronic
Wheel Rim Size
19
22
Tyre Load Index
95
114
Tyre Speed Rating
V
V
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Highway All-Terrain
Spare Tyre
Tyre Repair Kit
Yes
Front Brake Disc Diameter
328
308
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
281
292
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Wheel Diameter
19
22
Front Tyre Width
235
285
Rear Tyre Width
235
285
Tyre Size
Available
285/45R22
Wheel Type
Available
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Alloy
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
200000
100000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Tank 500
Real-world City Mileage Min
20
3.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
30
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18
3.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
23
5.5
Owner Review Count
0
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Tank 500
wins with 76 pts
vs 71 pts for Across
In structured scoring, Tank 500 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Across may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Tank 500 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Across 0 vs Tank 500 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Across 20, Tank 500 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Across 20, Tank 500 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Across 14, Tank 500 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Across 17, Tank 500 20. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Tank 500 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tank 500 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Across and Tank 500 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Across scores 17 vs 20.
Efficiency: Across scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Across scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Across scores 14 vs 16.
Ownership: Across scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tank 500
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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