Isuzu MU-X vs GWM Tank 300

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.

Isuzu MU-X in South Africa

Isuzu MU-X

3.0 DDi LSE 4x4 AT Diesel 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 973,800 ex-showroom
⚡ 110 kW 🔧 350 Nm ⛽ 13.2 km/l
VS
GWM Tank 300 in South Africa

GWM Tank 300

2.0T Hi4-T Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid 8-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 849,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 240 kW 🔧 750 Nm ⛽ 35.7 km/l
Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Performance Tank 300
Fuel Economy Tank 300
🛡 Safety Tank 300
📦 Practicality MU-X
🔑 Ownership Tank 300
Tank 300 starts ZAR 52,500 cheaper MU-X from ZAR 752,400 · Tank 300 from ZAR 699,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec MU-X Tank 300
Maximum Power 110 kW @ 3600 rpm 240 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque 350 Nm 750 Nm
Engine Size 3000 cc 1999 cc
Claimed Mileage 13.2 km/l 35.7 km/l
Ground Clearance 235 mm 224 mm
Boot / Load Bay - 490 l
Airbags Standard 8
Kerb Weight 2080 kg 2050 kg
Seating Capacity - -
Warranty 5 years / 120 000 km 5 Years / 100,000 km

= leads in this spec

The Bottom Line

Tank 300 holds a noticeable edge over MU-X, especially in key ownership areas.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Tank 300 +36 pts
Efficiency Tank 300 +45 pts
Safety Tank 300 +6 pts
Practicality MU-X +12 pts
Ownership Tank 300 +21 pts

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

MU-X

Strengths
  • More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Less comprehensive safety features
  • Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to: Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner

Tank 300

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Stronger safety package
  • Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
  • Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency

Which One's Right for You?

MU-X

  • Large families needing more practicality and usability

Tank 300

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
  • Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
  • Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec MU-X Tank 300
Model Introduced Year 2013 2024
Generation Current generation MU-X built on Isuzu D-Max platform First generation, launched globally in 2021 and brought to South Africa in 2024. The Tank brand is positioned as GWM's premium off-road sub-brand alongside Haval (SUVs) and Ora (electric).
Facelift History Latest updates improved styling and safety tech First-generation Tank 300 launched in South Africa in 2024. No significant facelift to date; software updates have refined the differential locking activation logic and refined the hybrid system on the Hi4-T variant.
Facelift Launched Since Original current-generation version 2024
Facelift Version Ending Current Current
Body Style 7-seat SUV SUV
Color Note White, Black, Silver, Grey, Red Crystal White, Hamilton Black, Mars Red, Atlantic Blue, Adventure Olive Green and Sand Dune Beige. The Adventure Olive Green is exclusive to Off-Road and Hi4-T Hybrid trims.
Dealer Stock Note Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 3.0 DDi LSE 4x4 AT -
Model Year MY26 2026
Production Status published published
Segment SUV SUV
Vehicle Type SUV SUV
Gross Combined Mass Kg 5900 kg -
Tare Mass Kg 2080 kg 2050 kg
Spec MU-X Tank 300
Drivetrain Layout 4WD / AWD Front Engine Four Wheel Drive
LSD Available Not Applicable Yes
Transfer Case Confirmed 4WD derivative Yes
Differential Lock Not Applicable Yes
Paddle Shifters Standard Yes
Gearbox Automatic 8-Speed Automatic
Final Drive Ratio Not Applicable 3.73
Number of Gears 4 8
Transmission Type 6 Speed Automatic Automatic
Clutch Type Not Applicable Torque Converter
Gear Shift Indicator Not Applicable Yes
Drivetrain 4WD / AWD All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
4WD Engagement Available Available
4WD Hi Range Available Yes
4WD Lo Range Available where 4WD low range is fitted Yes
4WD Selector Standard Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles Standard Yes
Drive Mode Selector 4WD/off-road drive mode support 4WD/off-road drive mode support
Front Differential Lock Not Applicable Yes
Gear Knob Trim Leather / Piano Black -
Gear Ratio 1st 3.600 -
Gear Ratio 2nd 2.090 -
Gear Ratio 3rd 1.488 -
Gear Ratio 4th 1.000 -
Gear Ratio 5th 0.687 -
Gear Ratio 6th 0.580 -
Gear Ratio Reverse 3.732 -
Gearbox Type Automatic 8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio Not Applicable Not Applicable
Low Range Available where 4WD low range is fitted Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout 4WD / AWD AWD
Rear Differential Lock Standard Yes
Transfer Case Guard Standard -
Transmission Speeds 4 8
Gear Shift Type Automatic Automatic
Engine Position - Front Transverse
Reverse Gear Warning - Yes
Steering Turns Lock to Lock - 14.7:1

Overall Verdict Score

Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.

Weighted / 100
Verdict readout

Tank 300 leads by 18 points

Tank 300 holds a noticeable edge over MU-X, especially in key ownership areas.

Winner 88 /100
Lead 18 points
Data 97% confidence
88
#1 Winner

Tank 300

97% data confidence 4 strong categories
Best at Safety 100 Check Ownership 65
Performance 98
Efficiency 97
Safety 100
Practicality 76
Ownership 65
Leads by 18 points
70
#2

MU-X

79% data confidence 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Ownership 44
Performance 62
Efficiency 52
Safety 94
Practicality 88
Ownership 44
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance Tank 300 +36 Efficiency Tank 300 +45 Safety Tank 300 +6 Practicality MU-X +12 Ownership Tank 300 +21

Moderate difference between the models.

Why this score View full breakdown
Overall Winner

Tank 300

Performance 98/100
Efficiency 97/100
Safety 100/100
Practicality 76/100
Ownership 65/100

MU-X

Performance 62/100
Efficiency 52/100
Safety 94/100
Practicality 88/100
Ownership 44/100

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 GWM Tank 300 wins with 88 pts vs 70 pts for MU-X

In structured scoring, Tank 300 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, MU-X may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Tank 300 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: MU-X 52 vs Tank 300 97. 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: MU-X 94, Tank 300 100. 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: MU-X 44, Tank 300 65. 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: MU-X 88, Tank 300 76. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: MU-X 62, Tank 300 98. 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 300 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Tank 300 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 MU-X and Tank 300 in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: MU-X scores 62 vs 98.

Efficiency: MU-X scores 52 vs 97.

Safety: MU-X scores 94 vs 100.

Practicality: MU-X scores 88 vs 76.

Ownership: MU-X scores 44 vs 65.

Final structured scoring gives Tank 300 the advantage in this comparison.