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.
Sorento starts ZAR 1149900 cheaperSorento from ZAR 999,995 · Tank 500 from ZAR 1,149,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Engine Power
148 kW
340
Torque
440 Nm
750
Engine Size
2151
2999
Claimed Mileage
15.6
2.5
Ground Clearance
185
224
Boot Space
219
580
Airbags
7
8
Kerb Weight
1960
2680
Seating Capacity
7
5
Warranty
7
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Tank 500
76
/ 100
+11
pts
#2
Sorento
65
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Tank 500 has a slight advantage, but Sorento remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tank 500
+5 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tank 500
+6 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
Sorento
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Sorento
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?
Sorento
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
Sorento
Tank 500
Engine
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
3.0L GW4C30D V6 Turbocharged Petrol + Front Electric Motor
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol Hybrid
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
V6 (V6) DOHC 24-Valve Twin-Turbocharged
Engine Code
D4HB
GW4C30D
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
V6
Cylinders
4
6
Valves per Cylinder
16
24
Displacement
2151
2999
Engine Displacement
2151
2999
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin-Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Cylinder Bore
85.4
-
Piston Stroke
94.0
-
Compression Ratio
15.4:1
10.5:1
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
B7 Diesel
Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
No
Yes
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Engine Oil Capacity
6.0
7.5
Power
148 kW
340
Power
198
456
Power @ RPM
3,800 rpm
5,500 rpm
Torque
440 Nm
750
Torque @ RPM
1,750 rpm
2,000-4,000 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000 rpm
5,500
0–100 km/h
8.5
4.8
0-100 km/h
8.5
340
Top Speed
200
210
EV Range
N/A
135
Battery Capacity
N/A
27.0 kWh
Charging Port
N/A
-
AC Charging Time
N/A
-
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Launch Control
No
Yes
Rev Matching
No
No
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.4
2.5
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Ground Clearance Unladen
185
195
Drag Coefficient
0.35
0.38
Payload Capacity
N/A
-
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Normal
Progressive
Skid Plates
No
Yes
Side Steps
No
Yes
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
No
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
Digital
Heads Up Display
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Automatic Climate Control
Tri-Zone Climate Control
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
Climate Zones
2
3
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Seat Type
Leather Seats
High Bolster Sports Seat
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Yes
60/40
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
No
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
Yes
Boot Opener
Remote
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
Electric
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Tail Lamps
LED
LED
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Sunroof
Yes
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Yes
Roof Antenna
Yes
Shark Fin Antenna
Rear Wing
Yes
Integrated Spoiler
Aero Kit
No
No
Chrome Grille
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
Yes
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Engine Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
95 Octane Unleaded
Particulate Filter
DPF
No
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
EVAP Canister
Idle CO2 Output
175
58
CO2 Emissions
167
58
Green NCAP Rating
5
5/5
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Hybrid System Type
None
Plug-In Hybrid AWD (Hi4-T)
Noise Level
69
Low
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.4
2.5
Claimed Mileage
15.6
2.5
City Mileage
12.8
8.0
Highway Mileage
18.5
6.8
Average Fuel Consumption
6.4
7.5
Real-world Mileage
7.7
7.5
Fuel Efficiency
6.4 L/100km
Good
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Distance To Empty
N/A
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Tank Capacity
67
80
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Airbags
7
8
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
No
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
ABS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Alternator
Yes
110A
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
10,000 km
Battery Type
N/A
Lithium-Ion
Battery Warranty
N/A
8 Years / 160,000 km
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Yes
Service Plan Duration
3
5
Service Plan Distance
45000
75000
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Interval
15000
10000
First Service At
15000
5000
Approx Service Cost
R4,200 per service
Included in Service Plan
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Real-world City Mileage Min
10.9
3.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
14.1
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
16.7
3.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
19.4
5.5
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
EV Mode
No
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and Rear
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
9-Speed Automatic
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Transmission Type
Dual Clutch Transmission
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Clutch Type
Dry Dual Clutch
Torque Converter
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
3.73
Drivetrain
AWD
All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Electronic Coupling
Yes
Differential Lock
No
Yes
LSD Available
No
Yes
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.2:1
14.7:1
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
4WD System Type
Electronic AWD
Full-Time AWD with Low Range
Locking Differential
No
Yes
Approach Angle
19
33
Departure Angle
20
28
Ramp Breakover Angle
17
22
Ramp-over Angle
19
22
Wading Depth
N/A
800
Recovery Hooks
No
No
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Terrain Modes
Yes
Yes
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Length
4810
5060
Width
1900
1996
Height
1700
1905
Wheelbase
2815
2950
Front Track Width
1640
1560
Rear Track Width
1644
1570
Ground Clearance
185
224
Turning Radius
11.2
13.0
Front Overhang
900
880
Rear Overhang
1095
890
Kerb Weight
1960
2680
Gross Vehicle Weight
2550
3200
Towing Capacity
2000
3000
Max Payload
N/A
-
Load Bed Length
N/A
-
Load Bed Width
N/A
-
Doors
5
5
Number of Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Seating Capacity
7
5
Front Headroom
1010
990
Rear Headroom
955
960
Front Legroom
1040
1050
Rear Legroom
855
890
Front Shoulder Room
1405
1520
Rear Shoulder Room
1350
1480
Boot Space
219
580
Boot Space Seats Folded
616
780
Boot Volume
219
580
Fuel Tank Capacity
67
80
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy Alloy
5-Spoke Premium Alloy
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
Electric Adjustable
Rear Wiper
No
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Roof Type
Standard
Metal Roof
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
6
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Chassis Type
Unibody
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone with Adaptive Dampers
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link with Adaptive Dampers
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Air Spring
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
Hydraulic
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Digital Instrument Cluster
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather Wrapped
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Cooled Seats
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Seat Material
Leather
Nappa Leather
Fabric Seats
No
No
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
12-Way Electric
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Yes
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Power
4-Way Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Power
Yes
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
60/40 Split
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
6
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
340
308
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
305
292
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
285/45R22
Wheel Rim Size
255/45 R20
22
Front Tyre Width
235
285
Rear Tyre Width
235
285
Wheel Diameter
20
22
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Tyre Type
Radial
Highway All-Terrain
Tyre Load Index
107
114
Tyre Speed Rating
H
V
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Yes
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Alloy
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Infotainment Display
12.3
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
14
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
4
4
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
No
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
12
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Spec
Sorento
Tank 500
Basic Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Years
7
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Yes
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Tank 500
wins with 76 pts
vs 65 pts for Sorento
In structured scoring, Tank 500 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sorento 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: Sorento 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: Sorento 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: Sorento 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: Sorento 10, Tank 500 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Sorento 15, 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 Sorento and Tank 500 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Sorento scores 15 vs 20.
Efficiency: Sorento scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Sorento scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Sorento scores 10 vs 16.
Ownership: Sorento scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tank 500
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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