KIA Sorento vs GWM Tank 500

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.

KIA Sorento in South Africa

KIA Sorento

2.2 CRDi SXL AWD DCT Diesel 8-Speed DCT Current
ZAR 1,299,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 148 kW 🔧 440 Nm ⛽ 15.6 km/l
VS
GWM Tank 500 in South Africa

GWM Tank 500

3.0T Hi4-T Luxury Plug-in Hybrid 9-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 1,149,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 340 kW 🔧 750 Nm ⛽ 40 km/l
＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Tank 500
⛽ Fuel Economy Tank 500
🛡 Safety Tie
📦 Practicality Tank 500
🔑 Ownership Sorento
Sorento starts ZAR 149,905 cheaper Sorento 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
Maximum Power 148 kW @ 3800 rpm 340 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque 440 Nm @ 1750 rpm 750 Nm
Engine Size 2151 cc 2999 cc
Claimed Mileage 15.6 km/l 40 km/l
Ground Clearance 185 mm 224 mm
Boot / Load Bay 219 l 580 l
Airbags 7 8
Kerb Weight 1960 kg 2680 kg
Seating Capacity - -
Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km 5 Years / 100,000 km

= leads in this spec

The Bottom Line

Tank 500 holds a noticeable edge over Sorento, especially in key ownership areas.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Tank 500 +26 pts
Efficiency Tank 500 +36 pts
Safety Equal
Practicality Tank 500 +19 pts
Ownership Sorento +6 pts

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Sorento

Strengths
  • Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to: General Use
🏆 Overall Winner

Tank 500

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
  • Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Which One's Right for You?

Sorento

  • Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Tank 500

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
  • Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Sorento Tank 500
Hybrid System Not Applicable Plug-in Hybrid
Combined Power Not Applicable 320 kW
Combined Torque Not Applicable 750 Nm
Number of Motors Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile Not Officially Disclosed Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter Not Officially Disclosed Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio 75.5 kW/tonne 119.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio 224.5 Nm/tonne 279.9 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range Not Applicable 135 km
AC Charging Time Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code D4HB GW4C30D
Cylinders 4 6
Valves per Cylinder 4 4
Valves 16 24
Engine Displacement 2151 cc 2999 cc
Aspiration Turbocharged Twin Turbocharged
Bore 85.4 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio 15.4:1 10.5:1
Top Speed 200 km/h 210 km/h
Launch Control No Yes
Drive Type AWD AWD
Fuel Type Diesel Plug-in Hybrid
0-100 km/h 8.5 sec 4.8 sec
AC Charging Power Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Power Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Engine 2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel 3-litre Twin Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Cylinder Layout Inline Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke 94 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes Not Officially Disclosed Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power 148 kW @ 3800 rpm 340 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque 440 Nm @ 1750 rpm 750 Nm
Battery Capacity Not Applicable 27 kWh
Regenerative Braking Not Applicable Yes
Battery Type Not Applicable Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type Not Applicable Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission 8-Speed DCT 9-Speed Automatic
Fuel System Common Rail Direct Injection Direct Injection
Spec Sorento Tank 500
Intercooler Yes Yes
Rev Matching No No
Engine Start Stop Yes Yes
Engine Start Stop Button Yes Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination Yes Yes
Engine Check Warning Yes Yes
Drag Coefficient 0.35 0.38
Roof Load 100 kg 50 kg
Boot Space Seats Folded 616 l 780 l
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
Hill Start Assist Yes Yes
Speed Limiter Yes Yes
Speed Alert System Yes Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock Yes Yes
Surround View Monitor 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
Air Conditioning Yes Yes
Climate Control Yes Yes
Climate Zones 2 3
Rear Air Conditioning Yes Yes
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 Start No No
Remote Central Locking Yes Yes
Door Ajar Warning Yes Yes
Fuel Lid Opener Remote Yes
Boot Opener Remote Yes
Power Windows Yes Yes
Power Mirrors Yes Yes
Heated Mirrors Yes Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors Yes Yes
Electric Mirror Folding Yes Electric
Remote Side Mirror Yes Yes
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 Yes Yes
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
Chrome Grille Yes Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights No Yes
Ride Mode Selection Yes Yes
Electric Tailgate Yes Yes
Powered Tailgate Yes Yes
Power Sliding Doors No -
Engine Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km 5 Years / 100,000 km
Service Reminder Yes Yes
Trim Level flagship flagship
Variant Role Flagship / premium derivative Flagship / premium derivative
Accelerator 0 100 8.5 sec 340 sec
Common Rail Injection Common Rail Direct Injection Direct Injection
Diff Lock No Yes
Difflock No Yes
Vdc Yes Yes
TPMS Yes Yes
Sonar Yes Front and Rear
Automatic High Beam Yes Yes
Steering Column Adjustment Tilt and Telescopic Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering Tilt and Telescopic Tilt and Telescopic
Telescopic Steering Tilt and Telescopic Tilt and Telescopic
Bottle Holders 6 Yes
Glove Box Yes Lockable illuminated
Manual Aircon Yes Yes
Intelligent Keyless Entry Yes Yes
Passive Entry Start Yes Yes
Wireless Charger Yes Yes
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors Yes Electric
Power Socket 12v Yes Yes
Sound System 12 12
Roof Rack Compatibility Yes Yes
Mirror Electric Electric Adjustable
Rim Size 255/45 R20 22
Stabilizer Bar Rear Yes Yes
Sub Frame Unibody Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Vehicle To Grid Not Available -
Vehicle To Load Not Available -
One Pedal Driving Not Available -
Regenerative Braking Levels Not Available -
Rear Electric Motor Not Available -
Battery Preconditioning Not Available -
Load Bed Cover Not Available Not Available
Tailgate Lock Not Available Not Available
Sports Bar Not Available Not Available
Canopy Fitment Not Available Not Available
Bed Extender Not Available Not Available
Source Model Column sorento tank-500
Intelligent Battery System Not Available -
Loadbox Depth Mm Not Available Not Available
Load Bed Light Not Available Not Available
Load Bed Steps Not Available Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks Not Available Not Available
Tailgate Damper Not Available Not Available
Tow Bar Type Not Available Receiver hitch compatible
Sport Plus Mode Not Available Not Available
Unlocking Yes Yes
Walk Away Lock Yes Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock Yes Yes
Rear LED Combination Taillights Yes Yes
Front Wiper No Yes
Rearview Mirror Inside Yes Yes
Vanity Mirror Illuminated Yes Yes
Reading Lights Rear Yes Yes
Side Impact Bars Yes Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded 616 l 780 l
Load Bed Length Not Applicable Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm Not Applicable Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm Not Applicable Not Applicable
Performance Data Logger No No
Fuel Consumption Combined 6.4 2.5
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner Yes Yes
Digital Speedometer Yes Yes
Remote Engine Start No Yes
Aero Kit No No
Lift Gate Yes Yes
Stabilizer Bar Front Yes Yes
Front Wipers Type No Variable intermittent
Centre Console Centre Armrest Full-length with storage
Load Bed Width Not Applicable Not Applicable
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets Not Available Not Available
AC Type Yes Yes
Active Safety Alert - Yes
Ambient Light Zones - Multi-zone
Coat Hooks Rear - Yes
Cornering Lights - Yes
Door Sill Trim - Aluminium
Driver Drowsiness Detection - Yes
Follow Me Home Lights - Yes
Front Diff Lock - Yes
Grab Handles Rear - Yes
Headrest Rear - Adjustable
Intelligent Speed Assist - Yes
Low Speed Manoeuvring Assist - Yes
Oil Pressure Warning - Yes
Pedal Covers - Aluminium-style
Puddle Lights - Yes
Reading Lights Front - Yes
Rear Diff Lock - Yes
Refrigerated Console - Yes
Rev Counter - Yes
Sunvisors - Dual with vanity mirrors
Temperature Gauge - Yes
Three Zone Climate - Yes
Tie Down Hooks - Yes
Trailer Stability Assist - Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control - Confirmed 4WD derivative
Welcome Lighting - Yes
Headrest Front - Adjustable
Horn Type - Electric
Front Reading Lamps - Yes

Overall Verdict Score

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

Weighted / 100
Verdict readout

Tank 500 leads by 15 points

Tank 500 holds a noticeable edge over Sorento, especially in key ownership areas.

Winner 90 /100
Lead 15 points
Data 97% confidence
90
#1 Winner

Tank 500

97% data confidence 4 strong categories
Best at Performance 100 Check Ownership 65
Performance 100
Efficiency 97
Safety 100
Practicality 83
Ownership 65
Leads by 15 points
75
#2

Sorento

97% data confidence 3 strong categories
Best at Safety 100 Check Efficiency 61
Performance 74
Efficiency 61
Safety 100
Practicality 64
Ownership 71
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance Tank 500 +26 Efficiency Tank 500 +36 Safety Level Practicality Tank 500 +19 Ownership Sorento +6

Moderate difference between the models.

Why this score View full breakdown
Overall Winner

Tank 500

Performance 100/100
Efficiency 97/100
Safety 100/100
Practicality 83/100
Ownership 65/100

Sorento

Performance 74/100
Efficiency 61/100
Safety 100/100
Practicality 64/100
Ownership 71/100

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 GWM Tank 500 wins with 90 pts vs 75 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.

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Questions Buyers Usually Ask

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 61 vs Tank 500 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: Sorento 100, Tank 500 100. 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: Sorento 71, Tank 500 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: Sorento 64, Tank 500 83. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Sorento 74, Tank 500 100. 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 74 vs 100.

Efficiency: Sorento scores 61 vs 97.

Safety: Sorento scores 100 vs 100.

Practicality: Sorento scores 64 vs 83.

Ownership: Sorento scores 71 vs 65.

Final structured scoring gives Tank 500 the advantage in this comparison.