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 300 starts ZAR 1149900 cheaperTank 300 from ZAR 699,900 · Tank 500 from ZAR 1,149,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Engine Power
240
340
Torque
750
750
Engine Size
1999
2999
Claimed Mileage
2.8
2.5
Ground Clearance
224
224
Boot Space
490
580
Airbags
8
8
Kerb Weight
2050
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
+1
pts
#2
Tank 300
75
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Tank 300 and Tank 500 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tank 500
+1 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
Tank 300
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
15/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Tank 300
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Tank 500
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Tank 300
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Tank 500
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Multi-Spoke Alloy
5-Spoke Premium Alloy
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Metal Roof
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Electric Adjustable
Exterior Colour Options
6
6
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Number of Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
4638
5060
Width
1926
1996
Height
1850
1905
Wheelbase
2750
2950
Ground Clearance
224
224
Kerb Weight
2050
2680
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
80
Boot Space
490
580
Doors
5
5
Front Overhang
880
880
Rear Overhang
890
890
Front Track Width
1560
1560
Rear Track Width
1570
1570
Front Headroom
990
990
Rear Headroom
960
960
Front Legroom
1050
1050
Rear Legroom
890
890
Front Shoulder Room
1430
1520
Rear Shoulder Room
1390
1480
Gross Vehicle Weight
2200
3200
Boot Volume
490
580
Boot Space Seats Folded
690
780
Turning Radius
12.4
13.0
Towing Capacity
2500
3000
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Engine
2.0L GW4C20D Turbocharged Petrol + Rear Electric Motor
3.0L GW4C30D V6 Turbocharged Petrol + Front Electric Motor
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol Hybrid
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
V6 (V6) DOHC 24-Valve Twin-Turbocharged
Engine Code
GW4C20D
GW4C30D
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
V6
Cylinders
4
6
Valves per Cylinder
16
24
Displacement
1999
2999
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin-Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.5
-
Piston Stroke
93.1
-
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Power
240
340
Power
322
456
Power @ RPM
5,500 rpm
5,500 rpm
Torque
750
750
Torque @ RPM
1,500-4,000 rpm
2,000-4,000 rpm
0–100 km/h
5.8
4.8
Top Speed
195
210
Battery Capacity
19.1 kWh
27.0 kWh
EV Range
105
135
0-100 km/h
167
340
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Engine Displacement
1999
2999
Maximum Engine RPM
6,000
5,500
Engine Oil Capacity
5.5
7.5
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
2.8
2.5
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Yes
Yes
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Tri-Zone Climate Control
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Yes
Boot Opener
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Skid Plates
Yes
Yes
Side Steps
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Yes
Yes
Heads Up Display
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
195
Drag Coefficient
0.34
0.38
Rear Seat Split
60/40
60/40
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Progressive
Progressive
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Digital
Digital
Seat Type
High Bolster Sports Seat
High Bolster Sports Seat
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Launch Control
Yes
Yes
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Yes
Roof Antenna
Shark Fin Antenna
Shark Fin Antenna
Rear Wing
Integrated Spoiler
Integrated Spoiler
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Electric
Aero Kit
No
No
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Yes
Climate Zones
2
3
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Yes
Yes
Rev Matching
No
No
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
95 Octane Unleaded
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Plug-In Hybrid AWD (Hi4-T)
Plug-In Hybrid AWD (Hi4-T)
CO2 Emissions
65
58
Idle CO2 Output
265
58
Particulate Filter
No
No
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
EVAP Canister
Green NCAP Rating
5/5
5/5
Noise Level
Low
Low
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
80
Claimed Mileage
2.8
2.5
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
8.0
8.0
Highway Mileage
6.8
6.8
Average Fuel Consumption
7.5
7.5
Real-world Mileage
7.5
7.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
2.8
2.5
Fuel Efficiency
Good
Good
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Four Wheel Drive
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
Differential Lock
Yes
Yes
Transfer Case
Yes
Yes
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
14.7:1
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
3.73
LSD Available
Yes
Yes
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Torque Converter
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
4WD System Type
Full-Time 4WD with Low Range
Full-Time AWD with Low Range
Terrain Modes
Yes
Yes
Locking Differential
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Approach Angle
38
33
Departure Angle
35
28
Ramp-over Angle
30
22
Wading Depth
800
800
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
Recovery Hooks
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
28
22
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Airbags
8
8
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Double Wishbone with Adaptive Dampers
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-Link with Adaptive Dampers
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Air Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Hydraulic
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Tyre Width
265
285
Rear Tyre Width
265
285
Tyre Size
265/55R19
285/45R22
Wheel Diameter
19
22
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Tyre
Yes
Yes
Wheel Rim Size
19
22
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
Highway All-Terrain
Tyre Load Index
108
114
Tyre Speed Rating
V
V
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
308
308
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
292
292
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Service Plan Distance
75000
75000
Service Plan Duration
5
5
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
First Service At
5000
5000
Service Interval
10000
10000
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-Ion
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
8 Years / 160,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
10,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Alternator
110A
110A
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
Included in Service Plan
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
14
14
Number of Speakers
12
12
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
3
4
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
Yes
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Fabric Seats
No
No
Seat Material
Leather
Nappa Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
12-Way Electric
Memory Seats
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital Instrument Cluster
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
2
2
Cooled Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
Tank 500
Real-world City Mileage Min
3.5
3.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
5.0
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5
3.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
7.0
5.5
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Tank 500
wins with 76 pts
vs 75 pts for Tank 300
In structured scoring, Tank 500 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tank 300 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: Tank 300 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: Tank 300 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: Tank 300 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: Tank 300 15, Tank 500 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Tank 300 20, 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 Tank 300 and Tank 500 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Tank 300 scores 20 vs 20.
Efficiency: Tank 300 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Tank 300 scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Tank 300 scores 15 vs 16.
Ownership: Tank 300 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tank 500
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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