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.
X-Trail starts ZAR 699900 cheaperTank 300 from ZAR 699,900 · X-Trail from ZAR 610,000
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Engine Power
240
126
Torque
750
233
Engine Size
1999
2488
Claimed Mileage
2.8
13.5
Ground Clearance
224
210
Boot Space
490
565
Airbags
8
6
Kerb Weight
2050
1610
Seating Capacity
5
Available
Warranty
5
6
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Tank 300
75
/ 100
+11
pts
#2
X-Trail
64
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Tank 300 has a slight advantage, but X-Trail remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tank 300
+9 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Tank 300
+2 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Tank 300
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
15/20
Ownership
20/20
X-Trail
Performance
11/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
15/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Tank 300
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway Driving
X-Trail
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Tank 300
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
X-Trail
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Body Type
SUV
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
Available
LED Headlamps
Yes
Halogen
Led Taillights
Yes
Available
Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Body Cladding
Yes
Plastic Cladding
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Front
Led Headlights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Multi-Spoke Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Rear Wiper
Yes
Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Chrome Finish
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
Pearl White
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Number of Doors
5
5
Seats
5
Available
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
4638
4680
Width
1926
1840
Height
1850
1725
Wheelbase
2750
2705
Ground Clearance
224
210
Kerb Weight
2050
1610
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
Available
Boot Space
490
565
Doors
5
Available
Front Overhang
880
Available
Rear Overhang
890
Available
Front Track Width
1560
1550
Rear Track Width
1570
1540
Front Headroom
990
Available
Rear Headroom
960
Available
Front Legroom
1050
Available
Rear Legroom
890
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1430
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1390
Available
Gross Vehicle Weight
2200
2190
Boot Volume
490
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
690
1500
Turning Radius
12.4
Available
Towing Capacity
2500
1500
Load Bed Length
-
Available
Load Bed Width
-
Available
Max Payload
-
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Engine
2.0L GW4C20D Turbocharged Petrol + Rear Electric Motor
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Available
Engine Code
GW4C20D
Standard
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
4
Displacement
1999
2488
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Available
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.5
82.0
Piston Stroke
93.1
92.0
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Power
240
126
Power
322
150
Power @ RPM
5,500 rpm
150
Torque
750
233
Torque @ RPM
1,500-4,000 rpm
400
0–100 km/h
5.8
Available
Top Speed
195
195
Battery Capacity
19.1 kWh
Available
EV Range
105
Available
0-100 km/h
167
10.5
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Available
Engine Displacement
1999
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
6,000
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
5.5
Available
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Available
Charging Port
-
Available
AC Charging Time
-
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Available
Intercooler
Yes
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
2.8
Available
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Available
Spare Wheel
Yes
Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Available
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Climate Control
Yes
Manual Air Conditioning
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Available
Rear Defogger
Yes
Available
Power Windows
Yes
Standard
Power Mirrors
Yes
Power Adjustment
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Available
Boot Opener
Yes
Available
Tachometer
Yes
Available
Trip Computer
Yes
Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Skid Plates
Yes
Available
Side Steps
Yes
Available
Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Heads Up Display
Yes
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
Available
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.34
Available
Rear Seat Split
60/40
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Available
Headlamp Washer
No
Available
Tail Lamps
LED
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
No
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Available
Steering Response
Progressive
Available
Stability Control
Yes
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Available
Driver Display
Digital
Available
Seat Type
High Bolster Sports Seat
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Available
Glovebox Cooling
No
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Available
Launch Control
Yes
Available
Voice Command
Yes
Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Available
Front Power Outlet
Yes
150
Chrome Grille
Yes
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Available
Roof Antenna
Shark Fin Antenna
Available
Rear Wing
Integrated Spoiler
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Available
Aero Kit
No
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Available
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Available
Climate Zones
2
Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Available
Remote Engine Start
Yes
Available
Rev Matching
No
Available
Payload Capacity
-
500
Exhaust Finish
-
Available
Exhaust Type
-
Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Available
Tilt Steering
-
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
Unleaded 95 RON
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Available
Start Stop System
No
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Plug-In Hybrid AWD (Hi4-T)
None
CO2 Emissions
65
210
Idle CO2 Output
265
2.0
Particulate Filter
No
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
Available
Green NCAP Rating
5/5
Available
Noise Level
Low
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
60
Claimed Mileage
2.8
13.5
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Available
City Mileage
8.0
10.2
Highway Mileage
6.8
14.8
Average Fuel Consumption
7.5
Available
Real-world Mileage
7.5
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
2.8
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Good
Available
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Available
Distance To Empty
Yes
Available
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
X-Tronic CVT
Number of Gears
8
6
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Available
Drive Type
AWD
4x2
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
Available
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Four Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Differential Lock
Yes
Electronic Lock
Transfer Case
Yes
None
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
Available
LSD Available
Yes
Electronic
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
4WD System Type
Full-Time 4WD with Low Range
Part-time 4WD
Terrain Modes
Yes
None
Locking Differential
Yes
None
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Available
Approach Angle
38
18
Departure Angle
35
22
Ramp-over Angle
30
Available
Wading Depth
800
350
Underbody Protection
Yes
Available
Recovery Hooks
No
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
28
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Drive Modes
Yes
Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Available
EV Mode
Yes
Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Available
Eco Mode
Yes
Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Available
Cruise Control
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
-
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Available
BA
Yes
Available
EBD
Yes
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Power with Remote
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Alarm System
Yes
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Available
Airbags
8
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Available
Knee Airbag
No
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Available
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Available
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Monocoque
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Independent Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-link
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Power Steering
Yes
Electric
Steering Column
Adjustable
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Available
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Available
Front Tyre Width
265
Available
Rear Tyre Width
265
Available
Tyre Size
265/55R19
225/65 R17
Wheel Diameter
19
Available
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Alloy
Available
Spare Tyre
Yes
Available
Wheel Rim Size
19
Available
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
Available
Tyre Load Index
108
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
V
Available
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
308
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
292
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Warranty Years
5
6
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years / Unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
Yes
6 Years
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Service Plan Distance
75000
Available
Service Plan Duration
5
Available
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Available
First Service At
5000
5000
Service Interval
10000
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion
Available
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
2 Years
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Available
Alternator
110A
Available
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
Moderate
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Navigation System
Yes
Optional
Infotainment Screen
Yes
8-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
14
Available
Number of Speakers
12
6
Premium Audio
Yes
Available
USB Ports
3
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Available
Voice Recognition
Yes
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Available
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
Available
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Leather Seats
Yes
Available
Fabric Seats
No
Available
Seat Material
Leather
Cloth
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
Available
Memory Seats
Yes
Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes, 60:40 Split
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Available
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Available
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Cooled Seats
Yes
Available
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Available
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Available
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Available
Spec
Tank 300
X-Trail
Real-world City Mileage Min
3.5
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
5.0
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
7.0
Available
Owner Review Count
-
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Tank 300
wins with 75 pts
vs 64 pts for X-Trail
In structured scoring, Tank 300 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, X-Trail 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 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: Tank 300 0 vs X-Trail 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, X-Trail 18. 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, X-Trail 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, X-Trail 15. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Tank 300 20, X-Trail 11. 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 Tank 300 and X-Trail in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Tank 300 scores 20 vs 11.
Efficiency: Tank 300 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Tank 300 scores 20 vs 18.
Practicality: Tank 300 scores 15 vs 15.
Ownership: Tank 300 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tank 300
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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