GWM Tank 500 vs Foton Truckmate

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

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
VS
Foton Truckmate in South Africa

Foton Truckmate

Box Body Petrol 5-Speed Manual Current
ZAR 239,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 82 kW 🔧 142 Nm ⛽ 12.66 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

GWM Tank 500 vs Foton Truckmate: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Truckmate starts ZAR 950,000 cheaper Tank 500 from ZAR 1,149,900 · Truckmate from ZAR 199,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Tank 500 Truckmate
Maximum Power Tank 500340 kW @ 5500 rpm Truckmate82 kW
Maximum Torque Tank 500750 Nm Truckmate142 Nm
Engine Size Tank 5002999 cc Truckmate1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Tank 50040 km/l Truckmate12.66 km/l
Ground Clearance Tank 500224 mm TruckmateNot Officially Disclosed

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Tank 500 Truckmate
Model Introduced Year 2025 2025
Generation First generation Tank 500, launched globally in 2023 and brought to South Africa in 2025. Local specification leans toward maximum equipment loading and softer suspension calibration versus the Chinese-domestic version. Compact single-row cab platform with a 2,400 mm wheelbase and dropside or box-body factory configurations.
Facelift History Recently launched into the SA market in 2025; no facelift to date. Software updates expected to refine hybrid system behaviour and adaptive air suspension calibration based on early SA fleet feedback. Current South African Truckmate range, with no separate facelift identified.
Facelift Launched Since 2025 Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending Current Not Applicable
Body Style SUV Light truck
Color Note Crystal White, Hamilton Black, Pittsburgh Silver, Cosmos Grey, Atlantic Blue and Adventure Olive Green. Two-tone roof options available with selected base colours. -
Dealer Stock Note Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup -
Model Year 2026 2026
Production Status published active
Segment SUV Compact business truck
Tare Mass Kg 2680 kg -
Vehicle Type SUV Light commercial vehicle
Spec Tank 500 Truckmate
Length 5060 mm 4735 mm
Width 1996 mm 1695 mm
Height 1905 mm 2420 mm
Wheelbase 2950 mm 2400 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 224 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 l Not Officially Disclosed
Boot/Cargo Space 580 l Not Officially Disclosed
Kerb Weight 2680 kg 1310 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 3200 kg Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity 3000 kg Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity 5 seats 2 seats
Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius 13 m Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom 990 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom 960 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom 1050 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom 890 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) - Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity - 1100 kg
Number of Rows - 1 rows

In depth: how these cars differ

This Tank 500 and Truckmate comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Tank 500 vs Truckmate questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.

Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.

Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.

A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.

Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.

Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.