Hey fam! So I finally got to chill behind the wheel of the Tank 300 and I’m buzzing to drop my full-on review. Let’s dive.
Exterior & First Impressions
Right out of the gate: this thing demands attention. The Tank 300’s styling is rugged and fresh. Big squared-off wheel arches, a spare wheel on the tailgate, chunky all-terrain tyres and bold lines that say: “Yes, I can handle city traffic and bush trails.”
In South Africa, the variant I scoped is listed at from around R649 900 for the 2.4 TD Luxury 2WD, with the more off-road capable 4×4 versions from R699 900.Higher trims like the petrol 2.0T or HEV go up to R779 950 and above.
What stands out:
- Strong road presence yet colour options that allow you to flex subtly.The front end—LED lights, a slightly retro nod to old-school off-roaders but modernised.
- “Tank Turn” & off-road modes are part of the kit. High ground clearance and solid stance for rough terrain. If you’re after something that doesn’t look like every SUV in the parking lot this is your vibe!
Engine & Performance
Here’s where things get juicy:
- Diesel version (2.4 TD):2.4-litre turbodiesel, 135 kW power & 480 Nm torque.
- 9-speed auto transmission.Claimed fuel economy ~ 7.7 L/100 km — decent for this size.
- 78-litre fuel tank for many variants.Petrol version (2.0T) & Hybrid (HEV):Petrol 2.0T: 162 kW / 380–387 Nm (depending on version)Hybrid (2.0T HEV): 255 kW / 648 Nm (combined) on higher trims.
Fuel economy for HEV: ~ 8.4 L/100 km.Driving feel: On-road it’s solid — big body but modern suspension keeps things manageable. Off-road? That “ladder frame” setup and genuine 4×4 kit mean it’s no toy. If you hit an off road track or head out beyond Durban/KZN hills — you’re covered!
Walk inside and you’ll find the Tank 300 balances ruggedness with a luxe touch. It’s an SUV that’s ready for the wild, but still comfy for the everyday.
Highlights:
- Big 12.3-inch touchscreen + digital instrument cluster.
- Leather or leather-look seats, heated front seats in some trims, and ambient lighting in higher specs.
- 400 litres luggage space expanding to 1 635 litres with the rear seats folded.
- Off-road mode controls inside (selectable modes, etc) giving you that “serious 4×4” feel.
My take:
The interior feels premium for the price. It doesn’t scream limousine luxury, but it gives you comfort, tech and capability all in the one package. For millennials (us) who want one car to do the weekend beach run + the city hustle + the occasional bush getaway this ticks boxes.
Price, Value & Verdict:
Entry 2.4 TD Luxury: ~ R649 900.2.4 TD Super Luxury 4×4: ~ R699 900.Petrol/HEV range climbs into R750k+ territory and beyond.
Warranty: 7 years / 200 000 km (in most SA specs) which is very generous. Service plan also solid (depending on variant).
Value verdict:
For the specs, off-road capability, tech and styling you’re getting serious bang for your buck. Especially for the diesel variants in this segment it’s a strong contender.
My final take:
If I were dropping my own cash, I’d pick the diesel 4×4 version as the sweet spot — big riglooks, off-road chops, solid economy and better value for money than some rivals. The HEV is cool if you want top-tier and less fuel worry, but you pay for it.
A Few Notes Before You Decide:
- Check tyre/wheel setup: some trims may come with highway tyres vs true all-terrain.
- Fuel economy real-world will vary especially if you use it off-road or city stop/start.
- If you do heavy-duty off-roading often check what aftermarket support is like for diff lockers, etc.
The GWM Tank 300 is cool, capable, and smart value. It blends ‘big boy’ off-road DNA with modern tech and style, and the pricing in South Africa is very competitive. For someone like me (or you) who wants one vehicle that stands out, performs, and looks good I’d say go check it out.
