The off-road scene in Australia is dominated by legacy players like Toyota, Ford, and Isuzu. But in 2025, a bold new challenger has entered the ring – the GWM Tank 300. This Chinese-built 4x4 SUV has been making waves for offering genuine trail-tackling hardware at a price that undercuts its rivals by thousands.
With aggressive looks, a ladder-frame chassis, dual-range 4WD, locking differentials, and a diesel option, the Tank 300 is no mere soft-roader. But how well does it stack up for Aussie drivers who want capability, comfort, and value in one rugged package?
Let’s dig deep into the 2025 GWM Tank 300 to see if it delivers on its promise of affordable off-road capability without compromising the essentials.
Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Retro
The GWM Tank 300 looks like it was drawn up in the same meeting room that created the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler – and that’s no accident. Its chunky stance, upright profile, exposed hinges, round LED headlights, and squared-off wheel arches give it a muscular, retro-off-roader appeal.
Key Exterior Features:
- Boxy, old-school SUV silhouette
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Flared guards with thick black cladding
- Roof rails and optional snorkel
- Bold front grille with TANK branding
- 18- or 19-inch wheels depending on trim
It’s clearly targeting buyers who want a tough look without splashing $80K+. In fact, many will see it as the spiritual successor to older LandCruiser Prados or even the old Nissan Patrol GU.
Interior Comfort: Surprising Luxury for the Price
Step inside the Tank 300, and you’ll find one of the biggest surprises of this SUV – a cabin that looks and feels premium, not budget. GWM has thrown everything at the interior to ensure it punches above its weight.
Cabin Highlights:
- Dual 12.3-inch screens (digital cluster + infotainment)
- Nappa leather upholstery in top trim
- Heated and ventilated seats
- 9-speaker Infinity sound system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Ambient lighting and chunky metallic trim
The design is modern with a mix of rugged and refined elements. Rotary drive selectors, high-mounted gear shifter, and solid switchgear reinforce the off-road DNA. But the soft-touch dash, stitched leather, and tech touches make it feel like a proper luxury SUV inside.
Performance & Engine Specs: Diesel Grunt and Dual-Range Grit
For 2025, the Tank 300 offers a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and a more appealing 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, the latter being far more suited to Aussie off-road touring.
Diesel Engine Specs:
- Power: 135kW @ 3600rpm
- Torque: 480Nm @ 1500–2500rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Full-time 4WD with low-range
- Fuel Economy: Approx. 9.5L/100km (combined)
While it’s not a powerhouse, the diesel’s torque band is strong and usable. Off-road, it shines thanks to proper mechanicals.
Off-Road Hardware:
- Dual-range transfer case (low and high range)
- Rear and front locking differentials (top trims)
- Tank Turn (tightens turning circle on loose terrain)
- Crawl Control and Off-Road Modes
- 224mm ground clearance
- 700mm wading depth
- 33° approach, 34° departure angles
It may be a “budget” SUV, but the 2025 Tank 300 has the guts to take on serious off-road tracks in the Outback.
Driving Experience: On-Road and Off
On the Road:
The Tank 300 feels composed on urban roads. The suspension is on the firmer side due to its off-road focus, but it never becomes uncomfortable. The cabin is insulated well, and the 8-speed auto shifts smoothly.
Despite the rugged chassis, it handles reasonably well for a ladder-frame 4x4. Parking is helped by a 360-degree camera, and the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) make long drives easier.
Off the Road:
Off-road is where the Tank 300 shows its true colours. Lock in low-range, activate the lockers, and it climbs, crawls, and fords like a proper 4x4. The diesel’s torque and throttle control make hill climbs a breeze, and descent control is smooth and confidence-inspiring.
Tech and Features: Packed with Value
GWM has loaded the Tank 300 with features usually reserved for more expensive vehicles.
Technology & Safety:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- 360-degree surround camera
- Automatic LED headlights and wipers
This extensive safety suite has helped the Tank 300 achieve a 5-star ANCAP safety rating under 2023 protocols – a big tick for family buyers.
Practicality and Space
While the Tank 300 looks like a compact SUV, its boxy shape means it’s spacious inside.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4760mm
- Width: 1930mm
- Height: 1903mm
- Wheelbase: 2750mm
- Boot Space: 400L (with seats up), ~1600L (seats folded)
It’s a strict five-seater, with no 7-seat option. But that means rear passengers get loads of legroom and headroom. The flat floor and large cargo space make it ideal for weekend camping or DIY adventures.
Ownership Costs: Warranty, Servicing & Reliability
GWM backs the Tank 300 with solid ownership support:
- Warranty: 7 years / unlimited kilometres
- Roadside Assistance: 5 years
- Capped Price Servicing: Available
Service intervals are every 10,000km or 12 months, and running costs are competitive with other diesel 4x4s.
As for reliability, GWM has come a long way in recent years. Build quality appears solid, and Australian-specific tuning has helped refine the Tank for local conditions.
Pricing: Big Value for a Budget 4x4
The 2025 GWM Tank 300 comes in two key trims:
| Variant | Engine | Price (Driveaway est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lux Diesel | 2.4L Turbo-Diesel | ~$52,990 |
| Ultra Diesel | 2.4L Turbo-Diesel | ~$58,990 |
When you compare that to rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Isuzu MU-X, the Tank 300 is thousands cheaper, yet offers more gear and serious off-road cred.
How It Compares to Rivals
| Model | Engine | 4WD Capability | Price (Driveaway est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWM Tank 300 | 2.4L Diesel | Dual-Range + Lockers | ~$52K–58K |
| Toyota Fortuner | 2.8L Diesel | Dual-Range | ~$65K–72K |
| Isuzu MU-X | 3.0L Diesel | Dual-Range | ~$62K–75K |
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport | 2.4L Diesel | Dual-Range | ~$60K–70K |
| Ford Everest Ambiente | 2.0L Bi-Turbo | Full-time 4WD | ~$63K–72K |
The Tank 300 undercuts all of them on price while offering more off-road kit in its top spec.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Genuine off-road capability
✅ Affordable price
✅ High-end interior and tech
✅ Excellent warranty
✅ Great styling
Cons:
❌ No 7-seat option
❌ Firm suspension on-road
❌ Chinese brand perception (still evolving)
❌ Small dealer network (compared to Toyota/Isuzu)
Final Verdict: Is the GWM Tank 300 Worth It?
If you’re after a rugged, capable, and value-packed SUV for touring, camping, or weekend trail fun, the 2025 GWM Tank 300 is a serious contender. It’s not a “cheap copy” – it’s the real deal. It may not have the badge prestige of Toyota or Ford, but it makes up for that with hardware, design, and tech that punch well above its price.
For budget-conscious Aussies who want real 4x4 muscle without breaking the bank, the Tank 300 is a breath of fresh air.
Ready to take on the Outback without emptying your wallet? The GWM Tank 300 might just be the off-road warrior you’ve been waiting for.
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