2024 GWM Tank 500 on/off-road (inc. 0-100 & autonomy) review: RIP new Prado?

This is one of our most requested reviews! It’s a review of the GWM Tank 500 - the ultimate Toyota LandCruiser Prado competitor. But, does the hybrid drivetrain have the goods to keep up with the longstanding SUV champ from Japan? Paul Maric does a test drive to find out.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 01:42
Interior: 05:37
Infotainment: 06:52
Safety tech: 08:50
Practicality: 10:04
On the Road: 16:00
Driver aids: 24:14
Performance: 25:52
Off the Road: 28:14
Verdict: 37:59

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

[CarExpertAus]

Sorry guys - mistake on my part. The overseas Tank 500 is a V6 petrol, not a V6 diesel!

[joshowens]

I drove the 300 and the Prado. Then I drove the Tank, and have to say, wow! Made the Toyota seem like they were years old in the drive and tech. The Tank leaves them in the dust a long long way back.

[Jefchang]

I have a tank 500 HEV in Thailand and it is one of the best cars I've had over many years including, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Range Rover Toyota. It's big and comfortable and a joy to drive and sit in because it is so spacious. It's luxury a low price.

[johnemerson]

The number plate protrudes because it needs to be seen at certain angles and the spares gets in the way.

[peterj]

It’s ironic you raise the payload as a negative. 790kg is substantially more than you get in a Landcruiser 300, Y62Patrol, Prado, Everest or any other direct competitor that I am aware of. In fact, it’s up there with or better than the 1500 full size trucks from the US as well. The payload on the Tank 500 is therefore one of its relative strong points.

[mmmmdeliciousbacon]

The numberplate location at the rear will be due to Australian Design Regulations. The numberplate needs to be visible from a certain degree angle from behind. There is the spare wheel in the way, so they have relocated its location so that it sticks out further to be visible from the sides.

[browie]

While not perfect there doesn't seem to be any deal breaker issues.
The tank walked all over the recent Triton in the same offroad test. Quite impressive overall.

[peter.]

That interior looks more luxurious than the prado.

[Ravs_Reviews]

Test drove it 2 times here in NZ, I came from GLS 400d then bought a BMW M50d. Got really sick of value depreciation hence sold and bought this. So much value for money plus warranty. Lets see how this hold. 😊

[sbee]

When the Tank 500 was on the market, I sold my Prado and get the Tank 500 Ultra. Better drive experience, more comfortable, more powerful but low price. Great car. With this money, you will just get the Ultra.

[ianweal]

As you said, so many waiting on this review.
Thanks so much, truly appreciate your review.

[roccproductions]

Test drove one and ordered immediately. Fantastic car.

[waynefielder]

Have had my Tank 500 Ultra for nearly a month & honestly couldn’t be happier.

I’ve never experienced such an insane level of tech for just over $70k (AUD).

The Chinese cars get a bad wrap but let’s not forget where Kia, Hyundai & Skoda were once upon a time.

I’m definitely prepared to take a gamble on my first ever Chinese car knowing that i’ve saved nearly $50k when compared to a ‘Prado’ with similar tech and 2 years less of warranty…….it really is a no brainer when you have 7 years peace of mind!!!

I’ll sell it after 5 years with 2 years of warranty still outstanding and I’m very confident of a reasonable resale price!

[michaelhermans]

Paul never gets excited over Chinese made cars, doesn’t matter how good they are

[TheWombat]

Driving a two and a half tonne 4x4 like a sports car…doesn’t handle sharply.
Shocking.
Most motoring journalists are absolutely spoiled by driving exotic cars all the time. When you put them in a normal car or a heavy four wheel drive, they complain bitterly that it doesn’t drive like a Lamborghini.

[aromaofluxury]

Today I was searching the review of this car and you did it. Thank you so much Paul.

[anasevi]

GWM(great wall) is really one of those brands that seems to hold up long term going by the used market. Cars and other auto gumtrees are full of ones well into the six figures km wise with 10-15 years on the road working for tradies. As long as the electronics hold up better on these fancier models, it's win win car brand for aussies. It's not like the japanese/euros or yank brands are helping our economy, frankly less than the Chinese given they take home a lot more margin from our market and don't build here anymore.,
Brand loyalty for anything but brass tacks practical reasons like reliability is folly.

[bboy]

GWM nailed it with the Tank 500, it’s been selling exceptionally well in its home country China. Very well received all around. Value for money is incredible.

[reubentshangela]

All your videos are EPIC.. you deserve 2million subscribers. God bless you. I sm buying Tank 500 in South Africa

[Garudaintruda]

Man, you seemed way more impressed with the car during the testing than your final word suggested.