2024 GWM Tank Review

If you want to go deep into the wilderness, mid-size 4x4 off-road SUVs are the best choice if you plan to get to your destination and be able to turn back. The problem most people face, however, is the big barrier to entry known as price. 

GWM has entered the fold with its own 4x4 SUV called the Tank 300. On the outside, the Tank 300 sports a robust body that is typical of 4x4 SUVs while on the inside, it boasts a feature-packed interior that can keep you and your passengers satisfied.  

So the Tank 300 is sort of in the middle, it’s got the formula for a tough off-roader but it’s also got the interior for a nice, comfortable family car. It’s akin to 'glamping,' where you enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors without sacrificing the conveniences of modern life. Plus, when compared to other off-road adjacent 4x4 SUVs that surpass the P3,000,000 mark, the P2,678,000 price tag doesn't seem all that bad.

With all that said, we want to know if it's a great car and if is it the right one for you. We’ll find out in this review of the GWM Tank 300.

First things first, we have to talk about the exterior. The Tank 300 has retro-inspired looks that follow the same formula as other iconic off-road SUVs. It sports round headlights, a boxy body, flared wheel arches, and large wheels with even larger tires. It may look similar to cars like the Jimny, Bronco, and of course, the Wrangler, but, design choices like the horizontal strip on the lights, the connected bumper and wheel archers, and the top-mounted rear windshield wiper give the Tank 300 some individuality. 

We feel that the Tank 300’s exterior has been executed well, it takes the basic formula of the off-roaders that preceded it but doesn’t copy it down to the letter, rather, it’s GWM’s own spin on the 4x4 SUV.

Starting at the back of the Tank 300, you will be greeted by a trunk that can accommodate up to 400 liters of space. Space can be increased but it isn’t as simple as folding the backrests down as it is with most SUVs. In the Tank 300, you have to fold the seat upward to the front before you can fold the seats down to the floor, revealing enough space to accommodate four balikbayan boxes and some leftover space for a few bags.

GWM has added a few thoughtful features like a fire extinguisher, side parcel hooks, and a 220-volt socket alongside a 12-volt socket for your electronic appliances. We give GWM props for that.

At the second row, ingress and egress are made easier thanks to side step boards and grab handles despite the Tank 300’s smaller than average doors. The seats ride a balance between comfort and stiffness and the leather, while it isn’t the best in its class, feels great to the touch. 

The second row has generous leg space and can accommodate up to three passengers thanks to the nearly flat center tunnel. Meanwhile, amenities include two USB ports, rear AC vents, two door-mounted bottle holders, and two cup holders in the seats. 

One quirk we found is the large dip in the roof where a taller passenger could hit their head while getting inside the car. We don’t know for sure why there’s a dip but it’s something you’ll have to learn as you live with the Tank 300.

Up front, the interior gets a splash of black and silver trim on the steering wheel, dashboard, and doors giving it a sense of sophistication. Two screens, specifically the infotainment and instrument cluster dominate the driver’s side area. Design cues like the round air vents, and chunky shifter are some of what we like about the Tank 300, and most especially, the lack of piano black plastics in the cabin. 

Additional features we like are the dashboard-mounted grab handles, the configurable center cup holder, and several cubby holes. The overall aura of the Tank 300 is that it’s a nice balance between supple comfort and robust toughness. 

Moving to the tech side of things, the GWM Tank 300 is equipped with a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens each serving as the infotainment system and the instrument cluster. It has Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity along with a nine-speaker Infinity sound system. 

The driver enjoys an eight-way power-adjustable seat, while the front passenger benefits from a four-way power-adjustable seat. USB-A and USB-C ports are available throughout the cabin which is kept cool by the vehicle’s dual-zone automatic climate control. Other features to note include an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold and ambient lighting.

Features to aid in off-roading include electronic locking differentials, a four-wheel drive mode selector, a terrain management system, and a tight-turn function to get the SUV out of tricky areas. 

Beneath the hood, the Tank 300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 217 hp and 380 Nm of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels through the Tank 300’s part-time 4x4 system. Additionally, a locking differential is included to ensure traction in challenging conditions.

Doing light off-roading in the Tank 300, you can feel that GWM’s 4x4 SUV is more than capable of handling rougher terrain. Wet grass and soft dirt are definitely far from the Tank 300’s limits. 

On paved roads, the Tank 300 is easy to maneuver thanks to its light steering and responsive handling. Even on the highways the Tank 300 remains composed, requiring little adjustments to keep it on the straight and narrow. That is of course thanks to its independent rear suspension and electric power steering.

In terms of ride comfort, the Tank 300 leans on the firmer side of the spectrum but it’s still a comfy ride overall. It won’t beat larger crossovers in the ride department but is miles away from the ride characteristics of PPV-based SUVs. Noise isolation is decent, but it isn’t the best. Due to the Tank 300’s boxy exterior, wind noise creeps in noticeably at higher speeds, and in addition, due to its large tires, road noise enters the mix as well.

As for power, the Tank’s gasoline engine can pack a punch at low speeds but we found that it’s happiest at mid-speeds where the turbo has spooled and can deliver its boost immediately. We also love the fact that its eight-speed transmission is a traditional one with a torque converter, which means delivery is smooth as silk and lacks the noticeable jumpiness you experience with DCTs.

Now that we talked about the performance, it’s time to go back to reality. After you’ve had your fun kicking up dirt and traveling highways, the Tank 300 will need its fill of fuel. In the fuel economy department, the Tank 300 gets five km/l in the city and 14 km/l on the highway. It isn’t stellar but considering it’s a 4x4 SUV with the aerodynamics of a square, filling it up is one of the compromises you have to consider. 

Keep in mind, that the Tank 300 is equipped with a 75-liter fuel tank so filling it from empty to full can get expensive.

The Tank 300 is equipped with a robust set of safety features, including six airbags, three-point seatbelts, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. It also offers advanced systems such as adaptive cruise control, electronic stability program, intelligent cruise assist, lane keeping assist, lane center assist, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist.

The GWM Tank 300, at the time of writing, is priced at P2,678,000 for the sole variant. Surpassing the P2.5 million mark, the GWM Tank 300 is not the bargain of the century. When you compare the Tank 300 to its competitors, which are priced in the four to five-million range, it offers a more affordable alternative without sacrificing capability or features.

While it may not be the most practical choice for daily driving due to its weight and less-than-ideal fuel efficiency, the Tank 300 shines as a weekend adventure vehicle. If you're after a capable off-roader that still delivers comfort, it’s definitely worth considering.

If you’re considering adding the GWM Tank 300 to your garage, you can find it on AutoDeal.com.ph, where getting a great deal and connecting with a dealer is quick and easy. While you're there, take a look at the full GWM lineup to see if anything else grabs your attention.