2023 GWM-Haval Tank 300: Five things we love and five we don’t
Plenty to like – and dislike – about this new Chinese off-road offeringThe GWM-Haval Tank 300 is one of the most impressive vehicles we’ve sampled from the company thus far.
While definitely not perfect, for reasons that will soon become apparent, it has a lot to offer for those wanting an off-road SUV but without the means to afford a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Prado or Nissan Patrol.
You can find a comprehensive review of the Tank 300 here, but here are five things we love and five things we don’t.
We love…
1. The GWM Tank 300’s engine
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder producing 162kW/380Nm is usually an engine you’d find in a VW Golf GTI, with diesel traditionally being the dominant choice in this segment.
However, the Tank 300’s engine works really well, even tasked with motivating its substantial 2155kg. It’s smooth and powerful and only requires 91RON fuel, which is handy for both convenience and cost.
Those keen on heading bush might question the lack of diesel torque, but the Tank’s engine producing its 380Nm maximum from just 1800rpm, so combined with the low-range gearing it’s happy to crawl along.
2. The GWM Tank 300’s price and features
You can get into a Tank 300 for $46,990 drive-away, but stump up an extra $4000 for the Ultra and you get a truly preposterous amount of equipment.
Powered heated and ventilated front seats with (admittedly basic) massage, nine-speaker stereo, wireless phone charging, twin giant screens for the infotainment and instruments, sunroof, Nappa leather and more.
It’s not just the toys, either, as GWM has made a real effort with the interior styling with the Mercedes-style circular air-vents, wild-looking gear shifter and variety of surface materials.
3. The GWM Tank 300’s off-road ability
It would be reasonable to assume that given the Tank 300’s sharp pricing that it might run out of ideas when the going gets really tough.
This isn’t the case as the Tank scores a rear diff lock (Ultra front as well), various terrain modes, ‘Tank’ turn for tight corners, the ability to use the exterior cameras to locate the car and – thanks to the super-boxy styling – excellent approach and departure angles.
4. The GWM Tank 300’s driving manners
This off-road prowess doesn’t come at the expense of on-road manners. Make no mistake, the Tank 300 isn’t a super-polished luxury car, but by the standards of the segment it rides quite well, the steering is light and easy to use and it’s not at all a chore to drive.
5. The GWM Tank 300’s aftersales
Obviously, as a new vehicle it’s far too early to really pass comment on the Tank 300’s reliability – either as a daily driver or an off-road adventurer.
However, a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty does provide some peace of mind and servicing will cost you $2000 over the first five years or 70,000km. Not as cheap as an Everest, for instance, but not too bad.
We don’t love…
1. The GWM Tank 300’s active safety systems
The Tank 300 is loaded with all the latest active safety systems, but the calibration of them – in particular the lane-keep devices – are in dire need of urgent recalibration.
The Emergency Lane Keeping will frequently and aggressively wrestle the steering wheel for no reason – ironically it seems to have no idea where the lane edges are – and if it’s activated in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control the Tank will bounce from side to side down the road like you’ve gone bowling with the bumpers up.
2. The GWM Tank 300’s payload
One of the best things about an off-road SUV is loading it up to head into the great outdoors, but that’s a problem with the Tank. A 2552kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) means the Tank has only a 397kg payload for passengers and luggage.
When your average family will easily take more than 200kg of that it doesn’t leave much left over and remember this is before you take into account any towbar down load.
For example, at the Tank’s 2500kg towing max, assuming a typical 10 per cent down load, leaves you with 147kg for passengers and luggage.
3. The GWM Tank 300’s luggage capacity
Speaking of luggage, the Tank’s ultra-short rear overhang might be great for its departure angle, but it does limit its load-carrying capability.
It’s still a decent space at 400 litres – you won’t struggle to fit the shopping or a couple of suitcases – but it is less than you’ll typically find in a car like this.
On the plus side, the rear row folds flat so you could easily sleep in the Tank if you wanted to!
4. The GWM Tank 300’s infotainment glitches
Perhaps it was the example we drove, but Apple CarPlay would frequently freeze. It would still be active, with the music or podcast still playing, but navigation would be frozen and it would be unresponsive to touch.
Fixing it usually just meant going to back the native infotainment and then back to CarPlay, but nonetheless it was an annoying bug.
5. The GWM Tank 300’s fuel range estimate
On a similar theme, when the Tank’s fuel, er, tank is almost empty and the range goes below 50km the range estimate changes to ‘--’.
While the Tank isn’t necessarily alone with this quirk, it’s annoying that it leaves you in the dark just when you need it the most. It can’t be too difficult to provide an accurate range down to 0.
Related: GWM Tank 300 2023 Review
Related: GWM Tank 300 reloads and relaunches in Australia
Related: GWM Tank 300 Hybrid 2023 Review
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