GWM Tank 300 vs Hyundai Santa Fe
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The GWM Tank 300 starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Santa Fe opens at $53,000. That makes the GWM Tank 300 the more affordable entry point by $3,010.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $54,989 and $58,300 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Santa Fe by roughly $3,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Tank 300 and Hyundai Santa Fe hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GWM Tank 300 and 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM Tank 300 and 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Tank 300 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Santa Fe gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Tank 300 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and panoramic roof that you will not find on the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Tank 300 uses a Petrol producing 167kW and 387Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe responds with a Petrol making 141kW and 232Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The GWM Tank 300 has the clear power advantage at 167kW vs 141kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Santa Fe is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Tank 300 measures 4,715mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 115mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe at 4,830mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the GWM Tank 300 and 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 75L advantage. The Hyundai Santa Fe seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,708/year for the GWM Tank 300 and $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (GWM Tank 300) vs $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe). The Hyundai Santa Fe saves you roughly $770 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 300) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe). The GWM Tank 300 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Tank 300 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Tank 300 and Hyundai Santa Fe trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Santa Fe will save you roughly $770 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 300 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM Tank 300 and Hyundai Santa Fe?
The GWM Tank 300 is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Santa Fe by $3,010.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Tank 300 and Hyundai Santa Fe all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the largest boot at 625L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 300 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 300 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 300 makes the most power at 167kW. The Hyundai Santa Fe is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!












