GWM Tank 300 vs Kia Carnival
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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Price Breakdown
The GWM Tank 300 starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Carnival opens at $50,570. That makes the GWM Tank 300 the more affordable entry point by $580.
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 $55,627 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Tank 300 and Kia Carnival hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GWM Tank 300 and 90% for the Kia Carnival.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Tank 300 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia Carnival.
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 Kia Carnival.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Tank 300 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Carnival gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Tank 300 stands out with panoramic roof that you will not find on the Kia Carnival. The Kia Carnival counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GWM Tank 300 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia Carnival offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The GWM Tank 300 uses a Petrol producing 162kW and 380Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Kia Carnival responds with a Petrol making 216kW and 355Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 162kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Carnival is 0.4s 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, 440mm shorter than the Kia Carnival at 5,155mm (3,090mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the GWM Tank 300 and 627L in the Kia Carnival, giving the Kia Carnival a 77L advantage. The Kia Carnival seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 300 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m 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 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,708/year for the GWM Tank 300 and $2,736/year for the Kia Carnival. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the GWM Tank 300.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (GWM Tank 300) vs $2,736 (Kia Carnival). The GWM Tank 300 saves you roughly $28 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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Carnival). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Tank 300 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Tank 300 and Kia Carnival trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The GWM Tank 300 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Carnival has a clear edge. 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 Kia Carnival?
The GWM Tank 300 is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Carnival by $580.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Tank 300 uses the least fuel at 9.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Tank 300 and Kia Carnival all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Carnival has the largest boot at 627L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 300 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Carnival makes the most power at 216kW. The Kia Carnival is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
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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
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