GWM Tank 500 vs Toyota Prado
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 500 starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $72,500. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $12,510.
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 $65,989 and $79,750 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Tank 500 by roughly $2,990 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Tank 500 and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the GWM Tank 500 and 85% for the Toyota Prado.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Tank 500 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Tank 500 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. The Toyota Prado counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GWM Tank 500 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Prado offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The GWM Tank 500 uses a Hybrid producing 255kW and 648Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Tank 500 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Tank 500 measures 5,078mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 88mm longer than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 98L in the GWM Tank 500 and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Toyota Prado a 292L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.8m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500 and $3,021/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the GWM Tank 500.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (GWM Tank 500) vs $3,021 (Toyota Prado). The GWM Tank 500 saves you roughly $598 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Prado). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GWM Tank 500 will save you roughly $598 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Prado has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 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 500 and Toyota Prado?
The GWM Tank 500 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $12,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Tank 500 uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Tank 500 and Toyota Prado all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Prado has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 500 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW. The GWM Tank 500 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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