Hyundai Santa Fe vs GWM Tank 300
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 Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,000 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 300 opens at $49,990. 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 $58,300 and $54,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Santa Fe by roughly $3,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and GWM Tank 300 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 88% for the GWM Tank 300.
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 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 6 in the GWM Tank 300.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Tank 300 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio that you will not find on the GWM Tank 300. The GWM Tank 300 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Petrol producing 141kW and 232Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The GWM Tank 300 responds with a Petrol making 167kW and 387Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 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 Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4,830mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 115mm longer than the GWM Tank 300 at 4,715mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 550L in the GWM Tank 300, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 75L advantage. The Hyundai Santa Fe seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 300 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $2,708/year for the GWM Tank 300. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $2,708 (GWM Tank 300). 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 300). The GWM Tank 300 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
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.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Santa Fe and GWM Tank 300 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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