Kia Sportage vs GWM Tank 500
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 Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $21,500.
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 $42,339 and $65,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sportage by roughly $3,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and GWM Tank 500 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 85% for the GWM Tank 500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Tank 500 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 responds with a Hybrid making 255kW and 648Nm, paired to a 9-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 393mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Tank 500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 98L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the Kia Sportage a 445L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 1,350kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $656 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,423 (GWM Tank 500). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $656 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $656 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage 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, Kia Sportage and GWM Tank 500?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Tank 500 by $21,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage and GWM Tank 500 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW.
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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