Toyota Kluger 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 Toyota Kluger starts from $62,410 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $2,420.
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 $68,651 and $65,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Kluger by roughly $4,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Kluger and GWM Tank 500 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Toyota Kluger and 88% for the GWM Tank 500.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Kluger uses a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid producing 184kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 184kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Kluger is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Kluger measures 4,966mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 112mm shorter than the GWM Tank 500 at 5,078mm (2,850mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 241L in the Toyota Kluger and 98L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the Toyota Kluger a 143L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1150L vs 795L.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 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.
11.2m 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 $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $827 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $1,596 (Toyota Kluger) vs $2,423 (GWM Tank 500). The Toyota Kluger saves you roughly $827 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Kluger will save you roughly $827 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Kluger 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.
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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