GWM Tank 300 vs Suzuki Jimny
$49,990 vs $36,990. Two retro 4WDs with cult appeal. One is a proper mid-size off-roader; the other is a tiny, lovable icon.
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 Jimny GLX is $36,990 against the Tank 300 Lux's $49,990, a $13,000 saving, but you're buying very different vehicles: the Tank is a mid-size five-seat 4WD, the Jimny a tiny four-seat one.
Running costs favour the little Suzuki: its 1.5-litre uses 6.9L/100km (about $1,965 a year over 15,000km) versus the Tank's thirstier 2.0-litre turbo at 9.5L/100km (around $2,710). But the Tank's 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty dwarfs Suzuki's short 3-year / 100,000km cover, a significant ownership difference, especially for a vehicle you might keep a long time.
Safety Rundown
This is a clear point for GWM. The Tank 300 holds a current 5-star ANCAP rating (2022) with the full active-safety suite. The Suzuki Jimny is not currently ANCAP-rated, so it lacks an independent crash-safety score, an important consideration if a rating matters to you. The Jimny offers airbags and basic driver aids, but it isn't engineered to the latest protocols the Tank meets.
Feature Showdown
The Tank 300 is the more usable everyday vehicle. At 4,715mm with five seats, a plush, well-equipped cabin and a proper boot, it works as a daily driver and family 4WD, not just a weekend toy. It looks rugged and retro but lives like a modern SUV.
The Jimny is the charm-and-size pick. At just 3,650mm it's tiny, hugely characterful, brilliant in the city and unbeatable on narrow, technical tracks where its short wheelbase and light weight shine. But it's strictly a four-seater with a minuscule boot, the trade-off for that adorable footprint. Both have genuine low-range 4WD and serious off-road credentials; the Jimny punches absurdly above its size off-road, while the Tank offers capability with everyday comfort.
Drivetrain
The Tank 300's 2.0-litre turbo makes 162kW and 380Nm, comfortably enough to haul its mass and tow up to 3,000kg, while the Jimny's 1.5-litre makes just 75kW and 130Nm, modest, and tied to an old-school 4-speed automatic, so it's leisurely on the open road (12.4 seconds to 100km/h) and tows only 1,300kg.
On the highway the Tank is far more relaxed and capable; the Jimny needs working and isn't happy at sustained high speeds. But off-road, the Jimny's feathery weight and tiny dimensions make it astonishingly capable on tight, technical terrain, while the Tank brings more power, clearance and towing for bigger adventures. The choice comes down to whether you want a proper do-everything 4WD (Tank) or a tiny, iconic trail toy (Jimny).
CarSorted Data Insight
In our database, the GWM Tank 300 delivers genuine mid-size 4WD capability, five seats and 3,000kg towing for the price of many small SUVs, while the Suzuki Jimny remains a unique proposition: one of the smallest, lightest and most off-road-capable vehicles on sale, with a cult following its size belies.
The Verdict
Buy the GWM Tank 300 if: you want a usable everyday 4WD with space, power, towing and a 5-star rating.
Buy the Suzuki Jimny if: you want the charm, the tiny size and the legendary off-road ability, and four seats is enough.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: Tank 300 review | Tank 500 vs Prado.
The Verdict
Both are retro-styled 4WDs with cult followings, but they're very different sizes. The GWM Tank 300 is a proper mid-size off-roader: five seats, far more power, three times the towing, more equipment, a 5-star ANCAP rating and a 7-year warranty. The Suzuki Jimny is a tiny, lovable, genuinely capable icon, lighter, more frugal and brilliant on tight tracks, but it's a four-seater, tows little, isn't ANCAP-rated, and has a short 3-year warranty. Buy the Tank 300 if you want a usable everyday 4WD with space and grunt; buy the Jimny for the charm, the size and the legendary off-road ability in a tiny package.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (21 June 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 · 21 June 2026
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