Volvo XC40 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 Volvo XC40 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the GWM Tank 500 opens at $59,990. That makes the Volvo XC40 the more affordable entry point by $7,090.
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 $58,190 and $65,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volvo XC40 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Volvo XC40 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
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 145kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo XC40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 638mm 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 452L in the Volvo XC40 and 98L in the GWM Tank 500, giving the Volvo XC40 a 354L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
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 $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40 and $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Volvo XC40.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Volvo XC40) vs $2,423 (GWM Tank 500). The Volvo XC40 saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC40) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volvo XC40 and GWM Tank 500 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volvo XC40 will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC40 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, Volvo XC40 and GWM Tank 500?
The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Tank 500 by $7,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo XC40 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Volvo XC40 has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Tank 500 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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