GWM Tank 500 vs Omoda 9
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 GWM Tank 500 starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the Omoda 9 opens at $61,990. That makes the GWM Tank 500 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $65,989 and $68,189 respectively.
The Omoda 9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Tank 500, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Omoda 9 by roughly $11,780 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Tank 500 and Omoda 9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the GWM Tank 500 and 90% for the Omoda 9.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Omoda 9 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the GWM Tank 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Omoda 9 adds a 360-degree camera that the GWM Tank 500 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Tank 500 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Omoda 9. The Omoda 9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Sony audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Tank 500 uses a Hybrid producing 255kW and 648Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Omoda 9 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 105kW and 215Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Omoda 9 is 3.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Tank 500 measures 5,078mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 303mm longer than the Omoda 9 at 4,775mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Tank 500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 98L in the GWM Tank 500 and 660L in the Omoda 9, giving the Omoda 9 a 562L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,500kg 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 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,423/year for the GWM Tank 500 and $67/year for the Omoda 9. That is a $2,356 annual difference in favour of the Omoda 9.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (GWM Tank 500) vs $67 (Omoda 9). The Omoda 9 saves you roughly $2,356 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500) vs 8 years / 999,999km (Omoda 9). The Omoda 9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Omoda 9 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Omoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Omoda 9 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Omoda 9 will save you roughly $2,356 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Omoda 9 has a clear edge. The Omoda 9 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM Tank 500 and Omoda 9?
The GWM Tank 500 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Omoda 9 by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Omoda 9 uses the least fuel at 1.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Tank 500 and Omoda 9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Omoda 9 has the largest boot at 660L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Tank 500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Omoda 9 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Tank 500 makes the most power at 255kW. The Omoda 9 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
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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