GWM Tank 500 vs Ford Everest: What Should You Buy?
How well does the recently launched GWM Tank 500 stack up against one of the Adventure SUV segment’s most formidable products – the Ford Everest? And, which one of these SUVs represents a stronger buying proposition? Let’s take a closer look!
Since its local launch in 2022, the 3rd-gen Ford Everest has gained a strong following in our market; it’s the 2nd-best-selling bakkie-based 7-seater behind the formidable Toyota Fortuner (September 2024).
For context, in the first 7 months of 2024, the Everest racked up 1 856 sales while the Fortuner managed to sell an incredible 5 700 units over the same period. However, bear in mind that the Ford has a larger footprint and newer tech than the Toyota. Therefore, it commands a premium over its Japanese rival.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Wildtrak is the 2023/24 #CarsAwards Adventure SUV category winner! However, a new Chinese contender recently came to market to upset the apple cart and woo local buyers. Enter the GWM Tank 500!
See also: GWM Tank 500 (2024) Price & Specs
GWM launched its Tank off-roader sub-brand in South Africa early in 2024 when the Tank 300 landed in local showrooms. About 6 months later, the 300’s Tank 500 big brother debuted alongside the new P500 double-cab bakkie; both models are likely to ruffle a few feathers in their respective segments.
At the time of writing, the 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 was the only Tank 500 derivative available in South Africa, which means it’s a direct rival to the 3.0TD V6 4WD Platinum flagship in the Ford Everest line-up.
The main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision. To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.
This article will cover key aspects including Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality and Pricing & Warranty details.
If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided as to what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
What To Buy: Tank 500 vs Ford Everest
Exterior Styling
GWM Tank 500
Talk about bling! The Tank 500 makes its presence known with a chunky grille (although, in our market, the model has a slightly different, but no less chrome-lashed, grille design than the international model) and large 2-tier LED headlamps with daytime running lights. The lower bumper houses discreet fog lights as well as a chrome strip. The chrome theme is further emphasised by large 20-inch alloy wheels.
A full-size spare wheel is mounted on the rear tailgate where another thick chrome strip leads to the vertically orientated tail-light clusters, each of which has – you guessed it – chrome surrounds.
The Tank 500’s flashy, chrome-laden “look at me” exterior design is unapologetically expressive and that approach may very well strike a chord with extraverted buyers – but it might be too bold for others…
Ford Everest
By contrast, the Ford Everest Platinum has a more restrained and refined design. The flagship derivative is identified with “Platinum” lettering on its bonnet lip, while the central grille is divided with a double horizontal chrome strip that stretches into the Everest’s distinct C-clamp LED headlights. The grille is further detailed with fine horizontal chrome elements that provide texture to the front-end design.
At the rear, the Ford’s taillights are relatively slim (considering the considerable height and width of the SUV) with a neat “hockey stick” light signature. Large 21-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.
With its more measured design approach, the Everest Platinum is likely to appeal to a wider audience.
Performance and Efficiency
| GWM Tank 500 Ultra Luxury | Ford Everest Platinum | |
| Powertrain | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbopetrol hybrid | 3.0L V6 turbodiesel |
| Power Output | 255 kW | 184 kW |
| Torque Output | 648 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Consumption (Claimed) | 8.5 L/100 km | 8.5 L/100 km |
GWM Tank 500
We must highlight that we have only driven the Tank 500 at its recent launch event – so far, our “seat time” has been limited. We have, however, also experienced this hybrid powertrain in the Tank 300 HEV.
Despite its generous peak outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque, the Tank 500 delivers less-than-sparkling performance. Our launch experience highlighted that while the Tank 500 can offer sufficiently punchy acceleration on flatter sections of the road, its performance on inclines is less impressive.
It’s worth mentioning that the Tank 500 has a kerb weight of around 2 605 kg, so it’s no lightweight. This fact is also a contributing factor to its seemingly high real-world fuel consumption.
You’d think that opting for a hybrid powertrain will guarantee lower fuel consumption but our experience with GWM and Haval hybrids has proven otherwise…
The electric motor and lithium-ion hybrid battery seem to exist to supplement performance more than enhance efficiency; while GWM claims an ambitious 8.5 L/100 km, you’re likely to see figures above 12 L/100 km, depending on your driving style. Higher figures can be expected on off-roading jaunts.
The 9-speed automatic transmission’s gear changes are relatively seamless and unobtrusive. The ride quality, in turn, is good – the Tank 500 rides comfortably, even if its suspension is fairly firmly sprung.
With the above information in mind, one could say the Tank 500 under-delivers in terms of its general performance and expected efficiency*, but we’ve put an asterisk next to that statement because we will hopefully spend more time with the Tank 500 soon, when we’ll give it a thorough assessment.
Ford Everest
We may have limited experience behind the ‘wheel of the Tank 500, but we’ve driven the Ford Everest on numerous occasions! Last year, we conducted a month-long test of the range-topping derivative and it’s well worth reading our detailed review of the 3.0 V6 AWD Platinum if you are thinking of buying the Ford.
First and foremost, we found that the Ford Everest’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel offers strong performance with purposeful acceleration off the line, plus it has reserves of in-gear shove available at speeds above 80 kph, which is particularly useful for executing overtaking manoeuvres on the highway. Moreover, the 10-speed auto transmission shifts promptly and predictably, with smooth transitions between gears.
As for fuel efficiency, Ford, like GWM, claims an average consumption of 8.5 L/100 km for the Everest Platinum, but when we reviewed the variant, it returned figures above 10.5 L/100 km. However, such a result is expected for a vehicle of such a size (and engine capacity), so it is unlikely to deter buyers.
The Everest’s general ride quality is also on the firm side of pliant, but like its GWM rival, the Ford does not compromise on comfort. What’s more, the Everest feels surefooted on its rubber and has a more direct and communicative steering feel than the previous-gen model – and indeed many of its rivals.
While the Ford Everest trumps the more powerful Tank 500 in terms of performance, neither model excels at being fuel efficient. But in our opinion, the Ford offers a better balance between performance and fuel economy than the GWM and that’s a notable advantage in this closely-matched comparison.
Interior Execution and Features
Use our handy Car Compare tool to see how the Tank 500 and Ford Everest compare in terms of feature specification. You can also use this tool to compare any cars you like!
| GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury | Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Platinum | |
| Infotainment | 14.6-inch touchscreen | 12.0-inch touchscreen (with navigation) |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch digital cluster w/ head-up display | 12.4-inch digital cluster |
| Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability | Yes, both | Yes, both |
| Bluetooth, voice control, USB | Yes, no voice control, front + rear USB ports | Yes to all, 5 USB / Type C ports |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Surround View Camera | 360-degree surround view | 360-degree surround view |
| Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) | Yes, both | Yes, both |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Tilt-slide sunroof | Dual sunroof |
| Cruise Control | Yes, adaptive | Yes, adaptive |
| Air conditioning | 3-zone climate control | Dual-zone climate control |
| Upholstery / Electric Seats | Leather Electric front seats with heating function, 8-point massage function and memory function 2nd-row reclining seats and adjustable | Leather Electric driver’s seat Heated seats (front and rear), electric lumbar support and memory (for the driver) |
| Safety Features | 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Auto Intelligent Parking, Downhill descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring | 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keeping System with Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Road Edge Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Distance Alert and Indication, Evasive Steer Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, Downhill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring |
Feature Summary
The perceived build quality inside the Tank 500 is good with a better-than-expected level of fit and finish. A mix of soft-touch materials and faux wood trim gives the cabin an upmarket look and feel.
A large touchscreen infotainment system – the largest we’ve seen in the segment – dominates the central fascia and is flanked by an all-digital instrument cluster, complemented by a head-up display.
As highlighted in the table above, the Tank 500 is generously equipped with safety and comfort features – which is what buyers expect at the 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4‘s price point. Ventilated and reclinable rear seats are a highlight and the 2nd row can slide fore/aft to increase passenger legroom as required.
While the Ford Everest’s vertically-orientated touchscreen infotainment system is comparatively smaller, its SYNC 4A operating system is superior to the Tank 500’s interface in terms of functionality and usability. Note that integrated navigation is also offered in the 3.0TD V6 4WD Platinum.
Comfort features also abound in the Everest Platinum and the suite of safety features (including several autonomous driver assistance systems) that it offers as standard equipment is particularly impressive.
As for the look and feel of the cabin, the Everest Platinum’s interior execution isn’t as overtly flashy as the Tank 500’s (but some buyers will prefer it that way). Build quality and materials are of a high standard.
While the feature specifications of these models are closely matched (the GWM has the edge insofar as seat functions and conveniences are concerned, while the Ford excels in terms of safety systems) your preference in terms of interior execution may very well come down to a matter of personal taste.
Dimensions, Practicality and Off-road Features
| GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury | Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Platinum | |
| Length | 5 078 mm | 4 940 mm |
| Width | 1 934 mm | 2 015 mm |
| Height | 1 905 mm | 1 837 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 850 mm | 2 900 mm |
| Ground clearance | 224 mm | 226 mm |
| Approach angle | 30° | 30.3° |
| Departure angle | 24° | 23.3° |
| Breakover angle | 22.5° | 21.9° |
| Wading depth | 800 mm | 800 mm |
| Low Range | Yes | Yes |
| Differential Locks | Front + rear electronic | Rear electronic |
| Driving Modes | Standard, Sports, Economy, Slippery and Off-Road including Mud, Sand, Rock, 4L, 4H, automatic and Expert | Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 2 500 kg | 3 500 kg |
| Load Capacity | 98-795-1459 L | 259-898-1818 L |
Practicality Summary
The Tank 500 and Everest are similarly sized, but the Everest looks bigger due to its wider stance. Note that the Ford has a slightly longer wheelbase which will have a positive impact on its spaciousness.
The Tank 500 has 2 electronic diff locks, but whereas its rival’s off-road ability is well documented, we’ve yet to pilot the GWM on dirt or in mud. They have the same wading depth and similar off-road angles.
A major point of difference is braked-trailer towing capability. Caravaners, boat enthusiasts and horse lovers take note: the Tank 500 has a max capacity of 2 500 kg, but the Everest is rated for 3 500 kg.
While both vehicles are spacious, the Tank 500 does offer reclinable, rear seats which will prove useful on longer journeys. The Ford Everest, however, does feature a noticeably larger load bay than its GWM rival, which is something that many potential buyers will be scrutinising when shopping for these cars.
Price and Warranty
| GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury | Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Platinum | |
| Price | R1 222 900 | R1 240 600 |
| Warranty | 7-year/200 000 km 8-year/150 000 km hybrid battery | 4-year/120 000 km |
| Service Plan | 5-year/75 000 km | Optional 6-year/90 000 km |
What should you buy: GWM Tank 500 or Ford Everest?
As it strives to provide excellent value and aftermarket support to its growing customer base, GWM also aims to shatter the perception that it is “a bakkie brand”. Given the success it has achieved with Haval, the Tank and Ora sub-brands are well poised to increase the Chinese automotive giant’s foothold.
To that end, the Tank 500 – with its flashy exterior styling, an elegantly executed interior and a generous list of standard features – makes a bold statement, which many buyers will be attracted to. The package, however, is let down by its middling on-road performance and seemingly poor fuel consumption.
Nonetheless, the Tank 500 offers “a lot of SUV” for its asking price and GWM’s impressive warranty will certainly give buyers peace of mind. We wouldn’t be surprised to see many more Tank 500s on South African roads and we can’t wait to spend more time with the model to evaluate it fully!
Buy a new GWM Tank 500 on Cars.co.za
Buy a used GWM Tank 500 on Cars.co.za
Given its 2023/24 #CarsAwards category-winning pedigree, the Ford Everest represents a strong buying proposition (in 3.0TD V6 4WD Platinum guise) if you desire a fully loaded and capable adventure SUV.
The Ford Everest is an accomplished product and the strong performance of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel bodes well for long journeys with a full complement of passengers and their cargo. Also, unlike the Tank 500, which is a standalone derivative, buyers on a tighter budget have other derivatives to choose from in the Everest range. The Everest is also a bit more spacious – that’s another feather in its cap.
It’s not perfect, though. Take note of the Ford’s average warranty and that you have to pay extra for a service plan: the latter may irk some buyers, but the extra cost can be absorbed into your finance deal.
Overall, our assessment of the Tank 500 and Ford Everest leans in favour of the Blue Oval’s offering, but we’d be happy to be proven wrong! The sales numbers will soon speak for themselves…