GWM Tank 300 vs Subaru Forester vs Toyota Fortuner: Which one has the lowest running costs?
GWM's Tank 300 has touched down on local soil, and with an incredible amount of interest shown in the product, we went ahead and compared its running costs with two rivals to determine whether this is the bargain it purports to be!
GWM has launched its Tank 300 to the local market after several delays, and on the face of it, this looks to be a proper off-road machine available at a reasonable price. The entry-level Tank does not benefit from the fuel savings associated with the HEV flagship, so how does this product fare in terms of running costs? Let's see how it compares with two other products: the more left-field Subaru Forester, which is also capable off-road, and its fellow ladder-frame rival and local favourite, the Toyota Fortuner.
Related: GWM Tank 300 (2024) - First Drive Review
The figures
GWM Tank 300 2.0T Super Luxury 4x4 | Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES | Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4x4 | |
Engine size | 4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 4-cyl, 2.5-litre petrol | 4-cyl, 2.4-litre turbodiesel |
Power/Torque | 162 kW/380 Nm | 136 kW/239 Nm | 110 kW/400 Nm |
Gearbox | 8-speed auto | CVT | 6-speed auto |
Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 |
Airbags | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Kerb weight | 2 155kg | 1 561kg | 2 130kg |
Boot capacity | 400-1635-litres | 520-1060-litres | 200-716-1080-litres |
Fuel capacity | 80-litres | 63-litres | 80-litres |
Claimed consumption* | 9.5 L/100 km | 8.3 L/100 km | 7.6 L/100 km |
Service plan | 5-yr/75 000km | 3-year /75 000km (maintenance) | 9 service /90 000km |
Price | R725 950 | R713 000 | R739 100 |
*Claimed fuel consumption
Comparing the trio
Purchase price
The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors in terms of off-road ability and pricing. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.
GWM Tank 300 2.0T Super Luxury 4x4
The Tank will work out at R12 773 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport ES
With the instalment parameters, the Forester will work out R12 545 monthly over 72 months.
Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4x4
The Fortuner will work out at R13 005 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
Our contenders all feature different drivetrains, with the Tank featuring a turbocharged petrol engine and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. In contrast, the Subaru features a naturally aspirated petrol motor paired with a CVT, while the Fortuner features a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine. All three feature four-wheel drive and will be very competent off-road, but when it comes to fuel consumption, from our experience, the Fortuner, with its diesel motor, is the lightest on fuel in real-world driving conditions, followed by the Forester and then the Tank.
Service plans
The Subaru is the only model to feature a maintenance plan, valid for 3 years or 75 000km, while the Tank gets a 3-year/75 000km service plan, and the Fortuner has the superior 9-service/90 00-km service plan.
Verdict
Looking at the data, one product emerges as being the most economical to run: the locally-produced Fortuner, which is the lightest on fuel. Its lengthy service plan means that your mobility costs will remain more predictable too, granting it the win in this particular comparison.
