Premium SUVs represent a large swath of vehicle sales today. These machines offer consumers a luxurious driving experience dominated by technology and features, all contained in a comfortable package. There is, however, one small factor that still determines how much that luxury ride will cost you.
Related: More affordable GWM Tank 300 launched
The GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV Super Luxury 4WD competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four and the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 Exceed. While these three vehicles occupy a similar price bracket, they represent three different levels of efficiency and maintenance strategy.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester: Here's our winner
Fuel Consumption
Fuel is the most significant recurring expense. The RAV4 is a performance-neutral hybrid, whereas the Tank 300 is a performance-oriented hybrid built for power/off-roading. The Outlander is a traditional naturally aspirated petrol engine.
| Vehicle | Claimed consumption | Real-world expectation |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 4.8 L/100km | 5.2 – 5.8 L/100km |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 8.1 L/100km | 9.0 – 10.5 L/100km |
| GWM Tank 300 HEV | 8.4 L/100km | 10.0 – 11.5 L/100km |
Toyota: Uses a highly efficient Atkinson-cycle engine. It is significantly cheaper to fuel, especially in stop-start city traffic.
Mitsubishi: The 2.5L engine is reliable but thirsty for a modern SUV, especially when loaded with seven passengers.
GWM: Despite being a hybrid, the Tank 300 is heavy (approx. 2.3 tons) and has the aerodynamics of a brick. Its hybrid system is designed more for 648Nm of torque than for sipping fuel.
Service Plans and Maintenance
Maintenance costs are capped by service plans for the first few years, but the duration and coverage differ:
Toyota RAV4: 6-services / 90 000 km service plan. Toyota’s parts basket is traditionally one of the most affordable in SA.
GWM Tank 300: 5-year / 75 000 km service plan. It offers a massive 7-year / 200 000 km warranty, which provides great peace of mind but doesn't lower the running cost of routine items like tyres, which are expensive 18-inch all-terrain types.
Mitsubishi Outlander: 5-year / 90 000 km service plan. Maintenance is predictable, but Mitsubishi parts can be pricier and sometimes have longer lead times than those of Toyota.
Hidden costs: Insurance & resale
Resale Value: This is a "reverse" running cost. The Toyota will almost certainly retain the highest percentage of its value after 3–5 years. The Outlander has steady but lower demand, and GWM, while growing fast, still faces the steeper depreciation typical of newer Chinese brands in the premium segment.
Insurance: The Tank 300 and RAV4 are both high-risk for different reasons, the RAV4 for its popularity with thieves and the Tank 300 for its high repair costs, ie, complex hybrid tech and specialised body panels. Expect the Outlander to have the most stable and potentially lowest insurance premiums.
Verdict
Lowest running cost: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It wins comfortably in terms of fuel efficiency and resale value.
Middle ground: Mitsubishi Outlander. Higher fuel costs than the Toyota, but simpler mechanically and cheaper to insure.
Highest running cost: GWM Tank 300 HEV. You pay for the performance and off-road capability. It is a luxury toy that happens to be a hybrid, not a fuel-saving commuter.
