Tank 300 2025 Vehicle Profile: 2.0T Rear-Drive Off-Road SUV with 9AT


By CuiJialin
7 min read
Tank 300 2025 Vehicle Profile: 2.0T Rear-Drive Off-Road SUV with 9AT

Model Overview: Positioning and Brand Background

The Tank 300 is the debut model of GWM's "Tank" brand and a phenomenon in China's hard-core off-road market. Since its 2021 launch, it ignited the segment with a "fun & trendy off-road" positioning — turning a niche hard-core category into a mainstream trend. It has topped China's off-road SUV sales chart for 52 consecutive months, sustained over 50% share in the hard-core off-road SUV segment, and is exported to more than 30 countries and regions worldwide.

The 2025 model is a comprehensive refresh under the "trendy off-road SUV" positioning, offered in gasoline, diesel, and Hi4-T powertrains. The 2.0T gasoline Conqueror (征服者) trim analyzed here pairs the 2.0T (227 hp / 387 N·m) with China's first self-developed 9AT; the transfer case torque capacity rises to 3,300 N·m and the 4L-mode torque multiplication ratio increases to 2.64, balancing off-road and daily driving. Against city SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and hard-core rivals like the BAW 212 T01, the Tank 300's differentiation lies in its unique blend of "genuine off-road capability + trendy design + premium feel."

Design follows a rugged "boxy" route: a square, tough silhouette, flared wheel arches, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Inside, it features a 14.6-inch central display, leather seats, L2 driver-assist, and a rich suite of active safety — merging off-road character with comfort and technology.

Get a full look at the exterior and interior in this video:

Key Specifications


Item
Specification
Model
GWM Tank 300 2025 2.0T Gasoline Conqueror
Powertrain
Gasoline (front-mounted AWD)
Engine
2.0T turbocharged I4, 227 hp, 387 N·m
Transmission
9-speed automatic (9AT, self-developed)
Top Speed
175 km/h
0–100 km/h
~9.7 s
Combined Fuel Economy
WLTC 9.86 L/100km
Dimensions (L×W×H)
4750 × 1930 × 1903 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
Seating
5-door, 5-seat SUV
Chassis
Body-on-frame (ladder)
Drivetrain
Part-time 4WD, front & rear diff locks
Fuel Tank
80 L
Curb Weight
2225 kg
Approach/Departure
33° / 34°
Warranty
5 years / 150,000 km

Three Highlights and Three Considerations

Highlight 1: Genuine body-on-frame off-road capability, rare in its class The Tank 300 rides on a body-on-frame (ladder) chassis with double-wishbone front / solid-axle rear suspension, paired with part-time 4WD, front & rear differential locks, and "Tank Turn" function. With a 33° approach angle and 34° departure angle, it delivers genuine off-road capability. Compared to most city SUVs with unibody construction and on-demand AWD, this hard-core foundation is essentially one-of-a-kind in this segment.

Highlight 2: Punchy 2.0T with smooth in-house 9AT The 2.0T engine (227 hp / 387 N·m) is paired with China's first self-developed 9-speed automatic transmission, offering abundant power and smooth, seamless shifts at mid-to-high speeds — equally at ease in city commuting and highway cruising.

Highlight 3: Trendy design and strong value The boxy, rugged silhouette is instantly recognizable, yet the interior leans upscale with leather seats, a 14.6-inch central screen, and L2 driver-assist. At this price point, it uniquely combines hard-core off-road ability with premium interior quality.

Consideration 1: Higher city fuel consumption Due to its 2,225 kg curb weight and rugged construction, WLTC combined consumption is 9.86 L/100km, but real-world owners report ~15 L/100km in the city and up to 20 L/100km in heavy traffic. If you mainly commute in town, fuel costs will be noticeable.

Consideration 2: Wind noise and engine resonance Hard-core vehicles tend to have more wind noise, and the Tank 300 also exhibits engine resonance in the 0–80 km/h range, which may bother NVH-sensitive occupants.

Consideration 3: Infotainment experience needs polish Owners report a slow, occasionally laggy infotainment system with intermittent connectivity issues; turbo lag of about 1–2 seconds and some transmission logic quirks in certain conditions.

Cost of Ownership & Service

Warranty: 5 years / 150,000 km for the vehicle, subject to the purchase contract.

Fuel Cost: WLTC combined 9.86 L/100km; real-world city ~15 L/100km (up to 20 in traffic), highway ~9–11 L/100km. At the world-average gasoline price of about 1.1 USD/L (Global Petrol Prices), city commuting costs roughly 16–22 USD per 100 km.

Maintenance: Total estimated maintenance over 60,000 km is about 9894 CNY (~1,393 USD), covering oil, filters, air filter, brake inspection, and routine items; the part-time 4WD and diff locks should be inspected regularly.

Ownership Outlook: As a hard-core off-road SUV, higher fuel consumption from its heavy body is the main ongoing cost; however, resale values hold up relatively well (the Tank 300 ranks high in 3-year value retention among peers), suiting enthusiasts who value off-road capability and showroom confidence.

Incentive Comparison:
Country/Region
Key Policy (summary)
China
No NEV subsidy for gasoline models; some cities have purchase/plate restrictions
United States
Hard-core/large SUVs generally not eligible for most-state EV credits; standard gas-vehicle rates apply
EU (many countries)
Higher carbon/registration taxes on larger gas vehicles; some cities impose emissions limits
SE Asia / emerging markets
Imported hard-core SUVs face higher tariffs; local production can qualify for duty relief

Competitor Comparison

Spec Comparison:
Dimension
Tank 300 2025 2.0T Conqueror
Honda CR-V 2026 1.5T FWD 5-Seat
Toyota RAV4 2026 2.0L FWD Luxury
BAW 212 T01 2025 2.0T
Engine
2.0T I4 turbo
1.5T I4 turbo
2.0L I4 NA
2.0T I4 turbo
Max Power
167 kW (227 hp)
142 kW (193 hp)
126 kW (171 hp)
185 kW (252 hp)
Peak Torque
387 N·m
243 N·m
206 N·m
410 N·m
Transmission
9AT
CVT
CVT (simulated 10)
8AT
Drivetrain
Part-time 4WD
FWD
FWD
Part-time 4WD
Chassis
Body-on-frame
Unibody
Unibody
Body-on-frame
Top Speed
175 km/h
188 km/h
180 km/h
170 km/h
Combined (WLTC)
9.86 L/100km
7.25 L/100km
6.29 L/100km
10.9 L/100km
Dimensions (mm)
4750×1930×1903
4703×1866×1680
4620×1855×1680
4705×1895×1936
Wheelbase (mm)
2750
2701
2690
2860
Seating
5-door 5-seat
5-door 5-seat
5-door 5-seat
5-door 5-seat
Curb Weight
2225 kg
1589 kg
1630 kg
2150 kg
Fuel Tank
80 L
53 L
55 L
80 L
Approach/Departure
33°/34°
16°/20°
17°/21°
40°/36°
Front Suspension
Double wishbone independent
MacPherson independent
MacPherson independent
Solid-axle non-independent
Rear Suspension
Solid-axle non-independent
Multi-link independent
Double wishbone independent
Solid-axle non-independent
Front/Rear Brakes
Ventilated/Ventilated
Ventilated/Solid
Ventilated/Solid
Ventilated/Ventilated
Tires
265/65 R17
235/65 R17
235/60 R18
265/65 R18
Spare
Full-size
Space-saver
Space-saver
Full-size
Driver-assist level
L2
L2
L1
Tank Turn
Std
Low-range 4WD
Std
Std
Hill Descent Control
Std
Std
Std
Central screen
14.6 in
12.3 in
15.6 in
12.3 in
Infotainment chip
Snapdragon 8155
Speakers
12
4
6
8
Rearview camera
360° + transparent
Standard camera
360° + transparent
360° + transparent

If you prioritize off-road capability, rugged styling, and premium quality, the Tank 300 is the only true hard-core vehicle here that delivers all three, with part-time 4WD and diff locks as its signature edge. For city commuting focused on fuel economy and comfort, the CR-V and RAV4 are better fits. The 212 T01 is also off-road focused but is less balanced in comfort and features. If you want a hard-core SUV that balances off-road with daily usability, the Tank 300 is the top recommendation.

Expert & Practical Review: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Strengths
  1. Outstanding off-road capability: Body-on-frame + double-wishbone front / solid-axle rear + part-time 4WD + front & rear diff locks + Tank Turn, with a 33° approach and 34° departure angle; proven mud, snow, and extreme-terrain recovery (Source: Sohu Auto owner review).
  2. Solid power & handling: The 2.0T (227 hp / 387 N·m) delivers strong acceleration, the in-house 9AT is smooth, steering is well-weighted, and the suspension is well-tuned (Source: Sohu Auto owner review).
  3. Generous standard features & premium materials: Leather seats, 14.6-inch screen, L2 driver-assist, and 360° camera are largely standard, easing driver workload (Source: Sohu Auto owner review & Tank official site).

Cons
  1. Higher city fuel consumption: Owners report ~15 L/100km in the city and up to 20 L/100km in traffic; WLTC combined is 9.86 L/100km but is higher in practice, so pure city commuting costs more (Source: Sohu Auto owner review).
  2. Wind noise & engine resonance: Engine resonance appears in the 0–80 km/h range, and hard-core vehicles generally have more wind noise (Source: Sohu Auto owner review).
  3. Infotainment & response polish: A slow, laggy infotainment system with intermittent connectivity; ~1–2 s turbo lag and some transmission logic quirks (Source: Sohu Auto owner review).

On-road / off-road notes
  • Off-road: Owners report confident mud and snow driving with strong low-speed torque recovery, aided by the front & rear diff locks for extreme terrain (Source: Sohu Auto owner review).
  • Mixed use: City fuel consumption ~15 L/100km (up to 20 in traffic), highway ~9–11 L/100km, WLTC combined 9.86 L/100km (Source: Sohu Auto owner review & WLTC label).

Real Owner Feedback

Positive Feedback
Owners most value the rugged, distinctive styling, ample power, and well-tuned handling and suspension; off-road ability and value-for-money earn broad praise. As a compact SUV, the 2.0T's acceleration and comfort are highlights.
"The Tank 300's design is a success — the rugged boxy shape represents strength for men and a sense of security for women, without losing its tech-forward feel."
"Acceleration is strong, and most owners say the handling is good — steering is well-weighted, driving feel is excellent, and the suspension is well-tuned."
"Owners have driven the Tank 300 through mud and snow, and its 4WD low-speed torque recovery is assured; it's equipped with front and rear diff locks for extreme off-road conditions."

Negative Feedback
Complaints center on higher city fuel consumption, wind noise and engine resonance, a slow/laggy infotainment system, and turbo lag and transmission logic.
"Because the car is heavy at ~2.15 tons, fuel consumption is quite high — around 15 L/100km in the city, and even up to 20 L/100km in heavy traffic."
"Wind noise is a known challenge for hard-core vehicles; the Tank 300's bigger issue is engine resonance, which appears in the 0–80 km/h range."
"Turbo lag of 1–2 seconds and unreasonable shift logic can make overtaking a bit awkward."
"The in-car system also has issues: slow response, lag, and intermittent failure to connect to the network."

References

  • Global Petrol Prices (2025). World Average Petrol Prices, USD / L. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/
  • IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
  • GWM Tank official website (Tank 300 specifications & configuration)
  • Autohome (Tank 300 2025 specs & owner reviews)
  • Sohu Auto (Tank 300 real-owner ownership experience)

 


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