VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
480 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
10.5
Towing
3000 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
—
7.1
Engine
2370 cc
2457
Choosing between the GWM Tank 300 and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GWM Tank 300 delivers 135 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Tank 300 returns 7.7 l/100km while the FORESTER uses 10.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R739 900 for the Tank 300 and R407 000 for the FORESTER. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
480 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
—
7.1
Top Speed
—
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2370 cc
2457
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
9
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7 l/100km
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.4
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
78 l
60
CO2 Emissions
202 g/km
248
Dimensions
Length
4760 mm
4560
Width
1930 mm
1780
Height
1903 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
224 mm
215
Kerb Weight
2280 Kg
1510
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
400-1635 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
600 l
1660
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
36
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GWM Tank 300
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tank 300
Fuel Economy
Tank 300
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
Tank 300
Pros & Cons
GWM Tank 300
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R407 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tank 300 or FORESTER?
The Tank 300 uses 7.7 l/100km and the FORESTER uses 10.5 on the combined cycle. The Tank 300 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tank 300 or FORESTER?
The Tank 300 produces 135 kW and 480 Nm of torque while the FORESTER delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Tank 300 and FORESTER?
The Tank 300 starts from R739 900 and the FORESTER from R407 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R332 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tank 300 or FORESTER?
The Tank 300 has a braked towing capacity of 3000 Kg and the FORESTER can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tank 300 or the FORESTER?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.