Does It Live Up to Its Tough Image?
The GWM Tank 300 has taken the market by storm. Its rugged, retro looks and competitive price have caught everyone’s attention. But here’s what serious off-road fans really want to know: can it actually perform as well as it looks?
We’re going beyond the sales brochures and showroom visits. This is a tough, real-world test of the Tank 300’s main off-road systems. We want to find out exactly what this vehicle can handle.
We’ll test its three differential locks, body-on-frame build, and terrain modes through climbing, water crossings, and challenging trail obstacles. Our mission is simple: give you a clear, fact-based answer about what this truck can really do.
What Makes a Great Off-Roader
The Numbers That Matter
Before we get dirty, let’s look at the hardware. These specs are the building blocks of any serious 4x4. They also help us understand what to expect from our real-world tests. On paper, the Tank 300’s credentials look impressive for its price range.
|
Specification |
Detail |
Why It Matters |
|
Chassis |
Body-on-frame |
The go-to choice for serious 4x4s. It offers better durability and handles twisting forces on rough terrain much better than other designs. |
|
Powertrain |
2.0L Turbo-Petrol & 8-Speed Auto |
Produces 380Nm of torque. This is crucial for slow, controlled crawling and climbing steep hills. |
|
Drivetrain |
Part-time 4WD w/ Low-Range |
A selectable low-range transfer case gives you the extra torque needed for extreme obstacles. |
|
Lockers |
Front & Rear Electronic |
The “triple lock” system (including center) provides maximum grip. You usually only find this on much more expensive vehicles. |
|
Ground Clearance |
224mm |
A good height for clearing rocks and ruts without scraping the underside. |
|
Wading Depth |
700mm |
The manufacturer says it can handle serious water crossings. |
|
Approach Angle |
33° |
Lets the vehicle tackle steep obstacles without the front bumper hitting first. |
|
Departure Angle |
34° |
Helps you exit ditches and steep descents without damaging the rear. |
This mix of ladder frame construction, true low-range gearing, and front and rear lockers creates high expectations. Now let’s see if the real thing measures up.
Test One: Rock Crawling
Putting the “Three-Lock” System to Work
Locking differentials are game-changers in off-roading. We created specific challenges to test the Tank 300’s front and rear lockers in isolation. This is where we prove whether the mechanical grip actually works.
Challenge A: The Diagonal Wheel Test
Our first test used a deep, offset ditch. This obstacle lifts two diagonal wheels—usually front-left and rear-right—completely off the ground. Any vehicle with standard differentials will get stuck here immediately.
Test 1: No Locks On
Just as we expected, the Tank 300 drove into the ditch and stopped dead. The wheels in the air spun freely while the wheels touching ground stayed still. The vehicle couldn’t move at all. This perfectly shows the limits of a basic 4WD system.
Test 2: Rear Locker On
We turned on the rear electronic differential lock using the dashboard switch. The change was immediate and impressive. Both rear wheels now had to turn at the same speed. The rear wheel on solid ground gripped the dirt and pushed the vehicle forward and out of the obstacle.
Test 3: Both Lockers On
For the final run, we engaged both front and rear lockers. The difference was all about control and smoothness. The Tank 300 crawled through the same ditch with almost no wheel spinning. All four wheels worked together, giving perfect traction and letting the vehicle move through with minimal effort and stress on the drivetrain. This test shows that a front locker really does make a huge difference for extreme obstacles.
The step-by-step test gave us clear proof of how valuable the locker system is. It’s not just a fancy button—it’s the key feature that transforms the Tank 300 from a basic SUV into a truly capable off-road machine.
Test Two: Water Crossings and Stability
Testing the Wading Depth Claims
Water crossings are common but risky parts of off-roading. The Tank 300 claims an impressive 700mm wading depth. This puts it up against the best vehicles in its class. We decided to test this claim properly.
The demand for vehicles that can handle these challenges keeps growing. Experts predict the global off-road vehicle market will reach USD 22.5 billion by 2030. This shows how much consumers want adventure-ready vehicles like the Tank 300. This data comes from market research by companies like Grand View Research, proving how important verified capability really is.
Testing the 700mm Promise
Our test used a controlled river crossing with measured depth markers. We put the vehicle in low-range and entered the water slowly and steadily to create a gentle wave. This technique helps keep water levels lower around the engine area.
We pushed the depth right to the 700mm mark. The Tank 300 handled it calmly. The air intake sits high in the engine bay and stayed well above the water. We saw no signs of water getting into the cabin and no problems with the engine or electronics.
The result is clear: the 700mm claim is accurate. The vehicle feels stable and secure at this depth, giving drivers confidence to tackle serious water crossings.
What is the 'Turning Assist' or 'Tank Turn' Feature?
The 'Tank Turn' feature, officially called Turning Assist, is an off-road driving aid designed to reduce the vehicle's turning circle on loose surfaces. When activated in 4L, it applies the brake to the inside rear wheel during a tight turn. This braking action forces the vehicle to pivot more sharply around that wheel. We tested this on a wide gravel riverbed. The effect was immediately noticeable, tightening the turn radius significantly. While not a feature for everyday use, it is a genuinely useful tool for navigating extremely tight switchbacks on a narrow trail, preventing the need for a multi-point turn.
Common Questions: The “Tank Turn” Feature
Many potential buyers ask about this unique feature, especially on forums like Reddit’s r/4x4. What exactly is the ‘Turning Assist’ or ‘Tank Turn’ feature?
This is an off-road helper designed to dramatically reduce how much space the vehicle needs to turn on loose surfaces like gravel, sand, or mud. When you turn it on in 4L, it applies the brake to the inside rear wheel during tight turns. This makes the vehicle pivot more sharply.
We tested this on the gravel riverbed after our water test. The effect was obvious right away—it clearly tightened the turning circle. It’s not just a gimmick. It’s a useful tool for navigating tight trail switchbacks where you’d otherwise need to do a three-point turn.
Test Three: Hills and Tough Terrain
Testing Complete Performance
The final part of our testing focused on the most challenging scenarios: steep, loose climbs and very uneven terrain. This is where the combination of gearing, torque, chassis strength, and electronic systems gets pushed to the limit.
The Steep Hill Challenge
We found a challenging hill with loose dirt and rocks, measuring over 30 degrees steep. This tests pure grip and power delivery.
We engaged 4L and approached the climb. The low-range gearing gave us excellent control, allowing for a slow, careful climb. The 2.0L turbo engine, with its torque available at low RPMs, never felt like it was struggling.
The traction control system worked perfectly with the gearing. We could feel it gently braking individual spinning wheels to send power to those with grip. Our test recorded a successful, controlled climb of a 35-degree loose dirt slope, proving how well the vehicle’s climbing systems work.
Body-on-Frame Construction in Action
Saying a vehicle has “body-on-frame” construction is one thing. Seeing it perform is another. On a very uneven trail full of deep ruts and rocks, the benefits of this design became clear.
The rigid ladder frame resists twisting, letting the suspension do its job of moving with the terrain. This means the wheels stay on the ground longer, which is absolutely key for maintaining traction and stability on difficult terrain.
The benefits we saw on the trail were obvious:
• Better Wheel Contact: The solid axles and frame design allowed for impressive wheel movement, keeping tires pressed to the ground even when the vehicle was at extreme angles.
• Proven Toughness: We heard no creaks or groans from the body or frame. The entire structure felt incredibly solid and predictable, absorbing impacts without complaint.
• Predictable Behavior: The vehicle’s response to large obstacles was stable and easy to understand, giving the driver confidence to keep going.
This real-world durability is confirmed by owner communities. Users on the Tank 300 Owners Australia group have documented extensive trips through punishing terrain like the Simpson Desert, proving the platform’s toughness. It’s a design approach proven over decades.
The Final Verdict: A Fair Assessment
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Who Should Buy It
After putting the GWM Tank 300 through our complete test, a clear picture of its abilities has emerged. It’s time to combine our findings into a final, balanced judgment.
The Clear Strengths
• Outstanding Mechanical Grip: The combination of true low-range transfer case and electronically locking front and rear differentials provides best-in-class traction. This hardware is its biggest advantage.
• Solid Foundation: The body-on-frame build is made for serious punishment. It feels rock-solid and provides an excellent base for future modifications and long-term durability.
• Impressive Technology: Features like the high-resolution 360-degree camera with its “transparent chassis” view aren’t just fancy extras. They’re genuinely useful tools for obstacle navigation and trail driving.
Things to Consider
• Suspension Movement: While the articulation is good for a factory vehicle, it can be limiting in the most extreme situations. As noted in a detailed review by 4X4 Australia, it can lift a wheel sooner than some top-tier (and much more expensive) competitors.
• Aftermarket Options: As a newer player in many markets, the specialized aftermarket for suspension, protection, and other accessories is still developing. This is improving quickly but worth considering for now.
• On-Road Compromises: The ruggedness that makes it so capable off-road comes with trade-offs. On-road handling is less precise than a unibody SUV, and fuel economy reflects its heavy-duty construction.
Getting Ready for Your Adventure
Testing the Tank 300 to its limits shows its incredible potential. For owners wanting to enhance this capability further or simply protect it for any adventure, quality accessories are important. These tests show where focused upgrades can make a great vehicle even better.
Whether you need upgraded suspension components for even better performance or durable replacement parts like brake pads after a tough trail run, buying from a specialist is crucial. A reliable supplier like GWM-parts – EVparts4x4 offers a carefully chosen selection of accessories designed specifically for the GWM Tank 300, ensuring perfect fit and reliable function for your off-road needs.
Final Thoughts
A New Champion?
So we return to our original question: does the GWM Tank 300’s performance match its appearance? The answer is absolutely yes. This isn’t a pretend 4x4—it’s a genuinely and impressively capable off-road vehicle straight from the factory.
It successfully handled every test we gave it, from deep water to technical rock crawling that requires dual lockers. Its main mechanical parts are solid, well-designed, and perform exactly as promised.
The Tank 300 is perfect for enthusiasts who want 80-90% of a premium competitor’s capability at a much lower price. It’s for drivers who value mechanical hardware over brand name and are ready to explore challenging terrain.
In the end, the GWM Tank 300 proves that serious off-road adventure is more accessible than ever. It doesn’t just enter the market—it sets a new and impressive standard for value and capability.
