VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
136 kW
Torque
480 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3000 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
2370 cc
2498 cc
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 136 kW. On fuel, the Tank 300 returns 7.7 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R739 900 for the Tank 300 and R740 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
136 kW
Torque
480 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2370 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
78 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
202 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4760 mm
4655 mm
Width
1930 mm
1830 mm
Height
1903 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
224 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2280 Kg
1609 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
400-1635 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
600 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GWM Tank 300
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Tank 300
Value
Tank 300
Practicality
Tank 300
Pros & Cons
GWM Tank 300
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R739 900)
Higher towing capacity (3000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 136 kW)
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
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 7.9 l/100km 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 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tank 300 and Forester?
The Tank 300 starts from R739 900 and the Forester from R740 000. The Tank 300 is cheaper by R100 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 1500 Kg. 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.