VS
At a Glance
Power
255 kW
179 kW
Torque
648 combined Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
8.5 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
7.7 s
Engine
1998 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the GWM Tank 500 and the Lexus NX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GWM Tank 500 delivers 255 kW while the Lexus NX produces 179 kW. On fuel, the Tank 500 returns 8.5 l/100km while the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 228 950 for the Tank 500 and R1 235 600 for the NX. 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
255 kW
179 kW
Torque
648 combined Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.3 s
7.7 s
Top Speed
—
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
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
8.5 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
114 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
5078 mm
4660 mm
Width
1934- mm
1865 mm
Height
1905 mm
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
224 mm
195 mm
Kerb Weight
2605 Kg
1790-1870 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
98 / 795 / 1459 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
500 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
7
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
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / 150000 hybrid battery +
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
GWM Tank 500
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tank 500
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
Tank 500
Practicality
Tank 500
Pros & Cons
GWM Tank 500
More powerful engine (255 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 228 950)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Lexus NX
Better fuel economy (5.0 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.7 ss)
Less power than rival (179 kW vs 255 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tank 500 or NX?
The Tank 500 uses 8.5 l/100km and the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX 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 500 or NX?
The Tank 500 produces 255 kW and 648 combined Nm of torque while the NX delivers 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The Tank 500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tank 500 and NX?
The Tank 500 starts from R1 228 950 and the NX from R1 235 600. The Tank 500 is cheaper by R6 650 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tank 500 or NX?
The Tank 500 has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the NX can tow 500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tank 500 or the NX?
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.