GWM Tank 300 vs Toyota Fortuner: Why the cheaper 7-seat diesel still holds the edge in Malaysia

Today, we have two hardcore off-roaders against each other, both of which are renowned heavyweights in their own right.

In one corner is the GWM Tank 300, China's benchmark rugged off-roader boasting serious mechanical hardware and immense aftermarket potential, with a reputation across many markets that rivals established American icons.

In the other corner sits the Toyota Fortuner, also called "Hilux with a permanent canopy" and a "budget Prado".

Pricing for the Fortuner is certainly enticing. The range-topping 2.8 VRZ has an OTR price of RM241,800, and the petrol-powered Tank 300 retails at RM250,000. The Fortuner is RM8,120 cheaper. What is more, the Tank 300 is a 5-seater petrol SUV, and the Fortuner is a 7-seater turbodiesel.

So, why is this Chinese newcomer pricier than its Japanese rival? What exactly does that extra RM8,000 buy you?

Exterior

Let's look at the dimensions first, the Tank 300 measures 4760*1855*1903mm with a 2750mm wheelbase. The Fortuner comes in at 4795*1855*1835mm with a 2745mm wheelbase.

The Fortuner is slightly longer, width is identical, the Tank 300 stands slightly taller, and their wheelbases are almost the same (the Tank 300 is just 5 mm longer).

In terms of styling, the Tank 300 is instantly recognisable with its retro round headlamps, flared wheel arches, and high beltline—a very 4x4 aesthetic. The Fortuner adopts a far more conventional look; it sits visually lower with less road presence and aggression.

Do not be fooled by its unassuming facade, however. It is the mechanical twin of the Hilux, underpinned by the same IMV-2 ladder-frame chassis and powered by the same 1GD turbodiesel engine. In fact, an abundance of parts are directly shared between the two (they are fundamentally the same under the skin).

Powertrain and 4WD System

With vehicles of this segment, bickering over screen counts, display sizes, or seat upholstery is beside the point; what matters is their core capability. While both are body-on-frame hardcore off-roaders, they differ across their powertrains, four-wheel-drive setups, and long-term maintainability.

Starting with the Tank 300, power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine churning out 220 PS and 380 Nm of torque from 1800 rpm, paired with a ZF 8AT gearbox.

It features a centre diff lock with low range (4L), electronically controlled front and rear mechanical differential locks, and a suspension setup consisting of front double wishbones and a rear multi-link live axle.

It is a well-rounded powertrain; aside from peak torque arriving a touch higher in the rev band, it handles off-road excursions with ease.

On the other hand, the Fortuner is powered by the 1GD-FTV 2.8T turbodiesel engine (shared with the Prado), producing 204 PS and a massive 500 Nm of torque, mated to a 6AT.

Ground clearance stands at 279mm—55mm higher than the Tank 300 (224mm). It runs front double wishbones and a rear rigid live axle with coil springs (unlike the Hilux's leaf springs), though official spec sheets do not list front or rear diff locks.

Both cars are extraordinarily capable off the beaten track. However, the Tank 300 conquers terrain through sophisticated electronic hardware and lockers, whereas the Fortuner relies on generous ground clearance, robust axle articulation, and immense low-end diesel grunt—the classic Hilux formula.

Cabin Space, Equipment, and Safety

The remaining three aspects can be summarised quite readily. For practicality, the Fortuner naturally holds the upper hand by offering a 7-seat layout against the 5-seater Tank 300. Its pick-up-derived roots also translate into a more utilitarian and regularly shaped cargo area.

However, physics cannot be cheated. Squeezing in 3 rows of seats within these dimensions means that, even with the rearmost seats folded up, passenger comfort across all rows in the Fortuner falls short of the plush Tank 300.

On the safety front, the Tank 300 is well-equipped with Level 2 ADAS and 6 airbags. The top-spec Fortuner comes with 7 airbags and Toyota's TSS 3.0 active safety suite. As far as safety specifications go, it is an even match.

In-car tech is similar. The Tank 300 boasts dual 12.3-inch digital displays, Nappa leatherette upholstery, a 9-speaker Infinity sound system, and 64-colour ambient lighting.

The flagship Fortuner features a 9-inch infotainment display, dual-zone climate control, an 8-way power-adjustable seat, a powered tailgate, and a wireless charger. Each has its distinct highlights, but both are adequately appointed.

Conclusion

This brings us to the final, and perhaps most crucial, factor: maintenance and aftersales support.

Sharing mechanicals with the Hilux means virtually any workshop in Malaysia can service and repair a Fortuner.

Add to that the legendary durability of the Hilux platform, and the Fortuner holds an unmatched intrinsic advantage.

Factor in Toyota's nationwide service network, and its ownership proposition is peerless.

While the Tank 300 has proven itself robust, GWM's local aftersales footprint still cannot match Toyota's extensive presence. Its Japanese rival boasts an insurmountable track record for reliability, fortified by its Hilux sibling's unrivalled parts availability (with an engine that is even shared with the Prado).

Taking all this into account, our recommendation leans towards the Toyota Fortuner.