2026 GWM Tank 500 Vanta First Drive: Is Diesel the Answer?

GWM has expanded its local Tank 500 range with the arrival of the new Vanta model. This model brings with it the biggest change to the Tank 500 since its local introduction, as it is now available with a turbo diesel engine. Not only does this new engine put it on more of an even playing field with its rivals from legacy brands, but the Tank 500 Vanta retains its impressive value proposition, priced extremely competitively in the segment. 

While this new diesel engine isn’t as powerful as the other petrol-powered variants already on offer in New Zealand, it’s got no shortage of grunt. 170kW and 620Nm are the peak output figures of this 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It features a part-time four-wheel drive system as well as a low-range transfer case. Front and rear locking differentials round out the impressive drivetrain specifications. 

Good Value, Good Choice

The revised Tank 500 line-up now consists of three models. The entry point to the range is still the Ultra HEV at $77,990, and this Vanta models slots in above at $79,990. At this price point, the Vanta sits alongside the Ultra PHEV, giving buyers the choice between diesel and plug-in power for the same bottom line. 

While $80,000 is a fair chunk of change no matter which way you look at it, once you start to compare this Tank 500 with its rivals do you see the value. The Ford Everest is a good benchmark, and the entry-level model starts at $68,990 locally. In saying this, it misses out on a lot of equipment that the Tank 500 gets as standard, but it’s the cheapest diesel-powered SUV with proper off-road chops in New Zealand. A closer comparison would be the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which starts at $83,990. But again, there’s the issue of specification not matching that of the Tank. On paper, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 feels like the closest comparison with the Tank, but considering its entry point of $146,990 is almost double that of the Tank 500’s price, it doesn’t feel like a fair fight either way. 

No Shortage of Specification

As is the case with other Tank 500 variants, the specification of this new Vanta model is impressive to say the least. Starting on the outside, you get 19-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, and a blacked out front grille. There are black roof rails on top, and a folding side step that extends when the door is opened. At the rear, a full-size spare wheel is attached to the side-hinged tailgate. 

Moving inside, the level of luxury is seriously impressive. On the tech front, there’s a 14.6-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Behind the multi-function steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a head-up display is also included. Beneath the infotainment screen is a row of physical buttons for the climate controls, and a wireless phone charger is beneath this. There’s also a ten-speaker sound system. 

The Nappa leather accented seats have power adjustment in the front row, and also receive heating, ventilation and massaging functions. The outside seats in the second row also get ventilation. 

This Tank 500 Vanta is also offered exclusively in a seven-seat configuration, with the leather upholstery extending to the third row. As for luggage capacities, there’s 89-litres with two rows of seats in place, 795-litres with the third row folded, and 1,489-litres when both rows of seats are folded. 

The Pick of the Bunch?

With hybrid, plug-in hybrid and now diesel power on offer, Tank 500 buyers have more than enough choice. And while the petrol powered variants pack plenty of power, I have found that the engines feel a little stressed when making these big figures. This new diesel on the other hand, feels far more at home in the Tank that weighs over 2.7-tonnes. 

During my time with it, the Tank sat comfortably in the 2,000 – 2,500rpm range, only exceeding this for overtaking attempts. It’s also nowhere near as quick as those aforementioned petrol versions, but it doesn’t need to be, as these big SUVs are more about comfort and drivability than all-out performance. 

Towing is arguably the biggest reason behind bringing this diesel variant to our market. Where the HEV and PHEV Tank 500s can tow 3-tonnes, this diesel version ups that to the ute standard of 3.5-tonnes with a braked trailer. As well as carrying a heavier rating, the extra torque offered by the 3.0-litre engine should go a long way in improving fuel economy at capacity. 

And speaking of fuel economy, GWM claims a combined figure of 7.1L/100km for this diesel Tank. For obvious reasons, this is higher than that of the HEV or PHEV models, but is still a reasonable figure given the Tank’s stature. 

A Logical Choice

The Tank 500 has always been a strange offering with its petrol powertrains, but the introduction of this diesel model changes this. It feels like a true rival in the large SUV segment now, and could likely hold its own off-road against the Everest and Prado. As to whether or not it would go as far off the beaten track as the Land Cruiser 300 is another argument, but I wouldn’t be betting against the Tank. 

Paired up with the new Cannon Alpha Vanta which has just arrived with the same engine, GWM has now put together a proper diesel-powered line-up to take on Toyota and Ford. While it might take time to sway customers from these legacy brands, the value proposition plus GWM’s seven-year warranty might be enough to start shifting the tide in the local market.