They say in Russia almost everything ends up as a tank, yet in the world of cars China surged ahead and created Tank as a first. Today the car is often asked not to be called a tank, but the nickname still sticks in some markets to reflect its rugged character and off road ambitions.
A new model from the Great Wall group has emerged alongside Haval H9. On paper they share many traits: a frame chassis, a gasoline turbo engine, a two-lever front axle, and a rear axle. All wheel drive is connected to the front axle with a clutch and a two-stage transfer case.
Unlike?
From the outside the Tank 300 bears a strong resemblance to a modern frame-based Jeep Cherokee with its silhouette and muscular lines. The headlights are round but flank a modern strip of LEDs for daytime running light. Some eyes may recall the older second generation SsangYong Korando and its clone TagAZ Tager, which show echoes in the Tank 300’s proportions.
Unpainted plastic along the waterline is said to withstand shocks up to 15 mph, though that is a claim I did not test personally. Still, the car’s off-road talents feel convincing in practice.
Under the engine guard, ground clearance sits around 224 mm. The forearms are steel and built to resist contact with rocks. A solid continuous axle at the rear, plus two inter wheel locks along with a downshift, make it clear this is a vehicle built for rough terrain rather than smooth highways. There is talk of a future transfer case with a differential to make all wheel drive permanent. For now, the system operates in part-time mode and is best kept below 80 km/h. It is not intended for constant asphalt driving.
The interior leans toward a loft style with a concrete panel feel and souvenirs from other countries. Ventilation grilles reportedly came from Stuttgart, adding an unexpected international flavor.
The tester pushed through a snow track to the top of a Sayan peak and found no reason for concern. The Tank 300 looks and behaves like a real off-road machine, and its talents extend beyond mere appearance.
The instrument cluster is complemented by digital features such as a multi-mode drive system and a transparent hood function. Yet what stood out most was a power turn function, sometimes called the Tank mode, which adjusts braking to the inside rear wheel on slippery surfaces to aid a tight turn, almost as if the machine could pivot like a tractor when needed.
Only one engine is currently offered: a two-liter turbo petrol with about 220 horsepower. This engine fits a two-ton SUV and nothing more. The sprint to 100 km/h lands around 11 seconds, a reasonable figure for its class. Traction control plays a key role, especially off-road, with a broad rev range where the engine’s 380 Nm torque presents a useful spread.
Fuel economy sits around 13 liters per 100 km at a steady 100 km/h. For some markets 92 octane fuel is standard, which can feel a touch heavy in today’s reality. A diesel option was considered but the Chinese makers view diesel as a utilitarian choice, while Tank positions itself as a more premium option. A hybrid variant exists in the lineup, though its arrival in various markets remains uncertain.
Hidden talents
Together with the turbo engine, a classic hydraulic system performs well. The eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission has a long track record with premium brands and is well known for its strengths and a few weaknesses. It inherited from the six-speed era a valve body that can wear faster under heavy use. To extend reliability, a partial oil change every 50-60 thousand kilometers is advised, along with a filter replacement that is housed in a single plastic tray.
Practicality comes through in everyday use. The rear seats fold to create a flat floor, and the cargo area features conveniences such as a 220-volt outlet and various hooks and nets.
Beyond durability concerns, the Tank 300 delivers a sense of confidence and seamless power delivery in all conditions. It handles city streets with ease and does not require constant steering input like some rivals. It stays composed on corners and keeps a steady line on a demanding course, while suspension absorbs the roughest troughs without breaking momentum.
Price and value
Tank 300 price in Russia starts at 3,699,000 rubles. The starting figure is a shock for some, but a quick comparison helps: the Haval Dargo X base model is priced around 3.5 million rubles. In the base configuration the Tank includes adaptive cruise control and extensive heating options, while the top trim around 4 million rubles adds air curtains, ventilated seats, Nappa leather, and an advanced front differential lock.
Tank 300 proves to be a practical, capable modern frame with few weaknesses, reflecting the progress Chinese automakers have made. The growth is noticeable, and there is a tinge of disappointment at times about the speed of improvement. The sentiment comes from remembering what rivals like UAZ could be in the past.
The tester trusted Tank’s off-road prowess and found the vehicle’s road manners to be a pleasant surprise. It does not demand constant, aggressive corrections but rather follows its line with quiet confidence.
Must be hardy
Fuel consumption, part-time four-wheel drive
Tank 300 details
Length / Width / Height / Wheelbase 4760 / 1930 / 1903 / 2750 mm
Curb weight 2000 kg
Top speed 170 km/h
0-100 km/h 10.6 seconds
Engine petrol, P4, 16 valves, 1967 cm3; 162 kW / 220 hp at 5500 rpm; 380 Nm at 1800-3600 rpm
Fuel / reserve AI-92 / 80 liters
Transfer four wheel drive; A8
Which SUV is coolest? A definitive answer is explored in a broader review, with practical demonstrations and driving impressions.
Driving impressions can be viewed on video platforms for those seeking a quick visual overview.
[Attribution: Vehicle review observations and specifications compiled from a Tank 300 road test and market comparisons.]