GWM Tank 300: How It Fared on Our Grade 4 Rock Crawl Track

BY COTY JUDGE YAMIN VONG

 

Since its Malaysian debut earlier this year, the GWM Tank 300 has drawn strong interest from SUV buyers looking for something modern, rugged, and relatively affordable. Great Wall Motor positions the Tank 300 as a rival to established 4×4 icons such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser, the Jeep Wrangler, and even the latest monocoque Land Rover Defender (L663). With those benchmarks in mind, we took the Tank 300 to our Grade 4 rock-crawl test track to see how it performs when pushed beyond the typical showroom test drive.

 

Under our off-road rating scheme, Grade 1 is mild terrain suitable for crossovers, while Grade 5 demands low-range capability, locking differentials, and—quite likely—winching. Grade 4 sits just below that threshold: extremely technical, with rock steps, deep articulation points, and hazards that can damage a vehicle if not approached with experience. Our one-kilometre rock crawl course includes three demanding sections, each progressively more difficult.

 

To ensure safety, we brought along a winch-equipped Land Rover 110 as a support vehicle driven by  Wan Azuar, our experienced off-roader. Silvester Loo, another experienced off-roader was our “spotter” to help the driver navigate the rocks.

 

The Tank 300 arrived well-prepared on paper: a ladder-frame chassis, low-range gearing, rear locking diffs, and electronically managed traction systems. From the start of the first rock section, it showed that it was engineered with modern intelligence. The suspension articulation was decent, and the traction control reacted quickly enough for moderate obstacles. Its approach and departure angles cleared the early boulders without drama.

 

The second crawl section, however, exposed the limits of a showroom-spec unit. Two large rock shelves required precise wheel placement, and while the Tank 300 climbed confidently at first in rock crawl mode which electronically locks the rear differential, the right rear wheel eventually failed to gain enough grip to crest one of the taller rocks. As we fed more throttle in an attempt to muscle over it, the engine control unit stepped in and decisively pulled back power. Instead of allowing the driver to apply brute force, the ECU prioritised driveline protection — an admirable trait for long-term durability, but not ideal when you need every bit of torque for a technical climb.

 

This protective intervention was not a flaw; rather, it reflected the Tank’s character as a modern, electronically vigilant 4×4. Still, physics won the day. With the rear wheel unable to climb and with limited risk-free approaches available, we deployed the Land Rover 110’s winch. A gentle pull was enough to guide the Tank over the rock with minimal contact and no visible damage. The rear differential slid over the rock easily and we observed that the drain plug on the rear diff was offset to the side and out of harm’s way. 

 

The third and final section reaffirmed the Tank 300’s strengths: stability, predictable throttle response, and a cabin that remained impressively refined for a ladder-frame vehicle on sharp rocks. It handled the remainder of the track respectably, though clearly at its upper limit.

 

Overall, the GWM Tank 300 proved capable, modern, and intelligently protected by its electronics. It isn’t a hardcore rock-crawler in stock form – but it is a genuinely competent 4×4 that can tackle serious terrain.

There are solid tow points in the front and the rear. The side steps are tough and made with metal braces and plastics that are engineered to deflect, deform and return to a memorised shape for all but the most serious crunches. The bulky looking plastic rear bumper provides a real working surface as we discovered to our pleasant surprise when we used it as a working surface to sharpen our chain saw. 

For most buyers, the Tank 300’s balance of refinement and real off-road ability is exactly the appeal. 

 

5 basic specifications of the GWM Tank 300 launched in Malaysia:

 

Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol Engine produces 224 PS and 387 Nm of torque, 

 

Transmission: 8-Speed ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission

 

Drivetrain: Part-Time 4WD with Low-Range (2H, 4H, 4L)

 

Off-Road Features:  Rear Electronic Differential Locks & Tank Turn (Crawl Mode)

 

Infotainment: Dual 12.3-inch Screens (Digital Cluster & Central Display). Audio is by Infinity

 

Summary 

Vehicle Approximate Price (RM) Key Advantage vs. Tank 300 Tank 300’s Advantage

GWM Tank 300 259,800 Most Luxurious Interior

Toyota Fortuner 255,880 Stronger Resale Value superior offroad hardware

& brand trust

Ford Everest 308,012 More Powerful Diesel V6,  

Global Reputation,

 More Standard Front & Rear Lockers

Isuzu MU-X 177,499 – 218,999 Legendary Diesel Engine Durability & Towing

Conclusion: The GWM Tank 300 cleverly positions itself between the established Japanese rivals (Fortuner, MU-X) and the premium American one (Everest). It offers more luxury and standard off-road gear than the Japanese models at a lower price than the Ford, making it a very compelling and unique package in the Malaysian market.