GWM Tank 300 vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?

GWM Tank 300

$46,190 - $59,990

2026 price

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Lexus RX

$101,200 - $111,100

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2026 GWM Tank 300

2026 Lexus RX

By David Morley

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency

1.9L/100km (combined)

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Energy consumption

27.2 kWh/100km

Electric range

115 km

Battery capacity

37.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

Lots of hardware, tech and equipment for the money
Genuinely off-road capable
Promise of lower-cost running

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

Dislikes

Throttle calibration is awful
Menu-driven cabin
Some driver aids require polishing

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

2026 GWM Tank 300 Summary

Sometimes it really is all a matter of timing.

GWM was always going to offer up the plug-in hybrid version of its Tank 300 4X4, but for it to arrive in showrooms right now must be being looked on as some kind of blessing at GWM HQ.

Consider the circumstances: The Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV (to give it its full name) not only saves fuel by making use of plug-in hybrid tech, but the fossil stuff it does use is petrol, not diesel with that fuel’s buck-a-litre cost penalty right now.

And with the planet on a knife’s edge waiting for the next increase in brinkmanship from those referred to as our world leaders, overseas travel has never seemed sketchier to the average Aussie. Which is when keeping it local and hitting the outback in a four-wheel drive suddenly looks really, really good. Except for the cost of fuel, that is, which is where we circle back to square one.

All of which means the GWM Tank 300 Plug-in hybrid concept could not really have come at a better time. But does the reality match the promise?

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2026 Lexus RX Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 GWM Tank 300 2026 Lexus RX

Verdict

There’s a lot to like here. The GWM Tank 300 in any of its forms is a competent vehicle from the helm and backs up its off-road claims with real ability. The ride quality, in particular, is a highlight, and it’s a good size for couples or young families. Its value for money is also quite brilliant.

Add this plug-in hybrid driveline to the mix and the performance is quite astounding, while the petrol engine and EV potential have arrived at a critical point in history where such things carry more weight than ever before. It remains to be seen what happens globally and what effect that has on fuel prices, specifically the price gap between petrol and diesel. There’s also the question of what happens electronically when you dunk the Tank into Nolan’s Brook on the track to Cape York. But for now, this is a car whose time appears to have come.

But while the overall concept deserves praise, there’s still some work required in terms of the way the car drives and in its attempts at keeping its occupants safe. The calibration of both the throttle response and some of the driver aids is, frankly, in need of some final polish. And though it sounds odd, the Tank 300 would be a better thing to live with if GWM ditched the contentious driver aids and took the points hit on its ANCAP rating. Even better would be to stick with the tech but refine it to the point where it works in the background and not as an irritant.

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

GWM Tank 300 vs Lexus RX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

GWM Tank 300 vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?