Lexus Gx550 vs GWM Tank 500

What's the difference?

The new Lexus GX 550 Sports Luxury looks fantastic and has enough mod cons to satisfy a family but it’s not as luxurious as you’d expect from a premium brand and the fuel economy and driving range will turn off some. But if you’re still interested, there’s a lot here that will make you happy and it’s one of the smoothest 4WDs I’ve driven.

The GWM Tank 500 Ultra PHEV is an impressive five-seat 4WD wagon. It’s reasonably nice to drive, it’s comfortable and it’s a capable 4WD. These vehicles keep improving and are increasingly stacked with characteristics to like.

There are still glaring range-specific issues with some of its driver-assist tech and its plug-in hybrid set-up doesn’t offer the fuel economy you’d hope for. At least not under real-world testing conditions. But the Tank 500 is packed with features and represents decent value-for-money when cross-shopped against the likes of its stablemate the regular hybrid, or the Prado and Everest.

The new GX 550 looks massive and while it shares the same platform as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 series, it doesn't share all of its bulk. They both stand at 1980mm wide but differ on length (5015mm vs 4980mm) and height (1670mm vs 1950mm), respectively.

The new design is fabulously rugged but each body panel looks meticulously crafted and is just the right size. This just means the proportions look right and your eye sort of glides over the big body rather than stopping on any one feature.

But having said that, there are a lot of nice features to focus on, like the long LED headlights and rear strip light, auto-folding side steps, 22-inch alloy wheels and sharply styled rectangular side mirrors.

The tailgate window can also be opened if you need to pop something into the boot but don't want, or have the space, to open the tailgate itself.

The styling takes a minor nose dive once you hit the cabin, though, because it doesn't look as sumptuous as you'd expect in a premium SUV.

I love the utilitarian and military vibe of the vertical dashboard, chunky air vents and relatively small windscreen. It looks great but some trims are plasticky and the touchpoints, while soft, are not Lexus-plush.

However, the technology looks gorgeous with an integrated 14-inch multimedia display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The fixed sunroof with its two settings (clear or opaque) is also a lovely feature.

But on a whole, the GX 550's European rivals outclass it with their flashier cabins.

In terms of dimensions, the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is 5078mm long (with a 2850mm wheelbase), 1934mm wide and 1905mm high. It has a listed kerb weight of 2820kg, so it’s not an insubstantial vehicle.

There are plenty of old-school 4WD design cues in the Tank 500’s appearance. It’s mostly chunky and straight up and down, with some softer curves here and there as concessions to contemporary styling.

It's clear to see where the GWM Tank 500 takes its cues from – most of the current crop of popular 4WD wagons, such as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

The Tank 500 is a large vehicle straddling that line between large and extra-large 4WD wagons. It is longer than any 300 Series, but it’s narrower and shorter.

It has a sunroof, roof rails, electric side steps (that extend when doors are opened and retract when doors are shut) and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is well laid-out and functional with some understated class to it. There are soft-touch surfaces and genuine Nappa leather seating throughout.

The cabin of the new GX 550 is fairly practical with plenty of head- and legroom in each row (yep, even the third!). When you first hop in, it can feel a big snug on elbow-room but this feeling quickly dissipates.

Despite a 215mm ground clearance, access is pretty good for the front and middle rows due to the wide door apertures and side-steps. Third row access is a bit awkward for an adult but my eight-year old loved scampering back there this week.

The electric front seats are comfortable with their extra functions and I like the way the massage feature extends to the seat cushion as it limits fatigue on longer journeys. However, you sit on top of them rather sink into them which makes it feel a little trucky at times.

The wide middle row has a bench seat that will be comfortable for kids but an adult might get a sore behind on a long trip. The transmission tunnel also compromises foot room for adults but the seat is wide enough to make use of all three top-tether anchor points (there are ISOFIX mounts too).

It was a little bit of an effort to lift my big booster seat into the back because the GX 550 sits so tall but otherwise, there's plenty of room around a child seat for them not to feel like a sardine.

Individual storage is made up of a glove box that fits an owner's manual, a small shelf in the dashboard and a middle console that doubles as a cool box (mini fridge) and can fit up to four cans or bottles in it.

Each row gets four drinkholders and two USB-C ports but the front also enjoys a 12-volt socket and wireless charging pad. There's a 220V domestic plug port in the boot for larger appliances, too.

It's sometimes awkward to use the wireless charging pad because it's easy for your phone to slide around on it and it quite often disengaged from charging.

My son enjoyed all of the other amenities in the middle row, like the reading lights, climate control, two USB-C ports and retractable sunblinds and I applaud carmakers when they position rear directional air vents in the pillars and/or roof. It just makes it so much easier to cool down sweaty kids!

The 14-inch multimedia display has clear graphics and a responsive touchscreen. The layout is easy enough to get used to after spending some time with it and the sat nav is simple to use.

I like that the sat nav directions can be pulled into the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display.

There is a Lexus connected services app, which you get a three-year subscription to. It's easy to connect to the wireless Apple CarPlay and there is also wireless Android Auto.

The system also has Bluetooth and digital radio, which is a delight to use through the 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The cabin is rounded out by the well-shaped boot which has a massive 1063L of capacity when the third-row is folded. That's been more than enough for my family's needs this week and my German Shepherd was pretty comfy back there, too. The powered tailgate has a kick-function and there is a full-size spare wheel underneath the car.

This Tank 500 has five seats because the two at the very rear have been removed to accommodate the hybrid battery.

The front seats are Nappa leather, power-adjustable (eight-way for the driver, six-way for the front passenger), as well as being ventilated with massage and memory functions.

The three-position second row – set up in a 60/40 split-folding configuration – breaks the usual 4WD wagon second-row seat tradition of being fine but not fantastic. The second-row set-up in this Tank is a first-class-cabin-style back seat with a flip-down control console (which includes air-con controls) instead of a basic centre armrest.

As mentioned there is no third row in this Tank 500 because of its underfloor battery.

Up front, the 14.6-inch multimedia screen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) dominates the dash. It's generally easy enough to use, although I had difficulty getting my iPhone hooked up to the system and the cabin set-up remains clunky and counter-intuitive in its operation.

The cabin has wireless charging, front and rear USB ports, as well as 12V and 220V power outlets.

The second row folds away to expand the rear storage capacity. Cargo volume is a listed 640 litres when all seats are in use and 1400 litres when the second row is stowed away.

The rear cargo area has tie-down points and a cargo slide cover.

The GWM Tank 500 PHEV is only available in high-spec Ultra trim and has a listed drive-away price of $78,990.

Standard features in the Ultra include a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), three-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric side steps, a 360-degree view monitor plus 'clear chassis view', auto parking assist, auto reversing assistance, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, all-terrain driving modes and an electronic rear diff lock.

Worth noting the Tank 500’s 37.11kWh battery supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which means you can power your camping gear (lights, fridge etc). It offers up to 6.0kW of off-grid power, according to GWM.

'Marble White' paint is standard. Metallic paint, including 'Crystal Black' ($495), 'Dune Gold' ($595), and 'Onyx Silver' ($595) costs extra.

All GX 550 grades share the same 3.5L V6 twin turbo-petrol engine which produces up to 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque.

This 4WD has high- and low-gearing, as well as a bunch of driving modes to suit most occasions, like 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Sport+'.

The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts through its gears smoothly and it always feels like it's engaged in the right gear. Which isn't always the case for a big SUV!

The Sports Luxury is fitted with a towing hitch and cover but unlike the base Sports grade which has a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, this model only has a 3130kg capacity which might not appeal to families with big toys to tow. 

Every Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 37.11kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor. And that combination produces a total* of 300kW and 750Nm. 

* Electric motor 120kW, petrol engine 180kW at 6000rpm. Motor 400Nm, engine 380Nm at 1700-4000rpm.

This system is mostly seamless in operation but as for GWM’s claims that it delivers “outstanding efficiency, performance, and refinement smooth, responsive take-offs, strong acceleration, and exceptional fuel savings - while ensuring minimal noise and maximum driving confidence”. Well, let’s just say this Tank 500 gets off the mark well for a large 4WD but the prompting requires a heavy right foot.

It is generally quiet and comfortable and yields a smooth driving experience. And as for fuel saving, flick your eyes down to ‘Efficiency’ to see how it did on this test.

This Tank 500 has a nine-speed automatic transmission, low- and high-range 4WD gearing, as well as a front, centre and rear diff lock.

I didn’t have high hopes for fuel economy because the official combined (urban/extra-urban cycle figure is a hefty 12.3L/100km but after mostly open-road driving, with some urban stuff mixed in, my real-world average came in at 11.8L.100km! This figure is based on my actual km travelled (358km) and litres of fuel used (42.41L).

While I’m surprised by the fuel usage result, I wouldn’t say this car has good fuel economy compared to its diesel-powered counterparts but it’s not terrible!

The GX 550 has a relatively small fuel tank compared to its Toyota cousins at 80L and based on the combined fuel cycle, you’ll get a theoretical driving range of up to 650km.

Not all that great. Not for a big family mover and not if you’re typically driving in the city, where fuel usage will be a lot higher.

The GX 550 only accepts premium unleaded petrol (95 RON), too.

Official fuel consumption is 2.1L/100km on a combined cycle on regular unleaded fuel (91) with low-charge consumption at 8.4L/100km. For reference, low-charge fuel consumption on this test was 10.2L/100km as recorded. Okay, but not a particularly compelling result.

The Tank 500 has a 70-litre fuel tank so, going by those fuel figures, you could reasonably expect a driving range of about 686km out of a full tank.

Oh my goodness the Sports Luxury is a masterclass on 4WD refinement! You never feel the bulk or weight of this massive SUV when you’re driving it. The power delivery is effortless and there’s lots of grunt available when you hit hills.

The handling is also very good with responsive steering and enough road feedback as a driver to make you feel comfortable with what the car is doing. There is some roll in corners but it can tackle more corners at speed than I thought it would. 

The high driving position makes me feel like I can see a long way ahead yet while visibility is mostly good, it can be compromised when you have the side window shades and the third row headrests up. Which is why I love the digital rear view mirror.

Overall, ride comfort is good with forgiving suspension and low cabin noise, even at higher speeds. It’s pretty easy to chat with all rows and there’s not a lot of engine noise which adds to the refinement. I do like hearing a V6 rumble but that’s just a personal preference. 

I was a little worried about hitting my local Westfield car park but this is a nimble SUV to manoeuvre and parking it is a breeze with the 360-degree camera system and parking sensors. 

The Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is decent on road – and that’s good news for anyone thinking about buying this large 4WD.

It has more power and torque than its hybrid stablemate (300kW/750Nm vs 255kW/648Nm) for general day-to-day drivability while it retains all of the regular hybrid’s positive driving characteristics and few of the negatives.

This Tank 500’s turbocharged petrol engine and the electric motor work seamlessly together, with no discernible clunking or shifting between systems in the powertrain.

This is a big, heavy four-wheel drive – even heavier in this plug-in hybrid form than the regular hybrid because of this vehicle’s battery. But it is nicely settled and composed because of that weight.

This flip side is the extra heft on-board means there is some body-roll to this vehicle. It’s noticeable, but not a deal-breaker.

On highways, sealed surfaces or well-maintained bush tracks the Tank 500 is quite impressive. It’s settled, controlled and quite nice to drive.

Overall, this Tank 500’s suspension – double wishbone independent with coil springs at the front, and multi-link live axle with coil springs at the rear – is firm. There has been talk of it having been retuned for Australian conditions, but it remains stiff and jittery at pace, especially through backcountry bitumen in poor condition and lightly corrugated dirt roads. However, GWM informs me that the suspension set-up will undergo more retuning for Australian conditions and those changes will be incorporated into 2026 production vehicles.

Besides that, the engine, electric motor and transmission work quite well together. It is a reasonably smooth 4WD wagon to drive.

There are, however, glaring issues with the driver-assist tech, which is quite annoying in its operation. It’s either very jarring or intrusive in its application (example: adaptive cruise control braking way too early), or bloody annoying/dangerous (example: road-sign recognition abruptly tried to cut my speed from 100km/h to 40km/h because it registered the school zone sign off to the side of the highway. At the time it was outside school drop-off and pick-up times anyway.).

You can switch off the driver-assist features every time you start up, but the system resets and defaults to being annoying again when you switch off.

When it comes to 4WDing though, the good news returns.

This hybrid retains all of the regular Tank 500’s 4WD mechanicals, including the (BorgWarner-sourced) transfer case with high- and low-range 4WD, and it offers up plenty of torque across a decent spread of revs.

The off-road traction control system is suitably dialled in, hill descent control is effective, keeping you to a nice controlled low speed and there’s low-speed cruise control or the equivalent that keeps the vehicle to a controlled pace across varying terrain.

Not forgetting, the Tank 500 is triple locked – front, centre and rear diff locks – so there are few excuses to not be able to crawl over most off-road obstacles.

However, the tyres on this vehicle (Giti Xross HT71 SUV - 265/60R18) aren't up to scratch when it comes to off-roading beyond anything other than well-maintained tracks in the dry. The Tank 500 as is well suited, straight out of the dealership, for light to moderate off-roading. But if you swap in a decent set of aggressive all-terrain tyres the Tank 500 will be able to more comfortably take on more challenging terrain.

But it's capable of climbing. I took on a 30-35 degree incline of rock steps and the Tank 500 did it easily and comfortably on its standard highway tyres.

Most of the plug-in hybrid Tank’s off-roading characteristics check out. Approach, ramp over and departure angles are as per the regular hybrid Tank 500 (30, 22.5 and 24 degrees) and wading depth is a listed 800mm although the country was so dry at our proving ground that I never had the chance to test that claim.

Ground clearance on the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is listed as 213mm (it’s 224mm in the normal hybrid) but that doesn't negatively impact this vehicle's off-roading capability if you drive it with control and consideration.

It is big, so it can be a little bit tricky to steer around, especially when the track becomes tighter and the obstacles become a bit more cheeky, but generally this can be driven very safely and with the utmost control through a lot of tricky four-wheel driving challenges.

It's not as polished in its off-road performance as something like the Toyota Prado or Ford Everest, but it does the job and there's a bit of a gruff edge to it, which some people might consider part of its charm.

As mentioned, the Tank 500’s 37.11kWh battery supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which in theory means you’ll be able to power your camp-site (lights, fridge etc), but I’ll reserve final judgement on this set-up until I have the opportunity to test it over a long weekend with several appliances drawing power at the same time.

If you’re thinking about using this Tank PHEV as an adventure touring vehicle then it’s handy to know its payload is listed as 610kg, while it’s noted as 790kg in the Tank 500 HEV. Throw two adults, two teenagers, a dog, and camping gear in and you’ll hit that 610kg mark in no time.

The Tank 500 is rated to tow a 750kg unbraked trailer and 3000kg braked. Gross vehicle mass is 3430kg and gross combined mass is 6430kg.

The Tank 500 has the maximum five-star ANCAP rating from testing in 2024. As standard, it has seven airbags and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech including AEB, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree around-view camera.

Lexus offers the GX 550 with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is fairly standard compared to its Euro rivals.

You get five years capped-priced servicing which costs $5950 but the servicing schedule is a bit of a bear at every six months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.

The Tank 500 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty, seven years' roadside assistance and seven years' capped price servicing.

The Tank 500’s 37.1kWh traction battery has an eight year/unlimited km warranty.

The first service is scheduled at 12 months/10,000km; the rest of the servicing appointments are set for every 12 months/15,000km. Lowest price per services is $335, highest is $975.

GWM has 122 dealerships nationwide at time of writing.