Tank 500: a Detailed Luxury SUV Review
If the Tank 300 is about compact off-road recreation, the Tank 500 is about the status and comfort of a large body-on-frame SUV. It's a direct answer to the Toyota Land Cruiser: serious capability, a premium cabin and an imposing footprint — for noticeably less. Let's go into detail.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value (varies by version) |
|---|---|
| Body / class | Large body-on-frame SUV, up to 7 seats |
| Engine | 3.0T V6 (~354 hp); a plug-in hybrid (Hi4-T) exists |
| Drive | four-wheel (4WD) with low range and locks |
| Cabin | premium: ventilated/massage seats, large screens |
| Length | ~5078 mm — executive size |
| Seating | 5 or 7 |
Versions and clearance
| Version | Engine | Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Tank 500 (3.0T V6) | petrol (large displacement) | 15–40% duty + high per-cm³ charge |
| Tank 500 PHEV (Hi4-T) | plug-in hybrid | 0% duty |
The PHEV version can be much cheaper on clearance. Availability in the catalog.
What it offers
- Body-on-frame construction + four-wheel drive with low range and locks — a real off-road base.
- Premium cabin: quality materials, ventilated/massage seats, large screens, up to 7 seats.
- Size and presence: large, status-laden, noticeable on the road.
Tank 500 vs Land Cruiser
| Criterion | Tank 500 | Toyota Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | serious (frame, locks) | the benchmark |
| Equipment | richer out of the box | more restrained |
| Clearance | V6 15–40% / PHEV 0% | depends (petrol) |
| Price | noticeably lower | high |
| Reputation/resale | rising | the benchmark |
Clearance and price
- Petrol V6: duty (15–40%) + a high charge for the large displacement + 12% VAT + recycling fee — clearance is significant.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): 0% duty — potentially much cheaper.
Calculate a specific version in the calculator; details in the customs guide. Compare powertrains in the hybrid vs EV vs petrol guide.
Strengths and things to watch
Pros: the status and comfort of a large SUV, real capability, rich equipment, a V6/PHEV choice, a price below the Land Cruiser. Watch for: the V6 has high clearance (displacement) and consumption; large dimensions; for clearance savings, look at the PHEV.
Who it's for
Those who want a large, capable, status SUV without paying the Land Cruiser "badge tax". Look at the PHEV — it can be cheaper on the final price. Prices and availability in the catalog.
