Shock Verdict: Toyota Prado vs GWM Tank 500 in $80K 4WD Showdown

Summary

In this detailed comparison, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (Prao) and the GWM Tank 500 are evaluated across various aspects. While the Prao excels in handling, safety, and driving refinement, the Tank 500 stands out with its value, tech features, and hybrid powertrain. However, the Tank 500's hybrid system lacks consistency and refinement, and its ride feels disconnected. Ultimately, despite the Tank 500's impressive features, the Prao emerges as the superior vehicle due to its better overall driving experience, smooth power delivery, and well-calibrated systems, making it the winner in this comparison.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Prau) offers better handling, more secure grip, and improved steering response compared to the GWM Tank 500.
• 😀 The Prado's handling is more intuitive, with its improved steering ratio providing a direct connection to the road.
• 😀 Despite the Prado's superior handling, its ride quality is affected by body roll and road imperfections, making the Tank 500 feel more plush at times.
• 😀 The Prado's diesel engine, while consistent, is loud and lacks hybrid or petrol options in Australia for now, though a turbo petrol version may be available later.
• 😀 The Tank 500's hybrid powertrain, although powerful at times, struggles with software inconsistencies, making its performance unpredictable.
• 😀 When the Tank 500's hybrid battery is full, the vehicle offers smooth acceleration and power, but once depleted, it becomes sluggish and less responsive.
• 😀 The Prado's safety features are more refined and user-friendly, with a sophisticated lane-keeping assist and attention monitoring system.
• 😀 The Tank 500's safety systems, particularly lane-keeping assist, are overly sensitive, causing constant driver alerts. However, improvements are being made by GWM.
• 😀 The Tank 500 delivers excellent value for money, offering a feature-rich package at a lower price compared to the Prado.
• 😀 Despite the Tank 500’s value proposition, its powertrain and safety systems need further refinement to match the Prado’s more polished performance.
• 😀 Ultimately, while the Prado is the winner in terms of driving dynamics, technology, and safety, the Tank 500 offers strong value but still needs refinement to compete fully.

Q & A

What is the main difference in driving experience between the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (Prao) and the GWM Tank 500?

The Toyota Prao offers a more intuitive, secure, and connected driving experience, especially in terms of handling and steering, whereas the GWM Tank 500 feels more isolated, with less refined handling, steering, and ride quality.

How does the powertrain of the Toyota Prao compare to the GWM Tank 500?

The Toyota Prao uses a diesel engine that is reliable and consistent but can be noisy. In contrast, the GWM Tank 500 features a hybrid powertrain that combines a petrol engine and an electric motor, but it is often inconsistent, with delays in acceleration when the battery is low.

What are the key advantages of the GWM Tank 500 over the Toyota Prao in terms of features?

The GWM Tank 500 offers excellent value for money, packing a lot of features such as a hybrid powertrain, advanced technology, and a plush ride. It also has a more modern, feature-rich interior compared to the Toyota Prao.

What are the shortcomings of the GWM Tank 500's hybrid system?

The GWM Tank 500's hybrid system suffers from inconsistent performance. When the battery is depleted, the petrol engine takes over, causing delays in acceleration, and the system can be confusing, especially with slow responses when transitioning between electric and petrol power.

Why does the Toyota Prao's ride quality feel rougher than expected?

The Toyota Prao, like many four-wheel-drive vehicles, experiences a relatively rough ride due to its body-on-frame design. While the handling is improved, road imperfections are still felt, especially when using smaller alloy wheels.

What makes the Toyota Prao’s steering feel more responsive compared to the GWM Tank 500?

The Toyota Prao has improved steering with a more immediate and feelsome response, providing a more direct and intuitive connection to the road. The GWM Tank 500, in comparison, has slower, looser steering with a less connected feel.

How do the safety features in the Toyota Prao and GWM Tank 500 compare?

The Toyota Prao has well-calibrated safety features, including lane centering and driver monitoring, which are effective and not overly intrusive. In contrast, the GWM Tank 500's safety systems are overly sensitive, requiring frequent adjustments, although the company is working to improve this.

What is the fuel efficiency of the GWM Tank 500’s hybrid system compared to the Toyota Prao's diesel engine?

The GWM Tank 500’s hybrid system is less fuel-efficient than expected, largely due to its heavy weight and a petrol engine that is used more frequently than the electric motor. The Toyota Prao’s diesel engine, while noisier, offers more consistent power delivery with reasonable fuel consumption.

Why does the GWM Tank 500 struggle with acceleration compared to the Toyota Prao?

The GWM Tank 500’s hybrid system relies heavily on its small electric motor, which is not powerful enough to propel the large vehicle on its own. This results in delayed acceleration, especially when the battery is low, whereas the Toyota Prao’s diesel engine provides more consistent power for quicker acceleration.

What makes the Toyota Prao a better choice for drivers who prioritize driving experience?

The Toyota Prao is better suited for those who prioritize a smooth and polished driving experience. It offers improved handling, better steering feel, and a more consistent ride, all while maintaining a user-friendly and intuitive driving experience.