GWM Tank 500 vs Kia EV9
Verdict
The GWM Tank 500 is the cheaper, taller petrol-hybrid seven-seater, undercutting the Kia EV9 by RM39,868 while using a 1,998 cc engine, 1.8 kWh battery and conventional automatic. The EV9 is the stronger, roomier EV on paper: dual motors make 380 hp versus 241 hp, its 99.8 kWh battery gives 505 km range, and the boot is 333 litres versus just 98 litres. The Tank fights back with 1,905 mm height, a 75-litre tank, AEB and a six-year warranty.
Pick the GWM Tank 500 if you want the lower price, petrol-hybrid refuelling, taller body and AEB in a seven-seat AWD SUV.
Pick the Kia EV9 if you can charge at home and want the 505 km EV range, 380 hp dual-motor output, longer wheelbase and far bigger boot.
Key differences
- Price: GWM Tank 500 RM328,800; Kia EV9 RM368,668
- Power: GWM Tank 500 241 hp; Kia EV9 380 hp
- Battery: GWM Tank 500 1.8 kWh; Kia EV9 99.8 kWh
- Wheelbase: GWM Tank 500 2,850 mm; Kia EV9 3,100 mm
- Boot space: GWM Tank 500 98 litres; Kia EV9 333 litres
- Road tax: GWM Tank 500 RM439/year; Kia EV9 RM515/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 328,800✓ | RM 368,668 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | Dual motor |
| Power | 241 hp | 380 hp✓ |
| Torque | 380 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 1.8 kWh | 99.8 kWh✓ |
| EV range | — | 505 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,070 mm | 5,015 mm |
| Width | 1,934 mm | 1,980 mm |
| Height | 1,905 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 3,100 mm |
| Boot space | 98 L | 333 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 75 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 6✓ | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 439✓ | RM 515 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Tank 500
- RM39,868 cheaper to buy
- Taller 1,905 mm body
- AEB and six-year warranty
- Only 98 litres of boot space
- 241 hp trails the EV9’s 380 hp
- Shorter 2,850 mm wheelbase
EV9
- 380 hp dual-motor AWD
- 99.8 kWh battery with 505 km range
- 333-litre boot and 3,100 mm wheelbase
- Costs RM39,868 more
- Five-year warranty is shorter
- Road tax is RM515 a year
Tank 500 vs EV9 FAQ
Is the GWM Tank 500 or Kia EV9 better?
The Kia EV9 is better for EV performance, range and space, with 380 hp, 505 km range and a 333-litre boot. The GWM Tank 500 suits buyers wanting a cheaper petrol-hybrid SUV with AEB and a six-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Kia EV9 costs RM39,868 more than the GWM Tank 500. The GWM is priced at RM328,800, while the Kia is RM368,668.
Which one has more boot space and a longer wheelbase?
The Kia EV9. It has 333 litres of boot space and a 3,100 mm wheelbase, against the GWM Tank 500’s 98 litres and 2,850 mm.