GWM Tank 500 vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado wins on money kept: 77% retained after three years vs 61%, worth about R 313 394 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tank 500 | Land Cruiser Prado | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 228 950 | R 1 369 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 480/m | R 23 931/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 77% |
| Value after 3 years | R 745 685 | R 1 059 079 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 483 265 | R 310 121 |
| Value after 5 years | R 568 091 | R 900 140 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Legendary retainer |
GWM Tank 500 →
The Tank 500 is GWM's large hybrid luxury off-roader, launched in August 2024 against the Prado and Everest. It pairs a seven-seat ladder-frame body with a strong petrol hybrid drivetrain and standard lockers. At about R1.23m it is among the priciest Chinese vehicles sold in SA, and residuals at this price point are untested.
Known for: seven-seat hybrid luxury off-roader
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado →
The Prado has been the more liveable Land Cruiser since the late 1990s, mixing genuine off-road ability with family SUV comfort. The current 250 Series arrived in 2024 with retro styling and long waiting lists. Depreciation is unusually gentle, with used Prados of every generation in steady demand.
Known for: land cruiser toughness in a family wagon
Common questions
Which holds value better, the GWM Tank 500 or the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado?
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. It keeps about 77% of its price after three years against 61% for the GWM Tank 500, a gap of 17 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The GWM Tank 500 loses about R 483 265 over three years and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado loses about R 310 121. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the GWM Tank 500 runs about R 21 480 per month and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado about R 23 931, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.