I drove one a few weeks ago and both loved it and was frustrated by it at the same time.

First up it looks cool. It’s a chunky style and in the bright orange colour it certainly stood out.

Inside its comfortable, relatively spacious, and well laid out. The heated and ventilated front seats are supportive and allow enough room for my tall frame.

Where the frustration comes in is the clunky user interface and simply bad voice recognition. Little things like turning off the lane keep assist which I do every time is four layers in the central screen menu and sometimes the touch sensitivity isn’t the best.

Where I loved it is driving. Its not bad on road, with enough performance to keep you happy. However off road it excels. Front and rear diff locks, Multi 4WD choices and responsive feel in both steering and accelerator, places it right up there with the best 4WD’s around.

And the best part is that it is priced from a stunning $46,990 driveaway for the entry model. That’s value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find a full review of the Tank 300 4WD Here

TO LISTEN TO THE TANK 300 RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More GWM Tank 300 Ultra 4WD details

Tank 300 little Daily things that frustrate.

The Tank can be frustrating as mentioned. Little things like

• Overly intrusive safety features,
• Menu driven controls that require up to 4 pushes of the screen to simply turn off the lane keep assist,
• touch sensitivity on the central screen that is haphazard.
• Digital drivers dash central MFD that won’t show anything else except the lane keep unless you turn it off.
• Cruise control that thinks for itself when it shouldn’t
• Stop start calibration seems just a bit off.
• One touch indicator for lane swapping is finicky, often switching on and not turning off, and when you go to turn it off you end up indicating the other way.
• On a couple of occasions, the push door opening refused to work, and I had to use the fob.

These are all little things that I’m sure GWM will work out and recalibrate where necessary. But they exist now.

Pricing:

The Tank 300 petrol is offered in two trim levels, Lux and Ultra, and is available from:

• Tank 300 Lux petrol: $46,990 Driveaway
• Tank 300 Ultra petrol: $50,990 Driveaway

ABN pricing is also available. Metallic paint is an additional $595.

Also look at.

Smaller 4WDs are a bit of a sparse offering. However, the Tank 300 will cross boundaries.

Buyers could look at Jeep Wrangler, which is a lot more expensive or the Jeep Compass Trailhawk.

Larger 4WDs include Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, SsangYong Rexton, Toyota Fortuner.

GWM Tank 300 4WD Ultra final thoughts

Tank 300 4WD leaves you with mixed feelings.

It seems well built, is comfortable inside. There is a large, clear central screen. However, user interface is frustrating. As is the intrusive safety features, especially the cruise control.

Off road it fights in a weight class well above its price range.

On sand it’s excellent, on dirt roads its smooth and compliant. The rough stuff it handles with ease. This is one a few vehicles that has front and rear diff locks and the least expensive by far.

I would be interested to drive the hybrid version, which would improve one issue of being thirsty along with extra power and torque.

The overall feel is practical, functional, spacious but has some issues that will be developed out as time passes.

There is nothing that even comes close to the capability, comfort and size for the price and that is a winning formula.

It should be on your list for a test drive.

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The latest version, updated late in 2022, comes with a few cosmetic upgrades, but the key change is especially beneficial for those that use their MU-X to tow.

The MU-X is an ideal tow vehicle, with low torque delivery and a stable platform allowing towing of up to 3500kg.

The latest version now automatically disables Blind Spot Monitor and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert when it detects a properly attached trailer plug. This removes a common problem with modern 4WDs with their additional safety features, where these alerts can be constantly set off when towing a large boat or caravan.

Cars like the Isuzu MU-X are all about lifestyle. This was again made clear to me when I drove onto the beach at sunrise for some pictures and with only a single fisherman trying his luck, I had the beach to myself.

The MU-X allows you to escape and find peace and solitude. Their marketing catch phrase is apt. Go Your Own Way.

Driving along a deserted beach at sunrise is my happy place.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

You can read all about the 2023 update features HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE ISUZU MU-X RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Isuzu MU-X LS-T Video

Quick Isuzu MU-X LS-T thoughts

• The MU-X is still one of the best on-road riding 4WDs around.
• As well as one of the best 4WD Towing options.
• Off road it will pretty much hold its own against any other 4WD.
• This side of a LandCruiser or Defender, the MU-X is my go-to option for towing.
• The updates which turn off the BSM and RCTA while towing improve that rating.
• The delivery of torque allows for easy and relaxed cruising even when towing.
• The flip side is that it’s no sport 4WD though.
• Isuzu have really improved the seating comfort over the years, the latest are especially so.
• Additional electronic lumbar support for my ageing back is greatly appreciated.
• As is the recent heated seats.
• So, you may guess that driving the MU-X is very comfortable.
• I would like to see a LST five seat version.
• There are a few little things that niggle though
  • The DTE reading is haphazard and inconsistent. It will fluctuate 100km in the space of 20km up and down again.
  • This is a common issue with Isuzu, not so much of an issue when you know your vehicle, but a trap for first time towers.
  • There is no charging tray for wireless phone charging.
  • Im not the biggest fan of the top spec models window washers, I prefer the old-fashioned spray versions, rather than water dripping from the wipers.

Isuzu MU-X LS-T Final thoughts

Its obvious that I’m a big fan of the MU-X, and this is for good reason

It amongst the best in class for on road ride and handling, towing, 4WD capability, safety, and comfort.

It remains good value even with price creep over the years.

You can but a Isuzu MU-X and a decent off road camper and still have change from what you would pay for a 300 series LandCruiser.

Instead of the MU-X LS-T Also look at.

The Isuzu MU-X now sits in a competitive segment. Especially the premium end.

True dual range 4WDs are popular again.

Buyers could also look at the Toyota Fortuner, SsangYong Rexton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, Toyota Prado, Jeep Wrangler.

If you are looking for a more AWD SUV style, you could look at Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Outback XT, Land Rover Discovery Sport,

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Updated Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4WD 2023 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.