2025 TANK 500 HEV Review

In 2025, the selection of mid-to-large SUVs in the Malaysian market is becoming increasingly diverse, with family users and outdoor enthusiasts leaning toward models that balance comfort, performance, and practicality. As a new hybrid option in the rugged SUV lineup, the TANK 500 HEV offers a combined 346PS of horsepower, a maximum torque of 648N·m, along with standard features such as a four-wheel drive system and a panoramic sunroof, making it a highly discussed model in this niche market. Over a week-long urban commuting and short-distance outdoor test drive, we focused on its powertrain transition, space utility, and feature performance to see if it fulfills local consumers' expectations of an "all-around SUV."

In terms of appearance, the TANK 500 HEV continues the brand's iconic rugged style with a large chrome front grille paired with square LED headlights, giving it a highly recognizable look. The body lines are kept straight, while the roof rack and 20-inch multi-spoke wheels enhance its off-road vibe. The LED tail lights at the rear echo the front design, and the chrome accents under the rear bumper add a touch of refinement. For the lighting system, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and front fog lights come as standard, providing sufficient illumination at night.

Stepping inside, the interior mainly uses black soft-touch materials, coupled with wood grain panels and silver trim, creating a generally stable and composed atmosphere. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and 14.6-inch central touchscreen deliver a strong sense of technology. The central screen operates smoothly, with practical features such as built-in navigation, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. In terms of configuration, HUD head-up display, wireless charging, and an Infinity 12-speaker audio system are standard, while the front seats offer 8-way electric adjustment, and the passenger seat has 6-way electric adjustment. The seat padding is soft, making long rides comfortable.

The spaciousness is one of the strengths of the TANK 500 HEV. With a 2850mm wheelbase, the rear legroom is quite ample—when a passenger of 175cm sits in the back, there’s over two fists of space between the knees and the front seatback. The second row supports a 60:40 split fold, while the third row offers a 50:50 split fold. The trunk has a default capacity of 98L, which can be expanded to 776L when the third row is folded, and up to 1489L when all rows are folded down—easily accommodating a baby stroller or camping gear. The cabin also has plenty of storage compartments; the front and rear door panels can hold two bottles of water, while the central armrest box and glove compartment are spacious enough for daily use. The second row even features independent air-conditioning vents and a USB charging port.

In terms of performance, the combination of the 2.0T turbocharged engine and permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers a combined output of 346PS and a total torque of 648N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. During daily city commutes, the motor's intervention makes for a brisk start, and the accelerator response is very smooth. The power delivery is seamless under speeds of 60km/h. In Sport mode, the throttle becomes more sensitive, and pressing the accelerator deeply engages both the engine and the motor simultaneously, providing impressive acceleration from 80km/h to 120km/h, making overtaking easy and confident. The transmission shifts gears with clear logic, and both upshifts and downshifts are proactive, with virtually no noticeable jerking. During the test drive, fuel consumption averaged about 9.5L/100km in city conditions and 8.2L/100km on highways. For a mid-to-large SUV, this fuel efficiency is considered average.

In terms of handling, the combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When driving on asphalt roads daily, the suspension can filter out most small vibrations, and the shock from speed bumps is handled relatively smoothly. The steering wheel has moderate steering effort, is fairly precise, and has minimal play. At higher speeds, the steering wheel becomes steadier, enhancing stability. Over the weekend, I took a drive on an unpaved road. The minimum ground clearance of 224mm allowed it to easily traverse small dirt hills and uneven road sections, and the four-wheel-drive system engaged promptly without any slippage. However, being an urban SUV, extreme off-road capability is not its strong suit.

In terms of noise control, the performance of the TANK 500 HEV is commendable. At speeds below 80km/h, wind noise and tire noise inside the car are minimal. Only at 120km/h on the highway does wind noise become slightly noticeable, but it does not interfere with normal conversation. The seats provide good wrapping and sufficient lumbar support, ensuring long drives are not excessively tiring.

In terms of safety features, the TANK 500 HEV excels. Standard features include six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, and vehicle stability control. The active safety systems comprise lane departure warning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and the ACC adaptive cruise control, which is very convenient on highways as it automatically follows and maintains distance with the car ahead. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automatic parking assist function reduce parking difficulty and are especially friendly for novice drivers.

Overall, the core advantages of the TANK 500 HEV lie in its smooth powertrain, spacious interior, and abundant features. Compared to competitors in the same segment such as the Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest, its hybrid system offers better fuel efficiency and power response, and its features are more comprehensive. Yet, its price is about 30,000 Malaysian Ringgit lower than similarly equipped competitors, making it a standout in terms of value for money.

In terms of target audience, the TANK 500 HEV is more suitable for family users who value practical space and features, especially families who frequently travel with elderly and young children. Its comfort and safety features meet these needs well. Additionally, users who enjoy weekend camping trips can also consider it, as the spacious trunk and four-wheel-drive system can handle light off-road scenarios.

All in all, the 2025 TANK 500 HEV is a mid-to-large SUV with "no obvious shortcomings." Its hybrid powertrain strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, and its space and features meet the needs of most families. If you’re looking for an "all-rounder" SUV, it’s worth adding to your list of considerations.