When two rugged newcomers enter the UAE’s off-road arena, things get interesting. The 212 T01 and the GWM Tank 300 both promise toughness, tech, and terrain-crushing confidence. Recently, 212 Motors launched the T01 AWD SUV and became a massive buzz. Which SUV will emerge on top? Let’s find out in the comparison.
AI Quick Summary
This article compares the new petrol-powered 212 T01 and GWM Tank 300 SUVs entering the UAE’s off-road market. While both offer robust performance, impressive off-road capabilities, and strong safety, the T01 presents a more old-school, rugged design and functional interior, in contrast to the Tank 300’s refined aesthetics, advanced tech features, and luxurious cabin.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
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But before you pick a favourite, note this: we are talking about the petrol-powered versions only. The Tank 300’s hybrid (HEV) model is staying in the garage for now. This is a fair, petrol-to-petrol face-off.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Dimensions
| Dimensions | T01 | Tank 300 |
| Length | 4,705mm | 4,760mm |
| Width | 1,895mm | 1,930mm |
| Height | 1,936mm | 1,903mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,860mm | 2,750mm |
| Boot Space | ~ 300L | 400L |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80L | 75L |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500KG | 2,500KG |
When it comes to size, both SUVs mean business. The 212 T01 measures about 4,705 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,936 mm tall. It rides high with 235 mm of ground clearance and a wheelbase close to 2,750 mm, giving it excellent stability on rough terrain. Those chunky proportions make it feel properly commanding on UAE roads.
The Tank 300 is slightly longer and wider, coming in at around 4,760 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,903 mm in height. Ground clearance is a bit lower at 224 mm, but its broader stance and shorter overhangs add agility and balance, especially on twisty mountain tracks or city manoeuvres.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Exterior Design
| Features | T01 | Tank 300 |
| Lights | LED | LED |
| Wheels | 18-inch | 17-inch |
| Tailgate Mounted Spare | Yes | Yes |
| Roof Rails | Yes | Yes |
| Body Cladding | Yes | Yes |
| Side Step | Yes | Yes |
| Tailgate | Barn-door Style | Barn-door Style |
| Shark-Fin Antenna | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-tone Colours | No | No |
| Rear Light Bar | No | No |
The 212 T01 shouts old-school off-roader from every angle. It has the stance of a vehicle built to survive a sandstorm. The boxy shape, squared wheel arches, and heavy cladding make it look like it was designed with a ruler and a toolbox.
The Tank 300, by contrast, is a more refined brute. It keeps the tough silhouette but adds polish. Sleek LED lights with sequential indicators, sculpted bumpers, and panoramic sunroof options make it look far more premium.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Interiors & Features
| Features | T01 | Tank 300 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Instrument Cluster | 10.25-inch Display | 12.3-inch Display |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch Display | 12.3-inch Display |
| Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Carplay | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone | Dual-zone |
| Powered Seats | Front | Front |
| Ventilated Seats | Front | Front |
| Massaging Seats | Driver | Front |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Single-Pane |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | 8-speaker | 9-speaker |
| Rear AC Vent | Yes | Yes |
| Center Armrest | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Armrest | Yes | Yes |
Inside the 212 T01, things are far better than expected for its price. The Officer trim’s two-tone quilted leather seats are heated, ventilated, and even massaging. A 12.3-inch touchscreen works with a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and rear vents tick the modern boxes. It feels practical but not bare, and everything is designed to handle dust and heat rather than just city commutes.
Step into the Tank 300, and the game changes. You get a proper luxury cabin dressed in Nappa leather, polished metal finishes, and a pair of sharp 12.3-inch screens that feel straight from a high-end saloon. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-speaker Infinity audio system, PM2.5 air filtration, and cooled seats make it an oasis in the dunes.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Engine & Performance
| Engines | T01 | Tank 300 |
| Capacity | 2.0-litre | 2.0-litre |
| Max Power | 248hp | 224hp |
| Peak Torque | 410Nm | 387Nm |
| 0 to 100km/h | 10 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Top-Speed | 180km/h | 180km/h |
| Gearbox | 8-speed AT | 8-speed AT |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
The 212 T01 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 228 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. It sends power through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low range. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes around 10 seconds, and the top speed is about 180 km/h. It is built more for torque than thrills, keeping steady on soft sand and steep climbs.
The Tank 300 also runs a 2.0-litre turbo engine, delivering 224 horsepower and 387 Nm. It uses an 8-speed automatic and a smart 4WD system with nine selectable terrain modes. It hits 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, and tops out near 180 km/h. It is more refined on the highway and feels tighter in acceleration.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Off-Road
| Stats | T01 | Tank 300 |
| Approach Angle | 40 degrees | 33 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 23.6 degrees | 23.1 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 36 degrees | 34 degrees |
| Ground Clearance | 235 | 224mm |
| Water Wading Depth | 850mm | 700mm |
| Differential | Front, Rear & Centre | Front & Rear |
| Terrain Modes | 7 | 7 |
| Tank Turn | No | Yes |
If your weekends involve dunes, rocks, and wadis, both SUVs deliver the goods. The 212 T01 has an edge in raw geometry: approach angle of 40.3°, departure of 35.5°, and 235 mm ground clearance. It even wades through water up to 850 mm deep. Front, rear, and centre locking differentials give it proper off-road cred. It is old-fashioned in a good way, letting the driver control what happens.
The Tank 300 brings brainpower to brawn. It has nine terrain modes, front and rear electronic diff locks, and its famous “Tank Turn” trick that lets it pivot on the spot. Its ground clearance of 224 mm and wading depth of 700 mm are still excellent. Crawl control and hill descent systems make life easier for less experienced off-roaders.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Safety
| Safety Features | T01 | Tank 300 |
| Airbags | Multiple | 7 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Anchors | Yes | Yes |
| 360-degree Camera | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Level 2 | Level 2 |
The 212 T01 keeps things simple but solid. Dual front airbags, optional side airbags, stability control, ISOFIX mounts, and a 360-degree camera are all available. Lane departure and automatic braking systems are included on higher trims.
The Tank 300 piles on the tech. Seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and collision mitigation all come standard on higher variants. Its Level 2 ADAS suite and five-star ANCAP rating make it one of the safest off-road SUVs in its class.
212 T01 vs Tank 300: Price
The 212 T01 starts at around AED 90,000, rising to about AED 105,000 for the top-of-the-line Officer model. You get a serious off-roader for the money, and the value proposition is undeniable.
The Tank 300, the more premium option, starts at AED 119,900 and can reach AED 155,000 for high trims. In return, you get longer warranties: six years or 200,000 km on the vehicle.
Find the best Tank 300 for sale in the UAE and the best used cars for sale in the UAE.
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When two rugged newcomers enter the UAE’s off-road arena, things get interesting. The 212 T01 and the GWM Tank 300 both promise toughness, tech, and terrain-crushing confidence. Recently, 212 Motors launched the T01 AWD SUV and became a massive buzz.
