China’s original ute maker has launched a new dual-cab that’s a heck of an advance on its predecessor. The nearly Ford Ranger-sized ute comes loaded with active safety features and more modern interior tech, plus mechanical improvements including an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, rear differential lock, and disc brakes both front and rear.
Quickly see how this car stacks up against its competition. Select any benchmark to see more details.
Where expert car reviews meet expert car buying – CarExpert gives you trusted advice, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $34,990 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, RWD | $32,990 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $36,490 |
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $37,490 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $38,490 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, RWD | $34,490 |
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $40,990 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $37,990 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $41,990 |
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $43,990 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $41,990 |
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $45,990 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $41,990 |
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $51,490 |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | $46,990 |
Where expert car reviews meet expert car buying – CarExpert gives you trusted advice, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
A very reasonably sized cargo tray for the GWM Cannon makes it a very viable alternative to the traditional Thai-built Utes such as the Ranger and Hilux.
Where expert car reviews meet expert car buying – CarExpert gives you trusted advice, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the GWM Cannon
A surprisingly good looking ute, the GWM Cannon certainly gets noticed where ever it goes and given it drives as good as it looks, it's certainly not lacking in the design department with a bold look front and rear.
Ignore the price, because the Cannon looks and feels pretty high-end from behind the wheel.
The range-topping Cannon-X has a unique dashboard trim compared to the L, and even has a different air vent on the passenger side to match its black-and-silver patterned finisher.
The design is a bit chintzy, but it does look more expensive than the models sitting below it in the range.
With plenty of storage in the doors, under the central armrest, the deep cupholders, and in the glovebox, you won’t struggle to find space for your iced coffee on the way to an early site inspection.
Although it’s not the last word in tactility, the climate dials, transmission shifter, and wheel buttons feel solid. The ‘luxury’ leather on the seats is a nice touch, as is the fact the front pews are heated.
The driving position is good, with plenty of adjustment for different body shapes in the seats and a steering wheel that adjusts for both reach and rake. Long days behind the wheel aren’t taxing, and burly tradies won’t struggle to wedge their frames in.
The glossy 7 or 9.0-inch touchscreen sitting high in the the dashboard is generally good to use. The graphics are pretty sharp, and it responds quickly to inputs. Apple CarPlay worked reliably, but drivers who frequent remote areas with no mobile reception will bemoan the lack of factory satellite navigation.
The surround-view camera is class-leading, and its array of off-road views will make nervous pilots more comfortable on tight trails. Great Wall should kill the Chinese script that accompanies the “check surroundings” message, though.
One of the Cannon-X’s calling cards is its digital instrument binnacle, which is lifted from some of Haval’s crossovers. It’s a nice inclusion, but doesn’t really add much functionality given it can’t display maps.
Flicking through the different trip computer options is also harder than it should be, thanks to the clunky steering wheel controls. It’s not for off being good, but at the moment it just feel a bit first-generation.
There’s a lot of reflections off the dash and display in direct sunlight.
Standard across all models are:
| GWM Cannon | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, 4x4 | Diesel | 9.4 L/100km |
| 2.0L, 8-speed auto, 4-door Utility, Diesel, RWD | Diesel | 8.4 L/100km |
What are the running and servicing costs of a GWM Cannon?
GWM Australia offers capped-price servicing for the first five visits, required after the first six months or 5000km of ownership, and every 12 months or 10,000km after that.
The first service costs $260, the subsequent four each cost $360.
Our expert take on GWM Cannon drivability.
Under the bonnet is a reworked 2.0-litre turbo-diesel produced and developed in-house. Its outputs are 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque – a little below core rivals bar the LDV T60.
All versions come standard with an eight-speed automatic developed by ZF. There’s no manual option, but GWM now offers a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 models in the base Cannon.
The mid-range L and X models are still 4×4-only.
As is common for the ute class, the front and rear suspension make-up comprises double wishbones at the front and leaf springs at the back.
What colours are available for the GWM Cannon
The Ute Cannon-X is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Kia
Tasman
BYD
Shark 6
JAC
T9
GWM
Cannon Alpha
Deals available
RAM
1500
LDV
T60
Volkswagen
Amarok
Nissan
Navara
Mazda
BT-50
Isuzu
D-Max
Can’t see the car you’re considering?
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
All the good things about the lower-end Cannon range carry over here.
It’s still a solid performer on and off the road, and still represents great value compared to a HiLux or Ranger. It’s not a class-leader in any particular area, but it doesn’t need to be with a sticker price around $40,000 drive-away.
The addition of a five-star ANCAP safety rating hasn’t hurt its case, either.
Should you bother with the Cannon-X? It’s not essential. The Cannon-L is already loaded with standard kit, and the extras on the X are nice to have rather than absolutely critical.
Given value is one of the key draws of opting for a GWM, we’d be saving the extra $3000 and sticking with the mid-range model.
Where expert car reviews meet expert car buying – CarExpert gives you trusted advice, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
The cheapest GWM Cannon is the Cannon Premium that starts from $32,990.
The most expensive GWM Cannon is the Cannon-Xsr that starts from $51,490.
The best towing capacity of a GWM Cannon is 3200 kg offered by the following variants: Cannon Premium, Cannon-L, Cannon Vanta and Cannon-X.
The largest GWM Cannon is the Cannon-Xsr which measures 1958mm wide, 5439mm in length and sits 1918mm tall.
The most powerful GWM Cannon is the Cannon-Xsr which has 120kW of power from its 2.0L Turbo engine.
The GWM Cannon is built in China and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest GWM Cannon is the Cannon which weighs 3150 kg (kerb weight).
The GWM Cannon uses Diesel.
