The GWM Cannon has lengthy been gunning for Australia’s favorite utes, however thus far this 12 months it’s barely been nipping at their heels, not to mention maintaining them awake at evening.
GWM’s ute, which began life in 2020 because the GWM Ute, underwent a serious replace earlier this 12 months, when it was rebranded because the Cannon and gained a extra highly effective 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, a brand new transmission, a unique suspension tune, and up to date aesthetics.
The expectation – or at the very least the hope – was that these upgrades would make the Cannon extra aggressive with the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, giving Australia’s hottest utes one thing to sweat about within the type of a extra succesful, value-packed various.
However that hasn’t occurred. The Cannon chalked up about 3600 gross sales within the first seven months of 2025, which is lower than the 5000-odd prospects that purchased the pre-update Ute in the identical interval final 12 months.
And demand for the Chinese language-made ute continues to be comprehensively dwarfed by each that of the Ranger, with roughly 32,000 gross sales thus far this 12 months, and the HiLux with round 30,000, even supposing year-to-dates gross sales of the favored utes are down by 13.8 and 9.8 per cent, respectively.
So what’s occurred? At a look, it’s troublesome to pinpoint – the Cannon has all of the tech you possibly can need, appears to be like the half, and has all the required four-wheel drive gear together with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential.
One factor to notice is that costs have elevated for the reason that launch of the up to date mannequin in February 2025, including $2000 to the price of the ute you see on check right here: the 2025 GWM Cannon Extremely. It’s a middling variant within the lineup and was joined by cheaper cab/chassis variants in April.
Competitors has additionally elevated, with new all-utes just like the JAC T9, Kia Tasman, BYD Shark 6, and even GWM’s personal Cannon Alpha getting into the frey and shifting purchaser consideration. Thoughts you, the Shark is the one mannequin on that record that has outsold the common Cannon thus far this 12 months.
Are patrons intentionally trying elsewhere, or is the Cannon merely flying below the radar?
How a lot does the GWM Cannon price?
Costs have elevated for the reason that up to date Cannon was launched, with the Extremely now priced at $45,490 drive-away. That’s $2000 greater than it was in February this 12 months.
| Mannequin | Drive-away worth |
|---|---|
| 2025 GWM Cannon Premium 4×2 single-cab/chassis | $36,490 |
| 2025 GWM Cannon Premium 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $40,490 |
| 2025 GWM Cannon Lux 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $42,490 |
| 2025 GWM Cannon Lux 4×4 dual-cab/chassis | $43,490 |
| 2025 GWM Cannon Extremely 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $45,490 |
| 2025 GWM Cannon Vanta 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $47,490 |
| 2025 GWM Cannon XSR 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $51,990 |
The Cannon Extremely is akin to big-name utes costing about $20,000 extra, such because the volume-selling Ranger XLT bi-turbo 4×4 dual-cab ($63,890 earlier than on-roads), however its powered seat adjustment and leather-based upholstery additionally give it the specs to rival the Ranger Sport bi-turbo ($66,390 earlier than on-roads).
Its tools record can be equal to that of the HiLux SR5 V-Energetic ($63,260 earlier than on-roads), the Isuzu D-Max LS-U ($62,500 earlier than on-roads) and the D-Max LS-U+ ($65,500 earlier than on-roads) with its leather-based trim and powered/heated entrance seats.
When it comes to pricing, its closest rival can be a Chinese language compatriot: the top-spec JAC T9 Haven, which has been discounted to $43,990 drive-away till October 31, 2025.
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the GWM Cannon like on the within?
Properly-appointed on the floor, but it surely begins to return undone the deeper you dig.
To start out with, we are able to’t argue with how every little thing appears to be like. The massive-ish screens don’t take up all of the obtainable area right here and sit properly on the dashboard, whereas there seems to be a cushty quantity of buttons all completed in sturdy boring plastic.
We don’t dislike the fabric decisions of the Cannon Extremely both, for the reason that steering wheel is completed in a easy artificial leather-based, as are the seats. All of the tougher surfaces are textured too, which makes every little thing look stylish.
However issues come up as soon as it’s time to function something, beginning with the motive force’s seat which presents a good vary of adjustment however lacks a base tilting perform – which is typical in Chinese language vehicles and makes it flat and uncomfortable right here.
Then there’s the top restraint, which I discovered to be tilted too far ahead whatever the seatback’s angle of recline. It left me craning my neck ahead, with no technique to tilt it backwards.
When you’ve discovered a ‘manageable’ place, it’s time to get the steering wheel sorted. There’s rake and attain adjustment, but it surely doesn’t telescope in direction of the motive force sufficient to search out my best driving place, leaving my arms barely too outstretched.
At the least the steering wheel is properly sized, and it has bodily buttons with a chunky, sturdy motion. The one draw back is that the wheel’s horizontal spokes are excessively thick, making it troublesome to see the stalks behind.
Meaning it’ll take longer so that you can get used to every little thing. Certainly, the theme with a lot of the cabin’s drawbacks is usability, as a result of even small issues change into irritating to stay with.
Take the infotainment system, for instance. The display screen itself is a 12.3-inch unit, and it presents fundamental but visually interesting graphics that make it nice to take a look at and use. There’s a robust collection of native apps too, however the local weather management is primarily managed digitally.
To not fear, as a result of I used to be pleasantly stunned to search out an array of bodily buttons under. These embody controls for fan velocity, demisters, and air recirculation, which made the shortage of a temperature button simpler to just accept.
There’s additionally a button to shortly open the local weather management menu on the display screen above, which is confusingly labelled with a picture of a seat, so even this shortcut isn’t with out flaw.
Extra concerningly, when utilizing smartphone mirroring, which is wi-fi for each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’re successfully locked out of a lot of the automobile’s fundamental capabilities. Meaning the local weather shortcut button, which was tremendous useful earlier than, stops working.
So whereas you need to exit out of CarPlay at the beginning on the infotainment display screen works correctly, there’s the same situation with the 7.0-inch instrument show, which appears to be like good and offers loads of info however gained’t help you scroll via its menus if emergency lane-keeping is enabled.
This one is especially weird, and also you’d be forgiven for pondering there aren’t any totally different menus in any respect. As soon as emergency lane-keep is disabled, the steering wheel buttons will help you flick via the small collection of shows.
Little issues like this make the Cannon troublesome to stay with, which is a disgrace as a result of the remainder of the cabin is definitely fairly useful. Every part from the aviation-style gear selector to the storage choices is strong with out doing something sudden.
There are a great deal of buttons round that gear selector to manage issues like off-road methods and the Cannon’s pre-wired energy shops. There’s additionally a wi-fi cellphone charger up entrance, together with single USB-A and USB-C ports and a 12V outlet.
Cupholders and a decently sized central storage field are additionally included, whereas there’s a standard glovebox in entrance of the passenger that comprises the proprietor’s guide, which nonetheless says ‘Poer’ on its entrance cowl and never Cannon. That’s the ute’s title in China, which is a minor annoyance however reveals a scarcity of consideration to element.
The second row isn’t fairly as properly appointed as up entrance, however that’s to be anticipated for a dual-cab ute. There’s nonetheless loads of leg and head room for our bodies of my common 173cm top, however taller passengers might have points with the latter as there’s fairly a pronounced sunroof bump. You’ll at the very least have loads of toe room below the entrance seats.
The area stays roomy with two individuals again right here, and whereas the center seat is serviceable for shorter drives it is best to anticipate issues to change into fairly cramped with three passengers on the rear bench.
Occupants will at the very least have twin rear-facing air vents to maintain them comfy, and so they’re joined by twin USB-A ports on the again of the centre console.
Storage choices are restricted to helpful bottle holders within the doorways and an odd nook on the again of the centre console. There are not any cupholders within the mushy fold-down armrest.
The bathtub is lined as commonplace, which ought to make it extra sturdy in the long term. It’s accessible by way of a damped tailgate that’s comparatively simple to open and shut.
GWM additionally features a helpful fold-out step to make climbing into the bathtub simpler. It extends out from the highest of the tailgate and comes full with a sprung/damped foot plate completed with abrasive materials to cease moist boots sliding off.
There are not any facilities within the tray right here except for a handful of tie-down factors. It’d be good to have a tonneau cowl of some type as commonplace, however no such factor seems in GWM’s configurator. A “Black Laborious Lid” and curler cowl characteristic within the mannequin’s brochure with out costs although.
Oh, and the gas door wouldn’t launch correctly throughout our one gas cease for the week. After 5 minutes of reefing on the discharge lever, it will definitely opened sufficient to be grabbed and pulled open manually.
| Dimensions | GWM Cannon Extremely |
|---|---|
| Size | 5416mm |
| Width | 1947mm |
| Top | 1884mm |
| Wheelbase | 3230mm |
| Tub size | 1520mm |
| Tub width | 1520mm |
| Tub depth | 540mm |
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
Powering the Cannon Extremely is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which pumps out 135kW of energy and 480Nm of torque to all 4 wheels via a nine-speed automated transmission.
| Specs | GWM Cannon Extremely |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 135kW |
| Torque | 480Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automated |
| Drive kind | 4-wheel drive |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 8.4L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 8.9L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 221g/km |
| Gas tank | 78L |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Kerb weight | 2230kg |
| Payload | 995kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3225kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6200kg |
The GWM Cannon, at the very least in four-wheel drive guise, comes with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Half-time four-wheel drive is just obtainable within the top-spec Cannon XSR, together with a locking entrance differential.
Our week with the ute concerned primarily freeway driving, but additionally loads of time in inner-urban areas. It was probably the latter surroundings that contributed to our higher-than-claimed gas consumption determine, but it surely wasn’t excessive sufficient to boost eyebrows.
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the GWM Cannon drive?
The mixed-bag pattern of the inside continues when you hit the street.
The two.4-litre turbo-diesel that now powers the Cannon is a strong unit. It might be noisy, but it surely doesn’t do something that isn’t anticipated of a diesel, and it pumps out a sufficient useable torque to supply good day-to-day driveability.
This makes the Cannon really feel much less laboured than one thing like a Mitsubishi Triton, regardless that it additionally has a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel with comparable outputs. We suspect that is because of the Cannon’s automated transmission, which is the opposite main mechanical tweak it obtained on this 12 months’s replace.
Not is there a ZF-sourced eight-speed automated, which has been changed with a nine-speed auto developed in-house by GWM. The result’s a transmission that’s in a position to preserve the engine in its best powerband extra of the time, contributing to improved acceleration over the six-speed auto Triton.
It’s not with out its flaws although. Having 9 gears means the Cannon feels prefer it’s always shifting or looking for the fitting ratio, not not like the Ranger’s 10-speed auto, even when the GWM powertrain isn’t fairly as easy because the Ford’s below acceleration.
It takes too lengthy to shift up plenty of the time, leaving the engine hanging on with too many revs when you await the following gear. Stomping on the throttle additionally appears to take the automobile abruptly, as there’s a major delay between driver enter and the transmission kicking down.
There are helpful paddle shifters if you wish to take management your self, however they’re nonetheless comparatively unresponsive. This transmission setup has its strengths for towing, the place the extra decrease gears present a pseudo low-range impact and ship extra torque to the wheels – notably from a standstill.
The paddle shifters additionally help you preserve the ute in a decrease gear, however throttle calibration isn’t good and there’s an extended delay earlier than a wallop of energy arrives after you stomp on the throttle.
It’s additionally value mentioning the handful of drive modes to utilize. In Regular mode, the ute operates in four-wheel drive on all surfaces, which is totally different to most different utes that solely enable four-wheel drive on unsealed surfaces.
Flicking to Eco mode will revert the Cannon to rear-wheel drive, which might help cut back gas consumption. This can even boring energy, but it surely’s good to have the choice when you don’t want the 4×4 traction.
Including weight to the rear axle (both by towing or loading up the bathtub) additionally helps to iron out the Cannon’s journey. It feels as if the ute has been tuned to prioritise high-load functionality, and this further weight helps steadiness out the entrance and rear of the automobile.
The trade-off is an imperfect unladen journey. After all, most utes are pretty bouncy and harsh with out a load on board, however regardless of the trouble that was put into enhancing the Cannon’s journey consolation, there’s nonetheless plenty of work to be achieved.
Our primary grievance is that the Cannon feels disconnected between the entrance and rear. The front-end feels agency but someway wallowy, usually dealing with bumps with composure however ploughing via corners with important physique roll – commonplace for a ute, however nonetheless value noting.
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However, the rear-end is extremely agency and tends to overwork the entrance suspension because it bucks the ute over mid-corner bumps. As talked about, the inflexible tune permits the Cannon to just accept masses with confidence, however you might be tempted to maintain the ute laden on a regular basis to keep away from the in any other case unsettled journey.
Unladen, small bumps and holes could be felt rippling via the automobile, which mixed with the sub-optimal seating place makes for a tiring driving expertise wherein you are feeling each single imperfection on the street.
Needless to say the disagreeable journey continues to be a lot better than it was, and we anticipate GWM’s native chassis tuning efforts will refine it additional in future.
Apart from that, the Cannon delivers respectable steering really feel and acceptable street noise ranges. And since its security tech is comparatively stripped-back, it’s not too annoying on the beeps and bongs entrance.
Visibility out of the cabin is nice, however the surround-view digital camera and entrance parking sensors fitted to the Extremely make it even simpler to place in carparks and tight areas.
Its passive security gear isn’t too intrusive, however we struggled to belief the automobile’s lane-centring perform when utilizing adaptive cruise management. We don’t really feel it does a ok job of staying centred in its lane, and interesting the system whereas alongside one other ute appeared to frighten the Cannon, for lack of a greater time period.
It made a sudden and pretty pointless correction to the steering, which makes us query its calibration. Luckily, the essential adaptive cruise perform is respectable, and there are not any different safety-related methods past the lane-keeping system flaring up on occasion.
The results of all that may be a ute that seems to be geared for work relatively than way of life, however we nonetheless assume some extra fine-tuning would make it a better-sorted all-rounder just like the Ranger and HiLux.
For an concept of the GWM Cannon’s off-road capabilities, watch our video overview under.
| Off-road dimensions | GWM Cannon Extremely |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1580mm |
| Floor clearance | 232mm |
| Method angle | 27º |
| Departure angle | 25º |
| Wading depth | 500mm |
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
There are 5 variants within the Cannon lineup, and the Extremely sits within the center.
2025 GWM Cannon Premium tools highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome sports activities bar
- Computerized LED headlights
- Energy-folding facet mirrors
- Spray-in bedliner (pickup solely)
- Keyless entry
- Leatherette upholstery
- Leatherette steering wheel
- Six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Single-zone local weather management
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 3 x 12V energy shops
- USB-A entrance shops
- Rain-sensing wipers
Cannon Lux provides:
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- 6-speaker sound system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Entrance and rear USB-A, USB-C shops
Cannon Extremely provides:
- Electrical sunroof
- Rear privateness glass
- Leather-based-accented seats
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 6-way power-adjustable driver seat
- 4-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seat
- USB port for sprint cam
- Ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Cannon Vanta provides:
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
- Black sports activities bar
- Matte black exterior trim
Cannon XSR provides:
- Off-road drive modes
- Entrance differential lock
- Physique-coloured exterior trim
- Snorkel
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the GWM Cannon secure?
All variants of the GWM Ute – aside from the Cannon XSR – have been awarded a five-star ANCAP security ranking in November 2021. This ranking carries throughout to the renamed Cannon.
| Class | GWM Cannon |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Susceptible street consumer safety | 67 per cent |
| Security help | 70 per cent |
Customary security tools contains:
- 7 airbags, together with:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring (dual-cab solely)
- Driver fatigue monitoring system
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Lane-change help (dual-cab solely)
- Rear cross-traffic help (dual-cab solely)
- Rear parking sensors
- Reverse digital camera
- Protected exit warning (dual-cab solely)
- Velocity warning
- Visitors signal recognition
- Trailer sway mitigation
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
The Cannon Extremely and Vanta characteristic a surround-view digital camera and entrance parking sensors.
The Cannon XSR misses out on lane-keep help, secure exit warning, rear collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change help, and rear cross-traffic help.
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the GWM Cannon price to run?
As with the remainder of the GWM vary, the Cannon ute is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and 5 years of roadside help. The primary service for two.4TD fashions is required after 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, whereas subsequent companies intervals are 12 months or 15,000km.
| Servicing and Guarantee | GWM Cannon |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 15,000km (besides 10,000km first service) |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual capped-price service price | $506 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $2530 |
GWM’s service pricing, correct as of August 2025, is detailed under.
| Serivce | Worth |
|---|---|
| 1yr, 10,000km | $370 |
| 2yrs, 25,000km | $460 |
| 3yrs, 40,000km | $500 |
| 4yrs, 55,000km | $510 |
| 5yrs, 70,000km | $690 |
For context, the two.0-litre Ranger at present prices $1516 to service over 5 years, however that may improve to $1596 for 2026 fashions. The HiLux, in the meantime, is roofed by three years of capped-price servicing with its shorter six-month/10,000km intervals, which implies six companies will price $1830 in whole ($305 every).
Upkeep for the D-Max is required each 12 months or 15,000km, and every service prices $469 for a complete of $2345 over 5 years. In any other case, the JAC T9 prices a complete of $3069 over seven years, averaging $438.43 per 12 months.
To see how the GWM Cannon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the GWM Cannon Extremely
As a bundle, the Cannon ticks plenty of important ute bins, however worth rises imply it’s not fairly the segment-busting worth proposition it as soon as was.
It’s nonetheless less expensive than comparable Ranger, HiLux, and even D-Max variants whereas additionally packing extra tech, however these utes are a lot better sorted in the case of consolation, dynamics and refinement, which matter while you’re daily-ing a ute.
However for a younger tradie who’s going to place their ute to work, the Cannon nonetheless presents glorious worth. It could possibly tow and go off-road, and loading it stuffed with instruments will easy out the journey on the rear – and it additionally has strong cargo carrying credentials with a payload of almost one tonne.
The bones of the infotainment tech are additionally robust, even when a couple of software program tweaks are required to iron out the usability shortfalls.
And whereas the Extremely is a relative cut price, the candy spot might be one or two rungs additional down on the Cannon ladder, the place there’s even higher worth for cash available for price-focussed industrial and even household patrons.
Given GWM’s funding in native chassis tuning for its Australian fashions, we anticipate the Cannon will proceed to enhance and provides Ford and Toyota extra to consider within the years to return.
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