Ford Ranger vs GWM Cannon Alpha
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 4 Aug 2026, price 8 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$37,130RRP
- cannot be matched: Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, LED Headlights and 7 more not offered
$52,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Ranger starts from $37,130 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $15,860.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,843 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Ranger by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Ranger and 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GWM Cannon Alpha, against 5 on the Ford Ranger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Ranger and 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Recalls on our record
Ford Ranger
- REC-006705 · published 18 Aug 2026Ranger dual-cab: side curtain airbag may not deploy as intended down the B-pillarYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006683 · published 28 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-006659 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- 23 more on the model page.
GWM Cannon Alpha
- REC-006516 · published 24 Dec 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the shielding ring in the high voltage wiring harness may not be properly grounded.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006410 · published 26 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the Electronic Power Steering wiring harness may come into contact with the driveshaft when driving and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Ranger features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the GWM Cannon Alpha gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Ranger stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the GWM Cannon Alpha. The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Ranger gets cloth upholstery while the GWM Cannon Alpha offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Ford Ranger and 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Drivetrain
The Ford Ranger uses a Diesel Turbo producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel making 135kW and 480Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 220mm shorter than the GWM Cannon Alpha at 5,445mm (3,350mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.9m to 13.0m
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
GWM Cannon Alpha: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 68, but the Ford Ranger is $15,860 cheaper
The GWM Cannon Alpha comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 68), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (GWM Cannon Alpha ahead by 47), fuel economy (Ford Ranger ahead by 19), safety (GWM Cannon Alpha ahead by 14). The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. The GWM Cannon Alpha adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $15,860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Ranger has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Cannon Alpha makes the most power at 135kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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