GWM Cannon Alpha vs Ford Ranger
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Ranger opens at $37,130. 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 $58,289 and $40,843 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Ranger by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 84% for the Ford Ranger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Cannon Alpha packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Ford Ranger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 9 in the Ford Ranger.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Ranger gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Cannon Alpha uses a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel producing 135kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Ford Ranger responds with a Diesel Turbo making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear 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 GWM Cannon Alpha measures 5,445mm long on a 3,350mm wheelbase, 220mm longer than the Ford Ranger at 5,225mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Ford Ranger 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 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Estimated annual total: $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $1,967 (Ford Ranger). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger?
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 — GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Cannon Alpha 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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Cannon Alpha makes the most power at 135kW.
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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