GWM Cannon Alpha vs Isuzu D-Max
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 27 Sep 2026, price 8 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer 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.
$52,990RRP
- with the Isuzu D-Max's standard kit: $52,990 (nothing to add)
$41,243RRP
- 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 GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu D-Max opens at $41,243. That makes the Isuzu D-Max the more affordable entry point by $11,747.
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 $45,367 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu D-Max by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and Isuzu D-Max hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 86% for the Isuzu D-Max.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GWM Cannon Alpha, against 4 on the Isuzu D-Max.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 8 in the Isuzu D-Max.
Recalls on our record
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
Isuzu D-Max
- REC-006053 · published 8 Aug 2024The fuel delivery hose may have been installed incorrectly and come into contact with the engine oil level gauge bracket resulting in premature wear.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006052 · published 8 Aug 2024Due to a software issue, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce the engine speed.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005842 · published 28 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel hose may chafe against the engine oil level bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- 5 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu D-Max gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Isuzu D-Max. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GWM Cannon Alpha gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Isuzu D-Max offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 1-zone in the Isuzu D-Max.
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 Isuzu D-Max responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 120kW. 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, 105mm longer than the Isuzu D-Max at 5,340mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu D-Max 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.
12.5m 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 12.5m 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 $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $1,967/year for the Isuzu D-Max. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu D-Max.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max). 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 Isuzu D-Max if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Isuzu D-Max: Top CarSorted Score, 80 vs 74
The Isuzu D-Max comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (80 vs 74), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 19), reliability (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 10), value (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 8). The Isuzu D-Max 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 Isuzu D-Max?
The Isuzu D-Max is the cheapest at $41,243 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $11,747.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu D-Max uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: GWM Cannon Alpha and Isuzu D-Max 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 / 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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