GWM Cannon Alpha vs JAC Hunter PHEV
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 7 Aug 2026, price 5 Oct 2026
JAC Hunter PHEV: we're still completing torque, 0-100km/h, turning circle and energy consumption.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the GWM Cannon Alpha & JAC Hunter PHEV
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Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the JAC Hunter PHEV opens at $49,988. That makes the JAC Hunter PHEV the more affordable entry point by $3,002.
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 $54,987 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the JAC Hunter PHEV by roughly $12,300 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and JAC Hunter PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 85% for the JAC Hunter PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
GWM Cannon Alpha
None open on our record
JAC Hunter PHEV
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
31.2kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the JAC Hunter PHEV gets a 10.4-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the JAC Hunter PHEV. The JAC Hunter PHEV counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. 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 JAC Hunter PHEV responds with a 2.0TGDI Turbo Petrol Direct Injection making 360kW, paired to a 4dht driving all four wheels.
The JAC Hunter PHEV has the clear power advantage at 360kW vs 135kW. 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, 115mm longer than the JAC Hunter PHEV at 5,330mm (3,110mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the JAC Hunter PHEV 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.
13.0m diameter
Large
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $77/year for the JAC Hunter PHEV. That is a $2,460 annual difference in favour of the JAC Hunter PHEV.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 7 years / 150,000km (JAC Hunter PHEV). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (JAC Hunter PHEV).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the JAC Hunter PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
JAC Hunter PHEV: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 66
The JAC Hunter PHEV comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 66), taking 2 of 2 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (JAC Hunter PHEV ahead by 45), performance (JAC Hunter PHEV ahead by 19), value (JAC Hunter PHEV ahead by 15). The JAC Hunter PHEV will save you roughly $2,460 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM Cannon Alpha and JAC Hunter PHEV?
The JAC Hunter PHEV is the cheapest at $49,988 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $3,002.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The JAC Hunter PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: GWM Cannon Alpha and JAC Hunter PHEV 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 is the most powerful?
The JAC Hunter PHEV makes the most power at 360kW.
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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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