GWM Cannon Alpha vs Jeep Gladiator

The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Jeep Gladiator opens at $84,990. That makes the GWM Cannon Alpha the more affordable entry point by $32,000.

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 $93,489 respectively.

The GWM Cannon Alpha qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Jeep Gladiator, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Cannon Alpha by roughly $15,775 in fuel alone.

The GWM Cannon Alpha holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the Jeep Gladiator. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 60% for the Jeep Gladiator.

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 4 in the Jeep Gladiator.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 6 in the Jeep Gladiator.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Jeep Gladiator gets a 8.4-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L that you will not find on the Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator counters with heated front seats and Alpine audio. 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 Jeep Gladiator offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 1-zone in the Jeep Gladiator.

The GWM Cannon Alpha uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol Plug-in Hybrid producing 300kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed hybrid automatic to a 4WD layout.

The Jeep Gladiator responds with a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS making 209kW and 347Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 209kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GWM Cannon Alpha measures 5,445mm long on a 3,350mm wheelbase, 146mm shorter than the Jeep Gladiator at 5,591mm (3,488mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Gladiator generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,721kg. That 779kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $379/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $3,534/year for the Jeep Gladiator. That is a $3,155 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon Alpha.

Estimated annual total: $379 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $3,534 (Jeep Gladiator). The GWM Cannon Alpha saves you roughly $3,155 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 / 100,000km (Jeep Gladiator). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Jeep Gladiator).