GWM Cannon Alpha vs Kia Tasman
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 19 Oct 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.
$52,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$42,990RRP
- 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.
Track the GWM Cannon Alpha & Kia Tasman
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Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $42,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $47,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Tasman by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and Kia Tasman hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 87% for the Kia Tasman.
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. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 7 in the Kia Tasman.
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
Kia Tasman
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 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 GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Tasman gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Tasman. The Kia Tasman counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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 Kia Tasman offers cloth.
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 Kia Tasman responds with a Diesel making 154kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GWM Cannon Alpha is 2.0s quicker. 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, 35mm longer than the Kia Tasman at 5,410mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Kia Tasman 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.
12.3m 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 12.3m 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 $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Tasman: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 74
The Kia Tasman comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 74), taking 3 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Kia Tasman ahead by 14), reliability (Kia Tasman ahead by 9), value (Kia Tasman ahead by 7). The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. 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 Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Tasman uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: GWM Cannon Alpha and Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The GWM Cannon Alpha is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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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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