GWM Cannon Alpha vs Mazda BT-50

The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda BT-50 opens at $36,400. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $16,590.

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 $40,040 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 Mazda BT-50, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Cannon Alpha by roughly $8,225 in fuel alone.

Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and Mazda BT-50 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 86% for the Mazda BT-50.

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 Mazda BT-50.

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 6 in the Mazda BT-50.

The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda BT-50 gets a 7-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L that you will not find on the Mazda BT-50. The Mazda BT-50 counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Mazda BT-50 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 1-zone in the Mazda BT-50.

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. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.

The Mazda BT-50 responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.

The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Cannon Alpha is 0.4s quicker. 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, 125mm longer than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,320mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Mazda BT-50 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg 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 $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $1,645 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon Alpha.

Estimated annual total: $379 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $2,024 (Mazda BT-50). The GWM Cannon Alpha saves you roughly $1,645 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 (Mazda BT-50). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.