GWM Cannon Alpha vs Subaru WRX Sportswagon

The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon opens at $52,290. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $700.

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 $57,519 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon gets a 11.6-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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon. 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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon offers cloth.

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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 4.1s 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, 690mm longer than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,755mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.