GWM Cannon Alpha vs Toyota HiLux

The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $33,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $19,000.

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 $37,389 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota HiLux by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.

Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

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 3 in the Toyota HiLux.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 8 in the Toyota HiLux.

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

The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. The Toyota HiLux 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 Toyota HiLux offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 1-zone in the Toyota HiLux.

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 Toyota HiLux responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel making 150kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.

The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota HiLux is 0.3s 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, 65mm longer than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm 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 2,900kg. That 600kg 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 $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.

Estimated annual total: $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). The Toyota HiLux saves you roughly $456 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 (Toyota HiLux). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.