GWM Cannon Alpha vs Volkswagen Amarok

The GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the GWM Cannon Alpha the more affordable entry point by $3,000.

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 $61,589 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 Volkswagen Amarok, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Cannon Alpha by roughly $9,505 in fuel alone.

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

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 Volkswagen Amarok.

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 Volkswagen Amarok.

The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-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 Volkswagen Amarok. The Volkswagen Amarok 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 Volkswagen Amarok offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 1-zone in the Volkswagen Amarok.

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 Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Amarok is 2.0s 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, 95mm longer than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok 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 $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $1,901 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon Alpha.

Estimated annual total: $379 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The GWM Cannon Alpha saves you roughly $1,901 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 (Volkswagen Amarok). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.