GWM Cannon vs GWM Cannon Alpha
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.
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Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon starts from $39,490 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the GWM Cannon the more affordable entry point by $13,500.
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 $43,439 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the GWM Cannon and 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha.
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 6 in the GWM Cannon and 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Cannon Alpha gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The GWM Cannon uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout.
The GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel making 135kW and 480Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Cannon measures 5,416mm long on a 3,230mm wheelbase, 29mm shorter than the GWM Cannon Alpha at 5,445mm (3,350mm 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 3,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
13.0m 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 13.0m 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 $2,366/year for the GWM Cannon and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon.
Estimated annual total: $2,366 (GWM Cannon) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Cannon and GWM Cannon Alpha trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The GWM Cannon will save you roughly $171 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 and GWM Cannon Alpha?
The GWM Cannon is the cheapest at $39,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $13,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Cannon uses the least fuel at 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Cannon and GWM Cannon Alpha 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 GWM Cannon Alpha makes the most power at 135kW.
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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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