GWM Cannon vs Jaecoo J7
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon starts from $39,490 before on-road costs, while the Jaecoo J7 opens at $37,990. That makes the Jaecoo J7 the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $41,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Jaecoo J7 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon and Jaecoo J7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon and 81% for the Jaecoo J7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jaecoo J7 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the GWM Cannon.
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 8 in the Jaecoo J7.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Jaecoo J7 gets a 13.2-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jaecoo J7 counters with SONY audio and ambient lighting that the GWM Cannon does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Cannon uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Jaecoo J7 responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 275Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Jaecoo J7 has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Jaecoo J7 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Cannon measures 5,340mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 840mm longer than the Jaecoo J7 at 4,500mm (2,672mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the GWM Cannon leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m 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 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the GWM Cannon and $1,995/year for the Jaecoo J7. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Jaecoo J7.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (GWM Cannon) vs $1,995 (Jaecoo J7). The Jaecoo J7 saves you roughly $285 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 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J7). The Jaecoo J7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon if: You need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Jaecoo J7 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Jaecoo J7 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Jaecoo J7 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The Jaecoo J7 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. 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 Jaecoo J7?
The Jaecoo J7 is the cheapest at $37,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jaecoo J7 uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Cannon and Jaecoo J7 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Jaecoo J7 has the largest boot at 431L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Cannon has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Jaecoo J7 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Jaecoo J7 makes the most power at 137kW. The Jaecoo J7 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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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