GWM Cannon vs Mazda BT-50
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.
Price Breakdown
The GWM Cannon starts from $39,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda BT-50 opens at $36,400. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $3,090.
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 $40,040 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon and Mazda BT-50 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Cannon packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Mazda BT-50.
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 6 in the Mazda BT-50.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda BT-50 gets a 7-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Mazda BT-50. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the GWM Cannon gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda BT-50 offers cloth.
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 Mazda BT-50 responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Cannon is 0.4s 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, 20mm longer than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,320mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Mazda BT-50 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m 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 12.5m 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 $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (GWM Cannon) vs $2,024 (Mazda BT-50). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $256 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 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50). The GWM Cannon has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Cannon and Mazda BT-50 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. The GWM Cannon adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Mazda BT-50?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon by $3,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Cannon and Mazda BT-50 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Cannon has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Cannon has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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