GWM Cannon vs Volkswagen Amarok
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 Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the GWM Cannon the more affordable entry point by $16,500.
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 $61,589 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
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 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 and 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Volkswagen Amarok. 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 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 Volkswagen Amarok has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. 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.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Cannon measures 5,340mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 10mm shorter than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Amarok generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok 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.
12.9m 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 12.9m 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 $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (GWM Cannon) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The GWM Cannon has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Amarok takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. 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 Volkswagen Amarok?
The GWM Cannon is the cheapest at $39,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $16,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Cannon uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Cannon and Volkswagen Amarok all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the largest boot at 543L.
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.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Amarok makes the most power at 125kW. The Volkswagen Amarok is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
