Mazda BT-50 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $16,590.
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 $40,040 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $2,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 and 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha.
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 1 in the Mazda BT-50.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 6 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Cannon Alpha gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with power tailgate that the Mazda BT-50 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel making 135kW and 480Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Cannon Alpha is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,280mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 165mm 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.
0For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha 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.
12.4m to 13.0m
Based on 12.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $542 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Mazda BT-50) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $542 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Cannon Alpha takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $542 a year in fuel. The GWM Cannon Alpha 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, Mazda BT-50 and GWM Cannon Alpha?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $16,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda BT-50 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 Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Cannon Alpha makes the most power at 135kW. The GWM Cannon Alpha is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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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