Nissan Navara vs GWM Cannon Alpha

The Nissan Navara starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Nissan Navara the more affordable entry point by $10,000.

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 $47,289 and $58,289 respectively.

The GWM Cannon Alpha qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Nissan Navara, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Cannon Alpha by roughly $8,935 in fuel alone.

Both the Nissan Navara and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan Navara 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 5 in the Nissan Navara.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan Navara and 6 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.

The Nissan Navara features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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.

The Nissan Navara stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the GWM Cannon Alpha. The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Nissan Navara gets cloth upholstery while the GWM Cannon Alpha offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Nissan Navara and 2-zone in the GWM Cannon Alpha.

The Nissan Navara uses a Diesel producing 140kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.9 seconds.

The GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol Plug-in Hybrid making 300kW and 750Nm, paired to a 9-speed hybrid automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.

The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Cannon Alpha is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Nissan Navara measures 5,260mm long on a 3,150mm wheelbase, 185mm 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 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Nissan Navara and $379/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $1,787 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon Alpha.

Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Nissan Navara) vs $379 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha saves you roughly $1,787 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Navara) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.