Toyota HiLux vs GWM Cannon Alpha

The Toyota HiLux starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $19,000.

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 $37,389 and $58,289 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota HiLux by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.

Both the Toyota HiLux and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

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 3 in the Toyota HiLux.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota HiLux and 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.

The Toyota HiLux features a 12.3-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 Toyota HiLux stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the GWM Cannon Alpha. The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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

The Toyota HiLux uses a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel producing 150kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a 4x2 layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 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 Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota HiLux is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Toyota HiLux measures 5,380mm long on a 3,085mm wheelbase, 65mm 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 2,900kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Toyota HiLux) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The Toyota HiLux saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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