Toyota HiLux vs GWM Cannon Alpha
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Toyota HiLux
From $20,990
Cab Chassis
Petrol
Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
122kW
11.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
GWM Cannon Alpha
From $52,990
Ute
Diesel
2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
135kW
8.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Toyota HiLux: we're still completing length, width, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota HiLux starts from $20,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $32,000.
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 $23,089 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Cannon Alpha by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota HiLux and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GWM Cannon Alpha, against 0 on the Toyota HiLux.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 4 in the Toyota HiLux and 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that the Toyota HiLux does not offer. 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.
Drivetrain
The Toyota HiLux uses a Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder producing 122kW and 245Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a RWD layout.
The GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel making 135kW and 480Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 122kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
13.0m diameter
Large
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,164/year for the Toyota HiLux and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Estimated annual total: $3,164 (Toyota HiLux) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota HiLux) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Cannon Alpha takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The GWM Cannon Alpha will save you roughly $627 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, Toyota HiLux and GWM Cannon Alpha?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $32,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Cannon Alpha uses the least fuel at 8.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota HiLux 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 GWM Cannon Alpha 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 / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Cannon Alpha makes the most power at 135kW.
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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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