Volkswagen Amarok vs GWM Cannon Alpha

The Volkswagen Amarok starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the GWM Cannon Alpha the more affordable entry point by $3,000.

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 $61,589 and $58,289 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Amarok by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.

Both the Volkswagen Amarok and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok 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 3 in the Volkswagen Amarok.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok and 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.

The Volkswagen Amarok features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-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 GWM Cannon Alpha counters with power tailgate that the Volkswagen Amarok does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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

The Volkswagen Amarok uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD 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 the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.

The GWM Cannon Alpha has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Volkswagen Amarok measures 5,350mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 95mm 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 $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Amarok.

Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The Volkswagen Amarok saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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