Hyundai Staria 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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Staria starts from $50,500 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Hyundai Staria the more affordable entry point by $2,490.
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 $55,550 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Cannon Alpha by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Staria and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Hyundai Staria 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 4 in the Hyundai Staria.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Staria and 6 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Staria features a 8-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 Hyundai Staria does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 331Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 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 Hyundai Staria has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 135kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 192mm 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 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.
12.6m to 13.0m
Based on 12.6m 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 $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Staria) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha 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 (Hyundai Staria) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Staria and GWM Cannon Alpha trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The GWM Cannon Alpha will save you roughly $456 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, Hyundai Staria and GWM Cannon Alpha?
The Hyundai Staria is the cheapest at $50,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $2,490.
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 — Hyundai Staria and GWM Cannon Alpha all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has the largest boot at 703L.
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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria makes the most power at 200kW.
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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