GWM Cannon Alpha vs Kia Tasman
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes 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 GWM Cannon Alpha starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $38,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $14,000.
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 $58,289 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Tasman by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Cannon Alpha and Kia Tasman hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the GWM Cannon Alpha and 85% for the Kia Tasman.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM Cannon Alpha and 7 in the Kia Tasman.
Feature Showdown
The GWM Cannon Alpha features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Tasman gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Tasman. The Kia Tasman counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Cannon Alpha uses a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel producing 135kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman responds with a Diesel making 154kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Cannon Alpha is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Cannon Alpha measures 5,445mm long on a 3,350mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Kia Tasman at 5,410mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Kia Tasman leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 13.0m
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha and $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Estimated annual total: $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs $2,109 (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Tasman takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM Cannon Alpha and Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the GWM Cannon Alpha by $14,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Tasman uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — GWM Cannon Alpha and Kia Tasman all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Tasman has the largest boot at 352L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Cannon Alpha has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The GWM Cannon Alpha is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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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