BYD Atto 3 vs GWM Cannon
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 BYD Atto 3 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon opens at $39,490. That makes the GWM Cannon the more affordable entry point by $500.
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 $43,989 and $43,439 respectively.
The BYD Atto 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The GWM Cannon, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 3 and GWM Cannon hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 3 and 84% for the GWM Cannon.
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 7 in the BYD Atto 3 and 6 in the GWM Cannon.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Cannon gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 stands out with Dirac audio that you will not find on the GWM Cannon. The GWM Cannon counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The GWM Cannon responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 885mm shorter than the GWM Cannon at 5,340mm (3,200mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the GWM Cannon leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg 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 11.0m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon). The GWM Cannon has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Cannon if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Atto 3 and GWM Cannon trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The GWM Cannon 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, BYD Atto 3 and GWM Cannon?
The GWM Cannon is the cheapest at $39,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by $500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Cannon uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Atto 3 and GWM Cannon all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 3 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Cannon has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Cannon has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 3 makes the most power at 150kW. The BYD Atto 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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