The GWM Cannon Ute is one of the latest additions to the Australian Ute market, but it's definitely been making a big impression. While it may not be quite as well-known as its competitors - the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger - the Cannon more than holds its own in terms of features and capabilities. And, with a competitive price point, it's hard to ignore this newcomer to the game. We’re not the only ones taking notice too - in 2021 alone, the GWM Ute sold over 5500 units, putting it on par with other popular Utes in the market and getting noticeably close to the sales numbers of competitors like the VW Amarok.
Despite recent price hikes, the value of the Cannon remains unbeatable. As one of the most affordable dual-cab Utes on the market, it packs a serious punch when it comes to features. All models come equipped with a full suite of active safety features with the 2022 model even receiving an upgraded five-star ANCAP safety rating.
But what else is there to this ‘new kid on the block’ dual cab that might have its rivals a little shaken up. We took a test drive in the 2022 GWM Cannon Ute to find out where it shines.
The Cannon’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was developed in-house by the engineers at GWM from the ground up, and it delivers impressive power and torque to take on any most terrain with ease. It also boasts a full-time four-wheel drive system paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with low range gearing and a locking rear differential as standard; so there’s little worry that you’ll end up stuck in a tricky situation. And if you need to tow something heavy the Cannon’s braked towing capacity is a whopping 3000kg, which is more than enough for most tasks.
The Cannon 4x4 proved to be a powerful and capable vehicle during our basic off-road course. It easily conquered an offset mogul test and low-range engagement was quick and smooth. The car also handled a dry log climb with ease in standard four-wheel drive mode. However, it's worth noting that the longer wheelbase and bulky body do result in a larger turning circle, and the hill descent control system wasn't as strong as some competitors. Overall though, the Cannon proved its worth as a reliable and sturdy option for off-roading.
Boasting a standard range of features like:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Body-coloured bumpers, wheel arches and mirrors
- LED headlights with auto shutoff
- Daytime running lights and fog lights
- Side steps
- Proximity key fob and button start
- Faux leather seat trim
- Air-conditioning
- 9.0-inch centre touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Reverse and passenger-kerbside camera views
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane-departure warning and active lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition and speed warning
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Hill-start assist and hill-descent control braking
With decent off-road performance, a large list of quality feature additions and an enjoyable driving experience the GWM Cannon Ute has proven itself as a reliable contender. When it comes to affordable Utes the Cannon provides a strong blend of on and off-road performance and its capabilities are on par with more expensive options like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger. While it may not rank as a class-leader in every specific category, its price point more than makes up for it. At just under $40,000 drive-away, the Ute offers excellent value for those looking to invest in a hardworking vehicle without breaking the bank. In short, whether you need it for work or play, the GWM Cannon Ute is a solid option worth considering.
