2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Review

Positioned as a larger alternative to the usual suspects in the dual-cab ute lineup, the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid retains a work and adventure-ready platform in an SUV-like cabin that makes it particularly attractive for Aussie families.

The GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid is larger than a HiLux or Ford Ranger, but not as big as the full-sized American pick-ups we’ve seen hit the market - making for a potential Goldilocks variant for buyers.

Some big questions remain, though, namely how well the Cannon Alpha Hybrid holds up within the range considering the price premium you’re paying and whether or not the Cannon Alpha family remains a competitive and versatile dual-cab ute.

We got behind the wheel of the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid to find out if it’s worth splurging over the standard turbo-diesel Cannon Alpha and if it holds up as a tough and practical ute for discerning Aussie buyers against some seriously tough rivals.

GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid Competition

How Much Does the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid Cost?

Prices for the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid stand at $64,990 drive-away.

GWM also offers the Cannon Alpha with a more conventional turbo-diesel option in both Ultra and Lux trim levels, which are priced at $57,990 and $51,990, respectively.

• GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid: $64,990 (tested)

• GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Diesel: $57,990

• GWM Gannon Alpha Lux Diesel: $51,990 

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save thousands on your next car with the help of our team of car-buying specialists.

GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Have?

For the money, it’s hard to beat the Cannon Alpha range when it comes to features, with GWM more than happy to include the kitchen sink to one-up its competitors on equipment.

The Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, a locking front & rear differential, side steps, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery with heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a panoramic sunroof.

You also pick up a set of LED fog lights, a spray-in tub liner, dual-zone climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, a surround-view monitor with a transparent chassis mode, front & rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Features reserved for the range-topping Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid include heated and ventilated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a semi-automatic parking assistant, auto reverse assist, a wireless charging pad in the rear and ambient interior lighting.

All up, there’s a long, long list of features on offer in the range-topping Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid especially when you take its price into account.

GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Connectivity & Infotainment Features

GWM packages the Cannon Alpha Ultra range with a massive infotainment system on the dashboard that puts all of its rivals to shame.

The infotainment screen spans 14.6 inches, representing one of the largest infotainment screens you can get in any vehicle on the road today, let alone the dual-cab ute segment.

GWM’s 14.6-inch display is not only large but it packs enough processing power to keep things moving smoothly between menus and offers outstanding brightness levels, even in the middle of the day.

There’s AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio on offer while sound is provided by a ten-speaker sound system from Infinity and all of GWM’s connected services can be accessed via the smartphone app.

The sheer size of the display means that the driver ergonomics aren’t great if you’re looking to hit the far left side of the screen, though shortcuts and a straightforward menu layout make it pretty easy to navigate through menus.

That said, the display certainly makes a bold first impression when you step inside the cabin and helps to separate it as a tech-heavy package in a segment filled with far more basic infotainment offerings.

Does the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

It should come as no surprise that with such a tech-heavy package, the GWM Cannon Alpha range offers wireless smartphone mirroring for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Potential buyers can rest assured that whether you own an iPhone or an Android Auto device, you’ll be able to pair your phone wirelessly to the gigantic display and access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without the need for a USB cable.

The process of pairing your phone is quick and simple via the settings menu, while the vehicle’s infotainment system connects to your phone upon startup consistently and rapidly.

While we didn’t experience any drop-outs in the Apple CarPlay connection, we did find a few issues over our course behind the wheel.

We can’t say definitively whether it was a bug specific to our review vehicle and can’t ignore the fact it could have been an issue with our smartphone, but we experience consistent location-tracking issues while using Waze, while album artwork failed to display on the screen while using Spotify.

Is the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Comfortable to Drive?

In a nutshell… not particularly.

We’re the first to cut dual-cab utes some slack when it comes to the driving experience, namely because they’re tasked with two distinctly different purposes.

In the process of ticking both its workhorse and family-friendly boxes, it can be hard to find a healthy compromise, but it’s clear the Cannon Alpha could use a bit more development to make it a true all-rounder.

Let’s dive in with a look at what’s under the bonnet.

The Cannon Alpha Hybrid comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit that pushes out 180kW/380Nm paired with an electric motor that pushes out an additional 78kW/268Nm.

Power is thrown to the wheels via an on-demand 4x4 system.

GWM says combined outputs stand at 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, though it’s unlikely you’ll get every ounce of the claimed peak torque figures.

That said, throw your right foot down and there’s a heap of power to propel its 2,575kg kerb weight up to speed, with a sense of urgency off the line from the electric motor.

With surprisingly little throttle input, the Cannon Alpha Hybrid picks up the pace and offers smooth acceleration up to speed, though the delivery can be a bit unpredictable at times, often accelerating more than you’d expect for 10 - 15 per cent throttle.

Mid-range torque is decent but somewhat underwhelming if you’re going off GWM’s official specs, with the turbo-petrol screaming away and a moderate added kick from the electric motor.

The handoff between the electric motor and ICE unit was smooth and refined for the most part, though we did notice some harsh jolts while the nine-speed automatic was downshifting.

We were also scratching our heads while getting acquainted with how much throttle the Cannon Alpha wanted for a smooth, steady take-off from a standstill, which more than often resulted in a whole lot of nothing and then a sudden burst of power.

We did end up getting familiar with it, but the learning curve was steeper than you’d expect and suggests there is still some fine-tuning that needs to take place.

Aside from that, around town, the Cannon Alpha Hybrid is reasonably well-mannered and user-friendly for such a large package.

With a wheelbase extending 120mm over the regular Cannon Ute, there’s a lot of vehicle to keep an eye on when you’re parking or making a three-point turn, but the stacks of cameras help out in tight quarters.

Likewise, the lightweight steering rack keeps things easy to manage when you’re bumbling around town, while the regenerative braking system helps to capture the energy you’d otherwise lose when hitting the anchors, feeding it back to the 1.76kWh battery pack.

Pick up the pace a bit and there’s no escaping the fact the Cannon Alpha Hybrid rides extremely firm… a common occurrence for the dual-cab ute segment, though it’s stiffer than average.

As a result, the Cannon Alpha seems to sniff out even the most minute bumps or expansion joints and transmits them into the cabin in a way reminiscent of every dual-cab ute on the market, but slightly more aggressively.

Tackle a country road with some pace and overall body control is decent and stopping power is strong, though you’ll be bouncing off your seat if you’re not carefully dodging bumps and potholes.

GWM’s move to invest more time and resources into local Australian suspension tuning will pay dividends but means the Cannon Alpha in its current form isn’t the greatest package for cross-country touring.

The steering is also a bit vague when you’re up at pace.

On a smooth stretch of highway, the Cannon Alpha platform performs well, offering tonnes of overtaking potential and a quiet, refined cabin that soaks up outside road noise.

On the whole, the driving experience in the Cannon Alpha Hybrid is certainly improved by the hybrid gear that lifts its performance aspirations, though it’s not quite the all-rounder package for Australian roads just yet.

Is the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid a Great Off-Roader?

For all the Cannon Alpha’s on-road compromises, there’s no denying its off-road abilities.

This applies even more so for the Cannon Alpha Hybrid, which benefits from the instantaneous delivery of added torque from the electric motor which proved a nice addition while climbing.

Look underneath and there’s an independent front suspension package with coil springs while the rear picks up a live rear axle with leaf springs as well as a locking front and rear differential, 4H mode with hill descent/ascent control.

The 18-inch alloys wearing highway-terrain rubber also offer up a tonne of real estate within the wheel arches to help with articulation over bumps and rocky terrain.

The only thing holding the Cannon Alpha’s off-road potential back is the stretched-out wheelbase which means the breakover angle takes a hit because you’re more prone to scraping the side steps.

That said, and on an admittedly light run of off-road driving, the Cannon Alpha felt strong and covered the fundamentals buyers are looking for in a versatile dual-cab ute package.

Keeping in mind that our review unit was fitted with the stock Giti XCross H17 H/T tyres, the Cannon Alpha Hybrid performed well.

This means it's a damn good canvas for off-road enthusiasts to add some proper all-terrain rubber and various hardware enhancements and create their own off-road monster.

Key off-road specifications for the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid can be found below.

• Ground Clearance: 224mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 28.5 degrees

• Departure Angle: 23.0 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 19.0 degrees

Is the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid Fuel Efficient?

If you’re looking to tick the box on the Cannon Alpha Hybrid solely for fuel efficiency gains, you’re going to be disappointed.

While GWM promises fuel economy figures of 9.8L per 100km on a combined cycle, we were able to squeeze it down to 10.8L/100km over a mix of town, highway and light off-roading, but a heavy emphasis on highway driving to get the most efficient figures.

For the majority of our testing, we kept the drive setting in the ‘eco’ mode in order to get the best fuel economy figures but, sadly, we couldn’t get it down to single digits like GWM’s official figures.

Ironically, if you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient Cannon Alpha, the hybrid might actually be a needless upsell for many buyers.

That’s because GWM says that its turbo-diesel powertrain is rated at 8.9L per 100km on a combined cycle, which means the base Cannon Alpha diesel, without the pricier hybrid powertrain, is actually the better pick for efficiency… though you do miss out on the extra power.

Is the GWM Cannon Alpha Practical and Spacious?

It’s not spacious… it’s palatial inside - with GWM electing to offer buyers a sleek and refined SUV-like cabin over a more utilitarian ute package.

If you’re familiar with the world of dual-cab utes, there are often some compromises inside the cabin, namely for those seated in the second row.

With the Cannon Alpha range, however, it’s a brave new world for the segment without stretching the budget and stepping up to a cruise liner-sized US pick-up truck if you want to comfortably accommodate adults in the back.

Climb aboard and you’re greeted with an SUV-like cabin filled with premium-looking finishes, stacks of technology and numerous practical touches.

Thanks to a cabin layout snatched directly from the Tank 500, which the Cannon Alpha shares its platform with, that provides acres of interior space and a seriously family-friendly proposition for buyers with tall, teenaged children.

There’s no issues with headroom, while the driving position can be curated with eight-way power adjustment and both tilt and reach adjustment in the steering wheel itself.

We’re not massive fans of the faux wood inlays that aim to give it a more premium aesthetic, though it’s a better design choice than overloading buyers on the existing piano black trim, while some silver accents give off a more refined contrast.

In terms of quality, the centre console feels sturdy while the majority of the switchgear and buttons have a satisfying feel, dismissing any of our fears of cheap and nasty components.

Overall, the front of the cabin feels super spacious thanks to the wide platform, while more than a handful of clever design touches keep things mighty practical up front.

There’s a decent-sized cut-out inside the driver’s side of the centre console to stash a smartphone out of the sun, complete with two charging ports.

You also pick up a retractable tray atop the centre console that houses a wireless charging pad and a flexible storage arrangement in the air-conditioned centre armrest that allows for a pair of cupholders or storage cubby to pop forward for easy access.

Arguably the highlight of the whole Cannon Alpha interior package remains second-row accommodation, which treats those in the rear to more of a premium economy experience than the outright cattle class you’ll find in many dual-cab utes.

Tall adults won’t have any issues getting comfortable in the rear of the Cannon Alpha, which offers extremely healthy leg and headroom accommodation.

Better yet, those in the rear are treated to electronic adjustment that offers a nice, relaxed seating position, as well as a wireless charging pad and both heated and ventilated rear seats.

There’s also some under-seat storage that pops out from the seat base.

The Cannon Alpha’s second-row bench also picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors on each of the outboard seats as well as three top tether mounts, with easy access while installing a child seat thanks to the large rear doors and side steps. 

How Big is the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra’s Tray?

Working Aussies will be pleased to know that the added real estate in the second row hasn’t come at a great expense to the amount of cargo you can throw in the Cannon Alpha’s tray.

In total, the Cannon Alpha’s rear tray measures 1,500mm long by 1,520mm wide, with 1,110mm worth of width within the wheel arches.

The design of the tray’s tailgate itself is also unique for the segment, offering a 60/40 split that swings out and makes for super easy access if you’re stepping into the tray.

The tailgate can also fold down in a more conventional fashion, but with a pair of gas struts that keep things smooth and silent as it drops down.

There’s also four factory tie-down points in the Cannon Alpha’s tray, but no sports bar or cargo cover on offer.

All things considered, there’s a solid amount of tray space to keep working Aussies happy.

• Length: 1,500mm

• Width: 1,520mm

• Width between arches: 1,110mm

• Height: 500mm

How Much Can the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Carry and Tow?

Payload figures for the GWM Cannon Alpha are far from ground-breaking, representing one of the major compromises when opting for the company’s more family-friendly platform.

In total, the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid’s payload figures sit at 735kg, which is a little underwhelming for the heavy-duty segment.

Thankfully, towing capacity doesn’t take a hit when ticking the box on the Alpha Hybrid, which remains at 3,500kg worth of braked towing power.

If you were to fully load the Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid to its 3,310kg GVM limit and subtract that from its 6,555kg GCM figures, though, you’re left with 3,245kg worth of trailer, boat or caravan to safely tow.

• Payload: 735kg

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Gross Vehicle Mass: 3,310kg

• Gross Combination Mass: 6,555kg

• Kerb Weight: 2,575kg

• Braked Towing Capacity When Fully Loaded to GVM: 3,245kg

Is the GWM Cannon Alpha Safe?

Safety equipment lists are lengthy in the Cannon Alpha range, but GWM’s safety tech can prove paranoid and still needs some refinement, in our opinion.

The list of safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as adaptive cruise control, front & rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist with lane centring and emergency lane-keep intervention.

There’s also a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition and seven airbags inside the cabin, making it well-credentialed on paper.

The execution, however, is a little off the mark, with the driver attention monitoring system constantly - and wrongly - telling us to pay attention to the road, particularly while wearing sunglasses.

The various safety systems seem to create a never-ending chorus of chimes and stern warnings that, ironically, present more of a distraction than anything else.

Likewise, the lane-keep alerts aren’t cut out for country roads and step into action way too often, pushing you all over the road at times.

Many of these alerts can be disabled in the settings, though they’ll return the next time you start the vehicle up.

Does the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

It sure does - it recently scored full marks with ANCAP.

The Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating after scoring the following marks in its 2024 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 84%

• Child Occupant Protection: 93%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 82%

• Safety Assist: 81%

What Warranty Does the GWM Cannon Come With?

GWM offers the Cannon Alpha range with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which drops to 150,000-kilometres if you’re using the vehicle commercially.

Buyers also pick up an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for the Cannon Alpha Hybrid’s 1.74kWh battery pack.

GWM’s capped-price servicing costs total $1,650 for three years and climb to $3,000 over the course of five years.

Service intervals for the regular Cannon Alpha range stand at 12 months or 15,000-kilometres, dropping to 10,000-kilometres for the Alpha Hybrid range.

Our Verdict: Is the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Worth it?

There’s a lot to like about the Cannon Alpha, a package that offers seriously impressive interior acreage, tonnes of features, impressive off-road potential a long warranty and, of course, an extremely competitive price tag.

On the value front alone, it’s impossible to dismiss the Cannon Alpha range which successfully fills an admittedly niche gap between regular-sized dual-cab utes and over-sized U.S. pickups.

Despite what the marketing might have you believe, though, the greatest virtue of the Cannon Alpha Hybrid is not fuel efficiency - rather, it's the added power you gain on the road and the extra real estate inside.

That extra power also lends itself perfectly to some off-road antics, making it a surprise hit in the segment if you want to head off-road, though we can’t speak to the Cannon Alpha’s durability, or long-term reliability just yet.

As a result, upgrading to the pricier hybrid range isn’t quite a no-brainer for buyers unless you’re intent on the power upgrade.

Otherwise, we’d recommend bargain-hunters stick to the Cannon Alpha in entry-level Lux form or, if you’re after all the premium touches for the family, the Ultra with the turbo-diesel engine picks up a largely identical equipment list at a $7,000 discount.

Don’t forget that our team of car-buying experts is waiting on hand to help you find the best possible price on your next car. 

Five GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra Hybrid Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty

3. 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol + electric motor hybrid (255kW/648Nm)

4. 3,500kg braked towing capacity, 735kg payload

5. 9.8L/100km claimed fuel economy figures