2024 GWM Ute Review

Taking on some of the biggest names in the business, the GWM Ute aims to snatch buyers away from the establishment with prices that undercut its rivals while one-upping them on features.

Just how effective is the recipe in practice? Let’s take a closer look at the GWM Ute to find out.

GWM Ute Competition

Starting Price: $35,990

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How Much Does It Cost?

Drive-away prices for the MY24 GWM Ute range kick off from $35,990 for the entry-level Cannon 4x2 Dual Cab, while the GWM Ute Cannon 4x2 Cab Chassis is priced at $36,990.

Stepping up to the Ute Cannon 4x4 brings the price to $38,990, while the Ute Cannon 4x4 Cab Chassis is priced at $39,990.

Moving up to the GWM Ute Cannon-L 4x4 is accompanied by a price tag of $42,490, while its equivalent Cannon-L Cab Chassis 4x4 is priced at $43,490.

From here, the range moves to the Cannon-X 4x4 which is priced at $45,490, with the Ute Cannon Vanta 4x4 priced at $46,490 and the range-topping Cannon XSR 4x4 priced at $52,990.

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GWM Ute - CANNON (4x2) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the GWM Ute Cannon Have?

The entry-level Cannon range comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives automatic LED head & tail lights, side steps, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view and passenger-side camera with rear parking sensors, leatherette upholstery, keyless entry & start, hill descent control and three USB ports.

Stepping up to the Cannon-L range adds chrome exterior highlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats and power-folding side mirrors.

Moving to the Cannon-X range adds leather upholstery, an adjustable steering rack, a wireless smartphone charger, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 60:40 split folding rear seats, as well as voice recognition.

The Cannon Vanta receives a set of black 18-inch alloys as well as a black finish for the mirror caps, door handles, sports bar and front grille.

Finally, the range-topping Cannon-XSR receives 18-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tyres, underbody protection, a bespoke front grille and sports bar, a snorkel, panoramic sunroof, steel front & rear bumpers and a locking front and rear differential.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The GWM Ute Cannon range receives a 9.0-inch infotainment system sitting atop the dashboard which offers both Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity via a wired USB connection. 

Does the GWM Ute Cannon Have a Wireless Phone Charger?

For those looking for the added convenience of a wireless phone charger, you’ll need to upgrade to the Cannon-X or above, which picks up the Qi wireless charger as well as a larger 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Is the GWM Ute Comfortable to Drive?

While the GWM Ute can confidently undercut its rivals on value, it’s not a segment leader when it comes to the driving experience.

To start, it comes powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that kicks out 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, which is noticeably behind its main turbo-diesel rivals and is clear when comparing towing figures.

Power is thrown to the rear or all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic that offers great, snappy shifts, though the engine itself lacks the urgency for quick overtakes at speed.

Around town, the GWM Ute is relatively well-behaved, with a particularly light steering rack that makes three-point turns and parking a simple task, though turns do require more input and rotations of the wheel than you might be used to.

The suspension set-up is quite firm, particularly when the GWM Ute’s tray is empty.

Pick up the pace and you’ll notice it feels a little bit unsettled on rougher B-roads and over moderate bumps than its key rivals, speaking to the fact it could use some extra refinement for Australian roads.

For those looking to hit the Great Outdoors and tackle some off-road trails, we’d advise stepping up to the range-topping Cannon-XSR which picks up some absolute must-have additions to the equipment list. 

These include all-terrain tyres for the 18-inch wheels, underbody protection, locking front and rear differentials, a snorkel and upgraded steel front and rear bumpers, making it by far the most appropriate off-road tool.

All up, the GWM Ute is a bit of a mixed bag on Australian roads that certainly needs a few key revisions if the company wants to take on the biggest names in the dual-cab ute segment.

What is the GWM Ute’s Towing Capacity?

The GWM Ute Cannon’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is down on power and torque compared to flagship rivals, which was translated to less braked towing power than the kings of the segment.

Braked towing capacities are capped at 3,000kg across the range, whereas the best in the segment top-out at 3,500kg.

Having said that, payload figures for the GWM Ute Cannon range are an impressive 1,130kg which means it’s more than ready for the worksite.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

GWM’s turbo-diesel unit is rated at 8.3L/100km in the 4x2 dual cab, increasing to 8.4L/100km in the 4x2 cab chassis.

The GWM Ute 4x4 range has fuel economy figures totalling 9.4L/100km on a combined cycle, putting it on the thirstier side of the segment. 

How Much Fuel Does the GWM Ute Use Around Town?

• GWM Ute 4x2 City Consumption: 9.4L/100km

• GWM ute 4x2 Cab Chassis City Consumption: 9.4L/100km

• GWM Ute 4x4 Cab Chassis City Consumption: 10.4L/100km

• GWM Ute 4x4 City Consumption: 10.4L/100km

How Much Fuel Does the GWM Ute Use on the Highway?

• GWM Ute 4x2 Highway Consumption: 7.2L/100km

• GWM Ute 4x2 Cab Chassis Highway Consumption: 7.2L/100km

• GWM Ute 4x4 Highway Consumption: 8.7L/100km

• GWM Ute 4x4 Cab Chassis Highway Consumption: 8.7L/100km

Is it Practical and Spacious?

It’s more than likely that your first impression of the GWM Ute cabin is that it’s a far more sleek and modern design than you might have expected for a work-focussed vehicle.

Put on a blindfold and you could easily be fooled that you’re sitting inside a family SUV package, which certainly isn’t a bad thing.

Headroom in the front of the GWM Ute is great, with no issues for taller drivers, though there’s a frustrating lack of steering wheel adjustment for buyers opting for lesser grades than the Cannon-X.

Practical touches in the front of the cabin include a storage tray behind the gear lever, a narrow storage tray sitting in front of two cup holders, added storage inside the folding armrest and a pair of pop-up cupholders on the dash and bottle holders inside the doors.

The long wheelbase platform has also allowed for an impressive amount of space in the second row of the cabin, making it one of the best in the segment for rear seat accommodation.

All up, passengers are treated to a great deal of space in the back of the GWM Ute, with no issues for leg or headroom and enough width in the cabin for seating three-abreast.

The GWM Ute also picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and two top tether mounts that are super easy to access and install a forward and rear-facing child seat.

How big is the GWM Ute’s Tray?

Below you can find tray dimensions for both the GWM Ute Cannon dual cab and cab chassis variants.

Dual Cab Ute: 

• Length: 1560mm

• Width: 1614mm

• Width between arches: 1146mm

• Height: 563mm

Dual Cab Chassis: 

• Length: 1730mm

• Width: 1855mm

• Height: 235mm 

Is it Safe?

Active safety equipment is one area that the GWM Ute definitely holds its ground, with the base model picking up a long list of safety tech as standard.

The list includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure alerts, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, traffic sign detection, tyre pressure monitoring and seven airbags.

Only a surround-view camera with front-mounted parking sensors and safe exit warnings are reserved fro the Cannon-L and Cannon-X, respectively.

Does the GWM Ute Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The GWM Ute Cannon range has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in 2021, where it scored the following marks.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 86%

• Child Occupant Protection: 87%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 67%

• Safety Assist: 73%

What Warranty Does the GWM Ute Come With?

The GWM Ute range has a long warranty, with the company offering a factory warranty totalling seven years/unlimited kilometres.

There is also five years of roadside assistance bundled in, atop five years of capped-price servicing.

Service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the GWM Ute Worth it?

While it’s not a segment leader, the GWM Ute gives Aussies looking for a versatile workhorse some serious thinking when it comes to outright value for money.

We anticipate that future generations of the GWM Ute will become even more refined, closing the gap to its more established rivals, but until then, considering its features lists and long warranty coverage, it’s hard to ignore.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new work-ready ute, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price. 

Five GWM Ute Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. 3000kg braked towing capacities

3. 1130kg payload figures

4. 8.3 - 8.4L/100km fuel economy figures

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating