2023 GWM Ute Cannon-X Review

Sitting at the pointy end of the GWM Ute lineup, the Cannon-X is billed as the ultimate all-in-one dual-cab ute package that matches the segment’s heavy-hitters without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a closer look at the GWM Ute Cannon-X and see how the company’s claims stand up against its dual-cab ute competitors.

GWM Ute Cannon-X Competition

Starting Price: $45,490

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How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the GWM Ute Cannon-X stand at $45,490 driveaway, making it one of the best value dual-cab utes in the segment.

For reference, the cheapest member of the GWM Ute range, the Cannon 4x2 is priced at $35,990, while the range-topping GWM Ute Cannon-XSR 4x4 is priced at $52,990 driveaway.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by using one of OnlineAuto’s car agents to assist you in finding the best car for you. As one of the leading car buying services in Australia, our team have access to a range of dealerships across the country to help find you the best deal.

GWM Ute - CANNON-X (4x4) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check GWM Ute car page.

What Features Does the GWM Ute Cannon-X Have?

The GWM Ute Cannon-X comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives LED head & tail lights, adaptive cruise control, side steps, leather upholstery with heated front seats, wireless phone charging, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, chrome exterior highlights, a surround-view camera with 3D view, climate control and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

This is in addition to the 4x4 system, hill descent control, low-range transfer case and the locking rear differential.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• LED head & tail lights

• Adaptive cruise control

• Leather upholstery with heated front seats

• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster

• Chrome exterior highlights

• Climate control

• Surround-view camera with 3D view

• 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 4x4 system

• Hill descent control

• Locking rear differential

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

While some may scoff at the prospect of a fairly recent entrant from China, GWM has done an admirable job playing catch-up to its rivals, though the end result is still lacking.

The ute has a clear power and torque gap between it and the kings of the segment, thankfully, there’s still enough power and torque to glide you up to speed relatively quickly, with smooth shifts provided by the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The engine isn’t without its quirks, though, and often needs quite a lot of throttle input to kick the transmission into the right gear, with a noticeably slimmer torque band than key rivals that means it is switching through the gears quite often to keep you up and moving.

“The lack of torque means the Cannon-X can’t keep up with its rivals when towing, and feels far less comfortable on long journeys across rougher Aussie roads.” Arnaud - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

Around town, the Ute Cannon-X is surprisingly well-mannered, though it doesn’t soak up smaller bumps the way you’d hope a dual-cab ute platform would.

The same applies when you head out of town and hit the open road, where GWM’s more basic approach to the suspension package makes it clear that there is a noticeable gap between the ride comfort levels of the Cannon-X and its key rivals like the HiLux, Ranger, BT-50, Triton or D-Max.

Having said that, the Cannon-X is still user-friendly and easy to pilot around town thanks to the lightweight steering, and while it lacks the overall refinement, it’s still a pretty impressive package for the money.

Is the GWM Ute Cannon-X a Good Off-Roader & Workhorse?

In short, yes, but its abilities are limited when compared to some of the segment’s heaviest hitters.

Power for the GWM Ute Cannon-X comes provided by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit pushing out 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, which is paired with a four-wheel drive system, low-range transfer case and a locking differential.

“Braked towing power is down 500kg on its key rivals, making the Cannon-X a less versatile workhorse.” Craig - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

This gives it some genuine off-road potential, though the lack of torque is noticeable when it comes to off-roading and while towing, with braked towing capacities maxed-out at 3000kg, noticeably behind the 3500kg pulling power of key rivals.

In terms of payloads, the Cannon-X is happy to accommodate a 1050kg payload in the rear tray, which also picks up a unique little access step into the tray that makes a huge difference when it comes to easily loading and unloading some bulky cargo.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

GWM says that the Ute Cannon-X is rated at 9.4L/100km, which is on the thirstier side of the spectrum, particularly for a turbo-diesel engine.

If fuel efficiency is an important consideration for you, we’d recommend taking a closer look at some of the Cannon-X’s rivals.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

One area that the Cannon-X narrows the gap with key rivals is the space and practicality on offer inside the cabin, which, combined with the amount of equipment, is perhaps its strongest selling point.

Up front, the cabin greets the driver and front passenger with a surprisingly premium design package, with quilted leather upholstery, heated seats and a large 9.0-inch infotainment display sitting atop the dash.

There’s no issues when it comes to headroom in the front of the Cannon-X’s cabin, making it a great option for taller drivers, with the driver benefitting from more adjustment in the steering wheel to find their perfect position.

“The interior is well-equipped and flashy in parts, all while offering some of the best legroom in the dual-cab ute segment.” Arnaud - OnlineAuto Car Buying Specialist

In the rear, the tall roofline means that adults will have no problems sitting in the second row, with a generous amount of legroom also on offer in the rear of the Cannon-X that makes it one of the roomiest options in the second row.

Rear passengers pick up a power outlet, USB port, rear air vents, while those with young children have access to a pair of ISOFIX anchor points and two top-tether mounts that are super easy to access.

All up, the liveability and family-friendly nature of the Cannon-X is actually one of its strongest selling points, thanks to its undeniably practical design and the generous amount of creature comforts inside.

Is it Safe?

The GWM Ute Cannon-X has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 86% for adult protection, 87% for child protection, 67% for vulnerable road user protection and 73% for safety assist.

The Cannon-X comes extremely well-equipped with safety gear, with the list including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, lane-keep assistance, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor and seven airbags.

Our Verdict: Is The GWM Ute Cannon-X Worth it?

While it can’t match its main rivals in a number of key aspects, the Cannon-X is so well-equipped and attractively priced, we can forgive it for falling short of the lofty standards set by utes like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.

The Cannon-X can’t match the torque figures or pulling power of these rivals, though it does offer a great deal of versatility, with the benefit of a large and practical cabin that makes it a very family-friendly option.

If you’re tossing up your best options within the world of dual-cab utes, reach out to one of our car buying specialists who can help narrow down your shortlist and find you a great price.

Five GWM Ute Cannon-X Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Five-star ANCAP safety rating

3. 2.0-litre turbo-diesel produces 120kW/400Nm 

4. 1050kg payload figures

5. 3000kg braked towing capacity