3 Months Ago
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William Stopford
About the GWM Ute
Last updated Dec 18, 2024For 2025 the Chinese-made GWM Ute continues as a great alternative to the Japanese and American utes on offer in Australia. As was the case last year, the Cannon 4×2 variants and Cannon-L CC 4×4 have been discontinued, leaving only six variants.
For private buyers the range now opens at $35,990 drive-away for the GWM Ute Cannon 4×4, and extends to $48,990 drive-away for the GWM Ute Cannon-XSR.
ABN holders receive slightly different drive-away asking prices and until September 30 there’s an additional $1500 discount available.
Pros
- Inspires confidence in novice off-roaders
- One of the most excellent interiors in the segment
- Still sharply priced
Cons
- Power adequate, but no more
- Ride quality
- Some of the tech needs work
GWM Ute News
2025 GWM Ute Price
Dual Cab Chassis Tray
| Variant | Price From* | Price To* |
|---|---|---|
| CANNON (4x4) | $36,490 | $36,490 |
Dual Cab Utility
| Variant | Price From* | Price To* |
|---|---|---|
| CANNON (4x2) | $32,990 | $32,990 |
| CANNON (4x4) | $34,490 | $34,490 |
| CANNON-L (4x4) | $37,990 | $37,990 |
| CANNON VANTA (4x4) | $41,990 | $41,990 |
| CANNON-X (4x4) | $41,990 | $41,990 |
| CANNON-XSR (4x4) | $46,990 | $46,990 |
*excl. on-roads
All GWM Ute Pricing
2025 GWM Ute Dimensions
1886mm
1934mm
5511mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2025 GWM Ute Dimensions2025 GWM Ute Boot Space
At the rear, the bumper features convenient cut-outs that serve as steps, and the tailgate, equipped with pneumatic arms, reveals a lined tub with tie-down points in each corner. The tub measures 1520mm by 1520mm and includes a practical pull-out stepladder. However, the Cannon-XSR's payload is lower than other Cannon models, which typically offer at least 1000kg, with the XSR quoting an 875kg payload.
2025 GWM Ute Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the GWM Ute
2025 GWM Ute Interior
The Cannon boasts one of the finest interiors among utes in this segment. Despite its tough and rugged exterior, the interior is remarkably refined. It features a high-quality, soft-touch dashboard with elegant stitching details, along with soft-touch trim on the front door tops and sides of the centre console. The quilted leather-look upholstery on the doors is exceptionally soft, complementing the quilted seat inserts. The seats offer a comfortable balance, being neither too firm nor overly plush.
The gear shifter is well-designed, though the reflective surround can be distracting. Even the paddle shifters feel substantial, avoiding the cheap plastic feel often found in this category. The steering wheel, which is both rake and reach adjustable in the Cannon-XSR, adds to the cabin's tactile quality. Overall, the interior feels robust, with no noticeable build quality issues, though the doors can feel somewhat flimsy and require a firm push to close properly.
While the interior design is reminiscent of a previous-generation Haval SUV, this is not necessarily a downside, as it means the presence of plenty of physical controls, including climate control, rather than relying solely on touchscreen inputs. Earlier this year, GWM introduced a version of the Cannon in China with significantly fewer physical controls, featuring a freestanding 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. However, it's yet to be confirmed if this interior will be available in other markets.
The existing switchgear has flaws, as some buttons have small pictograms and all feature a "metal-look" silver finish that was popular in the 2000s. However, the inclusion of proper knobs is a welcome feature. Alongside the silver plastic trim overused in the past, there's also a generous amount of gloss black trim, which is similarly prevalent in modern vehicles. Fortunately, the dashboard includes distinctively patterned and textured metal-look trim that adds a touch of uniqueness.
Despite some minor design critiques, this interior is impressive not just for a ute but would also be considered high quality in an SUV at a similar price point. As expected from a GWM product in 2023, the surround-view camera, which offers a 3D view, is excellent, with features such as the ability to change the vehicle view from translucent to transparent or opaque and customisable vehicle colours. However, the camera view frequently activates, even when stopping at traffic lights, which can be intrusive, especially as it interferes with smartphone mirroring prompts and prevents audio adjustments while the camera view is displayed.
There are convenient controls for auto hold, off-road turn assist, cruise control features, and steering modes located on the centre console, with the hill descent control switch positioned on the centre stack. The centre console offers ample storage with a well-sized bin and a sliding compartment tray that can cover the cupholders. While the cupholders are deep, they are narrow, and may not accommodate larger cups. The door pockets lack a traditional cylindrical cut-out for bottles, though they can still securely hold a 1L bottle.
The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen interface appear modern, though not without some limitations. Customisable themes are available for both, but the digital instrument cluster remains somewhat basic, often dominated by a vehicle view when lane support systems are engaged. The infotainment system is generally satisfactory, though the absence of satellite navigation is a notable drawback, particularly for off-road excursions for which the Cannon-XSR is designed. Users can download offline maps via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay as a workaround, though both require a cable connection.
The Cannon-XSR’s side steps are robust, aiding entry into the high-riding ute. The rear doors open wide, though the opening is not particularly long. Once inside, rear passengers will find ample space in all dimensions, though the sunroof slightly reduces headroom compared to other Cannon models. The rear seat features a relatively flat driveline hump, enhancing comfort for the centre-rear passenger. However, feedback suggests the rear bench is quite upright and not as supportive.
Rear amenities include a USB-A outlet, a 220V/120W outlet, map pockets on the soft front seatbacks, air vents, and bottle holders in the doors. There is also a centre armrest, though unusually without cupholders. ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points for child seats are available on the outboard seats, but there is no anchor point for the centre seat. The child-seat anchor points are among the easiest in the segment for securing a top-tether strap, as noted by industry reviewers.
2025 GWM Ute Infotainment
The base model Cannon and Cannon-CC have the following features:
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 3.5-inch instrument cluster screen
- Power outlet and USB port for dash cam
- 12V power outlet
- 220V power outlet
- Front USB port x 2
- Rear USB port x 1
The Cannon-L ute and cab-chassis gain:
- Automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror
The Cannon-X and XSR adds:
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless phone charger
2025 GWM Ute Fuel Economy
| GWM Ute | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| CANNON (4x4) | Diesel | 9.4 L/100km |
Cost of ownership
What is the running and servicing costs of a GWM Ute?
As with the rest of the GWM range, the Ute is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance.
There are five years of capped-price servicing, with the first service – due at six months or 5000km – costing $260.
Subsequent services are required at 12-month/10,000km intervals and cost $360 each.
How does the 2025 GWM Ute drive?
Our expert take on GWM Ute drivability.
The Ute range is now offered exclusively with four-wheel drive.
In most Utes, this is a full-time system with selectable low-range gearing and a locking rear differential.
The Cannon-XSR uniquely features a part-time system with selectable low-range gearing and locking front and rear differentials, and also comes with a crawl mode and Turn Assist By Braking.
GWM Ute | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel |
Power | 120kW |
Torque | 400Nm |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission |
Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
The entire 2024 GWM Ute range uses 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Should you buy the 2025 GWM Ute
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
Chinese automakers are setting a new standard with their increasingly sophisticated technology, making their competitors appear outdated. In response to the growing popularity of rugged off-road vehicles among Chinese consumers, GWM has effectively catered to off-road enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.
The Cannon-XSR integrates modern and practical off-road features with serious capability, though it presents a contrast between cutting-edge technology and traditional driving dynamics. The engine performance is somewhat lacking, and the ride quality leaves room for improvement.
Nonetheless, the Cannon-XSR excels at simplifying off-road driving for novices, thanks to its array of off-road features. For those not primarily interested in off-roading, more affordable variants in the Cannon lineup may be preferable, as they still offer a full-time four-wheel drive system. This setup provides enhanced traction on paved surfaces in all weather conditions, while retaining solid off-road capabilities for occasional adventures.
If the aggressive, blacked-out aesthetic of the Cannon-XSR is a must-have, the Cannon Vanta offers a similar look, along with one of the most impressive interiors in the segment.