GWM has introduced the updated 2025 Cannon ute range, streamlining its offerings to just four 4x4 dual-cab variants while introducing a more powerful engine and enhanced standard features. The revised line-up begins at $40,490 drive-away for the Lux model, reflecting a $1000 increase over its 2024 counterpart. A new Ultra trim debuts at $43,490, whereas the Vanta sees a $2000 price hike to $45,490. Meanwhile, the top-tier XSR receives a $3000 price reduction, bringing it to $49,990 compared to its standard retail price, though previous promotional deals had placed it as low as $46,990 for private buyers. The Premium and Premium CC variants, along with the two 4x2 options, have been discontinued.
The refreshed 2025 Cannon showcases a new design first revealed in China in early 2023. It now bears a closer resemblance to the Cannon Alpha, featuring an updated grille and front bumper, along with a GWM-stamped tailgate. Inside, the ute benefits from a redesigned dashboard with fewer buttons and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 9-inch unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, along with a 7.0-inch digital instrument display. Other key features across all variants include synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 18-inch wheel set, LED headlights, roof rails, side steps, keyless entry, a wireless smartphone charger, and electronic steering wheel adjustment.
Stepping up to the Ultra trim introduces additional premium features such as an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, a tailgate step, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and ambient interior lighting. The Vanta model enhances its visual appeal with blacked-out elements, including wheels, side steps, grille, mirror caps, and door handles.
Despite the extensive updates, the 2025 Cannon retains the five-star ANCAP safety rating from the 2021-tested model. Standard safety features include seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver fatigue monitoring. The Ultra and Vanta trims add front parking sensors and a surround-view camera. However, the XSR variant remains unrated due to the omission of rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, door opening warning, and lane-change assist, as it prioritizes off-road capabilities. Instead, it features a unique grille, snorkel, and metal side steps.
Available in six exterior colors—Crystal Black, Scarlet Red, Pittsburgh Silver, Pearl White, Sapphire Blue, and Stealth Grey—the XSR is exclusively offered in grey, while silver is unavailable for this trim. Non-white color choices come with a $595 surcharge.
This update is more than just a facelift for the GWM ute, which first arrived in Australia in 2021. Alongside its rebranding from "Ute" to "Cannon," the model now features a more robust 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 181hp and 480Nm, replacing the previous 2.0-litre unit with 160hp and 400Nm. The transmission has also been upgraded from an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic to a GWM-developed nine-speed automatic. With these enhancements, the braked towing capacity now reaches 3500kg—matching segment leaders such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max—up from the previous limits of 3000kg (Lux and Vanta) and 3200kg (XSR). Gross Combined Mass (GCM) also increases to 6200kg for the Lux, Ultra, and Vanta, and 6300kg for the XSR, compared to 5830kg for the prior Lux and Vanta, and 3095kg for the XSR.
Despite the mechanical improvements, payload capacity remains unchanged at 995kg for the Lux, Ultra, and Vanta, and 875kg for the XSR. The new powertrain, shared with the larger Cannon Alpha, is designed to provide smoother performance and better power distribution across the rev range. Fuel efficiency has also improved, with a claimed consumption of 8.4L/100km, compared to the previous model’s 9.4L/100km.
The 2025 Cannon’s four-wheel-drive system includes up to seven selectable drive modes such as Snow, Mud, Sand, and Sport. It is also equipped with an electronically activated rear locking differential, while the XSR variant exclusively features a front locking differential for enhanced off-road capability.
Like all new GWM models, the 2025 Cannon is backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, with five years of capped-price servicing and roadside assistance. It is available for order now and is set to arrive in Australian showrooms in February.