Will it survive!? (GWM Ute vs Hilux vs D-Max 2022 outback comparison review)

We put our Chinese GWM Cannon-X Ute up to the ultimate test in Australia: can it keep up with a Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max in the Australian Outback? We subject the Great Wall, Hilux and D-Max to hundreds of kilometres of harsh corrugations, dirt, dust and wildlife to see whether the Chinese-made GWM Ute is really up to the task!

In today’s episode of Chasing Cars, deputy editor Nathan Ponchard, photographer Alek Hoskins and journalist Zak Adkins head from Sydney to Adelaide over 2500km via the Outback to shake down our long-term GWM Ute Cannon-X against a Toyota Hilux Rogue 2.8 and Isuzu D-Max LS-U 3.0 diesel.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[nigelb]

Have had a Cannon X now for 14 months and absolutely love it - no faults at all. Great service from the 3 dealers I've used

[edboyes]

15 months with the Cannon X and 15k on the clock. It’s done the Flinders Rangers on L8-L9 tracks, towed a 2.5t caravan and is a city commuter. No issues with rusting or quality. Unlike previous GWM vehicles, this Ute has reputable parts from ZF, Borg Warner and Bosch. I don’t think anyone will say it’s a Ranger or Hilux but to be honest, who pushes their vehicles to that extreme. With 3t towing, 300kg ball weight, 1050kg in the tray, the only Ute to have a tailgate step, 7yr warranty and for $41k it’s fantastic.

[fakejake]

My Cannon-X is on dirt roads hauling a trailer every week. No problems at all and 400NM/120kW is enough in isolation (Hilux had less power up to 5 "minutes" ago)
Lane assist is rubbish but when I hit the freeways near the city is works OK.
For the money can't fault it.

[AussieKawiman]

Have loved the GWM from the day it was released, Yeah it is not a full on off roader but neither is most consumers, Sold my Pimped up Prado as I am not hard core and have ordered a GWM Canon L, Should have done it from the start.. Great value at the price and who cares about resale, Why sell it, All Diesel/Petrol vehicles will be worth nothing in 5-10 years anyway...Thanks for the great realistic review...

[bling]

Just did 102000 in my first Cannon just purchased my second one. Value, economy, comfort and style. I work in central qld and have had no issues on or off road.

[brianward]

DONT cannon is the first Generation of this ute. Versus the 8th Generation of the Hilux and 3rd generation of the Isuzu. also the comment about climbing a hill the cannon couldn't do because seeing over the bonnet the 360 camera on the cannon can be turned on when climbing such hills.. After market Suspension upgrades incl 2 inch lift's our also available Cheers

[sailingcitrinesunset]

At the end of the day they're all work utes and none of them are worth more than $25, 000! How much they cost is a joke!

[nikiwong]

after hearing all the positive notes from gmw owners， I have eagerly placed an order of gmw and will get it in 2wks

[kirovfactory]

In South Africa the D23 Navara equipped with the 140kw 450Nm YD25 was smoked by GWM in a 0-100. but as mentioned in the video at high speed, peak power speaks.

[Gdsamplify]

Great review CC, you guys are killing it. would love to see more out-of-town tests like this.

[peter]

Interesting review. I'm in the market again for a new ute and I'm seriously considering the GWM. I had from new an RX NP300 for 5 years and did 500k. The reason I bought the RX single turbo was because I couldn't hack the delay when accelerating. The RX had no delay and felt like a petrol off the line so I installed the wheels, chrome bars on the rear and nudge bar. The point being, this model produced 120Kw of power with 400Nm of torque. Never was an issue and I suspect same with GWM. I used to tow cars on trailer just over 2 tonne. No issues. Only complaint was that despite the average fuel of under 8 litres per 100, when it towed it really sucked the diesel. Was very poor on the economy under towing conditions. But other than that, it had plenty of power for me so I suspect the GWM is just fine. If you're a V6 diesel punter then you'll never be satisfied with the GWM. But from what I'm reading, the GWM is hard to pass up if you have a limited budget.

[Dakaman]

I have a Cannon x and love it. Yes there are little quirks for a 1st Generation. Better suspension a slightly higher ground clearance. Better user interface and yes how about a interior light for the rear passengers. It can only get better with time. GWM are on the move as is LDV.

[SCXU]

70k for a Hilux vs GWM Cannon with a camper trailer and spare cash left, very tempting.

[simonlombardo]

Please do a similar comparison with the musso! Its good to see someone finally considering the cheaper utes in a comparison test. I would love to see a comparison of the base spec dual cab from every manufacturer. How does a $34k ute stack up against a base model hilux or ranger or triton?

[speedymini]

Good too see you guys doing the classic Aussie Outback test. These big outback drives have been missing for a while, could love to see you take an EV or any other new car on Broken Hill and back adventure.

[ryant]

I know they are Ute's but let's be honest, most will never see a dirt road like this. And so if you are one of those people that want a ute for the look then the saving on a GWM makes a lot of sense.

[ajliebenberg]

Spend a couple grand to improve the GWM's lacking parts and you still het a cheaper vehicle that can do the same and has more features.

[hernendezsanchez]

On the gwm you can simply turn the aircon on and off with the knobs and buttons on the centre console. You also have the option of going through the screen interface, but I think I did that once and completely disregarded it.

I've also turned the lane keep assist down to the point that its quite reasonable to use now.

Springs and shocks to be upgraded soon.

[markchesterfield]

Thanks Ponch! Another great, and as always, honest review. Having driven a GWM I reckon I could live with the power deficit (it's just not that obvious in isolation) and a quick trip to Pedders should sort out that front end. Keep up the amazing work!

[ignacioarguellol.]

Prices are crazy!
In Ecuador 🇪🇨 the Hiliux it’s at $50k usd !
We just got an gwm poer and against all odds it surprise me! (I was esceptical about a Chinese car)
The interior it’s top notch for the segment*apple car play * android auto *crisp display* hd backup camera * soft materials * lots of room.
The other brands ! Give you the worst interior *cheap hard plastic *cheap third party display * cheap backup camera* out dated inteior in general !

The full version 4x2 its at $30k usd .
Totally worth the 20k less, the litmus test is the engine long term performance.