Is GWM Cannon Pickup a Good Value Good Drive REVIEW

We don’t often get blown away by a drive, and the Cannon won’t blow you away either, but you’ll still be pleasantly surprised.

Our TOP TEN GWM Cannon story was assembled with a view to giving punters a quick-ref guide to a ute that is such good value, we were like punters at a bake sale.

The grille is huge, not unusual for the segment, but it does look like it is trying to eat itself. LED lighting looks and feels modern, but GWM haven’t tried to make the Cannon look like something it isn’t. What you see is what you get.

It is what you don’t see that is remarkable.

For example, all 4 wheels have disc brakes, highly unusual in the class. The tail gate has a concealed step that pulls out of the top edge when open. It is genius. It didn’t look sturdy but held my not-insubstantial weight. Whilst I’m no wiry apprentice p-plater, I do a decent job of imitating a builder of considerable experience. I have the waist to prove it.

The 4-range Cannon line-up is reasonably well priced considering the gear they’ve managed to shoehorn in. The base model is 2WD, and all the rest had AWD of 4-low range and a bunch of off-roading accoutrements.

The outside is better than expected, and the quality appears to be at least as good as its opposition

Inside:

Only the Vanta has luscious leather, and an inny-outie steering wheel. Not being able to adjust for reach is a pain, and makes the driving position less comfy than it should be.

Everything is plastic, and the metalised surround on the climate and off-road controls is a pet hate of mine. It always looks nasty, and eventually peels. It is a mere trifle in a cabin that genuinely feels posh. The bottom 3 models have plastic everywhere, including the seats. While the top 2 models have seat heating and auto climate control, all Cannons have rear vents.

The rear seat also has a nifty household socket, as well as a USB outlet. The biggest ticket item back there is bags of space. Even the tallest apprentice can stow knees without giving the boss a bump in the back.

The sound system is acceptable, with a 9” screen  and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto by USB. Vanta gets extra speakers.

The infotainment menu has a bunch of levels with nothing further than a couple of clicks away. It is a nicely laid out system, and as usual, includes the safety and driver aid settings. They can be fettled as the driver wishes, or turned off completely.

Only Vanta gets a Qi charger too, sadly absent from our L.

Video Review: Is the 2023 GWM Haval Cannon Pickup a Good Value Good Drive REVIEW

1 Minute Video Review: 2023 GWM Cannon Pickup Ute #SHORT Review

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: 2023 GWM Haval Cannon ute Pickup

On the Road:

A 4-cylinder 120kw/400Nm turbo-diesel is never going to set a land speed record. While it might not be fast, it is able to tow 3,000kg of braked goodness. That’s plenty for anyone wanting to clog up holiday highways with caravans and trailers. And, who doesn’t like sitting behind a trailer or caravan, right?

Bare-chested tradies should like the electric steering. It is a nice thing to see in a sensibly priced ute. It allows driver and safety aids to steer errant behaviour back onto the straight and narrow. Just about all other utes use a “brake-to-correct” function that will unexpectedly apply “allegedly” subtle braking to the opposite wheel to that which is crossing a road marking. At speed, it can be shocking. Cannon uses the computer to apply gently torque to the column instead, just like a normal old road car. Hoorah!

She is a big-ol chunk of meat, weighing in a 2175kg. Maneuvering at low speed take a bit of concentration of you’re not used to it. Otherwise, everything is tickety boo.

There is a clear reversing camera system (3600 on top 2 models), all-round sensors, drive modes, and a full set of collision avoidance systems.

Around town driving feel is typical of these big utes, and it needs a bit of care. There is a lot of metal back there, and the 3230mm wheelbase means that corners need plenty of space. Sure, it takes getting used to, but you quickly get the feel, and Cannon then starts to drive like a small SUV. If you’re already use to a Navara, Hilux, and the like, you’ll feel right at home.

Out on the open road, it cruises smoothly. Sturdy double wishbones at the front, and leaf springs at the back, tend to create a firm ride when coupled with damping that also copes with a load on. Cornering is surprisingly nimble, but you have to remember that the rear end is very light without a load on.

Gay tradies asked for a review of something with space, value, and decent towing capacity. Tick tick, tick.

Brochure here: (note- Vanta not shown) 2022 GWM Haval Cannon UTE BROCHURE AU v06 Web

Vanta:

Vanta gets a bunch of tasty goodies the other models lack.

There are lashings of leather and other techy-type inclusions. The heated seats have extra adjustment, there are more speakers, a blacked-out grille, matching black alloys, and bold black sports bar. It gives the pickup a thoroughly filthy “get the feck out of my way” look. I love it.

OK, most of the additions relate to snazzier trim, but it feels more expensive, and that’s its secret. GWM Cannon looks and feels like it costs far more than it actually does. The opposition feels more utilitarian, if not downright cheap.

Things you need to know:

Towing is 3,000kg braked max, which is a fair bit of heft, and within coo-ee of others in the segment. There is a long 7-year warranty and 5 years of capped price service and roadside assist.

Pricing is between $34,990 and $44,990 drive away (current according the public website) are for buyers with an ABN. Presumably non-ABN holders pay more shekels.

  • Price: $33,990 – $44,990 (to ABN holders)
  • Engine: 4-cyl Turbo Diesel
  • Power: 120kw/400Nm
  • Econ: 9.4L/100k
  • Trans: 8-Sp ZF automatic

2023 GWM Cannon Review, gay tradie, tradie ute

#202GWMCannonReview, #gaytradie, #tradieute

Other GayCarBoys SUV Stories:

 

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

← Previous

Next →

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading