2023 GWM Ute Cannon-XSR pricing: HiLux GR Sport, Navara Pro-4X rival arrives

The 2023 GWM Ute range has expanded with the addition of the new off-road-focused Cannon-XSR.

Priced at $52,990 drive-away ($51,490 drive-away for ABN holders), the 2023 GWM Ute Cannon-XSR is $6500 dearer than the Cannon Vanta, with a host of additions said to “provide enhanced operation in tougher off-road conditions”.

Based on the Mount Everest Edition launched in China in 2021, the new variant is a cut-price alternative to other off-road-based dual-cab utes, such as the Toyota HiLux GR Sport and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior.

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Compared to the standard four-wheel-drive GWM Ute, which has an automatic full-time system, the Cannon-XSR has a part-time 4×4 system to manually switch between 2H, 4H and 4L.

It features a crawl mode function to control acceleration and braking on tougher terrains, and ‘turn assist by braking’ to tighten the turning circle by braking the inside rear wheel.

Unlike the beefed-up Toyota HiLux GR Sport and Ford Ranger Raptor, the Cannon-XSR retains the same 120kW and 400Nm turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as the GWM Ute, matched to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

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Earlier this year, government homologation documents stated an off-road GWM Ute variant would have a 2250-kilogram braked towing capacity, down from the standard 3-tonne limit.

4×4 Australia has been unable to verify the Cannon-XSR’s towing capacity. GWM Australia has been approached for comment, and this story will be updated with its response.

Under the skin, GWM has added a front differential lock (and rear), a passive front stabiliser, and an underbody chassis guard.

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Other additions include; a steel front bumper, standard-fit snorkel and side steps, unique alloy wheels, 265/65 all-terrain tyres, red brake calipers, chunkier flares, and a larger sports bar.

A glass sunroof has been added to the Cannon-XSR, joining the Nissan Navara’s optional sunroof for the ST-X grade.

However, the Cannon-XSR omits the front parking sensors, halogen fog lamps, and centre differential lock available in lower grades.

Features unique to the Chinese-market version include four-wheel ‘tank turn’ capability, an ‘off-road expert’ drive mode to disable stability and traction control automatically, a 700-millimetre wading depth, and a taller 228mm ground clearance – compared to 194mm for the Cannon-XSR, shared with the standard GWM Ute.

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2023 GWM Ute Cannon-XSR features

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2023 GWM Ute pricing

All prices are drive-away.