4x4 Ute of the Year
Gallery 1
It was interesting to see that the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV landed right behind the Ford Ranger PHEV in the overall scoring.
In fact, it was a tight call between the two hybrids – and it ultimately came down to the Ranger’s simplicity and solid build to split them. The Cannon Alpha is the big brother in the Cannon line-up, and in Ultra trim it comes fully loaded.
From the outset, it impresses with its cavernous cabin, advanced tech and standard off-road features. For a hybrid ute, it’s a rare combination of sheer power and practical capability, offering front and rear locking differentials, a dual-range 4×4 system, and plenty of torque to get through tough tracks without breaking a sweat.
What makes the Cannon Alpha particularly notable is that it feels like a purpose-built 4×4 rather than just a hybrid variant. While other PHEVs may prioritise efficiency or city driving, the Cannon delivers a genuine off-road experience, making it a strong contender for anyone looking for a tech-rich yet capable hybrid ute straight out of the showroom.
JUMP AHEAD
Key highlights
Packed with power, tech and off-road capability, the Cannon Alpha PHEV comes straight from the showroom ready to tackle the rough stuff.
- 2.0‑litre turbo petrol + electric motor, 300kW/750Nm
- Dual-range, on-demand 4×4 with front and rear locking diffs
- Nappa leather seats front and rear, ventilated, heated, front massage
- 14.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Spacious cabin with rear seat slide/recline functionality
- Large cargo tub with barn-door/fold-down tailgate
- Heavyweight build delivering confident off-road presence
How it drives: On- and off-road performance
The Ultra PHEV’s driveline pairs a turbocharged 2.0‑litre petrol engine with an electric motor mounted in the transmission bell-housing alongside the torque converter.
Together, they deliver 300kW and 750Nm, sent through a dual-range, on-demand 4×4 system. It’s a potent combination that launches the hefty Cannon with surprising authority, shrugging off its weight and giving the PHEV a “cannonball off the mark” feel.
On tarmac, the Cannon Ultra PHEV feels impressively composed, with the hybrid torque smoothing acceleration. It’s an easy ute to drive on highways and suburban roads, though its size and weight are noticeable when manoeuvring at low speeds.
Off-road, the Cannon’s front and rear locking differentials make it unrivalled on rough tracks. However, some functions feel complex, and the ETC calibration is slightly jerky, so the ute relies on its lockers to negotiate offset wombat holes and tricky terrain. Its weight works against it at times, but in the hands of an experienced driver, the Cannon’s capability is undeniable.
10
Towing performance
With such massive torque on tap, the Cannon Alpha PHEV pulls away from the lights with confidence, even with a trailer in tow.
“I loved the seats in the Alpha, and more points to the frankly obscene 300kW and 750Nm of power and torque, which make pulling away from the lights, trailer in-tow, like a drag race,” said towing judge, Tim van Duyl. “But the Cannon fell to the mid-pack as a towing proposition as it’s thirsty. I saw high teens, bordering on 20s per 100km travelled when towing.”
The cargo tub is spacious, although the PHEV battery and spare tyre placement reduce some capacity. The barn-door/fold-down tailgate is a quirky, if not strictly necessary, addition.
| GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $67,990 + ORC |
| Engine | 4-cylinder petrol with electric motor |
| Capacity | 2.0L |
| Max Power | 300kW (combined) |
| Max Torque | 750Nm (combined) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| 4×4 System | On demand/dual range |
| Construction | 4-door ute on ladder frame chassis |
| Front Suspension | IFS, double wishbones, coil springs |
| Rear Suspension | Live axle on leaf springs |
| Tyres | 265/60R18 on alloy wheels |
| Kerb Weight | 2810kg |
| GVM | 3495kg |
| GCM | 6745kg |
| Towing Capacity | 3500kg (braked) |
| Payload | 685kg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75L |
| ADR Fuel Consumption | 1.7L/100km (combined hybrid) |
| Approach Angle | 28.5 |
| Rollover Angle | 19 |
| Departure Angle | 23 |
| Wading Depth | 800mm |
| Ground Clearance | 210mm |
Interior comfort and technology
Inside, the Cannon Ultra PHEV impresses with Nappa leather seats front and rear, ventilated and heated, with a massage function on the front pews. Rear passengers enjoy electric slide and recline functionality, easing the typically upright dual-cab seating position.
A 14.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the dash, integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, system settings, and controls in a large, clear display. Storage, ergonomics and overall cabin comfort place it closer to the top end of the dual-cab segment.
1
How it stacked up
While some off-road functions are complex, the Cannon Ultra PHEV demonstrates that hybrid utes can be serious 4×4 performers. It’s not quite as simple or intuitive as the Ranger PHEV, but its sheer capability, tech and comfort make it a formidable contender in the hybrid 4×4 market.
- Hybrid power – 300kW/750Nm output.
- Off-road ready – Standard front and rear lockers, upgraded suspension and capable tyres.
- Feature-packed cabin – Nappa leather, ventilated/massage seats and 14.6‑inch infotainment screen.
Pros
- Off-road capability with standard lockers
- Insane hybrid torque for acceleration
- Luxury and tech features
Cons
- Complexity of some off-road systems and ETC calibration
- Heavy
- Thirsty when towing
| How it scored | |
|---|---|
| Value for money | 6 |
| Breaking new ground | 8 |
| Built tough | 6 |
| Doing the job | 7 |
| Bushability | 5 |
| TOTAL | 32 |
2025 4×4 Ute of the Year
A stacked field hit this year’s 4X4 Ute of the Year test, with everything from value picks to heavy-duty touring rigs lining up. Here’s every contender that made the cut for 2025.:
