Is the 2025 GWM Cannon the value-for-money pickup king of Southeast Asia? Find out about its brand-new turbo-diesel power, SUV-standard cabin, tough-as-nails capabilities, and unbeatable price tag. Do you need to ditch Hilux or Ranger? Read the full story.
Once Upon a Dirt Road: How GWM’s Cannon Crashed the Pickup Party
Once upon a backroad in Asia, ask any construction foreman or rice farmer which pickup they rely on and the reply would be one of a kind: Hilux langyan, Ranger langyan. Reliable, bulletproof, everywhere. So when Great Wall Motors (GWM) launched its Cannon into this battle in 2019, many people yawned. Another budget truck? Perhaps just another pretty face?
But forward to 2025, and the narrative’s turned like a tailgate in the breeze. The Cannon is no longer “that Chinese pickup.” It’s the truck that’s got the big boys breaking out into sweat — from Manila’s clogged EDSA flyovers to muddy banana farms in Davao, and the limestone karsts of Krabi to Penang’s twisting coastal routes.
GWM didn’t simply produce a budget workhorse. It produced a truck that belches, “Why can’t tough also be fancy?” — and values it so you don’t need to sell your kidneys for monthly instalments.
Step Inside: An SUV Cabin in Pickup Clothing
Close the big door and take a seat. You’d anticipate the standard utilitarian plastics and “wash it off with a hose” atmosphere — but the Cannon turns all that on its head. What you get instead is comfortable leather seats, refined contrast stitching, and a touch so contemporary you’d think you were sitting in a mid-size crossover.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen? Vibrant, simple to use, and wireless-capable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Farewell knotted wires, welcome effortless Spotify playlists. There’s also an all-digital driver’s display, displaying everything from fuel range to off-road pitch angles — ideal for flaunting to your friends.
Need a reprieve from the heat? The Cannon’s front ventilated seats ensure you remain cool, even if your forehead remains hot. Wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof (optional, depending on your variant), and rear air vents guarantee the barkada behind stays comfortable, too.
As opposed to some competitors, nothing in here shakes or feels like it’ll flake off after a couple of dirt roads. It’s tough and sophisticated — a combination that once was the exclusive domain of trucks costing twice as much.
Power to the People: Turbo-Diesel That Doesn’t Lag
Pop the bonnet and the Cannon shows off its new heart: a 2.4-liter turbo-diesel, tweaked to serve up 178 horsepower and respectable 480 Nm of torque. That’ll haul building materials, tow a stranded buddy’s boat trailer to safety, or simply hammer up Baguio’s mountainous switchbacks without breaking a sweat.
Paired with a 9-speed automatic, shifts are buttery-smooth — no gear-hunting drama when you floor it to overtake a crawling jeepney. The torque-on-demand 4×4 system kicks in smartly when the tarmac ends and the mud begins.
Real owners say the new setup runs quieter than older Chinese diesels, and fuel efficiency is surprisingly decent — you won’t feel like you’re leaking pesos every time you step on the pedal.
Safety: Not Just a Pretty Face
The 2025 Cannon supports its looks with intelligence. GWM has thrown everything in the ADAS book at it — things that were once the exclusive domain of premium SUVs are now standard or optional on a pickup that costs less than some subcompact cars.
Adaptive Cruise Control: ideal for those endless highway trudges from Manila to La Union.
Autonomous Emergency Braking: because motorbikes suddenly materialize out of thin air.
Lane Keep Assist & Departure Warning: your personal guardian angel during those late-night drives home.
Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: because your bed is broad, and tricycles are stealthy.
360-degree cameras: parking an enormous truck in SM shopping mall parking lots just got a whole lot less stressful.
And yes — full airbag protection front, side, and curtain. The Cannon proudly displays its 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating, showing it’s not all flash.
Workhorse When You Need It
Under all that sophistication lies a true workhorse. The Cannon’s ladder-frame chassis, elevated ground clearance, and electronic rear diff-lock ensure you can ascend boulder-strewn trails or storm deep mud without whimpering for a tow.
3,000 kg towing capacity — huge boat, no issue.
1,000 kg payload — bags of cement, cartons of mangoes, perhaps the occasional refrigerator.
Off-road modes — Mud, Sand, Snow — so you’re prepared for that whim beach excursion or backwoods camping adventure.
Did you know that its V6 cousin tackled sections of China’s Taklimakan Desert Rally. You won’t likely race yours, but it’s good to have bragging rights at the car wash.
Price and Availability: Sweet Spot or Not?
If Southeast Asian consumers have one favorite above torque, it is value — and the Cannon gets that part right.
Philippines: Begins around ₱1.348 M, peaks at ₱1.498 M for the range leader with all the extras.
Thailand: Diesel and hybrid models begin below THB 1 M.
Malaysia: Approximately MYR 128,000+, new Ultra models making their debut.
Every Cannon comes with up to 7-year warranty and dealers love to throw in sweeteners like free PMS for up to 5 years. Compare that to the competition, and you’re basically getting a premium SUV cabin and serious pickup power for the price of a bare-bones mid-tier Hilux.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
Pros:
Plush, modern cabin that’s genuinely premium for the price
Punchy new turbo-diesel with decent fuel efficiency
Capable towing, hauling, and off-road capabilities
Abundant ADAS features, unheard of at this price
Savvy warranty and post-purchase offers
Cons:
Brand image still not upto Japanese competitors
Resale value still a concern
V6 or hybrid variants not available in all countries
Final Verdict: So, Should You Get One?
If you’re so dead with the same old pickup bet — same boxy appearance, same utilitarian interior, but plain boast — the 2025 GWM Cannon is your X factor. It’s display that a rugged truck can treat you like royalty with advanced luxury and intelligent safety, without braking your bank.
No, it won’t magically dethrone the Hilux overnight. But drive it,feel along the leather seats, blast the stereo while on a dirt track — and you’ll see why it’s slowly converting loyalists.
Is it flawless? Not quite. But for Southeast Asian consumers willing to cut loose from tradition, the Cannon is more than an acceptable bargain — it’s a declaration that the game of pickups has forever been altered.
FAQ: 2025 GWM Cannon Southeast Asia
Q: Where can I purchase the 2025 GWM Cannon in the Philippines?
A: Official GWM dealers across the country are introducing units at present. Test drives are readily available — look at their FB pages for promo activities.
Q: Is the GWM Cannon available as a hybrid?
A: Thailand has a 2.0L HEV variant. Other markets might follow suit later, but inquire with your local dealer on launch dates.
Q: What is the real-world fuel economy?
A: Owners see about 9–11 km/L in blended city/highway travel — great for a truck of this size.
Q: Does it actually tow 3 tons?
A: Absolutely! Provided trailer setup and load distribution are correct. Always check with your local road laws.
