2023 GWM Cannon revealed with a fresh face: Are these updates what the ute needs to compete better with the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max?

GWM is on a new model blitz, with new offerings including an even larger ute in the Cannon family and the new LandCruiser-rivalling Tank 500 being officially unveiled in Shanghai, both likely for an Australian launch.

One more under-the-radar appearance was a facelifted version of the existing Cannon, which features some mild but important updates.

From the outside, the major tweaks include a new textured grille design, a new set of more contemporary alloy wheels, body-matching over fenders, as well as a tougher looking updated front bumper.

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More significant are the changes inside, with an overhauled and more upmarket-looking dash design, two new tablet-style screens, one for the multimedia panel and another for the digital instrument cluster, as well as a new three-spoke steering wheel, and an overhauled centre console which brings the Cannon in line with more recent arrivals in GWM’s truck and SUV range (like, for example, the Tank 300 SUV which arrived in Australia earlier in 2023).

Chinese media reports that the MY23 Cannon ute will maintain the same powertrains, including the current 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit sold in the Australian market, which produces 120kW/400Nm.

A 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit, which produces 142kW/360Nm is not expected for an Australian debut. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic, featuring permanent all-wheel drive and a low-range mode.

GWM’s Australian division has been approached for comment on if or when these 2023 model year updates for the Chinese market will make it to Australian-delivered Cannon utes.

A larger member of the Cannon family, dubbed the Shanhai Cannon, was also revealed, expanding significantly on the existing ute and featuring new powertrains, including a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 (260kW/500Nm) and a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel (135kW/480Nm). All versions will feature 48-volt mild hybrid systems, as well as highly digitised cabins. 

The Shanhai Cannon’s large SUV relation, the Tank 500, will share the same V6 unit, as well as a plug-in hybrid drivetrain which pairs electric motors to a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine for impressive total outputs of 258kW/615Nm.

Part of GWM’s new model line-up also included a new hybrid B07 mid-size SUV which could potentially be a replacement for the Haval H6.