Beefy new GWM Ute approved for sale: 2025 GWM Ute Cannon detailed with new engine that boosts performance and towing capacity to battle Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Kia Tasman and Isuzu D-Max

GWM has cleared the way for a beefed up version of its dual-cab ute.

An updated version of the Ute Cannon has been approved for sale by the Federal Government with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine and nine-speed automatic combination.

Details lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts showed the new engine ups power to 135kW, but torque hasn’t been revealed.

Overseas this engine pumps out 135kW and 480Nm, which is likely to carry over to Australia.

The extra grunt elevates the Ute Cannon’s braked towing capacity from 3200kg to the benchmark 3500kg, matching rivals such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Kia Tasman and Isuzu D-Max.

This new engine will only be available on top-end variants with four-wheel drive and a nine speed auto transmission.

Cheaper variants maintain the current 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel motor that is fitted with either an eight-speed auto or six-speed manual transmission.

The new engine is expected to be paired with a range of interior upgrades, too.

This includes a 7.0-inch digital driver display, a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, in-built dash cam, redesigned centre console and wireless device charger.

GWM has reportedly improved the cabin experience by vastly improving the sound insulation.

It also has slightly revised styling with big GWM embossed lettering on the tailgate in place of the GWM badge.

Expect to see the updated GWM Ute in dealerships early next year.

The Ute’s 2.4-litre is one of the smaller capacity engines in the local ute market, but this is expected to become the norm as the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) takes effect next year. Car makers will be fined for every vehicle they sell that produces CO2 over a certain level. This CO2 threshold will get lower every year.

Isuzu has just revealed a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that is likely to replace the 3.0-litre unit currently powering top-end D-Max utes and MU-X 4WDs.

Ford is rumoured to be dropping the bi-turbo diesel engine in favour of a single turbo unit found in the current entry-level Ranger.

These moves are expected to help those vehicles avoid penalties for a few years and prolong their life in Australia.