GWM UTE vs Suzuki Fronx
What's the difference?

GWM UTE

$24,999 - $39,995

2024 price

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Suzuki Fronx

$28,990 - $29,990

2026 price

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Summary

2024 GWM UTE

2026 Suzuki Fronx

By Marcus Craft

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Well equipped
Front and rear diff locks
Well priced for something with so much gear

Simple and easy
Light weight dynamics
Convincing value

Dislikes

Not as refined as it should be
Jittery ride on irregular surfaces
Overly busy transmission

Interior looks outdated
Unimpressive mild-hybrid
It’s called 'Fronx'

2024 GWM UTE Summary

The Cannon XSR is GWM’s new top-shelf ute variant.

This dual-cab 4WD ute is intended as an off-road-focussed vehicle and has visual and mechanical upgrades over the rest of the Cannon stable, including part-time 4WD (not the full-time 4WD on GWM’s lower-spec Cannons), a front differential lock (in addition to the existing rear diff lock), raised air intake (aka a snorkel) and Cooper Discoverer AT3 all-terrain tyres.

It’s priced from $52,990 drive-away, so costs about $7500 more than you’d pay for the standard Cannon X on which this special edition ute is based. But it still undercuts similarly-equipped top-spec Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes by about $20,000.

So, with twin lockers, a snorkel, underbody protection and all-terrain tyres, is the GWM XSR worth the extra cash?

Read on.

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2026 Suzuki Fronx Summary

If there’s one brand that can lay claim to be the best in the ‘cheap and cheerful’ category, it’s probably Suzuki. Not only have its cars been consistently affordable and basic, but also broadly loved by owners.

Now, with small SUVs becoming more and more prominent, Suzuki is bringing a new sub-$30K hybrid light SUV to the market - the Fronx.

Weird name aside, the Fronx promises a fair bit on paper. But can it deliver on the road? We jumped in for a quick spin at its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 GWM UTE 2026 Suzuki Fronx

Verdict

In a very competitive ute market, the GWM Cannon XSR represents plenty of bang for your buck, but it’s just not as refined as you’d hope.

It should be better at this price-point, especially when it’ll be unfavourably cross-shopped with lower-spec variants in the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux line-ups.

It’s a nice enough vehicle on-road, and the XSR is an effective 4WD on the dirt without ever being truly exceptional – but that’s fine for those who want to save big bucks and still drive away in a well-equipped twin-locked off-road vehicle.

Verdict

If you’re considering a small car, particularly if an SUV is the goal, a Suzuki should in most cases be on the shopping list. Back-to-basics motoring is key to the brand’s identity. Its most popular model is a tiny ladder-frame 4X4, for example. Hi Jimny.

The Fronx doesn’t break new ground in any practical sense, but it does come in with a decent price and list of features that should sway plenty of small-car fans in the showroom.

It’s decent to look at, comfortable for the segment, and easy to get used to and drive. The numerical rating on this review betrays just how likeable the car is.

It’s not extremely refined and it starts to lose its dynamic shine on rough roads, but in an urban setting the Fronx should excel.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

GWM UTE vs Suzuki Fronx What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

GWM UTE vs Suzuki Fronx
What's the difference?