Skoda Kodiaq vs GWM Cannon Alpha
What's the difference?

Skoda Kodiaq

$38,440 - $77,490

2025 price

View pricing & specs

GWM Cannon Alpha

$50,490 - $66,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

2026 GWM Cannon Alpha

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Generous feature list for a base model
Clever, family friendly touches
Comfortable ride with solid cabin space

Ride/handling/comfort
Electric-only driving mode
3500kg towing/1000km-plus range

Dislikes

Engine can feel flat under pressure
Glitchy infotainment and climate controls
Reversing camera quality isn’t great

Small payload
Spare wheel location
Faulty tailgate-split function

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Summary

In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.

You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.

This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.

View full pricing & specs

2026 GWM Cannon Alpha Summary

Chinese automotive brand GWM (aka Great Wall Motors) has been making headlines, given that in 2024 it was the first manufacturer to launch an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) ute in Australia. And in 2025 it's replaced that short-lived model with a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version.

The decision to axe the original Alpha Hybrid was a no-brainer for GWM, given its PHEV successor offers not only short-haul pure-electric driving but also superior power, torque and driving range plus the enhanced ride comfort and handling of four-coil suspension.

We were recently handed the keys to the latest iteration of this lavishly-equipped 4x4 dual-cab ute to assess its workhorse credentials from a tradie’s perspective.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Skoda Kodiaq 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha

Verdict

The new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.

Verdict

The Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV combines five-star safety, a confident warranty, lavish luxury and short-haul electric driving for a competitive price. However, from a pure workhorse perspective, its class-benchmark 3500kg tow rating is offset by a modest payload limit, plus an awkward spare tyre location which could be a deal-breaker for some tradies as it compromises working floor space and the securing of loads.

Skoda Kodiaq vs GWM Cannon Alpha What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Kodiaq vs GWM Cannon Alpha
What's the difference?