Reviews
2026 GWM Cannon XSR
Price
Starting at $51,000 (excl. on road costs)
3 Things We Love
* Serious Factory Off-Road Hardware * Vastly Improved Ride Comfort * Unbeatable Value for Money
3 Things We Hate
* No Physical Volume Knob or Menu Button * "Robotic Arm" Gear Selector * Interior Doesn't Match the Exterior
Intro
The 2026 GWM Cannon XSR sits at the top of the Cannon range as a more hardcore, purpose-built off-road 4x4 ute. Priced at just over $51,000 drive-away, it positions itself as a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive off-road-focused rivals. The key question is whether the XSR can deliver proper off-road capability while still being easier to live with day to day on Australian roads. With updated suspension tuning and a more traditional part-time 4x4 system, the Cannon XSR aims to prove it can be both capable and good value.
Exterior
Visually, the Cannon XSR separates itself clearly from the rest of the GWM Cannon range. While the mechanical package underneath is largely familiar, the exterior treatment gives this version a much tougher and more purposeful appearance. Up front, the steel bull bar immediately gives the XSR a more aggressive look, while the different grille, LED headlights, and matte paint help create a more rugged presence. The matte finish looks distinctive, although it may not be the most practical choice for off-road use, as scratches are likely to show more easily and cannot be buffed out like gloss paint. Along the sides, the XSR adds aggressive wheel arch extensions with fake rivet detailing, 18-inch black wheels, red brake calipers, all-terrain tyres, a snorkel, steel side steps, roof rails, and a steel sports bar. At the rear, the steel rear bar and GWM lettering complete the tougher look. Overall, the XSR is a good-looking ute with a clear off-road identity, although stronger XSR badging would have helped it feel even more special compared with the standard Cannon range.
Salvatore Gerace
MotorMarvel Journalist
Interior
Inside, the Cannon XSR feels very familiar, sharing much of its cabin layout with the Cannon Ultra. That means the interior is generally well laid out and comfortable, but it does not feel as visually special as the exterior. The cabin presentation is still impressive for the price. There are soft-touch materials, comfortable fake leather seats, a clear digital driver display, and a decently sized infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen graphics are clear and crisp, and the general layout feels premium compared with many rivals in the segment. However, there are some frustrating details. The gear selector has an unusual design, single-zone climate control feels like a missed opportunity, and the lack of a proper volume knob makes simple tasks more annoying than they should be. Adjusting audio from the passenger side requires exiting Apple CarPlay and using the touchscreen, which feels unnecessarily complicated. Practicality is otherwise strong. There are good-sized cup holders, a usable centre console, decent door bins, a glovebox, a wireless phone charger, USB-A and USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, a sunroof, and storage cubbies across the cabin. Rear-seat space is also decent, with good knee room and under-seat storage, although headroom can feel a little limited for taller passengers.
Specifications
Engine
2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power
135 kW
Torque
480 Nm
0 - 100 kph
N/A
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Drive Type
Rear-wheel drive / part-time 4x4 system
Fuel Economy (Claimed)
8.4 L/100 km
Fuel Economy (As Tested)
Just above 9 L/100 km
CO2 Emissions (Claimed)
221 g/km
Fuel Tank
78 L
Weight
2,300 kg
Offroad Dimensions & Versatility
Ground Clearance
228 mm
Approach Angle
30°
Departure Angle
26°
Wading Depth
700 mm
Payload
Just over 800 kg
Brake Towing Capacity
3,500 kg
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
5,439 mm
Width
1,958 mm
Height
1,893 mm
Wheelbase
3,230 mm
Tub Length
1,520 mm
Tub Width
1,520 mm
Tub Depth
520 mm
Tub Capacity
N/A
On the Road
On the road, the Cannon XSR shows a major improvement over the previous generation. Earlier versions were described as lumpy and bumpy, but the updated Australian suspension tuning makes this model much easier to live with day to day. On the highway, the XSR cruises comfortably and does a good job of absorbing bumps. On rougher B-roads, some firmness and movement remain, but overall the ride is much more pleasant than before. Visibility is also excellent, and road noise is not especially intrusive. The engine, however, is much harder to ignore. The 2.4-litre turbo diesel is loud and raucous, and the throttle response suffers from a noticeable delay. That delay can be frustrating in normal driving, especially when pulling out into traffic or trying to react quickly at an intersection. The 9-speed automatic transmission is another weak point. While it works acceptably when left in Drive, it feels delayed and less intuitive in manual mode. Compared with the previous ZF automatic, the new in-house gearbox feels less refined and less responsive. Fuel consumption sits just above 9 L/100 km, with a full tank offering just over 550 km of range. While not class-leading, it is acceptable for the type of vehicle. Despite the flaws, the Cannon XSR still offers a comfortable ride, nice steering, good brake feel, and a generally pleasant day-to-day driving experience once it is up and moving.
Safety Tech
The Cannon XSR misses out on some safety technology due to its bull bar and off-road equipment, which means there are fewer intrusive driver-assistance systems constantly interrupting the drive. It still includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, hill start assist, hill descent control, driver fatigue monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and trailer sway mitigation. The 360-degree camera is especially useful, offering clear visuals around the vehicle and helping with both off-road placement and trailer loading.
Our Verdict
The GWM Cannon XSR succeeds strongly on value. For just over $51,000 drive-away, it offers serious off-road hardware, rugged styling, and genuine 4x4 capability at a price well below many of its hardcore ute rivals. It is not perfect. The engine and gearbox lack refinement, with delayed throttle response, surging turbo lag, and a transmission that does not feel as polished as it should. The infotainment controls and blinkers also add unnecessary frustration to daily use. Still, the XSR’s value is difficult to ignore. It looks tough, feels more comfortable than the previous generation, and brings proper off-road equipment to a very competitive price point. For buyers wanting a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive hardcore 4x4 utes, the Cannon XSR is incredible value and continues to get better.
Overall Rating
