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Five reasons why the GWM Cannon can be your next overlanding platform

GWM’s mid-size pickup has the right mix of features to be your next partner in the great outdoors.

Jerome Tresvalles
GWM Cannon Feature

Overlanding is a style of adventure travel that emphasizes the journey and the vehicle rather than the destination. Trips can be short or long, depending on how remote the chosen route is. Compared to technical off-roading, overlanding is relatively accessible as long as you have a capable vehicle that can handle rough terrain and a bit of punishment.

With that in mind, we’re positing one newcomer in the pickup segment as a capable platform if you’re thinking of partaking in a bit of overlanding yourself. That truck is the GWM Cannon, and these five reasons are why we think it should be part of your consideration when thinking of an overlanding rig.

Related: MIAS 2025: Refreshed GWM Cannon gets a bigger engine, rugged looks
GWM Cannon

Compared to other pickup trucks on the market, the GWM Cannon Lux and SLux variants are priced from P1,348,000 for the Lux 4x4 and up to P1,498,000 for the top-spec SLux 4x4. The SLux 4x4 offers all the bells and whistles available in the Cannon lineup, but if you want something almost as capable for less, the Lux 4x4 features the same 4x4 drivetrain and torque-on-demand system—just without the advanced driver aids and extra electronics. Overall, the Cannon undercuts other 4x4 pickup offerings in price while providing more in terms of equipment and size.

For a pickup truck equipped with a 4x4 system and modern interior tech, the Cannon is already a solid adventure vehicle right out of the box. Better yet, the savings from its affordable price free up your budget for upgrades and customization, expanding its possibilities even further.

GWM Cannon Engine

If you’re planning to take on the great outdoors, you’ll need a truck with enough power to haul you, your gear, and your friends. Updated this year, the GWM Cannon is now equipped with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 181 hp and 480 Nm of torque. While it may not match the horsepower figures of larger-displacement rivals, the Cannon’s strong torque ensures it can carry a full load with confidence—even on steep climbs or uneven terrain.

GWM Cannon Exterior 2

Paired with the 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine is a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 4x4 drivetrain with GWM’s Torque-on-Demand system. On its own, this setup can handle most off-road situations, but with the addition of an electronic rear differential lock in the SLux 4x4, its off-road capability is greatly enhanced. Locking rear differentials are especially important because they force both rear wheels to rotate at the same speed, ensuring maximum traction when one wheel is lifted off the ground or loses grip—something that often happens on rocks, ruts, or muddy terrain. For most overlanding rigs, a locking rear differential is essential for the reasons we mentioned earlier, and having it built into the Cannon straight from the factory is a definite plus.

GWM Cannon Pickup Bed

The GWM Cannon is larger than most mid-size pickup trucks on the market, measuring 5,416 mm long, 1,947 mm wide, and 1,886 mm tall. Its bigger dimensions translate into a more spacious interior and a larger pickup bed, giving you more room to store gear and supplies for longer journeys. On top of that, the Cannon boasts one of the best payload capacities in its class at 1,050 kg, and if towing is part of your plans, it can handle up to 3,180 kg with ease.

GWM Cannon Dashboard
GWM Cannon Shifter
GWM Cannon Infotainment

Beyond its impressive size and hauling ability, the GWM Cannon also comes loaded with modern tech in its highest trim, making it stand out in the mid-size pickup segment. Safety and convenience take center stage here, with features you’d normally expect in higher-priced models.

On the safety front, the Cannon offers up to six airbags (front, side, and curtain), along with 3-point seatbelts for all passengers and ISOFIX tethers for child seats. Its advanced driver-assistance suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist, plus Intelligent Cruise Assistance.

For visibility and maneuvering, the Cannon is equipped with a 540-degree Around View Camera—providing not just a bird’s-eye view but also additional camera angles for tight parking spaces or tricky off-road trails. Add to that rear sensors and a reverse camera, and the Cannon makes maneuvering such a large pickup a breeze for any driver.

Convinced the GWM Cannon is the right fit for your adventures? Explore it on AutoDeal.com.ph and see how it stacks up against other pickups.

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