2024 GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 Review – the unsuspecting heavy hitter

Pickup trucks, with their versatility and practicality, stand out as some of the most useful vehicles available today. Whether you're shuttling the family around town, conducting business, or heading out for some recreation, they've got you covered. 

Their compact design makes them ideal for navigating city streets while still offering ample space for all your weekend essentials. Plus, they come packed with features to ensure a comfortable and entertaining journey for you and your loved ones.

Now, when you think of pickup trucks, familiar names like Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, and Ford Ranger likely come to mind. But have you considered what GWM has to offer? Great Wall Motor, a Chinese automotive powerhouse, has been making waves in the market lately with its lineup of models that redefine value for money. Among them is the Cannon SLux 4x4, which presents a compelling option in the pickup truck arena. Let's dive into what makes it stand out from the crowd.

The GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 commands attention with its impressive size, surpassing many competitors in length, width, and height. With a ground clearance of 232mm and a lengthy wheelbase of 3,230mm, it's built to tackle various terrains with ease, supported by its sturdy 18-inch wheels.

The bed of the Cannon is a standout feature, resembling a perfect square with dimensions of 1,520mm in length and width, and a depth of 520mm. This generous space offers ample room for hauling just about anything you need, boasting a total capacity of 1,247 liters. Additionally, the tailgate assist damper enhances convenience while loading and unloading.

With a payload capacity of 1,050 kilograms, the Cannon SLux 4x4 is ready to handle heavy loads without breaking a sweat. Whether you're hauling equipment for work or gear for a weekend adventure, this truck delivers both size and capability to meet your needs.

Powering the GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 is a robust 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, generating 161 horsepower and 400Nm of torque. Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, it promises a fuel-efficient performance on paper. However, our real-world tests revealed slightly different results.

While cruising on the highway, it managed around 12.5 kilometers per liter, which is respectable. However, in city driving conditions, the fuel efficiency dropped to just 8.5 kilometers per liter. Why the gap? Well, there are a couple of factors at play.

Firstly, the Cannon's all-wheel-drive system, which is constantly engaged, could be contributing to the higher fuel consumption in urban settings. Additionally, its hefty weight of over two tons also plays a role in impacting fuel efficiency. Despite these considerations, the Cannon SLux 4x4 still offers a compelling blend of power and capability for various driving scenarios.

The spaciousness of the GWM Cannon truly impressed us during our review. Compared to familiar models like the Toyota Hilux, the Cannon offers significantly more legroom in the rear seats, along with a noticeably more luxurious interior. In fact, our colleague Caco even drew comparisons to the interior comfort of the Ford F-150, a testament to the Cannon's impressive accommodations.

In the rear, passengers are treated to thoughtful amenities such as two air vents, a 220v socket, a USB charger, bottle holders on each side, and a center armrest (although it lacks cupholders). Additionally, the seats can be folded up to maximize cargo space, although we observed that they may bounce when driving over rough terrain due to the absence of latches.

Moving to the front row, the GWM Cannon offers ample space and a commanding view of the road. The design is described as "clean," blending a workhorse aesthetic with refined touches. Instead of glossy piano black accents, the Cannon opts for faux carbon fiber trim, adding a touch of sportiness. The buttons exhibit good tactile response, including those for the air conditioning, gear shifter, and other controls.

Tech-savvy features abound, with a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Charging points and a 12V socket are conveniently located beneath the climate controls, complemented by a wireless charging pad for added convenience. Overall, the GWM Cannon combines spaciousness, comfort, and modern amenities to create a compelling driving experience.

The GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 boasts an array of technology features, yet our experience left us feeling somewhat conflicted. While it offers various drive modes and the ability to adjust steering weight, the performance feels lackluster due to its slightly smaller engine. Acceleration to cruising speed is notably sluggish, compounded by significant wind noise at higher speeds due to its boxy shape.

In terms of handling, the Cannon's ZF eight-speed transmission delivers smooth shifts on flat surfaces but exhibits noticeable lag, especially on inclines, in normal mode. Additionally, its leaf springs contribute to a bouncy ride at the rear, making it one of the rougher pickups in terms of comfort. However, its impressive payload capacity of 1,050 kilograms compensates for this drawback.

The Cannon also falls short in terms of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), detracting from its appeal as a daily driver. On the bright side, its sophisticated 4x4 system excels off-road, offering versatility with options like 4H, 4L, and a rear differential lock. The drivetrain's seamless integration allows for confident navigation over various terrains, despite its shortcomings elsewhere. Overall, while the Cannon SLux 4x4 has its drawbacks, its off-road capabilities and payload capacity make it a contender in the pickup truck segment.

Considering its price point of under P1,500,000, the GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 stands out as an exceptional value proposition in the market. With a plethora of features typically unseen at this price range, it presents a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

However, it's crucial to recognize the Cannon's primary role as a workhorse. While it may not excel as a daily driver for leisurely family outings due to its harsh ride quality, it truly shines when tasked with hauling heavy loads over long distances across uneven terrain.

Ultimately, if your lifestyle demands a robust vehicle capable of handling demanding workloads and challenging terrains, the GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 deserves serious consideration. Its affordability coupled with its capability makes it a standout choice in the competitive pickup truck market.