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2025 GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 Review – Value-Packed Heavyweight

The Cannon gets refreshed and updated. Is it still a value-for-money powerhouse?

Jerome Tresvalles
2025 GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 Review

Last year, we took a look at the GWM Cannon SLux 4x4, and in that review, we praised the Cannon for its size, class-leading payload capability, and impressive array of interior features. Overall, however, we were genuinely impressed that all this kit and truck came with a price tag that’s just shy of P1,500,000.

Now, we’re taking the upgraded version of the GWM Cannon for a spin, and while it may look like the updates are only for the aesthetics, a new heart beats within this truck. Will GWM’s facelift take its value-packed truck to the next level? We find out.

4.4 / 5
2025 GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 Review – Value-Packed Heavyweight
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.0/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 5.0/5
What You Will Like
  • Power has improved significantly
  • Comes equipped with ADAS
  • Class-leading payload capacity
What You Won't Like
  • Ride is still quite stiff and bouncy
How We Do Our Reviews

The dimensions of the Cannon remain largely unchanged, still nearly dwarfing other midsize pickup trucks with its impressive size. What has changed, though, are some features in the front fascia as well as a set of new alloy wheels.

The grille has been reworked to give the bulky Cannon a bit of sportiness. The imposing grille has been blacked out in this SLux 4x4 variant, and the midsection and lower bumper have been redesigned to keep it fresh as well. Most noticeable up front is that the lower bumper sticks out further than the grille, which is divided by a black plastic trim to give the Cannon a tough, square-jawed look.

At the sides, the Cannon still rides on 18-inch wheels, but they are now finished in gloss black paint and feature a tougher, multi-spoke design. Those large wheels contribute to the Cannon’s rugged stance and its 232 mm ground clearance.

GWM Cannon Pickup Bed

Payload capacity? It’s still at 1,050kg. Just like before, this pickup has the strength to carry heavy gear, whether your week is all about work or weekends on the trail.

GWM Cannon Engine

The exterior updates are considerably minor compared to what’s new under the Cannon’s hood. Before, the GWM Cannon was packing a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine generating 161 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a ZF eight-speed gearbox. Now, the Cannon is powered by a 2.4-liter engine that develops 181 hp and 480 Nm of torque paired with a nine-speed gearbox.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an intelligent 4x4 drivetrain with GWM’s torque-on-demand system. How that translates to performance on the road, we’ll talk about later.

The GWM Cannon’s spacious cabin was one of the biggest standouts in our review before, and still is now. Rear passengers still benefit from thoughtful amenities, including dual air vents, a 220V socket, a USB port, bottle holders on each door, and a center armrest (still missing cupholders). The rear seats can still be folded upward to expand cargo space, but, just like before, they still don’t have a latch on the floor to secure them in place.

GWM Cannon Dashboard

Though it might seem that the second row is a rehash of before, the front is where most of the changes can be seen and felt. At the front row, GWM has given much thought to redesigning the Cannon’s cabin to not only be more stylish, but also more comfortable. 

GWM Cannon Shifter

The dashboard is now more linear in design, featuring less of the shiny plastic and more matte plastics, plus a few soft-touch materials. A few additional cubby holes have also been added, which is handy in a utilitarian vehicle like a pickup truck. The steering wheel feels nice to hold, and the shifter has been given an aviator-type lever design that will make the inner child in you jump for joy. 

GWM Cannon Infotainment System

As for tech, the Cannon’s cabin is anchored by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity. Beneath the climate controls are multiple charging points and a 12V socket, complemented by a wireless charging pad for added convenience. The package is further boosted by advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring — impressive inclusions for a truck priced under P1.5 million. 

GWM Cannon Steering Wheel

A thoughtful touch is that the Cannon’s ADAS system remembers your preferred settings, so you don’t need to reconfigure them every time you drive — a small detail that makes a big difference. Overall, the updated Cannon builds on its existing strengths while refining them even further.

On the road, the benefits of the larger engine are immediately noticeable. A simple press of the accelerator makes the Cannon feel eager to surge ahead, almost lunging forward in stop-start traffic. On the open road, the truck accelerates effortlessly, thanks to the abundant torque on tap.

Ride comfort has improved, though it still carries a slight bounce, as expected from a pickup with leaf springs. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) have also been significantly reduced, making the cabin quieter even at higher speeds. Steering, meanwhile, leans toward the softer side for a pickup. While the drive modes allow some adjustment, the Cannon’s overall steering feel remains lighter than that of competitors like the Mitsubishi Triton.

Finally, fuel economy isn’t a major leap forward, but we managed an average of 15 km/L in mixed conditions, including slow-moving city traffic and open highway driving.

GWM Cannon Rear

Overall, GWM has done a commendable job updating the Cannon. They didn’t just apply a few aesthetic tweaks; they addressed key shortcomings of the previous model in areas such as power, equipment, and comfort.

Even better, these upgrades come at no extra cost compared to the pre-facelift model. With a price tag under P1.5 million, a generous suite of tech features, and advanced driver-assist systems, the GWM Cannon SLux 4x4 is a serious contender capable of shaking the highly competitive pickup truck segment. If you're in the market for a 4x4-capable pickup truck, the Cannon is definitely worthy of your consideration.

Specifications

Engine

2.4 L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Performance

181 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Transmission

Automatic

Summary

Name GWM Cannon SLUX 4x4 AT
Body Type Pickup Truck
Price ₱1,698,000
Transmission Category Automatic

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

GWM Cannon Atlantis Blue Atlantis Blue
GWM Cannon Iceberg White Iceberg White
GWM Cannon Midnight Black Midnight Black
GWM Cannon Pittsburgh Silver Pittsburgh Silver
GWM Cannon Scarlet Red Scarlet Red

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