GWM Cannon Pilot

The GWM Cannon Pilot’s cabin features a respectable balance of utilitarian features and modern elements. One of its main highlights is its impressive spaciousness. The front row is a nice place to be in, while the rear provides three passengers with generous headroom and legroom. The higher-spec Pilot is fitted with plush leather seats, whereas the base Elite gets the fabric counterparts, which still provide decent cushioning and support for all passengers.

Meanwhile, the driver gets a semi-digital instrument panel, which consists of analogue gauges and a 3.5-inch color display, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls for the Pilot trim. On the other hand, the Elite trim gets the polyurethane counterpart. The Pilot trim’s driver and co-pilot also get electronically-adjustable seats for a more premium riding feel.

Aside from that, this midsize pickup truck is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Pilot trim features a 6-speaker sound system, while the Elite trim gets the 4-speaker version. For added convenience, you also get a front USB port (USB-A + USB-C) and sunvisors with mirrors.

The GWM Cannon Pilot combines rugged styling with a clean, premium appearance, giving it a refined yet capable workhorse appeal. At the front, both trims sport angular halogen headlamps with manual level adjustment and daytime running lights (DRLs). The higher-spec also gets an auto on/off function for its headlamps, as well as halogen fog lamps with a turning assist function for enhanced visibility. 

On the sides, it features power-adjustable mirrors with integrated turn signals and side step boards for easier passenger ingress and egress. Both trims run on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in robust tyres. Meanwhile, at the back, it comes with a hydraulic-assisted tailgate and a spray-on bed liner. Its rear end is illuminated with LED tail lamps, a high-mount third brake lamp, and another pair of fog lamps.

In terms of dimensions, the GWM Cannon Pilot model line measures 5,425 mm in length, 1,883 mm in width, and 1,884 mm in height. This midsize pickup truck also comes with a 3,230 mm wheelbase and a spacious cargo bed measuring 1,520 mm x 1,520 mm x 540 mm, proving that it is indeed a practical cargo hauler. Overall, the Cannon Pilot’s design offers a mix of practicality, functionality, and premium styling, which is quite impressive for a workhorse.

The GWM Cannon Pilot model line is equipped with a Double Wishbone suspension at the front and a Leaf Spring Rigid Axle at the rear. This pickup truck can effectively soak up rocky and muddy off-road trails while maintaining great composure and stability. In the city, it is also relatively easy to drive for its size and offers good absorption of smaller humps and other minor road imperfections. Ultimately, it is not the most comfortable nor the most dynamic in its segment, but its ride quality is just right for its price point.

Powering the GWM Cannon Pilot model line is a 2.0L 4-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged CRDI diesel engine that produces a maximum power output of 161 PS and a maximum torque output of 400 Nm. This midsize pickup truck comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission system and utilizes an all-wheel drivetrain with a torque-on-demand system, allowing it to haul large amounts of cargo and tackle steep inclines without feeling underpowered.

While it may not be the most powerful in its segment, it still has more than enough power and torque for easy overtakes on free-flowing highways. Meanwhile, in the city, it also remains decently economical, even in heavy traffic conditions.

The GWM Cannon Pilot is equipped with a long list of active and passive safety features, such as a reverse camera, two rear sensors, a passenger side camera (Pilot trim-exclusive), cruise control, an overspeed alarm, multiple airbags and seatbelts, ISOFIX child anchors, an automatic crash unlock function, an automatic fuel cut-off function, a remote central door lock system with speed sensing, as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Both trims come with front ventilated disc brakes. In terms of rear braking, the Pilot trim is fitted with solid discs, while the Elite trim gets the drum counterpart. The Cannon Pilot’s braking setup is also supported by an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, a brake assist, electronic stability control, and a traction control system, among others.

The GWM Cannon Pilot hits the sweet spot for private buyers and business owners looking for a reliable workhorse that is well-equipped with modern features and cost-effective to run in the city.