GWM Cannon Accessories NZ 2026 – Mods & Upgrades Guide

GWM Cannon in NZ – The Newcomer That's Earning Serious Respect

The GWM (Great Wall Motor) Cannon has had a rapid rise in New Zealand's ute market, and it's not hard to understand why. At a price point that meaningfully undercuts the established Japanese and European competition, it offers a well-equipped, modern diesel ute with features that would have been premium-tier only a few years ago. The NZ market has responded — GWM is now a significant player, and the aftermarket is catching up fast. This is the complete accessories guide for NZ Cannon owners.

GWM Cannon Overview – What You're Working With

The Cannon runs a 2.0L turbocharged diesel four-cylinder, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a part-time or full-time 4WD system depending on the variant. It's a modern, well-specified platform that competes directly with the Hilux and Ranger on paper specs, often with more equipment at a lower price. The interior is well-finished, the safety equipment comprehensive, and the warranty coverage strong. The main development area for NZ owners has been the suspension — factory setup is comfortable but benefits from quality upgrade work.

Step 1 – Suspension Upgrade

The Cannon's factory suspension is on the softer, more comfort-oriented end of the spectrum. A quality suspension kit improves both road and offroad performance, raises the vehicle for better clearance, and enables a meaningful tyre upgrade. The aftermarket for Cannon-specific suspension is growing in NZ — browse the lift kit range for current GWM Cannon-compatible options and confirm fitment before purchasing.

Step 2 – Bullbar

The Cannon's front end houses multiple safety system sensors — forward collision, adaptive cruise, and parking sensors are all present. A quality bullbar for the Cannon must accommodate these systems properly. Browse the GWM Cannon accessories range and the full bullbar range for current options. The market for Cannon-specific bars is developing — confirm fitment and sensor compatibility before purchasing.

Step 3 – Fender Flares and Tyres

Post-lift tyre upgrades on the Cannon follow the same pattern as other NZ utes — 265/70R17 all-terrains are the most popular choice and fit well with a modest suspension lift. Fender flares provide tyre coverage for wider rubber and protect your panels on NZ's stone chip-heavy roads.

Step 4 – Daily Use Accessories

Cannon owners in NZ report high satisfaction with the standard daily-use accessory suite: weathershields for NZ rain, bonnet protectors for chip seal protection, running boards for access, and quality driving lights for rural visibility. These quality-of-life upgrades apply equally to any modern NZ ute.

Hard Lid or Roller for the Cannon?

The Cannon's tray dimensions are comparable to mainstream NZ utes. Both hard lids and roller shutters are available for the Cannon — the choice comes down to your tray access preference and weather protection priority, just as with any other platform.

The Warranty Question

GWM offers a strong factory warranty on NZ-sold Cannon models. Aftermarket modifications on any vehicle should be done with quality products from reputable brands to avoid potential warranty conflicts. Stick to quality, purpose-engineered accessories rather than budget alternatives, and keep installation documentation.

Why Buy From KrenBits?

KrenBits stocks accessories for the GWM Cannon with free NZ-wide shipping. As the Cannon's aftermarket matures in NZ, we continue to add fitment-specific products. Get in touch if you need current availability for a specific Cannon accessory.

The Bottom Line

The GWM Cannon is one of the best-value utes in NZ, and the aftermarket is growing to match its rising popularity. Quality suspension, a proper bullbar, all-terrain tyres, and the standard accessory suite transform the Cannon into a genuinely capable and well-rounded truck — at a total build cost that remains competitive against more established platforms.