Review: 2025 GWM Poer300
What is it?
The Poer300 (pronounced “Power 300”) is a double-cab diesel pick-up from Great Wall Motor (GWM UK). It’s a fresh entry for them into the UK’s competitive work / off-road utility market, replacing the old Steed (2013-2016) in spirit. It’s also sold in other markets under different names (e.g. Australia as the “Cannon Ute”, China under “Pao / Poer” names), so many of its mechanicals have been battle tested elsewhere - and this is its second generation. But unlike most pickups on sale here in the UK, there’s no electric version announced; just the diesel, which when you talk to ‘real’ users of pickups, it’s what they want.
So, with a few other motoring writers, I was invited down the Heart of England Conference Centre for an afternoon of on-road and off-road action, a bit of towing, along with the obligatory slide show, and cakes.
The basics are:
Engine: Four cylinder 2.4-litre common rail turbo-diesel
Power: 181 bhp
Torque: 480Nm
Combined MPG: 32.7
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Torque on Demand 4×4 system with low-range, selectable on-road modes (Normal, Eco, Sport). It also has an electronically locking rear differential and a transmission anti-wind-up release mechanism
Payload: 1,000 kg
Towing capacity (braked): 3,500 kg
Ground clearance: 230 mm
Approach / departure angles: 27° approach, 25° departure
There are 3-trim levels available:
Lux - £31,495
Ultra - £34,830
Vanta - £36,830
On the Road
Two things to bear in mind here: the first is that only had around 45 minutes behind the wheel, and the second is that I’d driven down in the significantly more expensive (£39,182), Toyota Hilux Invincible X.
Initial impressions were good. It’s not a sports car, obviously, but it felt sprightly enough, and I think more importantly acceleration was smooth. Due to the twisty roads, speed cameras and torrential down pour, I didn’t get the opportunity to plant my foot and overtake anything to test it’s response, but as I said, it felt more than adequate.
Steering is light and confidence-inspiring and body roll is kept under control, but you do know you’re driving a big, heavy double cab with long wheelbase.
Pootling along straight roads I found that road noise was well isolated, but rough patches, potholes and so on, it felt a bit jiggly. The suspension didn’t always soak up small oscillations, especially at lower speeds, so you’ll certainly feel more of the lumps and bumps. The Hilux in these conditions was a lot more refined - it’s also a lot more expensive.
Off-Road
The GWM team had created a small yet fairly challenging off-road course, and with ground clearance at 230mm plus decent angles, it proved capable.
I did try and flummox it on a few of the slippery inclines, but even shod with tame all-terrain tyres it managed everything with ease - I didn’t even get to engage its rear locker. I’m hoping to borrow one in December, so I’ll give it a proper going-over then.
I almost forgot to mention the transmission anti-wind-up release mechanism. On some of the drier sections, whilst turning, there was an audible ‘clunk’ from its nethers as it… unwound itself.
Towing
Not much to say here as I didn’t get to take it out on the open road, but it did handle itself well on soggy slopes around the centre. Again, quite an impressive 4x4 system that allowed me to drive off from stationary on the wet inclines with the minimum of wheel-spin.
Practical Use and Pickup Stuff
The load bay is generous at 1,520mm × 1,520mm, and due to its high sides it’s deeper than any other pickup on the UK market, we were told.
The best bit (Ultra and Vanta models only), is the fold-out integrated step in the tailgate to help you climb up into the bed, or load heavy items from ground level. An ingenious addition that helps when you’re throwing camping kit, coolboxes, muddy gear or hey bales into the back.
Oh, and all models come with a bed-liner / protector as standard.
Interior
In my humble opinion this is where the Poer300 shines above all other pickups (yes - quite a claim!)
Inside, GWM have done a decent job, the cabin materials are better than the very basic pickups, with soft-touch bits and solid switchgear. It feels robust: things you expect to get banged or scraped are built with durability in mind.
All trim levels get a 12.3” touchscreen, 7” digital driver display, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging pad. Of course, some of the non-essentials like heated and ventilated seats only come further up the range (Ultra and Vanta).
One of your pet peeves: switching off lane departure, lane assist, and so on is easy with a dedicated button on the steering wheel that takes you to the relevant menu. That’s a big thumbs-up from me.
I particularly liked the Defender style storage space on the dash - handy for mints, keys, bailing twine and multitools.
Conclusion
The 2025 GWM Poer300 isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid, no-nonsense workhorse. It tows hard, tows plenty, and shrugs off mud and dogs without costing Ranger or Hilux money. You lose a bit of refinement and badge cachet, but you gain proper kit, useful practicality, and rugged honesty. If you want polish, look elsewhere; if you want a tough, good-value pickup that does the job, the Poer300 has your name on it.
For more details, visit: GWM.co.uk
