2025 BYD Shark 6 Review: The Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Shaking Up Australia’s Ute Market
Venturing into Australia’s fiercely competitive pickup truck market was a bold move by BYD, but so far, it’s proving to be the right one. The BYD Shark 6 enters a segment long dominated by heavyweights such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max, yet this plug-in hybrid ute has already carved out a strong position among Aussie buyers.
By July of this year, BYD had already sold 11,657 units, outperforming models like the new Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, and even the VW Amarok. Only the Isuzu D-Max, Hilux, and Ranger outsold it — a remarkable achievement for a brand still considered an upstart in Australia.
So, what explains the Shark 6’s popularity? The answer lies in its sharp pricing, modern hybrid powertrain, premium interior, and daily driving comfort that rivals simply can’t match.
Pricing and Power : Value Meets Performance
The BYD Shark 6 starts from AU$57,900 ($38,300) before on-road costs, making it cheaper than the GWM Alpha Lux PHEV and significantly more affordable than the Ford Ranger PHEV, which kicks off at AU$71,990.
Under the hood, it combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (181 hp, 260 Nm) with two electric motors, producing a staggering 430 hp (321 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it even more powerful than the Ford Ranger Raptor (392 hp, 583 Nm).
A 29.58 kWh battery pack delivers more than 100 km (62 miles) of EV-only range, giving it a genuine edge in urban driving while reducing fuel dependency. Payload capacity sits at 790 kg, while towing capacity is 2,500 kg — lower than diesel rivals but acceptable for most buyers. An updated 3.5-tonne towing variant is coming in 2026.
Interior : SUV-Like Comfort in a Pickup
Where the Shark 6 truly shines is inside. The cabin feels closer to a premium SUV than a workhorse ute, with soft-touch materials, leather finishes, heated/cooled front seats, and a flat second-row floor for maximum passenger comfort.
The centerpiece is a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s highly responsive, customizable, and loaded with smart features. While some buyers may face a learning curve moving away from traditional button layouts, the tech-first approach feels refreshingly modern.
BYD also added thoughtful design touches: a chunky shifter, aviation-style toggle switches, 50W wireless charging, and extra storage options. The cabin quality easily outclasses stalwarts like the Hilux and Navara, and even challenges lifestyle trucks like the Ranger Wildtrak.
Hybrid Driving Experience : Smooth and Punchy
On the road, the Shark 6 feels more like an EV with backup power than a conventional pickup. Around town, it runs silently in full electric mode, with the engine only kicking in above 60 km/h (37 mph) or under hard acceleration. When it does, transitions are seamless and far quieter than rivals’ diesels.
Acceleration is impressive — 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, faster than the Ranger Raptor. However, performance isn’t without flaws: a noticeable rev-hang issue slightly mars the otherwise smooth delivery.
Ride comfort is another strong suit thanks to coil springs at all four corners (instead of leaf springs), ensuring a refined daily drive. Regenerative braking has two levels, though neither is as aggressive as some EV drivers might prefer.
Fuel efficiency depends on charging habits. While BYD claims 2.0 l/100 km with a charged battery, real-world averages hover closer to 9.5 l/100 km when running mostly on petrol — similar to diesel rivals, but with far superior performance.
Limitations : Off-Road Enthusiasts May Look Elsewhere
The Shark 6 isn’t built for hardcore off-roaders. It lacks locking differentials and low-range gearing, giving the edge to traditional utes like the Toyota Hilux or GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV when the going gets truly tough. For most Aussie buyers who spend 90% of their time on-road, however, this won’t be a dealbreaker.
Verdict : A Game-Changer for Aussie Utes
The BYD Shark 6 brings a bold new flavor to Australia’s ute market: powerful, refined, tech-forward, and competitively priced. Its shortcomings in heavy-duty towing and extreme off-roading are outweighed by its exceptional daily usability, premium interior, and groundbreaking hybrid system.
For buyers who want a pickup that feels like an EV in the city, a performance machine on the highway, and a comfortable family hauler, the Shark 6 is arguably the best-balanced choice available today. In short, it may not dethrone the Hilux or Ranger yet, but it’s the most exciting ute Australia has seen in years.
