BYD Shark 6 vs Toyota Hilux: Electric Ute vs Diesel Legend

The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid ute that undercuts the diesel Toyota Hilux on price and running costs, while offering more power and around 100 km of electric range. The Hilux fights back with proven durability, an unmatched dealer network, and higher payload. On towing, the original Shark 6 manages 2,500 kg braked against the Hilux's 3,500 kg, though the new Shark 6 Performance now matches that 3,500 kg figure. For tradies who tow heavy daily, the Hilux still has an edge. For most families and light commercial use, the Shark 6 is the smarter buy.

Quick-Stats Comparison

Measurement	BYD Shark 6	Toyota Hilux (diesel)
Powertrain	1.5L turbo PHEV	2.8L turbo-diesel mild hybrid
Power	321 kW	150 kW
Torque	650 Nm	429 Nm
Electric range	Around 100 km	None
Braked towing	2,500 kg (3,500 kg Performance)	3,500 kg
Payload	Around 790 kg	Around 940 kg
Fuel use	Around 2 L/100km (charged)	Around 7.4 to 9.5 L/100km
Starting price	About $57,900	About $52,990
Warranty	6 years / 150,000 km	5 years / unlimited km

Powertrain: PHEV vs Diesel

These two utes take completely different approaches to moving a tonne of gear.

The Shark 6 pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors and a 29.58 kWh LFP Blade Battery, for a combined 321 kW and 650 Nm. It drives like an EV around town, using the engine mainly as a generator, and can travel around 100 km on electricity alone.

The Hilux uses a proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, producing 150 kW and 429 Nm through a six-speed automatic. It is far less powerful on paper but built on decades of refinement. The Shark 6's Blade Battery is central to its efficiency, as our explainer on how the BYD Blade Battery works covers.

Towing Capacity and Payload

This is where the diesel legend defends its turf, and where buyers must read carefully.

• Shark 6 (Premium and Dynamic): 2,500 kg braked, verified in BYD's owner's manual, with a 250 kg ball load
• Shark 6 Performance (new for 2026): Matches the 3,500 kg braked benchmark
• Toyota Hilux: 3,500 kg braked across most diesel grades
• Payload: The Hilux carries around 940 kg against the Shark 6's roughly 790 kg

For heavy, regular towing, the Hilux and the new Shark 6 Performance are the ones to consider. The standard Shark 6's 2,500 kg still covers most trailers, boats, and campers, but falls short of the 3,500 kg tradie benchmark. Payload also favours the Toyota, an important point for loaded work utes.

Off-Road Capability

Both are genuine four-wheel drives, but with different strengths.

• Hilux: Legendary off-road pedigree, a live rear axle, low-range gearing, and proven reliability in the outback
• Shark 6: Instant electric torque, sophisticated traction control, and independent suspension for a smoother ride
• Remote touring: The Hilux's diesel range and refuelling ease remain advantages far from chargers

The Hilux is the more proven tool for serious, remote off-roading. The Shark 6 is capable and comfortable, but its shorter driving range on the engine alone and reliance on petrol make it better suited to touring within reach of fuel.

Fuel and Energy Costs

This is the Shark 6's strongest argument.

• Shark 6 (charged): Around 2 L/100km on the combined cycle, dropping to zero fuel for short trips on electricity
• Shark 6 (battery depleted): Still efficient, around 7 to 8 L/100km
• Hilux: Around 7.4 L/100km claimed, closer to 8.5 to 9.5 L/100km in the real world

A tradie charging at home and doing short runs could slash fuel bills dramatically with the Shark 6. Over a year of city driving, the savings are substantial. The Hilux only competes on running cost if you rarely charge.

Interior and Tech

The Shark 6 feels a generation ahead inside. It offers a large rotating touchscreen, a modern digital layout, Vehicle-to-Load to power tools and appliances, and a long standard equipment list.

The updated Hilux improves markedly on old models, with a redesigned cabin and better technology, but it still prioritises durability over screen real estate. For outright tech and features per dollar, the Shark 6 wins clearly.

Safety Ratings

Both carry five-star ANCAP ratings, but tested to different-year protocols.

The Shark 6 includes a comprehensive standard driver-assistance suite, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic braking, and adaptive cruise. The new Hilux also brings a full modern safety package. Both are safe family choices, with the Shark 6's V2L adding a practical safety bonus for worksites and camping.

Warranty and Servicing

• BYD: 6 years or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, plus an 8-year battery warranty
• Toyota: 5 years unlimited kilometres, extendable to 7 years with dealer servicing
• Servicing: Toyota's network is unmatched, with dealers in almost every town
• PHEV servicing: The Shark 6 needs engine servicing every 12 months or 15,000 km

BYD's warranty is longer on paper, but Toyota's dealer and service network, especially in regional and remote areas, is a genuine advantage the numbers do not capture.

Price and Availability

• BYD Shark 6: From about $57,900 before on-road costs for the Premium
• Toyota Hilux diesel: From about $52,990 before on-road costs for the SR
• Higher grades: A well-specced diesel Hilux climbs past $70,000

The Hilux opens cheaper in base workmate form, but a mid-spec diesel often costs more than a Shark 6 while using far more fuel. The Shark 6 is Australia's best-selling plug-in hybrid ute, so availability is strong.

The Verdict: Is It Time to Go Electric?

Choose the BYD Shark 6 if you want lower running costs, charge at home, value modern tech and V2L, do mostly urban and family driving, and tow within 2,500 kg, or need 3,500 kg and choose the Performance.

Choose the Toyota Hilux if you tow or carry near the limit every day, travel to remote areas far from charging, prize the dealer network, and value a proven durability record above all.

For many buyers, the honest answer is that the Shark 6 now does most of what a Hilux does, for less to run, with more power and tech. The Hilux keeps the edge on heavy towing, payload, remote touring, and long-term proven reliability.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming every Shark 6 tows 3,500 kg: Only the new Performance does; the Premium and Dynamic tow 2,500 kg
• Ignoring payload: The Hilux carries more, which matters for loaded work utes
• Forgetting to charge the Shark 6: Its fuel savings depend on plugging in regularly
• Overlooking remote range: Diesel refuelling beats charging far from towns
• Comparing base prices only: A mid-spec diesel Hilux can cost more than a Shark 6
• Underrating the dealer network: Toyota's regional service reach is a real advantage