Plug-in hybrid dual-cabs compared on paper! How does the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV stand up against BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha?

The Ford Ranger is a hot ticket item in Australia. Not only did the Ranger triumph over the iconic Toyota Hilux again last year, it was also Australia’s most sold car overall for 2024. 

Now, Ford Australia has announced pricing and details for the new, plug-in hybrid Ranger seeking to secure their top selling spot for years to come. But, has a new kid on the block already filled this position?

The BYD Shark 6 went on sale in October 2024 and has been in the spotlight ever since. Pioneering the Australian PHEV dual cab segment, the Shark 6 is a seriously competitive product, with an equally competitive price. 

It was never going to be as simple as a two-horse race between BYD and Ford, with the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV also in the mix. Expected to come on sale in April 2025 in two affordable trims, the Cannon Alpha PHEV looks to be a solid off-roader, at least on paper. 

So, does the new Ranger PHEV have what it takes to dominate the hybrid ute segment? Or, will it be overshadowed by the already established BYD Shark PHEV and soon to be released GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV? Let’s see what the specs have to say.

How much do they cost?

BYD has trailblazed in the Australian market with the Shark 6 but Ford and GWM aren’t far behind. Only available in one trim level, the Shark 6 Premium is priced at $57,900, before on road costs.

BYD’s distributor (EV Direct) claims to have already received around 6000 orders for the Shark. Impressive when you consider BYD’s relative newcomer status — we’ll be watching the sales statistics very closely. 

The new Ranger PHEV has a four variant line-up, starting with the PHEV XLT from $71,990, before on–road costs. The entry-level XLT is clearly targeted at fleet buyers with its lower price and shorter equipment list. The Range line-up scales right up to the new Stormtrak, for a list price of $86,990.

Unlike its four-cylinder diesel twin, the Ranger PHEV will not be available in a more affordable RWD-only layout. The base model XLT PHEV comes standard with four-wheel-drive. 

The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV ute range is simple and competitively priced, with two variants. The Lux has a drive-away price of $63,990 — very close to the Shark — and the range-topping Ultra will set you back $68,990 drive-away. 

What’s the driving range like? 

On paper, the battle for furthest EV-only range is extremely competitive… between two brands, that is. The BYD Shark 6 can travel up to 100km (NEDC) before depleting its 29.6kwH battery.

Limp your Shark to a charger with 30% remaining, and you can be back to 80% in 25 minutes thanks to the 55kW DC charge rate. Charge the Shark at home, and the 7kW AC system will grant a full charge in roughly four and a half hours. Overall, the Shark 6 has a combined range of 800km (NEDC) and a combined litres per 100km of 2.0L/100km. 

The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV leads the Shark 6 for battery range, with a NEDC estimate of 110 km; just 10km over the Shark despite the significantly larger 37.1kWh battery.

A 30-80% DC charge takes 26 minutes, with a maximum DC charge rate of 50kW. On AC power, a full charge will take around six and a half hours, maxing the AC charge rate out at 6.6kW. GWM claims a combined range of 880 (NEDC) and a litres per 100km of 1.7L/100km.

The Ranger PHEV has a modest 49km (NEDC) range, less than half of what the competition offers. Why? Ford claims the average Ranger driver only travels around 40km in a day, making the 11.8kWh battery suitable for daily commutes.

Again, it is worth noting that the battery size is less than half that of the competition, and yet, with only 3.5kW AC charging available, the fastest possible time to charge the Ranger PHEV is 4 hours. Combined fuel economy of the Ranger PHEV is 2.9L/100km. Currently, no combined range figure is available.

But why are fuel use figures important? With Australia’s incoming new vehicle efficiency standard (NVES), these plug-in hybrids are crucial for commercial vehicle-heavy carmakers to lower cumulative CO2 emissions. In Ford’s case, the Ranger plug-in hybrid will need to do a lot of heavy lifting — so it better be successful. 

Which car has the most grunt?

The Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid has a 138kW 2.3 L turbo petrol four cylinder ‘Ecoboost’ engine, which is paired to a conventional ten-speed auto.

The standout is the electric powerplant; a single 75kw electric motor mounted between the ICE engine and transmission. With the hybrid system in full effect, the Ranger PHEV develops a maximum power output of 207kW, and maximum torque of 697Nm. 

GWM is using the same 180kW 2.0 turbo petrol four cylinder engine and nine-speed auto package you’d find in the hybrid Cannon Alpha Ultra. Combine this with a 120kW single electric motor, and the maximum outputs of the Cannon Alpha PHEV are 300kW and 750Nm.

The Shark 6 powerplant is a bit of an outlier amongst competitors; it has the smallest displacement ICE engine, and two electric motors to drive both axles.

Don’t think however, that the Shark 6 lacks bite; the 1.5 L turbo petrol four cylinder engine produces a reasonable 135kW, and the front and rear mounted electric motors develop 170kW and 130kW, respectively. Combined, the Shark develops 321kW and 650Nm, making it the current most powerful PHEV ute available in the Australian market. 

How capable are these PHEV utes??

We will have to wait for a full test, however the Ranger PHEV is looking to be a top contender off-road; the base model XLT has the same four-wheel-drive dedicated features as the range topping Stormtrak.

With a chunky kerb weight of 2527kg, the Ranger XLT PHEV might be a handful in the mud, but low range gearing, a locking rear diff, offroad dedicated driver modes, hill descent control, and traction control will help you come out the other side. 

The XLT has the lowest ground clearance out of the Ranger PHEV lineup, at 215mm. It comes out of the box with an 800mm wading depth, perfect for a quick fleet car appropriate ‘wash’. The XLT is certainly the most equipped PHEV ute for payloads, with a 973kg capacity.

Ford Australia has repeatedly stressed the importance of towing capability for their buyers, and subsequently, all 4 variants of the Ranger PHEV have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, a Tow Haul drive mode, and 70 litre fuel tank. 

GWM’s Cannon Alpha PHEV is looking to be a real contender off-road as well. Both the Lux and Ultra trim levels come standard with high and low range, a wading depth of 800mm, a 224mm ground clearance, and electronic locking rear and centre differentials, with an electronic front locker optioned on the Ultra.

Similar to the Ranger PHEV, the Cannon Alpha PHEV has several terrain-specific drive modes, hill descent control, and a 3500kg braked towing capacity. Maximum payload capacity is some way off rivals, at 685kg.

Chasing Cars had the opportunity to trial the Shark 6 off-road, and it was surprising to see it still hold its own, despite lacking a few key features offered by its competitors.

The Shark 6 does not have low range, nor does it have differential lockers. Its double wishbone front and rear suspension also limits rear axle articulation compared to the Ranger and Cannon Alpha.

Nitty-gritty, serious off-road challenges will have to be tackled with the Shark 6’s terrain-specific drive modes, hill descent control, traction control, and some clever electronic power distribution.

With a ground clearance of 230mm and a maximum water wading depth of 700mm, the Shark 6 is still a competent contender for most off-road driving. Two points of contention worth noting are the limited braked towing capacity of 2500kg, and maximum payload capacity of 790kg. 

What sort of equipment can I expect?

Ford anticipates the $79,990 (before on road) Ranger Wildtrak will be its most popular variant. 

Expect a similar story with the Cannon Alpha, with the Ultra’s electronic front differential locker plus other features added for not much additional cost ($68,990 drive-away). The Shark 6 is currently available in one trim level – the Premium, for $57,900 before on road costs. We’ve highlighted some key features in the table below. 

Who is the winner on paper?

Although we are yet to put the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV through their paces both on and off the beaten track, the BYD Shark 6 will be tough to beat for private buyers. 

Ford’s strategy to offer a broader range of plug-in hybrid variants may, however, catch the eye of fleet operators.

With an extremely competitive price, great hybrid capability, powerful drivetrain, decent off-road ability and a growing after-sales support network, both Ford and GWM need to deliver superb products to lead Australia’s next generation of fuel-sipping dual cabs.