If you’re in the market for a 4WD ute and want to take advantage of the latest plug-in hybrid tech, your options in Australia are surprisingly limited. In 2025, only three PHEV utes are available: the BYD Shark 6 Premium, the GWM Cannon Alpha (2 variants), and the Ford Ranger PHEV (4 variants).
So which one’s the best all-rounder? We put the top of the range for each brand head-to-head across key categories that matter:
1. Power
2. Size
3. 4WD Ability
4. Range
5. Styling
6. Towing
7. Load
8. Price
9. Family Friendliness
🔸 Winner | BYD Shark 6 Premium
Give it more. With electric motors in front and back, plus a 1.5L hybrid petrol engine, the BYD Shark 6 Premium produces a massive combined output 455kW (including petrol hybrid) or 321kW on electric alone, both eat the competition. The dual electric motors give it a responsive edge, making it a fun drive. The GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV puts in a respectable 300kW for second place, while the Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV lags well behind with just 207kW combined.
🔸 Winner | Ford Ranger PHEV Stormtrak
Bigger is not always better. While the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV and BYD Shark 6 Premium are both sizable machines, the Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV’s more compact footprint may appeal to buyers who split their time between city and bush. It’s the shortest and lowest, and the easiest to maneuver in tight spaces.
🔸 Winner | GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV
Is it a capable 4WD? Equipped with high and low-range transfer case, diff locks, and proper hybrid torque distribution, the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV takes the toughest tracks with confidence. It passed both Beer O’Clock Hill and Big Red dunes with ease. The BYD Shark 6 Premium keeps pace in most test, due to pure speed but has struggled without a low-speed transfer case. The Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV didn't make it up Big Red dunes and hasn’t yet been been seen at Beer O’Clock Hill. 4WD testing has shown its limitations due to the lower power output.
🔸 Winner | GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV
How far will it go? Of course all list range is not real world range. However, the specs will give a good idea how each vehicle compares. The 37.11 kWh battery gives the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV an EV-only range of 115km — more than enough for most daily runs. It also has the largest fuel tank at 75L with a combined range of 1060 km. The Shark 6 Premium follows at 100km with the smallest fuel tank of 60L it has a combined range 800 km. The Ranger Stormtrak PHEV falls far behind with just 49km from the smallest battery by far but a fuel tank 70L will help, but combined range is unlisted.
🔸 Winner | BYD Shark 6 Premium
Category-breaking or following? The Shark makes a strong visual statement. Angular lines, muscular stance, and futuristic cues help it stand out. The Cannon Alpha and Ranger both lean more traditional, with the Ranger sticking closely to its existing design language.
🔸 Winner | GWM Cannon Alpha & Ford Ranger (Tie)
What can it pull? Both the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV and Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV claim a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, matching expectations for modern dual-cabs. The Shark 6 lags here, offering only 2,500kg.
🔸 Winner | Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV
What can you load into it? With an 808kg payload, the Ranger narrowly beats the Shark (790kg) with the Cannon Alpha (685kg) a fair way back due to it's larger battery and fuel tank. This makes the Ranger slightly more practical for trade or touring use.
🔸 Winner | BYD Shark 6 Premium
Will it break the bank? When it comes down to the bottom line, the BYD Shark is the cheapest with the GWM Cannon Alpha a close second at plus $5,000. The big surprise is the Ford Ranger. We believe it completely misses the mark with a massive price tag of plus $30,000 more than the Shark. You have to be a huge Ford loyalist to take that hit.
🔸 Winner | GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV
Will it keep the fam happy? Roomy interiors, super premium trim and with heaps more interior extras than either of the competition, add in far smoother, less raw edge-of-your-seat off-road experience than the Shark 6, the GWM Cannon Alpha gets the family edge. The Ranger’s price tag might cause tension.
| BYD Shark 6 | GWM Cannon Alpha | Ford Ranger Stormtrak | |
| Power | 🔸 | - | - |
| Size | - | - | 🔸 |
| 4WD Ability | - | 🔸 | - |
| Range | - | 🔸 | - |
| Styling | 🔸 | - | - |
| Towing | - | 🔸 | 🔸 |
| Load | - | - | 🔸 |
| Price | 🔸 | - | - |
| Happy Life | - | 🔸 | - |
Shark | 🔸🔸🔸
Cannon Alpha | 🔸🔸🔸🔸
Ranger Stormtrak | 🔸🔸🔸
While the BYD Shark 6 Premium brings the most power and flash, and the Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV holds on with practicality, it’s the Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV that offers the most balanced package in 2025. From EV range to off-road ability and family comfort, it’s the ute that gets the job done — and does it with confidence.
View the full, original 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV technical specs, photos and brochure information >
View the full, original 2025 BYD Shark 6 Premium technical specs, photos and brochure information >
View the full, original 2025 Ford Ranger Stromtrak PHEV technical specs, photos and brochure information >
