2025 Ford Ranger PHEV vs BYD Shark: SPEC BATTLE!

Australia’s dual-cab landscape is readying for a shake-up, with a number of plug-in hybrid variants arriving soon.

The most anticipated of course is the Ford Ranger PHEV, which debuted globally in September 2024. Set to build on the ongoing success of the Ranger nameplate in Australia – perennially our best-selling 4x4 vehicle – the Ranger plug-in hybrid drivetrain will be available for Wildtrak, Sport and XLT variants within the Ranger line-up – as well as an all-new Stormtrak launch edition.

With some details now revealed, we thought it would be a great opportunity to line its known specs up against another plug-in hybrid that’s currently making waves: the BYD Shark. Also en-route to Australia next year, the BYD Shark is expected to beat the Ranger PHEV to market here.

Both vehicles are expected to rock the status quo, so let’s take a closer look at them side-by-side 👇

JUMP AHEAD

• Powertrain and drive modes
• Driving range
• Dimensions, payload and towing capacity
• Interior
• Pricing

Powertrain and drive modes

The BYD Shark features a ‘Dual Mode Off-Road’ plug-in hybrid system which pairs a 170kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and dual electric motors, for a claimed combined power output of more than 320kW. This combination is said to propel the Shark from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds. The Shark has three terrain modes – Sand, Mud and Snow – as well as instant torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. It runs on independent coil-spring rear suspension.

The Ranger PHEV powertrain combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor and an 11.8kWh battery, which can be charged externally, by the petrol engine, or through regenerative braking. A modular hybrid transmission integrates the e-motor and separator clutch, allowing the electric and internal combustion engine to work together or separately.

The Ranger PHEV features a Terrain Management System with multiple selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. Also included is Ford’s Advanced 4WD system, a dual-range transfer case, and a rear differential lock.

Driving range

The Shark has a claimed electric-only range of 100km and a combined driving range when running as a hybrid of 840km. However, both of these figures are based on the older, less-stringent NEDC testing cycle. So its EV-only range realistically equates to about 70km by the current WLTP standard. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5L/100km.

Ford has stated that the PHEV can be charged overnight to full using a standard household plug, and it has a range of more than 45km in electric-only mode – about 25km less than the Shark. The Ranger PHEV has four EV modes: Auto EV, EV Now (provides all-electric drive), EV Later (stores a portion of charge for later use), and EV Charge (recharges the battery while driving). When the battery is nearing depletion, the system will automatically revert to Auto EV mode.

Dimensions, payload and towing capacity

The BYD Shark measures 5457mm long, 1971mm wide and 1925mm tall, and it has a wheelbase of 3260mm, making it one of the largest utes in the midsize class. For context, the Shark is 87mm longer, 53mm wider and 39mm taller than a Ranger Wildtrak – exact dimensions for the Ranger PHEV have not yet been released. Payload is listed at 835kg and it has a lower-than-standard towing capacity of 2500kg. By contrast, Ford says the Ranger PHEV will be able to carry a payload of up to 1000kg and tow up to 3500kg.

Interior

Key interior features of the Shark include a 12.8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system, a wireless phone charger, and a head-up display. An NFC key card is also included, with iPhone users able to unlock, lock and start the car using the Apple CarKey function.

The Ranger PHEV’s interior is expected to remain the same as its combustion-powered siblings, but a new addition is Pro Power Onboard tech, which enables owners to power tools, run fridges and keep devices charged while camping. It offers a maximum of 6.9kW, with a total of three power outlets throughout the vehicle – one in the cabin and two in the ute bed.

Pricing

Pricing has not been confirmed for either vehicle. However, the BYD Shark is expected to undercut the Ranger PHEV, with estimates placing it around the $70,000 mark before on-road costs. The Ranger PHEV is expected to range from about $75,000 to $80,000 for the lower-spec XLT, and closer to $90,000 or $100,000 for the launch-spec Stormtrak.