BYD Shark 6 vs Isuzu D-Max
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$55,900RRP
- with the Isuzu D-Max's standard kit: $55,900 (nothing to add)
$41,243RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the BYD Shark 6 & Isuzu D-Max
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Shark 6 starts from $55,900 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu D-Max opens at $41,243. That makes the Isuzu D-Max the more affordable entry point by $14,657.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $61,490 and $45,367 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Shark 6 by roughly $7,940 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Shark 6 and Isuzu D-Max hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the BYD Shark 6 and 86% for the Isuzu D-Max.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Shark 6, against 4 on the Isuzu D-Max.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Recalls on our record
BYD Shark 6
- REC-006728 · published 21 Sep 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the spare wheel tray or lifter may have been incorrectly positioned.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
Isuzu D-Max
- REC-006053 · published 8 Aug 2024The fuel delivery hose may have been installed incorrectly and come into contact with the engine oil level gauge bracket resulting in premature wear.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006052 · published 8 Aug 2024Due to a software issue, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce the engine speed.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005842 · published 28 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel hose may chafe against the engine oil level bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- 5 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
29.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 55kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 55kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Shark 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu D-Max gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Shark 6 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, V2L and Dynaudio audio — features our data doesn't list for the Isuzu D-Max. The Isuzu D-Max counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Shark 6 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Isuzu D-Max offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the BYD Shark 6 and 1-zone in the Isuzu D-Max.
Drivetrain
The BYD Shark 6 uses a Hybrid producing 321kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout.
The Isuzu D-Max responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Shark 6 measures 5,413mm long on a 3,260mm wheelbase, 73mm longer than the Isuzu D-Max at 5,340mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Shark 6 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu D-Max leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 13.5m
Based on 13.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $379/year for the BYD Shark 6 and $1,967/year for the Isuzu D-Max. That is a $1,588 annual difference in favour of the BYD Shark 6.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Shark 6 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu D-Max if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Isuzu D-Max: Top CarSorted Score, 80 vs 72
The Isuzu D-Max comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (80 vs 72), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 29), performance (BYD Shark 6 ahead by 24), safety (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 12). The BYD Shark 6 will save you roughly $1,588 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Shark 6 and Isuzu D-Max?
The Isuzu D-Max is the cheapest at $41,243 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Shark 6 by $14,657.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Shark 6 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BYD Shark 6 and Isuzu D-Max all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu D-Max has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Shark 6 makes the most power at 321kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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