Toyota HiLux vs BYD Shark 6

The Toyota HiLux starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Shark 6 opens at $55,900. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $21,910.

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 $37,389 and $61,490 respectively.

The BYD Shark 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota HiLux, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Shark 6 by roughly $8,510 in fuel alone.

Both the Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Shark 6 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Toyota HiLux.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Toyota HiLux features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BYD Shark 6 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Toyota HiLux stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the BYD Shark 6. The BYD Shark 6 counters with Apple CarPlay and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Toyota HiLux gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Shark 6 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Toyota HiLux and 2-zone in the BYD Shark 6.

The Toyota HiLux uses a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel producing 150kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a 4x2 layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds.

The BYD Shark 6 responds with a Hybrid making 321kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Shark 6 is 4.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Toyota HiLux measures 5,380mm long on a 3,085mm wheelbase, 77mm shorter than the BYD Shark 6 at 5,457mm (3,260mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Shark 6 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Toyota HiLux leads with a 2,900kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux and $379/year for the BYD Shark 6. That is a $1,702 annual difference in favour of the BYD Shark 6.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Toyota HiLux) vs $379 (BYD Shark 6). The BYD Shark 6 saves you roughly $1,702 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6). The BYD Shark 6 has longer coverage.