Ford Ranger vs BYD Shark – The NZ Ute Showdown

There’s a new beast in town, and it’s gunning for the crown. The Ford Ranger has ruled Kiwi roads for years, but now the all-new BYD Shark – a bold, plug-in hybrid ute – is making serious noise. So, does the Shark have what it takes to dethrone the Ranger? Let’s put them head-to-head and see who really deserves the keys.

Performance & Tech – How Do These Two Stack Up?

Ford Ranger:

The Ranger sets a high bar for ute performance in New Zealand. It offers a robust lineup of diesel engines, including the standout 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel delivering 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque, ample for serious towing or tackling rugged terrains. The 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and four-wheel drive is available across much of the range. It's rated to tow up to 3,500 kg, making it a workhorse for tradies and anyone hauling a boat or caravan. And if you're loading up the back with gear, don’t forget to protect your tray and interior with a rubber boot liner built for heavy-duty use.

BYD Shark:

The newcomer from BYD approaches performance from a different angle. It's a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a first in the Kiwi ute market. The BYD Shark combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors for all-wheel drive capability. BYD claims 320 kW of combined power and 650 Nm of torque, which is impressive. Its electric-only range is up to 100 km, making it ideal for city trips with low fuel use. The Shark also boasts a combined range of up to 800 km, ensuring long-distance capability.

Verdict:

The Ranger is the clear pick for traditional towing and load-lugging power, but the Shark offers cutting-edge hybrid tech for drivers keen to mix efficiency with off-road style.

Interior, Safety & Infotainment Features

Ford Ranger:

Step inside the Ranger, and it's evident that Ford has nailed the balance between rugged and refined. Even mid-spec models come with a 12-inch vertical touchscreen. The cabin feels spacious and hard-wearing, built for both tradies and road-trippers. Safety-wise, the Ranger packs in a solid suite: adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It boasts a five-star ANCAP rating, giving drivers peace of mind.

BYD Shark:

The Shark goes all-in on tech. Inside, you'll find a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, digital dash, and plush materials that make it feel more like an SUV than a ute. BYD is known for its EV innovation, and that flows into the Shark's high-spec safety features, including 360-degree cameras, front/rear AEB, adaptive cruise, and intelligent lane assist. For even more protection from mud, dirt, or wet gear, throw in a set of RubberTree seat covers, made to handle everything the Kiwi road throws at them.

Verdict:

The Ranger still wins on practicality and rugged functionality, but if you're after a more refined, tech-heavy ride, the BYD Shark brings serious cabin comfort and innovation.

Value for Money – Is the Shark a Smarter Buy?

Ford Ranger:

The Ranger is available in a wide range, from budget-friendly workhorses like the XL to fully kitted-out lifestyle models like the Wildtrak and Raptor. With prices currently starting around $46,990 and going well beyond $89,990, there's a spec for almost every kind of buyer. In return, you get proven reliability, strong resale value, and the kind of versatility Kiwis trust.

BYD Shark:

The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute is now available in New Zealand, having launched in early December 2024. It's priced at $69,990 plus on-road costs, making it a sharp entry point for a high-tech, dual-motor hybrid ute. With lower running costs thanks to its PHEV system, the Shark could appeal to drivers looking to save at the pump. That said, it's still new to the local market, so long-term servicing, support, and resale value remain question marks compared to the well-established Ranger.

Verdict:

If you want dependability and a known quantity, the Ranger is the safer buy. But if you're keen on hybrid tech, strong spec for the money, and something a bit different, the BYD Shark is now a real contender worth considering.

Tried-and-True or Bold and New?

The Ford Ranger remains the ute to beat, but the BYD Shark isn't just hype. With sharp pricing and hybrid tech, it's a genuine contender, especially for those who do more city kilometres than towing.

Whichever ute you back, make sure it's ready for the road (or the bush) with RubberTree's car accessories, built tough for whatever you throw at them.