BYD Shark 6 vs MG U9

What's the difference?

The BYD Shark 6 Premium is perfect for weekend camping trips or ferrying the family around the city, but the underpowered engine, mixed handling, and quirky safety tech hold it back. If it could match its rivals’ capability while keeping its sharp looks, it would be a near-perfect package but right now, it just doesn’t.

The MG U9 Explore Pro has genuinely surprised us. It’s not without quirks as some safety tech can be annoying, and it’s a bit thirstier than expected but it’s a solid, practical family ute with great features, and capable 4x4 performance. Stylish, comfortable, and still relatively affordable, I like this one a lot.

The BYD Shark 6 is a seriously handsome ute from almost every angle. It’s boxy and beefy enough to look tough in the school-pick-up line but not so over-styled that it feels try-hard. The wide lighting signature at the front and rear gives it a modern, tech-forward vibe which is a nice hint at what’s going on underneath.

From behind the wheel, space is the first thing you notice. The cabin feels huge and well thought out, finished in black synthetic leather with contrasting orange stitching that adds a sporty pop. You’ll spot the same orange highlights on the air vents, and together with the soft-touch trim and matt-metallic details, the Shark easily punches above its price point in terms of cabin quality.

And then there’s the centre console, which is one of my favourite parts of the interior. With its chunky grab handles, large gear selector and row of tactile switches, it has a bit of a cockpit-meets-ute look going on. The orange starter button is a fun touch too. The only quirk? The tailgate release button sits close enough that it’s a little too easy to tap by mistake and although you have to confirm the selection via the media display, it's still annoying to accidentally press.

At 5.5 metres long and with a bonnet that seems to stretch on forever, the MG U9 wouldn’t look out of place lined up alongside American ute giants. It’s big, bold and unapologetically muscular. So, if you’re into that tough, road-dominating look, this one’s right up your alley. The bonus, though, is that it’s not quite as massive as its Yankee cousins, so you get all the presence without the parking anxiety (well, you'll get some).

The front end makes a statement with its huge LED lighting signature and chunky 20-inch alloys, while the squared-off stance and flared guards give it that “ready for anything” vibe. Which helps sell the idea that this ute looks built to take on the world, whether that’s a muddy trail or a suburban carpark.

Step inside and the cabin continues the theme. Every design element builds on the tough exterior aesthetic, from the wide, supportive seats and oversized centre console to the panoramic sunroof and expansive dual media displays that wrap around the driver’s view.

I love the gear shifter design because it looks like the throttle of a jet and has a really satisfying hand feel. There’s even a thoughtful safety feature, with a window breaker tool that's tucked neatly under the lid of the centre console. It’s one of those features you hope never to need, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there.

Overall, the U9’s cabin feels modern and impressively put together, with good textures, soft-touch materials, and just enough flair to keep it interesting.

Comfort is clearly a priority in the Shark 6 Premium. There’s loads of cabin space and the powered front seats are properly plush for a ute, with four-way lumbar support plus heating and ventilation which is a luxe touch you really notice on long drives.

Up front, storage is excellent with a glovebox and dash cubby, large door bins, a deep centre console, two phone trays with a wireless charger, a USB-A and C port, cupholders and a sunglasses holder. Everything has its place, and it’s easy to keep the cabin tidy.

The rear bench is also impressive. Generous seat bases, thick padding, and a flat floor mean adults will be comfortable back there, and kids are happy too. Rear passengers score map pockets, cupholders, big door bins, directional air vents, a USB-A and C port and even a 230-volt outlet.

Despite the 230mm ground clearance, getting in and out is surprisingly easy thanks to big door apertures, side steps and grab handles. My nine-year-old found it easy to get in, though younger kids will still need a hand. He loves the great view, thanks to the low window line, but the doors feel heavy on a slope.

Tech-wise, the 15.6-inch touchscreen looks sharp and responds quickly. The system is simple enough to use once you spend some quality time with it but first-timers might get flustered initially. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked consistently, although most controls live inside the screen, including climate functions, which may frustrate some. The rotating display is clever, but I found portrait mode blocked some forward vision from my driving position. Also, fun fact, when CarPlay fills the full screen, everyone can see it, including cyclists who now know my husband’s nickname!

Out back, the tray is slightly smaller than key rivals but still practical, offering 790kg payload and a 1200L capacity. The soft-opening tailgate is handy but lacks gas struts, and without a step, climbing in requires a bit of a hop. On the plus side, the tub gets lighting, three 230-volt AC outlets and a full-size spare underneath.

The MG U9 Explore Pro offers plenty of cabin space, and it’s easy to get comfortable in both rows. Even with a full load of passengers, you never feel cramped, which is commendable in this segment. Despite its 220mm ground clearance, getting in and out is easy thanks to wide door apertures, sturdy grab handles, and handy side steps. You might still need to give little ones a hand, but my exuberant nine-year old loves hopping in and out (sometimes even via the tray window).

The doors themselves can feel a bit heavy to open when you’re parked on a slope. Inside, each door has an ‘easy-open’ button instead of a traditional handle. Listen, it’s a cool touch, though arguably a bit over-engineered for a ute. Just remember, the exterior door buttons aren’t for keyless entry, they’re also easy-open switches, so you’ll still need the key fob to lock the vehicle.

Seat comfort is excellent. The powered front seats are well-padded with long bases and heating, while the driver scores the ultimate setup with ventilation and massage functions. The second-row bench is firmer but still comfortable for longer journeys. Families will find two ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points, though using a rearward-facing child seat might be tricky if you’re on the shorter side.

There are enough storage options throughout the car to keep the cabin looking neat. Up front, there’s a shallow glovebox, long door bins with mini shelves, and a large centre console with a sliding top tray. The centre console also houses a wireless charging pad, USB-A and USB-C ports, and the car’s only 12-volt socket, plus two cupholders and a dedicated phone slot.

In the back, there are deep map pockets, door bins with bottle holders, and two cupholders in the fold-down armrest. Rear passengers also get directional air vents, USB-A and C ports, and heated outboard seats which is a nice feature in this class.

Up front, the dashboard features a curved panoramic display combining dual 12.3-inch screens. The media system’s touchscreen is responsive and easy enough to use, though some functions (including seat controls) are buried in menus. Thankfully, you can customise the homepage with shortcuts to your most-used features. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and an Amazon Music app (though you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to use it).

A digital rearview mirror is standard in this grade and while you can revert back to a regular mirror, it defaults to 'on' every time you get in the car. It's annoying that you have to find the hidden button on the mirror and change it each time you want to drive somewhere.

As for the tray, it’s big enough for a standard pallet and offers a 770kg payload capacity. The spray-on liner, full-size spare wheel, and powered tailgate come standard, while the Explore Pro’s built-in tailgate step (rated to 170kg) is a genuinely useful addition. There are several tie-down points, including some on a track system, plus a single tray light for when you’re loading up after dark.

The MG U9 arrives with a line-up of three grades, and we’re testing the flagship Explore Pro, which wears a sharp price tag of $60,990 before on-road costs.

That positions it against other value-focused Chinese utes like the LDV Terron 9 Evolve, which shares similar underpinnings (and even some exterior shaping) but undercuts the MG with its $58,937 drive-away price tag. There’s also the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra, slightly more affordable again at $57,490 drive-away.

The similarly sized Foton Tunland has just arrived and the flagship V9-S undercuts them all at $49,990 before on-roads.

However, I’d argue the Explore Pro’s mix of genuine adventure capability and well-executed premium features makes it feel like the better-value option overall.

Standard equipment is generous, with leather upholstery, powered front seats, heated front and rear outboard seats, and even ventilation and massage functions for the driver. The powered tailgate includes a built-in step rated to 170kg, and there’s also a full-size spare wheel.

Tech and comfort highlights extend to dual 12.3-inch displays, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, digital rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Connectivity is just as comprehensive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, AM/FM radio, an Amazon Music app, over-the-air updates, USB ports, and built-in satellite navigation. All of these features combine to give the U9 a surprisingly high-end feel for the price.

Our test vehicle also includes the optional ‘Smart Hatch’ package, which adds $5490 to the price. It brings a powered rear window (a feature my kid absolutely adores), along with folding rear seats and a folding rear hatch, allowing you to extend the load space beyond the tray, which is a clever touch for families and weekend adventurers alike.

The Shark 6 pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors - one on each axle. On its own, the petrol engine makes 135kW/260Nm, but the hybrid system boosts total outputs to a more impressive 321kW and 650Nm.

Despite the strong numbers, braked towing capability sits at a low 2.5 tonnes, which is a full tonne less than key rivals. If you regularly haul larger caravans, horse floats or big trailers, that’s worth keeping in mind.

It’s also worth noting the Shark 6 runs an AWD system rather than a full 4WD, with no low-range gearing or diff locks. So while it’ll handle gravel roads, campsites and wet grass just fine, it’s not aimed at hardcore off-road buyers. For a deeper look at its rough-terrain performance, check out Crafty’s recent Adventure review.

All MG U9 grades come with a 4x4 drivetrain and share the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque. That’s competitive for the segment and supports a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, which is right in line with most of the established players.

The eight-speed automatic transmission features low-range gearing, multiple terrain modes, and front and rear differential locks, so there’s plenty here to keep off-road enthusiasts happy. However, its ground clearance and wading depth (220mm and 550mm, respectively) are on the lower side compared with some rivals, which might limit just how far you’ll want to push it off the beaten track.

Official combined fuel use for the Shark 6 in hybrid mode is 7.9L/100km, but after over 800km of mixed driving (starting with three-quarters charge and regen braking keeping the battery hovering around 25 per cent), I saw 8.9L/100km. So it’s a touch thirstier than the claim, but you’ll unlock its best efficiency when you charge daily and make full use of the 100km pure EV range for school runs, commuting and errands.

There is a 29.58kWh BYD Blade battery paired with a Type 2 CCS port. It takes up to 7kW on AC home charging and up to 55kW on a DC fast charger, where you can expect around 30 - 80 per cent in roughly 25 minutes. There’s also vehicle-to-load capability, so you can power tools, camping gear or larger tech items when you're out and about which is very handy for family trips and weekend adventures.

The Explore Pro has a claimed combined fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km, and with its 80L fuel tank, that gives a theoretical range of up to 1012km. In real-world use which includes school runs, grocery trips, and a longer highway stint, our results were a touch thirstier than expected at 9.4L/100km and that's not even carrying a serious load. Still, for a fully equipped 4x4 ute, its not terrible.

On the road, the Shark 6 is a bit of a mixed bag. In EV or hybrid mode it’s genuinely impressive being smooth, quiet and quick off the line with a nice, immediate power delivery. But once the petrol engine fires up, things change. It becomes noticeably loud and whiny, and it can feel short on grunt, especially on hills. I wouldn’t rely on the petrol side alone if you regularly drive with heavy loads or tackle steep country roads.

Around town, the ride is comfortable and almost glides over the road, which sounds lovely, but in a big ute I prefer a bit more feedback. Out on regional roads, the Shark can start to feel less composed, particularly over big bumps or loose gravel, so it’s definitely happier in urban settings.

Visibility is mostly good thanks to the high driving position and big windows. The thick B-pillar does require a proper head-check, and parents take note: I can’t always see my son when he’s right up close to the vehicle, so extra awareness around kids is essential.

Regen braking is subtle but effective and the battery never dipped below 20 per cent and often gained charge on downhill runs. The lack of that grabby EV brake feel is also very nice.

Parking, however, is where things get entertaining and not always in a good way. With a 13.5m turning circle and at almost 5.5m long, it’s not what you’d call nimble. My mum and I genuinely had an Austin Powers three-point-turn moment in a tight ramp. It's also best to reverse into spaces to allow for the tray overhang. The saving grace? The 360-degree camera system is genuinely helpful due to its clear, wide feed.

The Explore Pro delivers decent power with minimal lag when accelerating from a standstill, though you’ll want to ease off the throttle a bit as the tyres can slip if you’re too enthusiastic. There’s a real sense of deep power reserves, making it easy to maintain speed on hills without feeling strained.

Handling is impressive with steering that feels well-balanced - not too light, not too firm. The suspension is forgiving while still providing enough feedback to keep you confident on the road. Corners are tackled with minimal body roll, which is reassuring in a vehicle of this size.

For a diesel, the cabin is quieter than expected, though wind and road noise creep in at higher speeds. Around town, it delivers a surprisingly refined experience.

Visibility is a bit mixed. The higher seating position gives a commanding view out front, but the thick B-pillars and the digital rearview mirror can occasionally hinder your sight lines.

Being a long vehicle at 5.5 metres, paired with a 13.3-metre turning circle, means you sometimes need to be selective about parking. Ramps can be fun to do… or embarrassing if you misjudge your angle and it's often easier and safer to back into a space. The 360-degree camera system is excellent and makes manoeuvring a lot less stressful, though.

The MG U9 carries a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2024 testing, though it’s based on results from the Maxus eTerron 9, an overseas electric ute. Our Explore Pro comes with seven airbags, including a front centre airbag and curtain airbags covering both rows which is a reassuring setup for a family vehicle.

The list of safety features is extensive with blind-spot monitoring, forward and rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, and hill descent control all included.

However, some systems can feel overly intrusive. The biggest culprits are traffic sign recognition, lane keeping aid, and the driver monitoring system, which deliver physical alerts via a shuddering steering wheel and audible warnings. While you can customise a driving profile to mute or disable some of these features, it must be activated every time you start the car, which can be a little annoying in daily use.

The adaptive cruise control is okay to use when there's low traffic but otherwise, it's best to leave it off.

There's autonomous emergency braking with car, cyclist, pedestrian and motorcycle detection and it's operational from 8.0 - 140km/h but it's typical to see that range begin from 5.0 to 180km/h at least.

The BYD Shark 6 comes with a six-year/150,000km warranty, which is solid, though some rivals offer unlimited-kilometre terms and ongoing roadside assistance if you service through their dealer networks.

BYD provides a price guide for servicing rather than a fixed capped-price or pre-paid program, with average costs around $515 per service (subject to change). This method doesn't add the peace of mind its competitors do.

Finding somewhere to service your Shark 6 is fairly straightforward thanks to 46 BYD service centres across Australia, though most are concentrated in major cities. Regional owners will appreciate BYD’s partnership with select mycar Tyre and Auto service centres, which helps extend access outside metro areas.

The MG U9 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which can be extended to seven years or up to 200,000km if you service the vehicle through MG directly. There’s also a five-year pre-paid servicing program, with total servicing costs of $2395, which is reasonable for this segment.

Services are conveniently spaced at 12-month intervals or every 15,000km, whichever comes first, making maintenance straightforward and predictable.