The utes to beat fuel prices: Diesel's skyrocketing cost and emissions regulations putting the squeeze on 2026 Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux diesel utes, with BYD Shark 6 PHEV, KGM Musso EV and MU U9 EV threatening to take over

The demise of the diesel ute is approaching.

The walls are closing in on the conventional ute as diesel fuel prices soar and the federal government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) starts to bite, signalling the days of the diesel ute might be numbered.

The ute is the last refuge for diesel engines in the Australian car industry, with most brands already shifting to petrol, hybrid and electric in other segments.

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Read More About BYD Shark 6

Electrified utes have been gathering momentum in recent years as they look to take the place of traditional diesel power.

Here is a list of those which could take diesel's ute crown.

BYD Shark 6 PHEV

BYD Shark 6

The Shark 6 has already proven its threat to the diesel ute since it went on sale in late 2024, seeing surging sales.

Its sharp price tag at $57,900 (before on-road costs) makes it a cheaper option as a plug-in hybrid ute, and it is competitive with some diesel utes.

The Shark 6 uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up, meaning it is far cheaper to run than its diesel rivals (so long as you keep the battery charged).

It also packs 321kW and 650Nm, despite modest towing and carrying capacity.

It has made a solid impression in its time in Australia, being BYD’s best-selling car in 2025 - form it has carried into this year.

Chery KP31 diesel PHEV

2026 Chery KP31 ute concept

Australia will be one of the first markets to see the KP31 when it launches Down Under this year.

Technically, the codenamed KP31 is still a diesel, but it does come with plug-in hybrid assistance, and there is a petrol plug-in coming in 2027.

Diesel adds a different flavour to the PHEV game in Australia, with it overcoming the lugging and carrying limitations of petrol PHEV models such as the Shark 6.

@carsguide.com.au Mean looking new ute confirmed for Oz with a surprise feature! #Chery #KP31 #ute #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

While there is no official news on the power output of the 2.5-litre turbo-charged engine and electric motor, Chery has confirmed it will have a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 1000kg payload.

There will also be multiple locking differentials for rugged off-road ability, which is something missing from the Shark 6.

GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and GWM Cannon PHEV

GWM will be the only brand to have two plug-in hybrid utes on sale in Australia by the end of this year.

It already has the Cannon Alpha PHEV on sale, with a starting price of $61,490 drive-away. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol set-up produces 300kW and 750Nm.

The smaller Cannon PHEV recently revealed in China is not too far away, and will offer the brand a cheaper alternative to the larger and more premium Alpha.

While the Cannon PHEV keeps a 3500kg towing capacity, its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor only produces 185kW.

Ford Ranger PHEV

The best-selling Ford Ranger received a plug-in variant in the middle of 2025 in Australia, and starts from $71,990 (before on-road costs).

The 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up pumps out 207kW and 697Nm, with maximum payload of 973kg depending on the variant. It has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Its hefty comparative price tag means diesel sales still far outweigh their electrified sibling.

KGM Musso EV

2026 KGM Musso EV

The KGM Musso EV is one of the only new electric utes on sale in Australia, with a drive-away price of $60,000.

It comes in two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, producing up to 266kW and 630Nm.

Its 81kWh battery offers a maximum all-electric driving range of 380km, with 10-80 per cent fast charging taking 36 minutes.

It only comes with a payload of 905kg and a braked towing capacity of 1800kg.

Toyota HiLux BEV

Toyota HiLux BEV.

An electric version of the HiLux is a highly-anticipated new model of Toyota’s lineup, with potential to build on the success of the diesel HiLux in a new electrified era.

Initial numbers don't paint a pretty picture. It has a provisional 2000kg braked towing capacity, less than the 3500kg on diesel alternatives, including the HiLux. It also only has a payload of 715kg.

The other potential drawback on the electric HiLux is that it has a driving range of just 240km from its 59kWh battery, according to WLTP testing.

Expect to see the HiLux BEV in Australia soon.

MG U9 EV

2026 MG U9

The U9 electric ute has just been approved for sale in Australia and will hit showrooms in the near future.

It comes with a total system output of 325kW from a dual motor set-up and offers 430km of driving range (WLTP), from its 102kWh battery.

It also has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, so it will be in line with its key diesel rivals.

Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV

2026 Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV

The Frontier Pro is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid and like many on this list is built in China, and there is strong potential for it to soon be available in Australia.

It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 300kW and 800Nm, and is also expected to have a 3500kg braked towing capacity.