Three new cut-price challengers are on the way to hunt down some of Australia’s favourite dual-cab utes.
These newcomers pack some enticing gear with plug-in hybrid power, rugged off-road capability and likely sharp prices in their arsenal to put Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux on the menu.
Success isn’t guaranteed.
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2027 Mahindra Lifestyler ute revealed ahead of its likely Australian launch to battle the 2026 Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger
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New 2026 Chery Stockman ute to eat Toyota HiLux, BYD Shark 6 for breakfast as it enlists Premcar to make it the boss on- and off-road
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Plug-in hybrid 2027 Nissan Navara takes big step closer to Australian launch as showdown with BYD Shark 6 looms
Some recent big names such as the Kia Tasman and MG U9 have failed to fire, but these three have a red hot chance.
Chery Stockman
The Chery Stockman is due to arrive at the end of this year, and is the first ute to pack a diesel plug-in hybrid set-up.
The Stockman combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with an electric motor to deliver 350kW and 800Nm to all four wheels.
It can drive up to 100km under electric-only power, but this is calculated via the more lenient NEDC test cycle. Expect closer to 80km when tested to the benchmark WLTP protocol.
This combo will be ideal for off-roading and load-lugging, two areas plug-in hybrid workhorses often struggle with.
It will have a 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked towing capacity. Chery has not revealed payload yet.
Chery has also previously said it would have front, centre and rear diff locks and it should have low gearing for proper off-roading.
Chery has had remarkable success in Australia thanks to its sharp pricing, expect no different from the Stockman.
This will be backed up by a rapidly expanding dealership network.
It also looks mean. Watch out big boys.
Mahindra Lifestyler
The Indian brand’s follow-up to the much-maligned Pik-Up has just been revealed and it is a shoe in to come to Australia, with a late 2027 arrival date likely.
It is based on a new ladder frame platform, which means it'll be built for hard work.
Mahindra hasn’t revealed any official details on the new ute, but it is likely it’ll share a fair bit with the rugged Scorpio SUV.
This means a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, six-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive are likely.
Inside will be plush, with plenty of hi-tech features and top-end finishes.
In India it will launch with a starting price of less than 1.98 million Indian Rupee (A$29,300), which is more expensive than the Scorpio, but expect it at less than $50,000 drive-away in Australia.
Nissan Navara Pro PHEV
Nissan is going all-in on rugged 4WDs and utes in the next few years, and a big chunk of them will be sourced from China and its partner Dongfeng.
The Nissan Frontier Pro ute hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, but it is highly likely the ute will arrive next year to sit alongside the recently launched new Navara.
Former Nissan Oceania Managing Director Andrew Humberstone suggested to CarsGuide last year both models would be sold here.
It is also believed the Frontier Pro will be called Navara Pro when it lands, following on from its recent reveal in the Philippines.
It uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a transmission-mounted electric motor producing a potent 320kW and 800Nm combined. The EV-only range is around 100km WLTP.
There is a chance it could spin-off an SUV, so watch out Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
