Lifestyle Reconn R2 vs BYD Shark 6

What's the difference?

This is one of the campers that very finely straddles that line between camper-trailer and caravan. It’s light-weight and simple to use, even if (and mostly because) it lacks the wide-open comforts of a traditional caravan. It’s very capable, well-equipped and very well made. 

If you do like to escape the great outdoors occasionally while camping (or someone you dearly love, does), this is well worth a look. It’ll follow you just about anywhere and your camp life will be better for it.

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 Reconn’s interior is interesting, as unlike most modern caravans, there’s not a lot of free space in here, thanks largely, to the height of the bed. It sits right at the top of the camper, like a second-storey mezzanine. To get in, you have to climb onto the dinette lounge, or use the fold-down step built into the base. 

There is also a small dinette and lounge space with a folding table that’s comfortable enough for two to sit at ease and read or eat dinner, but I get the feeling Lifestyle doesn’t expect you to be spending the majority of your time in here – that’s not what this camper is about.

Above the dinette there’s cabinet space, while all the dinette seats lift up to reveal more storage areas. The dinette closest to the door has two drawers in it, to make accessing the storage easy. 

If this floorplan isn’t for you, there are three other options. One features a pair of bunks, another an ensuite with shower and toilet. The third packs both the bunks and the ensuite all in, somehow – it’s not an overly large space.

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.

I towed it behind a RAM 1500 Laramie, which was serious overkill for a trailer of this size and weight, but it did all the right things. Because it has an adjustable air-suspension underneath, its ride is quite compliant and soft and its height can be adjusted to suit the terrain, or even lowered to reduce air resistance. 

Off-road, it posed little trouble, although the tracks we did were mild, at worst. It has no shortage of clearance (and can be dialled up further if you are short of it) and is fitted with a Cruisemaster DO35 off-road hitch.

One of its best off-road features, though, is the completely clean underside. There’s actually no plumbing, tanks, wiring or fittings under the floor or exposed to the elements, river crossings, dust or stones. The camper’s two tanks, batteries, pumps, electricals and plumbing are all contained within a compartment under the driver’s-side storage section. There’s even room in there for expansion – it’ll fit another water tank, another batteries and extra electrical gizmos easily.

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.