GWM Cannon Alpha News

GWM Australia has released pricing and detailed specifications for new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powered versions of its Cannon Alpha dual cab ute and three-row Tank 500 SUV.And the Chinese brand is clearly determined to upset the established order amongst competitors for both models with aggressive price positioning and a value-focused list of included features accompanying their enhanced powertrain performance.Close to two years ago the petrol-electric BYD Shark 6 offered an instantly popular hybrid ute alternative and Chery’s soon-to-arrive Stockman will offer diesel-electric hybrid power.But while those newcomers have been thinking outside the box, GWM has stayed squarely within it, launching its all-new 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as a shot across the bows of the market-leading Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.In a launch statement, GWM said, “The message is simple: Australians still want diesel power, and GWM is giving them more of what they want, for less.“Both models will be priced thousands of dollars below comparable competitors, delivering a level of performance, specification and value designed to challenge the established market leaders,” it said.And it’s worth noting GWM is running with an introductory offer of a $2000 drive-away cash bonus or $2000 fuel card on these models until October 30, 2026.GWM is keen to highlight local development work to optimise the new engine’s performance, led by the brand’s Lead Product Dynamics and Integration Manager, Rob Trubiani.In fact, GWM said Australian and Chinese engineering teams have put the vehicles through “an extensive development program focused on optimising performance, refinement and durability for Australian drivers, including ride and handling, engine and transmission calibration, towing performance and software.”The 3.0-litre four produces 26 per cent more power (+35kW) and 29 per cent more torque (+140Nm) than the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in supersedes. But despite the higher outputs, GWM is claiming combined cycle fuel efficiency of 7.3L/100km for the Cannon Alpha (substantially lower than the 2.4L’s 8.9L/100km) and 7.1L/100km for the Tank 500.Braked trailer towing capacity is 3500kg for both models (up from 3000kg for the Tank 500)  Confirming the pricing and spec details, GWM Australia Chief Operating Officer John Kett said, “When you look at the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 against the established volume players in their respective segments, the difference is clear. “We’re offering a higher level of standard specification, more performance and more technology, while asking customers to pay thousands of dollars less.“That is a proposition we believe Australian customers will find very compelling,” he said.Coffee OS (intelligent cockpit system)14.6-inch central touchscreen (up from 12.3-inch)12.3-inch colour digital instrument clusterWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoGWM App (vehicle status and selected functions controlled via smartphone)Full ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite18-inch alloy wheelsSide stepsRoof railsAuto LED headlights with DRL + electric levellingLED tail-lightsFront grille – chromePower fold exterior mirrorsKeyless entryRear privacy glassOne piece tailgateSpray on tub linerFull-size spare (steel)Synthetic leather trimPower front seatsDual-zone climate controlSix-speaker audioAdaptive cruise controlSeven airbagsBlack styling treatmentFront diff lockPanoramic sunroofFull-size alloy spare60/40 split tailgateNappa leather accented trimHeated and cooled front seats (with massage)Head-up display10-speaker audioFront and rear diff locksLow-range transfer caseAll-terrain mode selection18-inch alloy wheelsElectric sunroofSynthetic leather trimPower front seatsDual-zone climate controlAmbient lighting (seven-colour)Eight-speaker audioBlack styling treatmentNappa leather accented trimHeated and cooled front seats (with massage)Head-up displayAmbient lighting (64-colour)Heated steering wheel12-speaker audioActive noise cancellingPre-orders for the GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 3.0-litre turbo-diesel models are open now with cars scheduled to arrive in dealerships from mid-September.

The re-launch of the Ora brand for GWM was just the start of a huge list of launches set for the second half of 2026, the brand has revealed.GWM Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Gao, told media that Australia is one of GWM’s top three “strategic international markets”, so it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that the brand plans to launch nine new models or variants in Australia before the end of the year.The new 2027 GWM Ora 5 SUV is one, but several more models and variants are set to land later this year, including two more variants of the Ora 5, new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel-powered Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha variants, a new Haval H7, plus a new Haval Jolion Max and the introduction of a new sub-brand, Wey.Starting with Ora, there is set to be a hatch version of the Ora 5, sharing a body style with the new SUV but with a lower ride height. It’ll likely share the same specifications as the SUV, which has a 150kW/260Nm front-mounted electric motor. A longer, ‘Touring’ version classed as a mid-size SUV will join the two Ora 5 variants later.GWM also plans to introduce its Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain to its Cannon ute, similar to that already found in the larger Cannon Alpha. The Cannon Alpha range itself will also be expanded to include a more off-road focussed Cannon Alpha XSR, while a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is set to become available for it and the Tank 500 4WD.For the new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, Australia has been picked as the “lead global market to launch the powertrain”, with Australian customer feedback and local engineering talent being used to shape the new running gear and ensure its suitability for local needs.GWM has already been testing the new 3.0-litre diesel in Australia, having racked up tens of thousands kilometres with at-the-limit 3.5-tonne towing weights being hauled.The mid-size SUV space, one of Australia’s most competitive markets, is also set for more competition with GWM to introduce a new Haval H7, replacing the current generation’s single-variant and its front-drive hybrid powertrain.A hybrid and all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid drivetrain will both be available in the new H7, which has had a big visual refresh. Front and rear diff-locks are already confirmed for the model, too, so its off-roading ability is set to surpass the current-gen H7.The Haval Jolion Max is also set to join the line-up, with PHEV and full-EV versions on the cards for the mid-size SUV.Finally, GWM will launch its Wey luxury arm in Australia by the end of the year, adding a fifth sub-brand to the GWM family. Which models will arrive locally are yet to be fully locked-in, but GWM says large SUVs and MPVs will be the focus.Don’t be surprised if the Wey V9X Large SUV and Wey G9 people mover are early on the cards for our market.The new model assault comes as GWM renews its push to become a top-five brand in Australia, recording an all-time peak of 6104 cars sold in June 2026.John Kett, Chief Operating Officer for GWM Australia told media at the launch of the Ora 5 SUV that GWM Australia’s access to the full global catalogue of models is key to its future plans.“For the first time, GWM Australia has access to GWM's complete global portfolio,” Kett said.“It means we're no longer planning around the business we have today, we're planning around the business we're becoming. More importantly, it allows us to do something very few automotive manufacturers can do.“We can build our portfolio around our customers instead of asking our customers to fit our portfolio.”To reach its goal of becoming one of Australia’s top-five brands by sales, Kett says GWM will need to shift 75,000 new cars a year across its brands. In June, it finished eighth with Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia between it and fifth.

Plug-in hybrid utes are taking over the diesel dominated segment in Australia.There has been an influx of PHEV utes into the Australian market.The BYD Shark 6 has captivated buyers' attention, but it faces increasing competition from Chinese rivals such as the GWM Cannon Alpha, along with the Ford Ranger Hybrid.With these utes chasing higher payloads and towing capacities, they are battling against each other to be the dominant player in a still emerging segment.The JAC Hunter is the latest entrant, joining with a competitive price tag and performance figures.How does the Shark 6's latest predator shape to the rest of the competition?Pricing The Hunter will enter the Australian market at a price of less than $50,000, making it the cheapest PHEV ute to date. The BYD Shark 6’s cheapest pick-up variant starts from $57,900, with the Canon Alpha a small step up at beyond $60,000. The Ford Ranger PHEV has had a recent price cut, with a new entry-level XL variant arriving to slip between the Hunter and Shark 6 at $59,000 drive-away.Engine and efficiency *Driving range figures not provided by Ford Australia but calculated over several CarsGuide road tests once battery had been depleted. Ford Australia has been contacted to obtain driving range figures. The JAC Hunter leads the way for power with 360kW for its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors, with an official torque figure still be revealed.The Shark 6’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors pumps out 321kW, which betters the 2.0-litre engine and single motor from the Cannon Alpha. GWM’s PHEV ute beats the Shark 6 on torque.A new Shark 6 Performance variant is coming soon with a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces total system outputs of 350kW and 700Nm, and boosts towing to 3500kg, but is $5000 more than the Premium version.Ford’s Ranger PHEV has a 2.3-litre unit, producing 207kW - the least power of any of its competitors, despite competitive torque. For the purposes of a consistent comparison, more generous NEDC figures have been used where possible. NEDC testing is generally more lenient than WLTP, so real-world experience may not match up to the numbers. The important fuel efficiency figure is edged out by the Hunter at 1.6L/100km, but the GWM Cannon Alpha is not far behind at 1.7L/100km. The Shark 6 offers fuel efficiency of 2.0L/100km, with the Ford Ranger at 2.9L/100km. While BYD is the only brand to advertise its fuel use figure without a fully charged battery, it highlights the general importance of these utes having the battery charged to achieve low fuel efficiency figures.JAC has confirmed the Hunter will have an electric-only driving range of 100km from its 31kWh battery, with a total range of 1005km. The Shark 6 has a 30kWh battery, with a total driving range of 800km, and an all-electric range of 100km.The Cannon Alpha has a bigger 37kWh unit, boosting range to 1060km total and 115km for electric-only.The Ranger PHEV has a significantly smaller 12kWh battery, offering an all-electric driving range of 49km, according to WLTP standards. This also means it has the least driving range of the four. BYD’s cheapest Shark 6 pick-up variant is the only one of the PHEV utes to not offer 3500kg braked towing capacity, although there is a more expensive performance variant offering this. The Ranger has the most payload in this group, with the Hunter coming in close, followed by the Shark 6 and then the Cannon Alpha.Verdict The JAC Hunter will launch in Australia with the cheapest price for a PHEV ute by some margin, and also comes in with strong performance figures. Ford's recent price cuts make the Ranger Hybrid a more compelling proposition.But the Shark 6 remains the leader of the PHEV ute market, but with more competitors coming, it could be about to change. GWM will release a cheaper, smaller Cannon ute in the coming weeks.Chery is not too far away from launching a diesel PHEV ute, which will add further choice for buyers. 

A new ute price war is forming as rivals pile in to battle the smash hit petrol-electric ute of the past 18 months.The BYD Shark 6 ute’s arrival in Australia in late 2024 was a moment in time for the local new vehicle market, with the petrol, dual-motor powered plug-in hybrid (PHEV) soon upsetting the seemingly rock solid Ford Ranger / Toyota HiLux duopoly at the top of the 4x4 ute category.Soon enough, Ford introduced its own take on the petrol-electric plug-in ute formula with the Ranger PHEV hitting showrooms mid-last year.But so far it’s barely made a blip on the new vehicle radar map, to the point where ‘MY25.75’ and prior examples have been marked down to a recommended drive-away price of $62,000, a chunky 14 per cent reduction from its previous sticker of $71,990. And that’s before taking into account the latter number did not include on-road costs.That price is available to private as well as fleet and government buyers and shifts cost-of-entry for a Ranger PHEV into the same ballpark as the mid-tier Shark 6 Premium (about $62,900 drive-away).The entry-grade Lux version of the petrol-electric GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV kicks off at $61,490, drive-away, and the just-released JAC Hunter is lining up for a super-aggressive “less than $50K drive-away”.Toyota, so well known for hybrid tech across its passenger car and SUV line ups, has so far only offered a relatively timid 48V mild-hybrid version of its diesel HiLux, starting at $57,990, before on-road costs.Which leaves a four-way PHEV ute cage fight between the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger, GWM Cannon Alpha and JAC Hunter.But wait, there’s another combatant due to step into the octagon before the end of this year, the diesel-electric Chery ‘KP31’ - yet to be named, but Orca is looking likely. Get it? Orca, higher up the predatory food chain than Shark.And with a petrol-electric version set to follow sometime in 2027 there’s no doubt (given the way Chery has repositioned the small SUV market with its Tiggo 4) it will be priced to take a sizeable bite out of the opposition.GWM is also preparing a plug-in hybrid version of its cheaper and smaller Cannon ute for later this year to complement the Cannon Alpha workhorse.Stand by for further price movements and positioning tweaks in this ongoing PHEV ute conflict.

Year-to-date registration data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) show ‘electrified’ passenger and light commercial vehicles have crossed a significant tipping point to become a more popular choice than traditional diesel and purely petrol-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) options in Australia.To the end of April, sales of battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles stood at 50,976 units, a 79.2 per cent increase on the same four-month period in 2025 (28,448 units).At the same time, sales of ICE vehicles (including light commercials but not heavy trucks) have dropped 35.9 per cent from 64,991 in 2025 to 47,813 units this year.Tellingly, sales of pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have grown by just over 100 per cent, with key players BYD up 110.8 per cent (25,243 vs 11,974) and Tesla 49.9 per cent year-on-year (8485 vs 5660).Individual (higher volume) stand-out BEV models include the BYD Sealion 7 and Dolphin, Geely EX5, Kia EV3, Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X.And when it comes to hybrids, thanks to better supply of the new-generation version, the ever-popular Toyota RAV4 has come up to its more usual monthly sales rate and has been joined by its big-brother LandCruiser 300 Hybrid.Add in other relatively recent hybrid arrivals like the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid joining now established disrupters like the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha and hybrid sales are set to expand even further. Clearly, April 2026 marked a historical moment in time for the Aussie new vehicle market.

LDV is set to muscle in on the rapidly-expanding plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ute segment in Australia with a two-pronged strategy covering all bases and budgets.Unveiled in Beijing late last month, the T70 PHEV and Terron 9 PHEV are both expected to land locally sometime next year, though importer Ateco Automotive has yet to confirm this.The cheaper of the two will be the T70 PHEV. As a substantial update of the existing, 10-year-old T60 ute (it may retain the old name for Australia), it is expected to match and even undercut other similarly-electrified dual-cab utes also from China.These include the just-announced JAC Hunter PHEV that starts from $50,000 before on-road costs, the GWM Cannon PHEV that is due in Australia from August with pricing yet to be confirmed, as well as the as-yet-unnamed Chery ‘KP31’ that is being prepared for launch in a few months.Meanwhile, the Terron 9 PHEV will be the more-premium choice, taking on the BYD Shark 6 PHEV that kicks off from $57,990 before on-road costs in Premium grade (though a recently-released Cab Chassis version costs $2000 less).GWM’s larger second ute option, the Cannon Alpha PHEV that starts from $61,490 drive-away in base Lux guise, as well as the coming Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV, may also be in the larger LDV PHEV’s crosshairs.In contrast, Australia’s best-selling vehicle over the past two years, the Ford Ranger, is not even in the hunt against these Chinese alternatives, with the PHEV (imported from South Africa instead of Thailand like the rest of the range) commencing from $71,990 before on-road costs in XLT specification, soaring to $86,990 for the Stormtrak flagship.Despite anticipated sharp pricing, the LDV’s powertrain promises to be advanced, combining a petrol engine and an electric motor to offer both mechanical and electric four-wheel-drive capability.Other PHEV details, including powertrain outputs, battery size and range, will be revealed at a later stage.So, what are the other changes to the latest, facelifted T60/T70 series?More than just a makeover, it appears that almost every exterior panel is new from the windscreen forward and the rear window-back, including the sheetmetal and nose cone.And while the basic centre section carries over, the interior has also come in for a complete redesign, with its restyled dashboard incorporating a sizeable central touchscreen/instrumentation display, mimicking that of the Terron 9.Speaking of which, the latter is also set to donate its 163kW/520Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine to the smaller ute, replacing the 160kW/500Nm 2.0-litre unit as found in the existing T60 in Australia. Whether the same power and torque outputs also carry through is not known at this stage.The coming PHEV is not the first electrified LDV ute to be sold in Australia.The existing T60 has gone down in history as the first ute to offer a battery electric vehicle (EV) option as the eT60 back in 2022.But stratospheric pricing (from nearly $100,000), rear-drive only (so no 4x4 availability) and low carrying capacity scuppered any chance of success, leading to the EV's discontinuation in 2024. That failure seems to have also delayed the eTerron 9 EV indefinitely.LDV is unlikely to make the same mistakes with either the Terron 9 PHEV or T60/T70 PHEV if/when they get the green light for Australia.Watch this space.

Utes have been affected substantially by increasing fuel prices, thanks to their large fuel tanks and often thirsty turbo-diesel engines.Diesel fuel prices have jumped to more than $3 per litre, making filling up a diesel ute more expensive than ever.CarsGuide has compiled a list of all the diesel dual-cab pick-up utes on sale, calculating the yearly cost of each at $3.07 per litre (the average price in NSW on 31/3/26) over 15,000km.Isuzu Ute’s D-Max and Mazda BT-50 2.2-litre turbo-diesel variants are the efficiency leaders. The mechanically identical pair of utes cost $3038.02 in fuel in a year, averaging 6.6L/100km.The Ford Ranger’s single turbo-diesel 2.0-litre is next on the list, averaging 6.9L/100km, which equates to $3177.45 over 15,000km. The new mild hybrid Toyota HiLux also has a competitive efficiency figure of 7.1L/100km, which is a little cheaper in fuel than the standard turbo-diesel variants. Three-litre variants of the BT-50 and D-Max vary in cost, given fuel consumption fluctuates between 7.1L/100km and 7.8L/100km depending on the variant.The KGM Musso is one of the thirstiest of the utes, with its up to 9.0L/100km, costing more than $4000 over the course of a year.  The GWM Cannon Alpha diesel was the other ute to exceed the $4000 mark. Concluding the list are the gas guzzling full-size American pick-ups, in Ram’s 2500 and the Chevrolet Silverado HD. Both have V8 diesel engines with a capacity of more than 6.0-litres, meaning they cost more than $7000 over the course of a year.2026 ute fuel figures Australia  *Dependent on variant**Ram does not provide official figures for fuel consumption. This figure is sourced from CarsGuide's real world testing.***Chevrolet does not provide official figures for fuel consumption. This figure is sourced from CarsGuide's real world testing.

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.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 PHEVThe 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 PHEVAustralia 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.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 PHEVGWM 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 PHEVThe 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 EVThe 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 BEVAn 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 EVThe 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 PHEVThe 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.

Fuel prices continue to increase in Australia.Hybrid models generally offer better fuel efficiency than a comparative petrol model, but they are also more expensive. Questions remain about how much going hybrid actually saves buyers on fuel and how long it will take to pay off the extra upfront cost. Below is a comparison based on some of the most popular models in Australia offering petrol and hybrid choices and the potential increased savings in the current climate. Figures have been calculated based on the average yearly kilometres driven at 15,000km, and the cost to fill-up based on average NSW pricing data using the official recommended fuel for each model. Small car/sedanHyundai i30 sedanThe Hyundai i30 is one of few passenger car models which are available with petrol and hybrid variants in its lineup. Many of its rivals have become hybrid only, such as the Toyota Corolla and Camry as well as the Honda Civic. The hybrid is cheaper to fill up and goes further on its tank, so it takes around four years to pay off the $4000 hybrid premium - well within the seven-year warranty period for the car. This is also due to the smaller and more efficient hybrid motor compared to the bigger petrol engine.Small SUVChery Tiggo 4 The Chery Tiggo 4 is one of the cheapest SUVs on the market, with a drive-away price under $30,000 for both petrol and hybrid variants. The Hybrid carries a $6000 premium over the petrol, which means it will take roughly seven years to pay off the extra cost. This is part due to the $850 year-on-year saving, which is less than many of the other cars on this list. Unlike the other examples, there is no change in engine capacity between petrol and hybrid variants of the Tiggo 4.  The seven-year break-even point matches the seven-year warranty provided on the car. Medium SUVGWM Haval H6There is a $5000 gap between pricing on the petrol and hybrid versions of the Haval H6, but the smaller and more efficient hybrid engine sees savings of more than $1000 year-on-year. The H6 hybrid offers an average of more than 500km of driving range than the petrol. This means the extra cost of the hybrid can be paid off in just under five years. This falls within the seven-year warranty period for the H6. Large SUVHyundai Santa FeThe Hyundai Santa Fe was CarsGuide’s 2026 Overall Car of the Year, and offers one of the most competitive hybrid/petrol pricing comparisons. This is because the hybrid Sante Fe is less than $4000 more expensive than the petrol and offers more than 400km average driving range. With nearly $1200 of savings each year, it would take around three years to pay off the hybrid premium, and the majority of the car’s seven-year warranty will also still be valid.UteThis comparison uses the cheapest dual-cab variant of the Toyota HiLux Workmate and the single-variant BYD Shark 6. While these utes are obviously not variants within the same lineup, the Shark 6’s petrol status offers savings over the diesel ute. It also has a smaller fuel tank, which makes filling up cheaper. The HiLux is also slightly more expensive to drive-away, costing about $59,500 in NSW.Fuel efficiency on the Shark 6 dramatically decreases when the ute has less than 25 per cent of battery charge, dropping to 7.9L/100km. This still makes it less expensive to run than the diesel HiLux. *Petrol engine only fuel use figure not provided by Ford but calculated over several CarsGuide road tests once battery had been depletedThe plug-in hybrid set-up in the Canon Alpha does make it cheaper to run overall, but the substantial price difference between the plug-in hybrid and the petrol, means it would take eight years to break even on the extra cost. The Ranger PHEV is more of a curve ball, it is harder to hit on exactly how much fuel it will use. It all depends on how ofter you charge the battery. If you don't charge it every night it'll be more expensive to run than the diesel, as it needs to be topped up more often. If you regularly charge it the cost equation flips and it's a wallet saver.You'll need to be vigilant about charging to pay off the $15,000 premium, though.

Fuel prices in Australia are soaring, meaning fuel efficiency in vehicles is a more important consideration than ever. Hybrid cars offer the potential for superior fuel efficiency compared to internal combustion power without the big price premium if fully electric or plug-in hybrid options. This makes them an increasingly attractive option for buyers given the current global climate. Hybrid sales are already booming in Australia, but will increases in fuel prices accelerate the shift away from pure internal combustion cars? NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said that while hybrid sales are increasing, an even swifter transition is less than clear. “If you’re driving a standard vehicle with a 55-litre tank, compared to what we were paying before the war began to now, it’s a $45 increase on one tank of petrol. That applies regardless of whether it’s hybrid or petrol,” Khoury said. “Historically speaking, looking at what happens after an oil shock, it certainly opens up their consideration. “No doubt that if this crisis continues and these prices hang around for weeks or months, Australians will look at those alternatives more seriously.” Below is a comparison between popular petrol and hybrid choices in each segment to see how they stack up in a changing fuel context. Fuel cost has been calculated using current data from the New South Wales’ government’s average fuel price for unleaded 95 petrol and diesel. Toyota’s Corolla hybrid hatch offers superior fuel efficiency and driving range compared to the Kia K4 petrol model. The Corolla is also cheaper to fill up with fuel thanks to its smaller tank and offers a substantially bigger driving range. The Kia Seltos is a petrol-only variant, but despite its bigger fuel tank, it has less driving range than the Toyota Corolla Cross, courtesy of the hybrid powertrain. The bigger fuel tank means the Seltos is also more expensive to fill up. The mid-size CX-5 has a non-turbo charged petrol engine, which sees it offer an impressive estimated driving range of more than 800km, but once again the Toyota competitor’s fuel efficiency wins out in the RAV4 hybrid. The Toyota Kluger continues the Japanese juggernaut’s fuel efficient theme, with a hybrid set-up offering a driving range of more than 1122km, which is significantly more than the MQ QS, despite both cars costing a similar amount to fill up at the bowser. Utes are some of the worst affected by the fuel price increase as many of them are powered using diesel engines, with diesel fuel rising more than petrol. It has now risen to well beyond the $2.60 mark per litre. The BYD Shark’s plug-in hybrid set-up uses petrol, which makes it an affordable option, given the price of diesel. It should be noted that the Shark 6’s fuel efficiency is significantly reduced when the battery is not charged. It’s a similar story for the GWM Cannon Alpha, which should be noted is no longer on sale, but remains one of limited plug-less hybrid utes in Australia.