Following passenger cars, BYD is now trying to make space for itself in the pickup truck segment with the BYD Shark 6. The midsize plug-in hybrid pickup is available in Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and several other markets where lifestyle and work-focused trucks are popular, but not in the U.S.
That absence makes the Mexico connection particularly interesting for American readers. Some units of the Shark 6 with Mexican plates have already been spotted on U.S. roads, including in Texas.
Foreign-registered vehicles can enter the U.S. under limited temporary-use provisions for non-resident owners, but they cannot be sold or permanently registered there without meeting federal requirements.
Here are eight ways the BYD Shark 6 differs from the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid:
1. Two electric motors
Unlike the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, the BYD Shark 6’s powertrain uses two electric motors, one powering the front wheels and one on the rear axle. Customers get a choice of 1.5- and 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engines in the Chinese truck.
2. On-road performance
The configuration with the 1.5-liter engine packs 321 kW (430 hp) of total power and 650 Nm (479 lb.-ft.) of total torque, while the one with the larger engine increases these outputs to 350 kW (469 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb.-ft.), respectively. The former reaches 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the latter takes 5.5 seconds.
In comparison, the Tacoma Hybrid packs 326 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, and while Toyota has not disclosed the acceleration time, individual tests indicate it is nowhere close to the BYD truck.
3. Plug-in hybrid system
The BYD Shark 6 features a plug-in hybrid system, as opposed to the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid’s regular self-charging system. It has a 29.6 kWh LFP battery pack, which can deliver a range of up to 50 miles (WLTP) in EV mode in the configuration with the 2.0-liter engine.
4. Long-distance capability
According to EPA, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid can travel up to 419 miles. The BYD Shark 6 is capable of traveling 497 miles in the configuration with the 1.5-liter engine and 398 miles in the configuration with the 2.0-liter engine. However, these ratings are as per NEDC and WLTP, respectively.
5. Higher towing capacity
The BYD Shark 6 can tow 5,512 lbs. in the configuration with the 1.5-liter engine and 7,716 lbs. in the configuration with the 2.0-liter engine, while the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid can tow 5,950-6,000 lbs. The Chinese pickup truck, if specified in its priciest variant, is better suited for towing heavier recreational loads such as boats, camping trailers, and small caravans.
6. Vehicle-to-load function
The BYD Shark 6 features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging function, which allows offloading power up to 6.6 kW via three sockets (2.2 kW per socket) to power external devices. The function can be used to run home appliances during a power outage, charge e-bikes on a camping trip, and for various other emergency and recreational purposes.
7. More accessible
While Toyota manufactures the Tacoma Hybrid only in left-hand drive, BYD produces the Shark 6 in right-hand drive, and it is comparatively cheaper as well. This makes it more relevant globally, and BYD already offers it in multiple markets in Southeast Asia, Oceania, Africa, Latin America, besides Mexico in North America.
In Australia, the BYD Shark 6’s prices range from AUD 55,900 (USD 38,805) to AUD 62,900 (USD 43,664). The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, on the other hand, retails at anywhere between USD 47,235 and USD 64,650 in the U.S., excluding a USD 1,745 DPH fee.
That said, if BYD were to bring the Shark 6 to the U.S., its costs may vary significantly based on local distribution and pricing strategy, shipping, and tariffs among other factors.
8. Less off-road focused
The BYD Shark 6 isn’t nearly as off-road focused as the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, which is geared for heavy-duty work and serious adventures off the tarmac in select trims such as Off-Road, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro.
Toyota equips the Tacoma Hybrid with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, an automatic limited-slip differential, and electronic locking rear differential. The U.S.-focused model’s dimensions also make it a naturally more capable vehicle:
| Aspect | BYD Shark 6 Dimension | Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Dimension |
| Approach Angle | 31º | Up to 35.7º |
| Departure Angle | 19.3º | Up to 22.6º |
| Breakover Angle | 17º | Up to 24.6º |
| Ground Clearance | 9.1 in. | Up to 11 in. |
As for why BYD doesn’t offer the Shark 6 in the U.S., Chinese-built vehicles face steep tariffs, while Washington is also tightening rules around China-linked connected vehicles, software, and hardware.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
