2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV vs BYD Shark 6 vs KGM Musso EV: Spec battle

Diesel energy has lengthy been the default for Australian dual-cab ute consumers, however authorities incentives, tightening emissions rules and ongoing gas safety considerations are encouraging change.

Enter a brand new wave of electrified dual-cab utes, led by the all-electric KGM Musso EV, the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.

All promise zero or low tailpipe emissions, in addition to the identical fascinating mix of practicality and functionality we have come to anticipate from one of the best dual-cabs.

But, whereas these three have been born of a standard objective, their execution could not be extra completely different.

So, which one makes the strongest case on paper in flagship specification?

Be aware: The lead picture for this text was generated utilizing AI.

How a lot do they value?

In case you do not thoughts sacrificing four-wheel drive and some luxuries, the Musso EV will be had for as little as $60,000 drive-away – lower than the bottom Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha PHEV. As examined, the KGM continues to be the most affordable of the bunch by a number of thousand bucks.

What do you get?

All three of those utes are among the many greatest outfitted within the phase, boasting the most recent tech and upmarket consolation options.

Shared gear highlights:

• LED headlights
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Digital instrument cluster
• Touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Leatherette/fake leather-based inside upholstery
• Energy-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated entrance seats
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Rear tub liner

Nevertheless, the Cannon Alpha goes furthest, providing a panoramic sunroof, head-up show, heated steering wheel, massaging entrance seats with reminiscence, heated and ventilated rear sear seats, and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system. It is also the one automobile with mechanical differential locks for off-road driving.

Having stated that, the Shark 6 stands out as a know-how chief, with the usual Premium grade bringing a 15.6-inch touchscreen in contrast with 12.3-inch shows within the KGM and GWM. Audiophiles will equally admire its 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

Are they secure?

The Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha share most five-star ANCAP security rankings, having been examined in 2025 and 2024 respectively.

Each additionally achieved related class scores, leaving little to separate them.

The Musso EV, alternatively, has but to be examined by ANCAP or its sister organisation, Euro NCAP. Having stated that, it comes with eight airbags, whereas the Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha have seven apiece.

All three fashions are outfitted with a complete suite of superior lively and passive security methods and driver aids, together with:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise management
• Lane-keep help
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Encompass-view digicam

Nonetheless, on paper the Cannon Alpha and Shark 6 promise extra from a security perspective than the Musso EV. Splitting the 2 is hard, although, as each have a five-star ANCAP ranking, seven airbags together with a front-centre airbag, and an in depth suite of lively security methods.

What are they like on the within?

These autos are all fairly distinct of their inside design and packaging, with every interesting to a special sub-section of ute consumers.

The Shark 6, for example, is most definitely to wow tech lovers with its 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up show, and 12-speaker sound system.

In the meantime, the Cannon Alpha shapes as essentially the most luxurious possibility, as there’s barely extra room inside and leather-accented seats with heating and air flow in each rows. These using up entrance may also deal with themselves to a therapeutic massage.

The KGM Musso EV is shorter – each by way of whole size and wheelbase – and narrower than the GWM and BYD, so it is not fairly as spacious.

Nevertheless, you continue to get two massive screens, leatherette upholstery, heated entrance and rear outboard seats, ventilated entrance seats, and a heated steering wheel. Bodily switchgear is slightly missing although, not less than in comparison with the opposite utes underneath evaluation right here.

On the subject of loading up the bathtub, the Shark 6 and Musso EV each earn factors, albeit for various causes.

Neither suffers from an awkwardly positioned spare wheel, in contrast to the Cannon Alpha (see above). Additional, the BYD tops this class for tub quantity. However not payload, because the Musso EV is rated to haul an additional 80kg.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

A key distinction between these utes is that the Musso EV is only electrical, whereas its rivals function plug-in hybrid powertrains.

As such, the KGM can journey far additional on electrical energy – 380km versus 115km for the GWM and 80km for the Shark 6. It is also extra environment friendly.

Nevertheless, it may’t match its PHEV counterparts for energy, torque, mixed driving vary, or towing capability – each the Cannon Alpha PHEV and Shark 6 Efficiency are rated to tow 3500kg with a braked trailer, practically double that of the Musso EV.

All three ship energy to all 4 wheels – a should for off-roading – albeit in barely alternative ways. The Cannon Alpha is arguably greatest suited to the tough stuff with its mechanical four-wheel drive system and three locking differentials, whereas the Shark 6 will get electrical all-wheel drive, improved with Crawl Mode for the Efficiency flagship. Equally, the Musso EV is all-wheel drive, however has no locking diffs, nor low vary.

Subsequently, the Cannon Alpha stands out for its rounded set of abilities related to ute utilization, except for restricted payload. It’s going to additionally value barely extra to high up, whether or not that be with gas, electrical energy, or each.

How a lot do they value to run?

Each the Cannon Alpha and Musso EV include an extended seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, whereas the Shark 6 is roofed for six years or 150,000km.

KGM’s aftersales providing is finally superior, because it consists of the most affordable servicing over the primary seven years of possession. The service intervals are 5000km longer, too.

That stated, BYD caps service pricing for an extra 4 years, which turns into related should you grasp onto your ute for a very long time.

As talked about earlier, day-to-day working prices might be lowest with the Musso EV, given its electrical powertrain.

CarExpert’s Decide: GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV

Certain, the Cannon Alpha PHEV is the most costly ute of this bunch, however it additionally caters to the most important viewers.

With a succesful PHEV system, robust towing capability, and area within the cabin for 5 full-size tradies, it ticks vital containers as a worksite workhorse.

So does the Shark 6 Efficiency, but come the weekend you may wish to have the Cannon Alpha for its low-range switch case and mechanical locking differentials. However off-road functionality is simply one of many the reason why the Cannon Alpha beat the Shark 6 and Musso EV to our Greatest Electrified Ute gong on this yr’s CarExpert Selection Awards.

The GWM additionally shapes up as one of the best household automobile in Extremely specification, given it boasts a second row of seats with heating and air flow for outboard occupants, along with electrical adjustment for recline and decrease cushion extension.

So, the place does that depart the Musso EV? Effectively, it arguably makes essentially the most sense as a light-duty fleet automobile, given its decrease sticker worth, extra compact dimensions, and wallet-friendly working prices.

Nevertheless, given utes are sometimes used for critical off-roading, heavy towing, and long-distance touring – all areas during which the Musso EV struggles – the Cannon Alpha and Shark 6 signify higher shopping for for most individuals.

Click on the photographs for the total gallery

MORE: Discover the KGM Musso EV showroom
MORE: Discover the BYD Shark 6 showroom
MORE: Discover the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom