As Australia’s automotive landscape evolves, the demand for hybrid and plug-in hybrid utes is on the rise. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability, manufacturers are responding to consumer and regulatory needs for more efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles, especially with the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in place.
Hybrid vehicles combine traditional internal combustion engines with electric motors, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) take this a step further by allowing for electric-only driving for short distances, and manual recharging, making them ideal for urban environments.
Here, in order of expected arrival, we explore the top 10 best hybrid and plug-in hybrid utes and pickups expected to be available in Australia in 2025, highlighting their specifications, features, and anticipated performance.
1. 2025 Toyota HiLux 48V – on sale now
The 2025 Toyota HiLux 48V is already available and has made a significant impact in the hybrid market with its ‘V-Active’ 48V mild-hybrid system. This system integrates with the HiLux’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, which continues to produce 150kW at 3000rpm and 500Nm at 1600rpm. The setup is straightforward, utilising a two-way generator akin to an alternator, coupled with a compact 48V, 4.3Ah battery, which weighs just 7.6kg.
The HiLux 48V also boasts a braked towing capacity of 3500 kg, making it a credible choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. With a payload of 940kg which may not be the highest in its class, the HiLux compensates with its overall reliability and simplicity. The starting price for the HiLux 48V is around $56,210 for the dual-cab SR.
2. 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid – on sale now
This one has already made its mark as a notable contender in the hybrid ute category. It combines strong power (255kW/648Nm) with the go-anywhere attitude of the Alpha, offering a compelling option for those seeking versatility. While the official average fuel economy of 9.8L/100km is not that impressive, the Cannon Alpha Hybrid is designed to provide improved efficiency over its non-hybrid counterparts, particularly the few that offer this much power.
The Alpha Hybrid also delivers a respectable towing capacity, making it suitable for both work-related tasks and recreational activities. Prices start from $64,990. Value is decent but not class-leading. Although, the interior presents well and is filled with luxury inspiration and impressive technology. Fit and finish is good, and going with the Alpha means you get a slightly larger cabin and more passenger space over the GWM Cannon Ute.
3. 2025 BYD Shark 6 – arriving now
The 2025 BYD Shark 6 has hit the Australian market with great white expectations, coming in as the first plug-in hybrid ute to hit the market. It features a combination of a 170kW/310Nm front electric motor and a 150kW/340Nm rear motor, with a 135kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, designed to deliver a balance of power and efficiency. Total system output is rated at 321kW and 650Nm.
With its robust design (inspired by the Ford Ranger?) and advanced features, it is expected to attract a wide range of consumers looking for a practical yet stylish ute. Best yet, it even has independent rear suspension, which should provide good dynamics and comfort on the road. Prices start from an alluring $57,900.
4. 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – on sale now, arrives April
This is the plug-in hybrid version of the Alpha, and it has been confirmed for the Australian market, with expectations of offering a more advanced hybrid experience. This model is anticipated to build on the strengths of the Cannon Alpha Hybrid, incorporating a more powerful 37.1kWh battery and electric motor combination to enhance performance, with 300kW in total.
While specific details are yet to be confirmed, the Cannon Alpha PHEV is set to offer an impressive electric-only driving range of 110km, which puts it at the top of the class. The anticipated pricing is expected to be pretty high though, considering the regular hybrid version is $64,990. Speculations are pointing to at least $10k north of that.
UPDATE: GWM has since announced prices start from $63,990 drive-away for Lux, and $68,990 drive-way for the top Ultra.
5. 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV – first half
The 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV stands out as one of the most anticipated models in the hybrid ute market, mainly because the Ranger is such a popular model. The PHEV variant is designed to provide the ruggedness and versatility that the Ranger lineup is known for, while also incorporating advanced hybrid technology. It combines an 11.8kWh battery with a 75kW electric motor, augmenting a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine. Together, this setup should deliver good performance, while offering over 45km of electric range.
In terms of towing capacity, the Ranger PHEV is expected to perform exceptionally well, capable of towing up to 3500kg. As it will be built in South Africa, the pricing is expected to align closely with the Ranger Raptor – estimated to be around $90,000. That’s quite a bit more than some of the rivals, such as the BYD Shark.
6. 2025 RAM 1500 Ramcharger – expected late 2025
The 2025 RAM 1500 Ramcharger has been delayed in the USA but is still set to make it to Australia at some point. This is a range-extender hybrid version of the 1500, however, it is built on Stellantis’s latest STLA platform, unlike the current 1500.
Power comes from a 92kWh battery pack which feeds two electric motors that combine to produce a massive 494kW and 834Nm. But to ensure a long range the Ramcharger features a 3.6-litre petrol V6 which is used as a generator to top up the battery while on the go. Acceleration from 0-60mph (97km/h) is claimed in just 4.4 seconds.
7. 2025 LDV T60/Maxus Star X Hybrid – expected late 2025
The 2025 LDV T60, also known as the Maxus Star X, is set to be offered with a range-extender hybrid system. While the next-generation model has been unveiled, detailed mechanical specifications are still under wraps for the hybrid. It’s understood the electric motors and battery could provide a range of around 200-300km, with a combustion engine helping extend that to around 1000km.
The new T60 will be joined by the LDV Terron 9 this year as well. It’ll be slightly bigger (105mm longer, 97mm wider than the current T60), and it’ll be offered in ‘eTerron 9’ fully electric form. Pricing and specific features will be confirmed closer to its release, expected in late 2025.
8. Chery ute hybrid – maybe late 2025 or 2026
Still speculation at this point, Chery is set to dive into the world of utes and is likely to jump in with a plug-in hybrid. Speaking with Driving Enthusiast last year, Chery Australia’s chief operating officer, Lucas Harris, said:
“We’d have to see what the specifics around the technology for the EV were to work out would it work here or not. I think plug-in is a more realistic option.”
Chery could implement its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, currently producing 180kW, paired with a battery pack and pair of electric motors. System output could tip beyond the 250kW mark, however, nothing official has been confirmed as yet.
9. 2026 Nissan Navara e-Power Hybrid – expected by 2026
A Nissan Navara hybrid is expected to incorporate Nissan’s innovative e-Power hybrid technology, as seen in the X-Trail. This system allows the vehicle to run on electric power, with the petrol engine serving as a generator to recharge the battery without directly driving the wheels. This way you get the instant torque and response of electric motors but without the range anxiety.
While specific details are yet to be confirmed, it’s understood Nissan is developing a system suitable for the Navara and potentially the Patrol. However, we still don’t know if the next-gen Navara will be based on the same layout as the new Triton; Nissan has been very secretive about it all. Nissan and Mitsubishi have a lot of hybrid and electrified powertrain experience under their belt, so it is really only a matter of time before hybrid versions of their utes are introduced.
10. 2025 Isuzu D-Max Plug-in Hybrid – expected from 2026
We understand an Isuzu D-Max plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is currently being researched. While specific details remain under wraps, our sources suggests there could be two versions; a petrol and a diesel. A diesel could produce around 200kW and 600Nm combined, while offering an electric range of 50km, while a petrol could develop around 200kW and 500Nm, with the same 50km range.
Interestingly, Isuzu doesn’t currently offer a petrol engine in any of its vehicles, which means it would have to bring in something new or borrow a unit from one of its partners. Both Mitsubishi (8%) and Toyota (5%) are major shareholders in Isuzu. It’s expected the diesel would retain the full 3500kg towing capacity while the petrol might drop to around 2500kg, if both configurations end up being implemented that is.
Going with a hybrid is important for Isuzu as it doesn’t currently offer an low-emissions models. That’s going to make it tough with Australia’s NVES coming in.
