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

Diesel power has long been the default for Australian dual-cab ute buyers, but government incentives, tightening emissions regulations and ongoing fuel security concerns are encouraging change.

Enter a 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, as well as the same desirable blend of practicality and capability we've come to expect from the best dual-cabs.

Yet, while these three were born of a common goal, their execution couldn't be more different.

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

Note: The lead image for this article was generated using AI.

How much do they cost?

If you don't mind sacrificing four-wheel drive and a few luxuries, the Musso EV can be had for as little as $60,000 drive-away – less than the base Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha PHEV. As tested, the KGM is still the cheapest of the bunch by a few thousand bucks.

What do you get?

All three of these utes are among the best equipped in the segment, boasting the latest tech and upmarket comfort features.

Shared equipment highlights:

• LED headlights
• Dual-zone climate control
• Digital instrument cluster
• Touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Leatherette/faux leather interior upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Wireless phone charger
• Rear tub liner

However, the Cannon Alpha goes furthest, offering a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, heated steering wheel, massaging front seats with memory, heated and ventilated rear sear seats, and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system. It's also the only vehicle with mechanical differential locks for off-road driving.

Having said that, the Shark 6 stands out as a technology leader, with the standard Premium grade bringing a 15.6-inch touchscreen compared with 12.3-inch displays in the KGM and GWM. Audiophiles will similarly appreciate its 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

Are they safe?

The Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha share maximum five-star ANCAP safety ratings, having been tested in 2025 and 2024 respectively.

Both also achieved similar category scores, leaving little to separate them.

The Musso EV, on the other hand, has yet to be tested by ANCAP or its sister organisation, Euro NCAP. Having said that, it comes with eight airbags, while the Shark 6 and Cannon Alpha have seven apiece.

All three models are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced active and passive safety systems and driver aids, including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view camera

Still, on paper the Cannon Alpha and Shark 6 promise more from a safety perspective than the Musso EV. Splitting the two is tricky, though, as both have a five-star ANCAP rating, seven airbags including a front-centre airbag, and an extensive suite of active safety systems.

What are they like on the inside?

These vehicles are all quite distinct in their interior design and packaging, with each appealing to a different sub-section of ute buyers.

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

Meanwhile, the Cannon Alpha shapes as the most luxurious option, as there's slightly more room inside and leather-accented seats with heating and ventilation in both rows. Those riding up front can also treat themselves to a massage.

The KGM Musso EV is shorter – both in terms of total length and wheelbase – and narrower than the GWM and BYD, so it's not quite as spacious.

However, you still get two big screens, leatherette upholstery, heated front and rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Physical switchgear is a little lacking though, at least compared to the other utes under assessment here.

When it comes to loading up the tub, the Shark 6 and Musso EV both earn points, albeit for different reasons.

Neither suffers from an awkwardly positioned spare wheel, unlike the Cannon Alpha (see above). Further, the BYD tops this class for tub volume. But not payload, as the Musso EV is rated to haul an extra 80kg.

What's under the bonnet?

A key difference between these utes is that the Musso EV is purely electric, while its rivals feature plug-in hybrid powertrains.

As such, the KGM can travel far further on electric power – 380km versus 115km for the GWM and 80km for the Shark 6. It's also more efficient.

However, it can't match its PHEV counterparts for power, torque, combined driving range, or towing capacity – both the Cannon Alpha PHEV and Shark 6 Performance are rated to tow 3500kg with a braked trailer, nearly double that of the Musso EV.

All three send power to all four wheels – a must for off-roading – albeit in slightly different ways. The Cannon Alpha is arguably best suited to the rough stuff with its mechanical four-wheel drive system and three locking differentials, while the Shark 6 gets electric all-wheel drive, improved with Crawl Mode for the Performance flagship. Similarly, the Musso EV is all-wheel drive, but has no locking diffs, nor low range.

Therefore, the Cannon Alpha stands out for its rounded set of skills relevant to ute usage, aside from limited payload. It'll also cost slightly more to top up, whether that be with fuel, electricity, or both.

How much do they cost to run?

Both the Cannon Alpha and Musso EV come with a long seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the Shark 6 is covered for six years or 150,000km.

KGM's aftersales offering is ultimately superior, as it includes the cheapest servicing over the first seven years of ownership. The service intervals are 5000km longer, too.

That said, BYD caps service pricing for an additional four years, which becomes relevant if you hang onto your ute for a long time.

As mentioned earlier, day-to-day running costs will be lowest with the Musso EV, given its electric powertrain.

CarExpert's Pick: GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV

Sure, the Cannon Alpha PHEV is the most expensive ute of this bunch, but it also caters to the largest audience.

With a capable PHEV system, strong towing capacity, and space in the cabin for five full-size tradies, it ticks important boxes as a worksite workhorse.

So does the Shark 6 Performance, yet come the weekend you'll want to have the Cannon Alpha for its low-range transfer case and mechanical locking differentials. But off-road capability is just one of the reasons why the Cannon Alpha beat the Shark 6 and Musso EV to our Best Electrified Ute gong in this year's CarExpert Choice Awards.

The GWM also shapes up as the best family vehicle in Ultra specification, given it boasts a second row of seats with heating and ventilation for outboard occupants, in addition to electric adjustment for recline and lower cushion extension.

So, where does that leave the Musso EV? Well, it arguably makes the most sense as a light-duty fleet vehicle, given its lower sticker price, more compact dimensions, and wallet-friendly running costs.

However, given utes are often used for serious off-roading, heavy towing, and long-distance touring – all areas in which the Musso EV struggles – the Cannon Alpha and Shark 6 represent better buying for most people.

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE: Explore the KGM Musso EV showroom
MORE: Explore the BYD Shark 6 showroom
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