The 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards have unveiled the best ute in Australia, a hotly contested category that has seen fierce competition among top contenders. The award, which focuses on vehicles starting under $85,000, has been narrowed down to three finalists, with the BYD Shark 6 taking the top honors. This announcement comes after rigorous evaluation by the CarsGuide Editorial team, who engaged in vibrant debates to determine the winner.
The finalists in this category, listed in alphabetical order, include the Ford Ranger, Kia Tasman, and the eventual winner, BYD Shark 6. Each vehicle was meticulously assessed for performance, innovation, and market impact, making the final decision both challenging and exciting for the judges.
Runner-Up: Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger emerged as a strong contender, earning a spot in every judge’s top three. Despite not securing enough first-place votes to win, its comprehensive offerings, including the Super Duty and plug-in hybrid variants, were highly praised. However, some judges expressed reservations about the plug-in Stormtrak variant, describing its EV performance as underwhelming. Nonetheless, the Ranger remains a standout in the Australian ute market.
“It might no longer be the outright benchmark, but it is superior to almost every other ute in lots of ways,” said Managing Editor Tim Nicholson.
Runner-Up: Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman made an impressive debut, marking its first year on sale with a podium finish in the CarsGuide awards. While its styling may be polarizing, the Tasman’s driving experience and interior design received unanimous praise. The vehicle’s spacious cabin and long warranty were highlighted as key strengths, demonstrating Kia’s ambitious entry into the dual-cab market.
“It does the workhorse thing really well, and with a long warranty. It’s big inside. It has got a stunning interior. It has a big tub. Kia has come from nowhere and they have swung really hard at this,” said CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis.
Winner: BYD Shark 6
The BYD Shark 6 has revolutionized the dual-cab market in Australia, capturing the attention of over 18,000 customers in 2025 alone. Despite lacking traditional ute features like a diesel engine and the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes, the Shark 6’s plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain resonated with consumers. Its innovative approach and stylish design have set a new benchmark in the industry.
“The big thing for me is the ambition of the product, and the way that it’s just turned the segment upside down,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White.
Implications and Industry Impact
The success of the BYD Shark 6 signifies a shift in consumer preferences towards more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles. This trend is prompting established manufacturers to rethink their strategies and offerings in the competitive ute segment. The Shark 6’s victory highlights the growing acceptance of hybrid technology in a market traditionally dominated by diesel-powered vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards underscore the importance of innovation and adaptability. Manufacturers are increasingly challenged to meet changing consumer demands while maintaining performance and reliability.
Looking ahead, the impact of the BYD Shark 6’s success may inspire further advancements in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies, potentially reshaping the landscape of the Australian automotive market. The CarsGuide awards serve as a testament to the dynamic nature of the industry and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
