Join Ciro De Siena and Kaalvoet Swys as they put the all-new BYD Shark 6 and award-winning Ford Ranger Raptor through a rigorous off-road test in the Western Cape.
This head-to-head video delves deep into what makes the BYD Shark and Ranger Raptor bakkie unique, how their tech translates into real-world off-road ability, and which one tackles tough 4×4 obstacles best.
The action unfolds at a specialist 4×4 facility in the Western Cape, where expert guide Kaalvoet Swys (Francois Marais, pictured right) coaches Ciro through a demanding suite of off-road challenges – steep hill descents, wheel-articulation obstacles, tricky side slopes, breakover tests, and water crossings.
The Contenders:
BYD Shark 6 Premium AWD
- Powertrain: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine + dual electric motors (PHEV)
- Combined outputs: 321 kW, 650 Nm
- Ground clearance: 230 mm
- Approach/Departure/Breakover angles: 31° / 19.3° / 17°
- Price: R959 900 (July 2025)
New BYD Shark 6 Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used BYD Shark 6 listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0T V6 4WD
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol
- Output: 292 kW, 583 Nm
- Ground clearance: Approx. 272 mm
- Approach/Departure/Breakover angles: Approx. 32° / 24° / 24°
- Price: R1 270 000 (July 2025)
New Ford Ranger Raptor Specs & Price in South Africa
Find a new/used Ford Ranger Raptor listed for sale on Cars.co.za
The Off-Road Challenges
Throughout the episode, Ciro and Swys challenge both bakkies with:
- Steep Hill Descents: Assessing hill descent control and throttle modulation—showcasing electric precision from the BYD Shark and robust mechanical grip from the Ranger Raptor.
- Articulation Obstacles: Suspension flex and traction control strategies under real duress.
- Tight Turning Circles: A nod to the practicalities of manoeuvring big bakkies in tight quarters.
- Water Crossings: Real-world wading, with both machines exploiting their impressive depth ratings.
- Side Slopes and Breakover Tests: Putting approach, departure, and breakover angles to the test on challenging terrain.
Ciro (below, left) and Swys candidly discuss where each bakkie excels, from the Ranger Raptor’s stability and mechanical diff locks to the Shark 6’s innovative use of electric motors for off-road control.
Special attention is given to the BYD Shark’s innovative battery architecture and how it influences the Chinese bakkie’s on-trail composure and safety during water crossings and rocky sections.
Why This Test Matters
This off-road comparison is about more than numbers. It’s a real-world look at how next-gen electrified tech stacks up against the tried-and-tested mechanical hardware of the acclaimed Ranger Raptor.
The BYD Shark brings cutting-edge battery and twin-motor innovation to South African trails, while the Ranger Raptor – 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa Ultimate Double Cab – and 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa Leisure Double Cab champion – flies the flag for traditional brawn and rally-developed off-road prowess.
Whether you value modern tech or proven toughness, this epic off-road matchup is essential viewing.
Don’t Miss the Drag Race!
Viewers interested in outright acceleration should check out the recent BYD Shark vs Ranger Raptor drag race video featuring Ciro and David Taylor. It sets the stage for why this off-road comparison matters, highlighting differences in power delivery and straight-line performance.
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BYD Shark 6 vs Ford Ranger Raptor: What should you buy?
BYD Shark 6 (2025) Price & Specs
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