BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV

BYD Cars Philippines released the Shark 6 DMO to much fanfare sometime in March. Its arrival disrupted the local pickup truck segment, thanks to its ability to take would-be owners almost anywhere — all while staying sustainable. 

Looking to challenge the Ayala-led brand’s hybrid pickup truck is the Changan Nevo Hunter Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), brought by Inchcape Philippines and officially launched during the recently-held Manila International Auto Show a few weeks back. 

It also employs hybrid technology coupled with capable off-roading features for that true truck feel without the guilt. 

Pitting the two nameplates against each other will give us a glimpse of which pickup model will come out on top. Will the BYD Shark 6 DMO turn out to be the apex predator, or has the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV found its first prey? 

First, let’s size them up. 

Dimensions 

	BYD Shark 6 DMO	Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
Overall length (LxWxH in millimeters [mm>)	5,457 x 1,971 x 1,925	5,380 x 1,930 x 1,875
Wheelbase (in mm)	3,260	3,180

Looking at the numbers, the BYD Shark 6 DMO is the larger of the two. In addition, it has a longer wheelbase, which helps provide the said model with better ride quality over its rival. 

Changan Cars Philippines did not list the Nevo Hunter REEV’s ground clearance on its website, but it is believed that its competitor can clear the ground slightly better at 230 mm. 

Now, let’s look at some of their notable exterior features. 

Fit, finish 

Outside, the BYD Shark 6 DMO looks bold and boxy. The fascia is adorned by a large “BYD” emblem with two squarish headlamps flanking the latticework. On its chin is a solid-looking skid plate — a lead-in to the pickup truck’s overall capabilities. 

Onto its sides are thick claddings, which come in the form of wheel arches and lower door coverings. It also has decent-sized running boards and robust-looking roof rails. 

At the back, the BYD Shark 6 DMO offers large taillamps connected by a horizontal light bar. The tailgate rests on chunky bumpers that have reflectors on each of its sides. 

Overall, the BYD Shark 6 DMO looks like a capable companion for adventurous car buyers wanting to make the switch to sustainable mobility. 

Here are its notable appointments: 

• LED headlamps 
• LED daytime running lights (DRL)
• Side mirror-integrated side turn lamps 
• Front and rear fog lamps 
• LED high-mount stop lamp 
• Power-adjustable, power-folding side mirrors 
• Rain-sensing wipers 
• Spray-on bedliner 
• 18-inch alloy wheels 
• 265/65 radial tires 

An aluminum roof rail and a sports bar come standard for the range-topping variant of the new-energy pickup truck. 

Meanwhile, the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV offers truck buyers a hybrid vehicle with a sleek and sexy look. 

Packing the right amount of aggressive angles and contoured lines, Changan Cars Philippines’ entry into the category wows with a modern-looking fascia bordered by thin clusters of lights.  Sitting proudly at the center of the grille is the Changan 101 marque, and its chin is beset with bulky claddings. 

Its side profile is highlighted by blacked-out wheel wells, pillars, (non-bearing) roof rails, and a pair of step boards. 

The rear end of the nameplate gets big taillights, a tailgate that carries the vehicle’s angular and contoured design cues, as well as a thick bumper. 

The Changan Nevo Hunter REEV to us would work well with stylish drivers who enjoy spontaneous escapades both in and out of the metro as the truck will blend well with both urban and rural surroundings. 

Below are some of its noteworthy features: 

• Automatic LED headlamps 
• LED DRLs
• Front and rear fog lamps 
• LED taillights 
• Electronic side mirrors 
• High-mount LED brake lamp 
• Rain-sensing wipers 
• Front tow hook 
• Plastic lower engine plate 
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Roll bar

When it comes to their appearances, the two pickup trucks attract buyers from two different design spectrums. On that note, we will call this round a tie. 

Comfort, convenience 

Upon entering, would-be owners of the BYD Shark 6 DMO will be welcomed with leather upholstery, which can be found in the vehicle’s steering wheel, dashboard, center console, center armrest, and of course, seats. 

Cooling occupants is a dual-zone automatic climate control system. And to keep everyone hydrated, the automobile comes with plenty of cup holders. Likewise, gadgets can be juiced up via the multiple charging ports found all around the cabin. 

In terms of screen real estate, the BYD Shark 6 DMO comes with the following displays: 

• 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster 
• 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display 

The latter is capable of wirelessly connecting to both smartphones running on Apple or Android operating systems. Audio is blasted to an audio system with eight speakers. 

As for the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV, its interior looks both masculine and modern. The contemporary gentleman will appreciate the abundance of leather appointments inside the cabin, with the said materials lining similar touch points as the BYD Shark 6 DMO (steering wheel, dashboard, center console, center armrest, and seats). 

Handling cabin heat is an automatic air conditioning system with a temperature display. There’s also an ample amount of cubbies for water canteens, as well as charging ports, including a wireless charging pad. 

Below are the dual screens included in the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV: 

• 7.5-inch instrument panel 
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen 

Those looking to integrate smartphone apps into the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV will have to do so with wires, as the pickup truck is not capable of wireless mobile phone connectivity. 

In the battle for better interiors, the BYD Shark 6 DMO gets the upper hand. While both nameplates offer leather-swathed cabins, tech-wise, it has more to offer than the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV with its bigger screens and improved smartphone connectivity. 

Hybrid powertrain 

Under the hood of the BYD Shark 6 DMO is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which acts as the vehicle’s high-efficiency generator. Propelling the two axles are permanent magnet synchronous motors, capable of four-wheel drive action. 

Here are its powertrain specifications: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower [hp>)	429
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	650
Overall range (in kilometers [km>)	800

Not to be outdone, the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Depending on the variant chosen, it could have either one or two electric motors. 

Below are its power figures (for dual-electric motor model): 

Maximum power output (in hp)	268
Maximum torque (in Nm)	470
Overall range (in km)	1,031

Toe-to-toe (or wheel-to-wheel), the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV slightly edges over the BYD Shark 6 DMO.

In new-energy vehicles, range is important and the latter’s capability to go longer allows it to trump the former. 

On that note, we give this round to the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV. 

Safety, security 

The BYD Shark 6 DMO is equipped with plenty of safety features, allowing the driver to enjoy playing on rough terrains without worrying too much. 

Here is a look at the said safety technologies: 

• 360-degree view camera 
• Head-up display 
• Radar system with six sensors 
• Cruise control 
• Predictive collision warning 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure warning 
• Emergency lane keeping assist 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Rear cross-traffic braking 
• Blind spot detection 
• Hill-hold control (HHC)
• Hill descent control (HDC)
• Anti-rollover control system 
• Comfort braking 
• Distributed traction control 
• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Hydraulic brake assist 
• Auto brake hold 
• Tire pressure monitoring 

Similarly, the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV looks to give its would-be owners the same level of peace when trotting off the pavement. 

Check out its safety features: 

• Anti-lock braking 
• EBD
• Lateral stability control 
• Traction control 
• HHC
• HDC
• Emergency brake warning system 
• Trailer swing control 
• Electronic stability control 
• Electronic parking brake 
• Electronic throttle control 
• Rear parking sensors 
• Speed-sensing door locks 
• Collision auto unlock 
• Collision auto fuel cut-off 
• Overspeeding reminder 

The two pickup trucks appear to be neck-and-neck in this round, so we will call it a tie. 

Variants, pricing 

The BYD Shark 6 DMO is offered in the Philippines in two variants. Below are their respective prices: 

BYD Shark 6 DMO Advanced	P2.098 million
BYD Shark 6 DMO Premium	P2.298 million

Likewise, the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV comes in two trims. Here are their price tags: 

Changan Nevo Hunter REEV Knight 4x2	P1.699 million
Changan Nevo Hunter REEV Knight 4x4	P1.970 million

Verdict 

With both pickup trucks evenly matched, the decision in choosing between the two will be based on one’s preference.

On one hand, you have the pricier BYD Shark 6 DMO, which offers a heft of technological features, while the Changan Nevo Hunter REEV puts forward decent appointments for an appealing price tag. 

Also read:

Here are some spiritual sanctuaries you can visit this Holy Week via SCTEX

Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week

Here are some iconic Manila churches you can check out for Visita Iglesia via the NLEX Connector