BYD’s pickup could debut as a PHEV Ranger and Hilux rival

Chinese car brand Build Your Dreams (BYD) has released official teaser pictures for its upcoming hybrid mid-size pickup truck. 

BYD's PHEV pickup truck

This is particularly exciting for truck fans because it could compete against the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, and Mazda BT-50 among other locally available models in the segment. 

The BYD Pickup Truck is revolutionizing off-road driving with its DMO Super Hybrid Off-Road Platform. It’s redefining the pickup experience with a perfect balance between off-road performance, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Let’s get ready to explore new horizons with the BYD… pic.twitter.com/LXE6ttmmcn

— BYD Global (@BYDGlobal) April 13, 2024

Pictures of the aforementioned prototype truck were posted on X (formerly Twitter) by BYD Global, and it shows that the ride gets a boxy design with rectangular LED headlamp clusters and a small front air vent. It also comes in the popular dual-cab configuration - a certified market mover in the ASEAN automotive scene. 

As mentioned above, the official teaser photos are of pre-production units that come in a colorful camouflage pattern. 

For its powertrain, no official specs have been revealed by BYD as of yet but the pictures shared by the brand indicated that it will be using the company’s Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) architecture. 

It uses BYD's DMO platform

This platform is currently in use on the BYD Leopard 5 SUV.  Specifically, it is a design that mixes the qualities of a monocoque chassis with specialized off-road architecture. At the same time, it is optimized for hybrid powertrains. 

The Chinese website Fast Technology further speculated that it will be getting a 1.5-liter turbocharged mill combined with the DMO’s four-wheel-drive system. It was also pointed out that it will use a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an electric-only range. 

The same source mentioned that it might be using the same hybrid PHEV system from the Leopard 5 SUV. As a reference, the Leopard 5 can put out up to 480 horsepower.

Would you want BYD's PHEV pickup truck to reach Philippine shores?

BYD is yet to determine which market will get this hybrid pickup truck first. But with the popularity of pickup trucks in the local market, it wouldn’t be a far cry to see this be included in BYD Philippines’ lineup in the future. 

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