BYD Mako ute confirmed for Brazil
New BYD flex-fuel small hybrid ute under consideration for Australia and could join Shark 6The News
BYD has confirmed its next ute will be called the Mako in South American markets. The new Brazil-built plug-in hybrid model is already under consideration for Australia as the brand looks to expand beyond the successful Shark 6 PHEV pick-up truck.
The Key Details
- New BYD Mako mid-size ute revealed ahead of September 2026 launch
- 175kW flex-fuel plug-in hybrid powertrain with circa-100km EV range
- Built in Brazil for local market, but right-hand-drive potential flagged
- BYD Australia understood to be assessing the model for local release
- Two more BYD utes under development - small and mid-size hay haulers
The Finer Details
The BYD Mako has emerged as the Chinese brand’s second ute, positioned below the larger BYD Shark 6 and designed primarily for the Brazilian market.
Uncovered ahead of its official launch at the Agrishow event in Brazil, the Mako pick-up truck signals a more localised approach from BYD, with production locked in for the company’s Camaçari plant in Bahia, whose construction was initially shut down by Brazilian authorities amid slave-labour allegations in late 2024.
BYD's strategy aims to win over buyers in a segment traditionally resistant to imported utes. While its focus is Brazil, the Mako’s broader potential is already being explored.
It's understood that BYD Australia is actively monitoring the vehicle as it considers expanding its ute portfolio in right-hand-drive markets.
Styling draws heavily from the BYD Sealion 5 (aka BYD Song Pro) SUV, with a familiar front-end design incorporating similar headlights and grille treatment as part of a push towards a unified global look.
Under the bonnet, the Mako is expected to adopt a similar flex-fuel plug-in hybrid system as offered in South American markets, tailored to Brazil’s established ethanol infrastructure.
Outputs are tipped at around 175kW (approximately 235hp), with up to 100 kilometres of electric-only driving range and a claimed fuel consumption of roughly 35km/L on the combined cycle.
Both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations are expected to be offered.
BYD is positioning the Mako against models such as the Ford Maverick, Ram Rampage and Fiat Toro, with the Volkswagen Tukan also due to enter the segment.
The approach reflects lessons learned from the Shark’s rollout in Brazil, where early sales have fallen short of expectations. The Mako’s more conventional design, local production and familiar hybrid technology are intended to better align with buyer preferences.
Beyond the Mako, BYD’s global ute push continues to gather pace. Patent filings in Europe have revealed the Mako is also expected to be exported to the EU with a different name, the BYD Shark 5. It's expected to feature a less powerful plug-in hybrid system producing around 160kW with up to 90km of electric range.
Higher-spec versions could exceed 200kW, with that model likely targeting other export markets including, Australia.
The Road Ahead
The BYD Shark 6 has already demonstrated strong demand for electrified utes in Australia, recording more than 18,000 sales in 2025 and ranking among the top-selling 4x4 utes in early 2026.
With the smaller Shark 5 looming and the Mako under evaluation, BYD’s local ute line-up could expand significantly in the next two years as the brand looks to capitalise on growing interest in hybrid and plug-in hybrid workhorses.
Related: BYD Shark 5 details emerge
Related: BYD Shark 6 range expands
Related: BYD Atto 3 – What you need to know
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