I’ve always loved driving pickup trucks.

Not just because they dominate the road with a presence that says, “my way or the highway,” but because they promise adventure.

A pickup truck is built to withstand whatever I throw at it. Whether that’s a spontaneous road trip or a full-fledged off-road expedition.

But as much as I love the trail, I’ve never been completely confident behind the wheel when the pavement disappears.

Unlike running through rough terrain, where every step is my own, off-roading demands trust. Not just in myself but in the machine I’m driving.

That all changed over two days with the BYD Shark 6 DMO.

Inside a familiar battlefield

Our journey started at Seda Vertis North, where we set off for Alviera in Porac, Pampanga. It’s a destination estate I hold close to my heart.

It’s the battleground where I’ve crushed personal records at the Spartan Race year after year (and where I plan to do it again soon).

Alviera’s terrain is the perfect storm of challenges. Rugged soil, jagged rocks, mud, and lahar left behind by Mount Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption. If anything could test the Shark 6 DMO, it was this.

Whether behind the wheel, in the backseat, or lounging on the truck bed, the ride remained effortless.

BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) system worked seamlessly, letting the Shark 6 DMO adapt to shifting surfaces with ease. I played with the electric and hybrid power, finding the optimal torque as I drove it through its battlefield.

Its Dual Wishbone Suspension absorbed every bump, keeping the ride smooth, while the high ground clearance meant no second-guessing obstacles ahead.

Fun fact: I misjudged a stone that was supposed to help me transition from the road to the off-road path and ended up bumping into the gutter, but we barely felt it.

Inside, it was another world entirely. The cabin was comfortably quiet, sealing us while the trail outside raged in dust and debris. It was the kind of insulation that made me forget we were off-roading at all.

By the time we pulled into Widus Hotel Clark for the night, I realized something else. I wasn’t just impressed. I was confident. For the first time, I trusted a pickup to handle what lay ahead.

Chasing breathtaking views

The next morning, we hit the road by sunrise, heading towards Daang Kalikasan Viewpoint in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

This leg was different. Here, the challenge wasn’t just terrain but elevation. We tackled a near-endless incline leading to one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.

I’ve raced across countless mountain ranges, but this felt different. Pangasinan’s hidden paradise was revealing itself to me.

The climb was relentless, but the Shark 6 DMO didn’t break a sweat. We were on full electric mode as we ascended, opting to switch to hybrid power and use regenerative braking to keep energy flowing when we descend.

But nature wasn’t as forgiving. The month of March in the Philippines is hellish, with the sun beating down mercilessly. Sweat poured down my back, my skin stung under the midday sun, and the open landscape offered no relief.

However, it was an entirely different season inside the Shark 6 DMO.

Even without tinted windows, the cabin stayed cool thanks to BYD’s climate control system. We didn’t even have to crank the AC past 20°C. It was like stepping into an oasis after wandering the desert.

Finding moments of stillness

By the second day, I expected more tough climbs, and the Shark 6 DMO delivered. Its intelligent all-wheel drive handled the terrain like a pro, gripping the earth with unwavering control.

Feeling bold, I stood in the truck bed to take in the view. It was a rare privilege to experience untouched landscapes in complete silence. Dust swirled around us and the heat was punishing, but I didn’t care. This was a moment worth enduring.

Crossing sandy banks and rock beds, the Shark 6 DMO moved effortlessly, adjusting to any terrain it takes. Then we reached Mangatarem River.

Here, BYD showcased its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, powering an entire outdoor setup including a portable air conditioner and a sound system.

As we sat by the water, the Shark 6 DMO transformed from an off-road beast into a mobile basecamp. When the aircon battery drained, the truck recharged it instantly.

And just like that, we had a cool, shaded tent by the river which made it perfect for an impromptu karaoke session, though we kept it low to respect nature’s peace.

Taming the freeway

The last stretch of the journey wasn’t through rugged landscapes but the open freeway, making it a different kind of test.

Falling behind at a tollgate mishap at Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union-Expressway (TPLEX), we had to catch up to the convoy fast.

With 430 horsepower under my control, I floored the BYD Shark 6 DMO, effortlessly overtaking slower vehicles. High-speed stability was impeccable, while lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring worked like a silent co-pilot, keeping me in check.

The 360-degree surround-view camera, usually a tool for tight corners, became my eyes on the road, ensuring no surprises as we closed the gap.

At the heart of it all was the 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen, which became my command center for maps and music.

What should have been a stressful sprint turned into an adrenaline-fueled game of precision and control. The Shark 6 DMO didn’t just keep up; it delivered.

The ride home was exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping, yet somehow I felt victorious as I’ve truly tested what this machine — and I — were capable of.

A drive to remember

Driving is only half the experience. As we took turns in both the front and the back seats, especially on the last leg of driving, there was no fatigue on my body compared to when we drove the BYD Seal 5 DM-i for 800km in three days.

The memory foam seats provided excellent lumbar support, and the rear seats had a slight recline function that made it perfect for stretching out.

There was ample legroom, enough to fit my large backpack, and the panoramic sunroof made our interior feel even more spacious.

Whether behind the wheel or on the backseat, the experience was nothing short of luxurious.

Built for trust

Over the course of two days, the BYD Shark 6 DMO proved itself worthy not just an off-road beast, but as a comfortable companion for the long haul.

Somewhere between conquering rugged climbs and high-speed chases, I realized the drive wasn’t just about testing the Shark 6 DMO. It was about testing myself.

I’ve always loved pickup trucks for their promise of adventure, but this drive gave me something more: Trust.

Trust in the machine, in the terrain, and most importantly, in my own ability to take on the unknown.

Because confidence isn’t just about horsepower or torque. It’s about knowing that whatever lies ahead, you and your vehicle are ready to take it on.

The BYD Shark 6 DMO is a machine built to conquer on- and off-road. It’s a showcase of confidence and capability. It proved it could handle anything thrown its way. But more importantly, it showed me that I could, too.