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In Australia, utes are a quintessential part of Australian motoring culture, cherished for their adaptability to various lifestyles and environments. Derived from “utility vehicles”, utes are essentially pickups with an enclosed cabin and a cargo bed at the rear. Traditionally favoured by tradespeople and farmers for their ability to haul tools, equipment and supplies, utes have evolved to cater to a diverse range of users. From bustling city streets to remote outback regions, these vehicles serve a multitude of purposes. To help you navigate what’s on offer, this guide dives into five of the best ute models currently available in 2024.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is Australia’s top-selling vehicle, popular among both commercial and recreational users for its robust build quality, powerful performance and versatility. Available in a range of configurations, the Ranger caters to diverse needs, whether it's for transporting goods, tackling off-road adventures or serving as a family vehicle. Models available in Australia are the XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, Platinum and Raptor.
Price: the XL is the cheapest Ford Ranger model, starting from $48,394 driveaway, while the Raptor, the most expensive model, has a driveaway price starting from $96,970.
ANCAP safety rating: 5 stars (except the Raptor, which is currently unrated)
Features:
- Engine: the Ford Ranger offers a powerful premium 3.0-litre V6 Turbo Diesel engine across various models, providing exceptional performance and efficiency.
- Towing capacity: all models have a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg when using a genuine Ford tow pack, except for the Raptor at 2,500 kg.
- Cargo management: the Ford Ranger offers a suite of features designed to optimise cargo handling and organisation. Depending on the model, these include a rear box step for easier access, clamp pockets on the tailgate, flexible rack system, versatile cargo management system with tie-down cleats and space for a full-sized Euro pallet.
- Safety features: the Ford Ranger features advanced driver assistance technologies on certain models, including active park assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centring and a 360-degree camera.
- Connectivity and tech: the Ford Ranger provides seamless connectivity with wireless charging, smartphone integration and SYNC 4A infotainment system. All models come with FordPass Connect, which enables remote vehicle management via the FordPass App, including remote start and vehicle status checks.
Toyota HiLux
The Toyota HiLux has been a top pick in Australia for decades due to its reliability, durability and versatility. It's a favourite among tradies, farmers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with a robust build and the ability to handle tough terrains and heavy workloads with ease. Models available in Australia are the WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and GR Sport.
Price: the WorkMate is the cheapest HiLux model starting at $32,829 driveaway, while the GR Sport, the most expensive HiLux model, is priced from $79,240.
ANCAP safety rating: 5 stars
Features:
- Engine: certain HiLux models come equipped with a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine featuring V-Active technology. This enhances engine performance and regeneration, offering a quieter start and stop, assisted acceleration and energy regeneration during deceleration.
- Towing capability: the HiLux offers exceptional towing power, boasting a 3,500-kg braked towing capacity on 4×4 variants and up to 2,800kg on 4×2 diesel models.
- Off-road performance: navigate challenging terrains effortlessly with features like rear differential lock, low-range 4WD, downhill assist control and multi-terrain select, providing optimal handling in various conditions.
- Safety features: Advanced safety features include trailer sway control, road sign assist, pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert and high-speed active cruise control, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.
- Connectivity and tech: the HiLux comes with an 8-inch colour touchscreen display, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration with your smartphone. Other convenient features available, depending on the model, include Bluetooth connectivity, enhanced voice recognition and a reversing camera, satellite navigation with SUNA traffic updates.
Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max, renowned for its robustness and versatility, stands as a stalwart in the Australian pickup truck market. Offering a combination of rugged capability, modern features and reliability, the D-Max caters to the needs of both commercial users and adventurous families alike with its versatile range of models. In Australia, the D-Max models available are the X-Terrain, LS-U, LS-U+, X-Rider, LS-M and SX in cab chassis and crew cab or space cab ute versions.
Price: there are a number of D-Max models on the market, ranging from the manual 4×2 SX Single Cab Chassis (1.9L) with a driveaway price starting from $39,551 to the most expensive model, the X-Terrain, from $75,292 driveaway.
ANCAP safety rating: 5 stars
Features:
- Engine: the 3.0L turbo-diesel engine available on most models produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, ensuring robust performance and superior fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the 1.9L turbo-diesel engine on certain SX crew cab options delivers 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
- Towing capacity: the D-MAX lineup offers varying towing capacities: 3,500 kilograms for all 3-litre engine models, 3,000 kilograms for 1.9-litre engine automatic transmission models, and 2,800 kilograms for 1.9-litre engine manual transmission models.
- Off-road performance: all 4×4 models come equipped with a standard rear differential lock, enhancing traction in challenging off-road conditions. Complementing this feature is the Rough Terrain Mode, which maximises drivability in technical, slippery and rough conditions.
- Safety features: the Isuzu D-MAX boasts cutting-edge safety systems standard across all models. These include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for obstacle detection and emergency braking, electronic stability control for maintaining control, and trailer sway control for safe trailer handling.
- Connectivity and tech: the Isuzu D-MAX has a 7-inch digital multi-information display for comprehensive vehicle data, standard on LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain models, and large 8- or 9-inch central touchscreens that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a digital reversing camera for enhanced manoeuvrability.
Mazda BT-50
The Mazda BT-50 is a versatile and robust pickup truck designed to meet the demands of both work and leisure. With its sleek and modern exterior design, the BT-50 makes a bold statement on the road while offering practicality and functionality. Models available in Australia are the XS Cab Chassis, XT Cab Chassis, XS Pickup, XT Pickup, XTR Pickup, XTR Cab Chassis, XTR LE Pickup, GT Pickup, SP Pickup and Thunder Pickup.
Price: prices start from $40,643 driveaway for the single cab XS Cab Chassis up to $71,195 driveaway for the most expensive BT-50 model, the Thunder.
ANCAP safety rating: 5 stars (except for the Thunder and XTR LE, which are currently unrated)
Features:
- Engine: depending on the model variant, the Mazda BT-50 comes with either a 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. Both engines feature a 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC configuration and are intercooled for enhanced performance.
- Towing capacity: the Mazda BT-50 offers a range of towing capacities across its different cab configurations, with the single cab boasting up to 3,000 kg braked capacity, the freestyle cab and dual cab both offering up to 3,500 kg braked capacity.
- Safety features: all Mazda BT-50 models are equipped with essential safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitor, brake assist, emergency lane keeping, lane departure prevention, lane departure warning, reverse camera and trailer sway control.
- Connectivity and tech: the Mazda BT-50 offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a 7 or 9-inch touchscreen. Stay informed with a colour LCD multi-information display and park easily with the reverse camera and sensors. Enjoy immersive audio with 8-speaker surround sound, including roof speakers. Remote engine start is available on automatic GT models, and heated seats on GT grade and above.
- Accessories: enhance your BT-50 with a variety of accessories tailored to your model, including alloy wheels, seat covers, roof carry pods, roof racks, UHF radio, sports, nudge, and bull bars, as well as canopies and tow packs.
Mitsubishi Triton
The Mitsubishi Triton is a versatile and capable pickup truck designed to tackle both urban streets and off-road adventures with confidence. With its advanced driving technology and rugged construction, it offers a perfect balance of performance, reliability and innovation. Triton models available in Australia are the GLX (2WD), GLX (4WD), GLX+, GLS and GSR.
Price: prices for the Triton start from $47,850 driveaway for the GLX (2WD) up to $68,550 driveaway for the GSR.
ANCAP safety rating: 5 stars
- Engine: the Triton boasts a potent 2.4-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine across the range, incorporating ‘twin-stage' turbocharging technology to produce a formidable 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque.
- Towing capacity: new Triton models feature a reinforced chassis frame and suspension, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
- Cargo management: the Triton’s spacious cargo area accommodates a 1200x800mm Euro pallet, making it ideal for transporting work tools or adventure gear. Navigate in and out of the vehicle safely with slip-resistant side-steps and rear bumper corner step, while low-placed rear inner hooks ensure secure tie-down of loads.
- Safety features: all Triton utes are fitted with Mitsubishi Motors Intuitive Technology (MITEC), which uses advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and forward collision mitigation to help ensure safety on the road.
- Connectivity and tech: experience seamless connectivity with the 9-inch infotainment system featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, along with built-in navigation. Stay powered up with front and rear USB ports, while the 7-inch multi-information display keeps you informed with vital vehicle data.
All prices and information are correct as of May 2024.
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