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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.
All information is correct for the 2024 model year of each car
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. With 63,356 new cars registered as sold throughout 2023, it ended the Toyota HiLux's streak of dominance.
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:
★★★★★ (except the Raptor, which is currently unrated)
Features:
- Engine: the Ford Ranger offers a powerful premium 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine across various models, providing exceptional performance and efficiency.
- Towing capacity: all models have a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg when using a genuine Ford tow pack, except for the Raptor at 2,500kg.
- Cargo management: the 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: advanced driver assistance technologies are included on certain models, such as active park assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centring and a 360° camera.
- Connectivity and tech: the 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.
Although it was outsold by the Ranger in 2023, the HiLux still recorded 61,111 registrations throughout the year, which was almost double the third-highest seller in Australia (Isuzu Ute D-Max). 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 model, is priced from $79,240.
ANCAP safety rating:
★★★★★
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 3,500kg 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, helping ensure 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, a reversing camera and satellite navigation with SUNA traffic updates.
Isuzu Ute D-Max
The Isuzu Ute 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.
As mentioned, it was the third-best-selling vehicle model in Australia in 2023, with 31,202 new registrations. 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 several 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:
★★★★★
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 3.0L engine models, 3,000 kilograms for 1.9L engine automatic transmission models, and 2,800 kilograms for 1.9L 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 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: it 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 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.
With a combined 17,526 sales in 2023 between its 4×2 and 4×4 variants, the BT-50 was the second-best seller for Mazda in Australia behind the CX-5. 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:
★★★★★ (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 1.9L or 3.0L 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 3,000kg braked capacity, while the freestyle cab and dual cab both offer up to 3,500kg.
- 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, while GT-grade and above come with heated seats.
- 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.
The Triton finished 2023 in the top 15 best-sellers for car models, with 16,641 new registrations in Australia over that time. That was enough to land it in the top five for utes, behind the other models on this list. 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:
★★★★★
Features:
- Engine: the Triton boasts a potent 2.4L 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 3,500kg.
- Cargo management: its spacious cargo area accommodates a 1200mm x 800mm 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 variants 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.
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