4X4 Utes in Australia
Ford Ranger
The current-generation Ford Ranger arrived in Australia in 2022, as part of an all-out Ford assault on the booming ute market.
Boasting class-leading levels of equipment, the revamped Ranger consists of a vast model line-up, with a variety of 4×2 and 4×4 models in either cab-chassis or pick-up form – and in single-cab, super-cab or double-cab configurations
The base-spec XL is the cheapest entry into the Ranger range, followed by the XLS, XLT, Sport and Wildtrak.
Toyota HiLux
The Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s most popular vehicle for many years now.
Sales show now sign of fading, either, despite the latest-generation model having been around since 2015.
The comprehensive Toyota Hilux range is headed by three key models: WorkMate, SR and SR5.
Each model contains various cabin configurations in either pick-up or cab-chassis styles (and 4×4 or 4×2), and you need a sophisticated flowchart to best analyse the mountain of options available.
Isuzu D-MAX
The Isuzu D-Max was initially launched in Australia back in 2008 and has been a consistently strong-selling ute and a firm favourite with both recreational four-wheel-drivers and tradies.
An all-new model in 2020 saw increases in power and safety features, as well as a freshly re-designed interior to bring the D-Max closer in specifications and features to market-leading rivals.
Mitsubishi Triton
The Japanese-bred Mitsubishi Triton ute is available in single-cab, club-cab, and double-cab configurations, in either cab-chassis or pick-up guise.
A vast 4×4 and 4×2 model line-up consists of the entry-level GLX, GLX+, GLX-R, GLS and the top-spec GSR. Premium models are equipped with a Super Select II full-time 4×4 system, while lower-spec variants get a more rudimentary Easy Select part-time 4WD system.
Mazda BT-50
The Mazda BT-50 ute has a long history. Mazda has been selling utes in Australia since 1964 with the release of the B Series light truck, later going on to sell 4×4 versions known as the B2600 and Mazda Bravo before creating the BT-50 badge.
Launched in 2020, the current Mazda BT-50 was co-developed in partnership with Isuzu and shares underpinnings and engines with the D-Max ute.
4×4 Ute Reviews
Best Dual-Cab Utes 2023: The Daily Living Test
Dual-cab utes have charged in as a firm favourite for family hauling and daily duties. It’s time to see which are best suited to the role.
2021 Dual-cab ute megatest: Off-road comparison
We take 11 utes from Ford, GWM, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Jeep, SsangYong, and Toyota, and put them through the ultimate off-road comparison test
2018 Ute Test: Results and verdict
Nine utes, but only one winner…
2018 4×4 Dual-Cab Ute Test
Mercedes-Benz’s new X-Class has added a new edge to the dual-cab 4×4 market, but how does it shape up in this nine-way stoush?
Ford Ranger v Toyota Hilux v Nissan Navara v Isuzu D-Max v Mitsubishi Triton v Mazda BT-50 towing comparison
We hook up six popular utes to a 2800kg caravan to see how they perform the towing task
2016’s most popular 4x4s: Top 10
Utes are becoming even more popular in Australia, and now make up eight out of the top 10 best-selling 4x4s.
Dual-cab ute load and tow comparison test
We lock and load the popular utes to see which is the haul king
Top 10: 2015’s most popular 4x4s
In Australia’s buoyant 4×4 market, utes continue to outdo wagons in popularity. Here’s the low-down on Australia’s best-selling 4x4s from 2015.
2015 Toyota Hilux vs Ranger vs Colorado vs D-Max vs BT-50 vs Triton vs Navara vs Amarok comparison
Toyota’s eighth-generation Hilux is here and it means business. But how does it compare with its rivals? We test it alongside the seven top-selling dual-cab utes.
