The top 10 best dual-cab utes on sales in Australia

Dual-cab utes are some of the most popular vehicles on sale in Australia, but picking the right one isn’t easy. Here is our top 10 list.

A decade ago, they were workhorses aimed at tradies and farmers, but these days utes have morphed into playthings for adventurous families. We look at 10 of the best.

FORD RANGER

Designed and engineered locally by folks who understand how Aussies like their utes, the Ford Ranger has won over a new generation of buyers impressed by its generous inclusions and polished road manners.

Ford’s Ranger Raptor is a wild off-road beast.

A broad range crowned by the smash-hit Ranger Raptor offers a huge variety of choices, including the option of an efficient twin-turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The catch is that this is one of the more expensive cars in its class (the Ranger Raptor X costs more than $85,000 drive-away).

A new model is just around the corner.

TOYOTA HILUX

Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the past five years, the HiLux trades on Toyota’s peerless reputation for quality, durability and reliability. Backed by a strong service network (and seriously impressive resale value), the HiLux remains the default choice for thousands of customers.

The Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s best selling vehicle for a number of years. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

It helps that this ute is the complete package, with a comprehensive armoury of safety tech and a recently-upgraded motor that matches the 500Nm torque claim of key rivals. The biggest hurdle for buyers is getting hold of a new one, as parts supply shortages have made Toyota’s most popular model hard to secure. Supply constraints should ease in the New Year.

ISUZU D-MAX

An impressive machine, the D-Max looks sharp, undercuts the Ford and Toyota on price and has seriously impressive safety tech including blind-spot monitoring, active cruise control, auto emergency braking and even a centre airbag mounted between the driver and passenger. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity win points and a proven 3.0-litre engine, while a little down on power, should be trouble-free.

Isuzu gave its workhorse a big upgrade last year. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

Light steering and jiggly suspension undermine its cause, but a six-year/150,000 kilometre warranty and almost-unmatched features make it easy to recommend.

MITSUBISHI TRITON

Strong safety credentials, low running costs and great value for money make the Triton a must for shopping lists. It’s cheaper to buy and service than the Toyota or Ford, but the Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre engine is a little down on grunt and its 3100kg towing maximum falls short of 3.5-tonne rivals.

The Triton is provides great value for money, but isn’t quiet as capable as the others.

The Triton doesn’t have the plushest cabin or most refined driving manners, and you won’t win bragging contests at the pub, but it’s a sensible choice and Mitsubishi’s 10-year warranty (if you get it serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer) is unbeatable.

MAZDA BT-50

A twin under the skin with the Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 has the same fundamental engine, suspension and safety features as the Isuzu wrapped in a stylish package that looks like Mazda’s high-riding SUVs.

The Mazda has more SUV-like looks than other dual-cab utes.

The styling doesn’t carry over to the cabin, where the BT-50 looks and feels sub-par compared with other Mazdas. But it’s good enough as far as utes go and the Mazda’s less fanatical following might help you get hold of one sooner than key rivals.

WORTH CONSIDERING

Nissan Navara

Nissan has made some vital improvement to its Navara recently. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

Early models suffered from softly-sprung suspension that struggled under a load, but carefully considered changes have transformed its behaviour when put to work. The new N-Trek looks tough, and the upcoming Warrior promises Raptor-rivalling off-road abilities for less cash.

Volkswagen Amarok V6

The Amarok has the best engine and gearbox combo.

The VW is showing its age these days. It has little active safety gear and there are no rear airbags, which makes it less suitable for family work. But V6 versions get the best motor and gearbox combination in the class, a sophisticated donk once shared with Audi and Porsche.

Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator brings the off-road pedigree of the legendary Wrangler.

Essentially a lengthened Wrangler with a handy tray out the back, the Gladiator is more suited to play than work. Rugged Rubicon versions have immense all-terrain ability, along with Jeep’s uniquely removable roof for open-top cruising.

Toyota LandCruiser

The LandCruiser is a tough machine that’ll get you where you want to go with little fuss.

Toyota’s tough-as-nails 70 Series is a modern icon. Powerful and dependable, the V8 machine has a basic cabin that doesn’t justify an asking price of about $81,500 drive-away. Not that owners care.

LDV T60

Want a ute loaded with gear without spending huge dollars? The LDV T60 has plenty of grunt and heaps of gear, including a 360-degree camera, leather seats and smartphone mirroring for less than $40,000 drive-away.

Originally published as The top 10 best dual-cab utes on sales in Australia