The cheapest four-wheel drive utes on sale in Australia

Aussie tradies looking for a new ride that won’t break the bank are in luck with a range of new and old brands undercutting the big name utes.

Times are tough for working families, with inflation affecting everything from electricity and grocery prices to the cars we drive.

Ute prices have surged more than most vehicles, affecting tradies and families who are increasingly choosing them for everyday duties. There are now plenty of options with near-six-figure price tags and many basic dual-cab 4WD utes are north of $50,000. Upsize to one of the hulking American pick-up trucks and you’ll likely be splashing out more than $100,000. But just because the cost of living is biting doesn’t mean you have to give up on the dream of a owning a ute that can cover off work and play.

The best selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger start at a high price.

While the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux dominate ute sales – accounting for more than half of the pick-up segment – there are alternatives. Chinese and Indian brands are muscling in and many cost about half what you’d pay for the big brands. Most come with a long list of mod-cons including and the latest driver assistance systems, although not all are as well calibrated as the big-name brands.

So what’s the catch? In many instances the tow capacity doesn’t match the 3.5 tonnes boasted by class leaders. For some that’ll be a deal breaker.

For others, there’s the fear of the unknown. Brands such as Toyota, Ford and Nissan have earned a reputation for ruggedness and reliability. That’s not to say the newcomers won’t have similar longevity, but for many the jury is still out. That’s partially reflected in forecast resale values by industry bible Redbook.

The likes of GWM and Ssangyong are each predicted to hold on to a bit more than half their value after five years and 80,000km, whereas Toyota is close to 60 per cent and Ford more like 66 per cent. Those smaller brands also don’t always have a vast service network, something that many value, especially in remote areas.

Here are some of the options. All prices are for 4WD autos.

The LDV T60 has a beefy engine.

LDV T60 Max

From $41,148

The current T60 is showing its age, particularly with general presentation in the cabin. But a recent exterior freshen-up – complete with a sail plane and other body add-ons for the $45,884 Luxe – ensures the aesthetics are up to date. The hearty 160kW/500Nm engine earns back points but a modest payload and 3000kg tow capacity limit usefulness.

The GWm is a hardworking ute at a price that is hard to beat.

GWM UTE

From $34,990

The Cannon – also known simply as the Ute – presents beautifully and has a generous spread of standard gear, including imitation leather, smart-key entry, tyre pressure monitors, adaptive cruise control and speed-sign recognition.

The tailgate step is also a neat touch but its 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel is undernourished and thirsty and it’s only rated to tow 3000kg, half a tonne off many rivals.

The Ssangyong Musso has a good payload and tow rating.

SSANGYONG MUSSO

From $38,790

A big body and optional longer tray make for a practical machine that comes generously appointed, including a 12.3-inch digital driver display. A 2.2-litre turbo diesel makes just 133kW/400Nm (or 420Nm with the longer tray) and there is some lag as the turbo works up to its operating speed, which takes the gloss off things. At least it carries plenty, including towing up to 3.5 tonnes.

The Mahindra PikUp’s engine isn’t up to scratch.

MAHINDRA PIKUP S11

From $39,990

It’s more about the rugged underpinnings than the list of equipment in Mahindra’s long running Pikup. Many active safety systems are missing and there’s cloth trim for a ute pitched as “a simple, very tough, rugged ute”, complete with bullbar and snorkel.

The 2.2-litre turbo diesel pumps out a below-par 103kW/320Nm and it’s rated to tow just 2.5 tonnes.

The Mitsubishi Triton is the cheapest of the mainstream brands.

MITSUBISHI TRITON

From $48,240

The Triton has edged up in price but nowhere near as much as rivals; in part because the existing car is in run-out, but also because it’s slightly smaller than rivals and does without the latest tech. Towing is limited to 3100kg and the 2.4-litre engine is nothing special, although the Super Select 4WD system on some models allows for extra traction on bitumen.