Ute wars: Ford Ranger v Toyota HiLux v Isuzu D-Max

Dual-cab utes are big business in Australia and we pit three of the best against each other to see which is best on and off the road. See which wins.

David McCowen

4 min read

July 29, 2022 - 5:00AM

News Corp Australia Network

The best dual-cab ute in Australia revealed

Car Advice

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The new Ford Ranger should be the best ute on sale today.

The previous model was widely considered the benchmark in the class and its successor has a new V6 engine, new technology and a more modern cabin.

But the Ranger requires customers to spend thousands more than the best-selling Toyota HiLux and our reigning favourite, Isuzu’s D-Max.

Ford’s new Ranger has waded into battle against the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.

TOYOTA HILUX

Australia’s most popular ute is one of the oldest cars in its class, though it has benefited from running changes.

The next update adds blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems to the popular HiLux SR5 model later this year.

The HiLux felt more unsettled off the road than the others.

But it’s not available now, which is why we’ve made do with the cheaper HiLux SR.

Priced from about $57,000 drive-away, the HiLux SR is an affordable alternative to the better-equipped SR5 sold from $65,000 drive-away.

It has a decent array of standard features including active cruise control and auto emergency braking.

The Toyota’s 8-inch touchscreen feels dated, but you should ignore the steel wheels and halogen lights of our test car – SR5 models priced in line with rivals get alloys and LED headlamps.

The engine is grunty and relatively efficient but it doesn’t gel as well with its gearbox.

The HiLux delivers over time with strong resale value and impressively thrifty servicing – just $260 per year.

Powered by a 2.8-litre engine requiring 7.9L/100km of diesel to make 150kW and 500Nm, it has a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive.

That’s enough grunt to match the 3500 kilogram towing claim of the Ford and Isuzu.

But the HiLux doesn’t feel like a class leader on the road.

The HiLux feels old compared to its rivals.

Its engine is the noisiest of our trio, not helped by a wide spread of ratios from the automatic transmission. The HiLux is also worst for road noise, and has the least composed ride. Bounced out of line by off-road imperfections, the Toyota demands more from drivers than these rivals.

ISUZU D-MAX

The Isuzu D-Max won our last dual-cab ute comparison test.

It’s a great option that combines sound road manners with a long list of safety features (including blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts) and a generous six-year, 150,000 kilometre warranty.

The D-Max is more refined and composed than the HiLux.

The range-topping D-Max X-Terrain model should be the dearest car in the group, loaded with luxuries such as 18-inch alloys and heated leather seats.

Normally priced from about $73,000 drive-away, the X-Terrain is on sale for $64,990 drive-away.

That’s a great price for a fully-loaded machine stocked with handy features such as wireless Apple CarPlay on a 9-inch display.

But it is the most expensive to service at an average of $463 per year.

The Isuzu is expensive to service.

The Isuzu’s handsome front-end styling merges well with a cabin that looks and feels more modern than the Toyota.

It’s the only car here with USB power for those in the back and the only one with the security of a lockable roller blind for the tray.

It’s reasonably quiet on the road, with a more comfortable suspension tune than the comparatively harsh HiLux.

The top-spec D-Max is packed with standard gear.

Isuzu’s light-and-easy approach to steering feel can seem a little approximate on the highway, particularly compared to the meaty response from the Ford and Toyota.

The D-Max’s 3.0-litre engine is a proven unit that goes about its business with less fuss than the HiLux.

It uses the most fuel (8.0L/100km) to make the least power (140kW/450Nm) of this trio, but rarely feels underpowered.

FORD RANGER

The optional V6 engine in Ford’s Ranger combines the best fuel economy here (7.6L/100km) with superior power (184kW and 600Nm) and hushed refinement.

The new Ford Ranger is the most anticipated new car of this year.

A 10-speed automatic transmission helps the cause, shifting seamlessly and smoothly.

Customers might not need the extra grunt of the V6 over the standard four-cylinder but it pays dividends with performance that ranges from effortless to genuinely impressive.

Adaptive full-time four-wheel-drive also helps justify the $3000 premium for V6 power, as most utes only drive the rear wheels until you put them in four-wheel-drive mode.

The V6 turbodiesel costs an extra $3000.

Safety is another strong point for the Ford. It has nine airbags and will brake automatically if it senses a potential collision when reversing.

That’s before you factor in a digital dashboard and 10.1-inch tablet style touchscreen that instantly lift its cabin presentation beyond rival machines.

Or practical touches such as side steps moulded into the bodywork, and a tailgate equipped with clamping points and an integrated ruler.

The Ranger’s cabin is a step above the competition.

Ford’s suspension is also far more supple and car-like than the Isuzu and Toyota.

It’s confidence-inspiring on dirt and less tiring on the highway.

The Ranger has the best seats and most adjustable driver controls of this lot, but misses out on the household power outlet of the previous generation.

The catch is that it’s not cheap – about $67,000 drive away in XLT trim with a four-cylinder engine, or $70,000 with the V6 – about $5000 more than the competition.

The Ford Ranger takes utes to another level.

VERDICT

The new Ford Ranger vaults straight to the top of the dual-cab class – particularly in powerful V6 trim. It’s worth the price premium, but thrifty types should consider the Toyota and Isuzu.

FORD RANGER XLT V6 VITALS

PRICE About $70,000 drive-away

ENGINE 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, 184kW and 600Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-yr/u’ltd km, $329 per year

SAFETY 9 airbags, front/rear auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts

THIRST 7.6L/100km

SPARE Full size

PAYLOAD/TOWING 1041kg/3500kg

ISUZU D-MAX X-TERRAIN VITALS

PRICE $64,990 drive-away

ENGINE 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 140kW and 450Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 6-yr/150,000km, $463 per year