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.
Walkinshaw-fettled Amarok W580S driven off-road
The V6 Amarok gets a Walkinshaw Performance upgrade
Nissan and Premcar unleash new PRO-4X Warrior
Taller, wider and tougher. Introducing the Navara’s new halo model
Our D-MAX gets a set of Maxxis RAZR muddies
Initial impressions of a set of Maxxis MT-772 RAZR tyres after 5000km
Nissan and Premcar reveal the new PRO-4X Warrior
Covers drop on the Premcar-engineered, Raptor-hunting PRO-4X Warrior
Ranger Wildtrak in the 4×4 shed
Specced-out Ranger is in the 4×4 shed to prove once again why it’s so popular.
Non-stop Nissan D23 Navara
While Ranger and Hilux tourers abound, it’s not every day you see a Navara set up as well as this one for off-road adventures
Tested: Nissan Navara ST with factory accessories
An older platform, with a fresh redesign and factory-fitted accessories. Is this enough for you to consider buying a new Navara?
D-MAX gets Tough Dog Suspension upgrade
A 40mm Tough Dog Suspension lift fixes more than ground clearance on the 4X4 Australia D-MAX
Navara PRO-4X Warrior caught testing in Melbourne
Flagship Navara caught testing ahead of local arrival
4X4 Australia D-MAX equipped with Ironman 4×4 kit
Ironman 4×4 works its magic on our 2020 D-MAX … spoiler alert, it looks awesome
4×4 Australia D-MAX heads to Stockton Beach with the I-Venture Club
The 4×4 Australia D-MAX gets sand on its tyres for the first time, with the Isuzu I-Venture Club
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
Australia’s top-selling utes compared: Ranger vs D-Max vs Triton vs Navara vs HiLux
Kicking off 2021’s Wheels and 4×4 Australia dual-cab ute megatest series, running from May 17 to May 21, we’re comparing the premium options among Australia’s best-selling pickups.
Off-Road Test: Nissan Navara PRO-4X
Bold, new-look Navara gets even tougher with the PRO-4X. We drive it off-road.
Off-road Test: D-MAX X-Terrain versus Ranger FX4 MAX
Style over substance or built for the job? We choose a winner when putting the Ranger FX4 MAX alongside the D-MAX X-Terrain
2022 Ford Ranger Raptor: What we know and what we’d like to see
Here’s what we think the 2022 Ranger Raptor will look like.
Ford reveals Raptor X and Ranger FX4
Ford expands 4×4 ute line-up with Raptor X and Ranger FX4 models
2021 4X4OTY contender: Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Can the Gladiator follow in the footsteps of the 4X4OTY-winning Wrangler?
2021 4X4OTY contender: Toyota Hilux SR5+
Significantly updated Hilux sets the pace at 4X4OTY.
2021 4X4OTY contender: Mazda BT-50 XTR
Electrical gremlins halt the BT-50’s pursuit of the 4X4OTY gong.
2021 4X4OTY contender: Isuzu D-MAX LS-M
The all-new D-MAX fronts up for a crack at the 4X4OTY crown.
Off-road in Ford’s Ranger FX4 MAX
The FX4 MAX fills a void in the ranger line-up, prioritising off-road hardware over showroom bling for those that use their trucks as originally designed.
Video review: GWM Ute Cannon-L
Stacked with kit at a budget price, the new GWM ute looks like a winner on paper, but is it?
2020 Isuzu D-MAX LS-M off-road review
Here’s why the mid-spec LS-M D-MAX is the smart call for modern four-wheel drivers.