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.
2017 N80 Toyota Hilux SR5 video review
Applying a traditional spin on a new Hilux makes the N80 an adventure-raiding machine
Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute revealed
X-Class ute revealed, set for early 2018 local launch.
2016 Ford PXII Ranger XLT joins the 4X4 shed
Dan picks up a new Ranger, but that was the easy part. Now the fun begins.
Toyota Hilux TRD vs Ford Ranger FX4 comparison review
With a sales war raging between the Hilux and Ranger, Toyota and Ford have called in the shock troops
2016 Isuzu D-MAX AT35 review
We risk frostbite and put the Isuzu D-MAX AT35 to the test on some chilly UK mountains.
Mercedes Benz X-Class Ute edges closer
A storm is coming….
2018 Ford Ranger Raptor captured
High-performance Ranger ute tipped for Australian launch.
Bridgestone Dueler 697 A/T: Product test
GT sticks a set of Bridgestone Duelers beneath his touring Toyota.
New 2017 Ram 2500 is part esky
A small tweak in the 2017 Ram 2500 has turned it into a 486 litre esky
Volkswagen Amarok V6 is new flagship vehicle of 4WD Victoria
4WD Victoria adds Amarok V6 to its stable.
Great Wall Steed gets two-star safety rating
Steed stumbles at safety-test wall
LDV T60 to debut in October
Chinese-made LDV T60 set for Australian launch in October.
Toyota Hilux TRD resurrected
TRD returns to Australia with dressed-up Hilux.
2017 Nissan Navara NP300 updated
Changes afoot for the popular Series 2 Navara.
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
Arctic Trucks’ Toyota Hilux: Iceland road test
We go to Iceland and wheel fat-tyred Toyotas from Arctic Trucks.
2017 4×4 Of The Year: Introduction
The seven most interesting 4×4 vehicles of 2016 get together for a week to determine the 4×4 Of The Year.
4×4 Of The Year 2017: The Testing Track
A variety of weather made this year’s route through the Vic High Country harder and more challenging than normal.
4×4 Of The Year 2017: The Criteria
The criteria that allows us to determine who will be 4×4 Australia’s best 4×4 Of The Year 2017
4×4 of the Year 2017: Meet the Judges
Meet the industry experts that make up our 4×4 Of The Year judges panel.
4×4 Of The Year 2017: The Results
Only one of the seven best 4x4s from 2016 can be crowned 4×4 Of The Year 2017
4×4 Of The Year 2017: The Finalists
Meet the seven most interesting 4×4 vehicles of 2016 battling it out to be crowned 4×4 Of The Year.
4×4 Of The Year 2017
The seven most interesting 4×4 vehicles of 2016 get together for a week to determine the 4×4 Of The Year.
Volkswagen Amarok V6 vs Ford Ranger Wildtrak comparison review
How does the Amarok’s 3.0-litre V6 stack up against the Ranger’s five-cylinder diesel?