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.
Custom 80 Series proves Cruisers are still king
Like an epic tale of years gone by, Ben Madden’s 80 Series proves Cruisers are king
The tidiest custom D-MAX in Australia
This D-MAX sets the bar for builds you could eat off
2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn off-road review
The entry level Ram truck has become considerably more expensive, but the Ram Big Horn is a resoundingly better vehicle
2024 Mitsubishi Triton review: Pre-production drive
New Triton sheds its value stigma to take the fight to the segment’s heavy hitters
2024 Ineos Quartermaster ute: Australian deliveries due early next year
First series production Quartermasters start to roll off INEOS production line
Muscle truck: Rambler’s Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss
Rambler Vehicles has developed a GVM and GCM upgrade package to fix the Trail Boss’s shortcomings … and we sampled it
Supersize me: 2023 Chev Silverado 1500 ZR2 review and LTZ Premium tow test
We spend a week with the ZR2, and then take the LTZ Premium on a towing loop
Which American ute is best for towing: Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado vs Ram 1500
One of these full-size pick-ups has a clear advantage while another has a surprising weakness…
2023 Ford F-150 Lariat review
The world’s most popular pick-up truck has returned to Australia. And in good news for Aussies, our version of the Ford F-150 might just be the best in the world…
2023 Ford F-150 XLT SWB review
Ford Australia drops the F-bomb on the full-size truck market by re-introducing the F-150
2023 Ford Ranger build: 14,000km update
A service and highway trip for our Ranger as the build continues
2023 Ford Ranger build: Tough Dog suspension
Our Ranger is finally looking level and riding well with its full Tough Dog suspension installation complete
2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport review
Is the new halo HiLux Toyota’s best dual-cab ever?
2023 Best Utes: All our winners revealed
Second edition of our new Wheels Best series picks the stand-out dual-cab utes from Australia’s immensely popular segment.
The most powerful Ford Ranger in Australia
With more than five times the factory horsepower, this Ranger is much more than a show pony
2024 Toyota Tundra SR5 review: Australian first drive
Toyota is bringing its Tundra pick-up to Australia in 2024, but if you can’t wait that long the good news is you can get one now. We jump behind the wheel of a recently arrived Tundra SR5 for an exclusive first Australian drive
2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X review
Special edition Wildtrak X arrives with a strong off-road focus
2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport officially launches in Australia
Toyota launches new halo model in Australia
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor long-term review: Here’s why we’ll miss Ford’s tough truck
It’s great in the desert, but how does the new Raptor handle the daily grind? To find out, we’ve added one to our long-term test fleet
2023 VW Amarok fights nasty weather en route to the Big Red Bash
Volkswagen’s new Amarok sets out on its first outback test of mettle against the elements and the clock
2023 Ford Ranger Platinum vs 2023 Volkswagen Amarok TDI 600 Aventura comparison review
Does the addition of an upmarket Ranger variant have what it takes to depose Volkswagen’s ritziest Amarok?
Volkswagen Amarok emergency service vehicle unveiled
VW unveils prototype fire-and-rescue Amarok
2023 Volkswagen Amarok review: Australia’s best dual-cab?
The second-gen Amarok is bigger, more luxurious and even better to drive – but is it the new king of the dual-cab segment?
2023 Ford Ranger Platinum: Quick review
Taking a look at Ford’s top of the line Ranger Platinum.