4X4 Tradie Utes
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 4x2 and 4x4 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 4x4 or 4x2), 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 4x4 and 4x2 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 4x4 system, while lower-spec variants get a more rudimentary Easy Select part-time 4WD system.
Volkswagen Amarok
The European one-tonner, due here in April 2023, once again enters a fray dominated by the Japanese, yet this time it’s not doing so quite so single-handedly – co-developing Amarok MkII with the latest version of the Aussie-American Ford Ranger.
Shared platform, shared drivetrains, shared technology. And shared roof, glass area, doorhandles and side-mirror caps.
4x4 Ute Pricing
4x4 Ute Reviews
2024 Mitsubishi Triton vs Ford Ranger: New Ute SPEC BATTLE!
What differences exist between the fresh new Mitsubishi ute and its class-leading Ford rival?
2024 Mitsubishi Triton review: Australian launch
Biggest makeover in dual-cab history? Slick new Triton shows plenty of promise
2024 Toyota HiLux review: Full range detailed
The Toyota HiLux is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles. Review the HiLux range including price, interior, boot space, safety assists and performance.
2023 Best Performance Ute: Ford Ranger Raptor
Keen on a dual-cab ute that can work hard and play even harder? These are the best options for utes with some added spice
2024 Mitsubishi Triton review: Pre-production drive
New Triton sheds its value stigma to take the fight to the segment’s heavy hitters
2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs Toyota HiLux GR Sport comparison review
Ford and Toyota apply the lippy to their big-selling utes to attract the buying public.
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 Toyota HiLux EV review: Revo BEV concept driven
Officially the Revo BEV is a ‘functioning concept’ but a first steer of the fully electric Hilux suggests a production model is not far away
2023 Best Ute Under $80K: Ford Ranger V6 Sport
All utes are our trusty workhorses, but which is the best when you're looking in the nicer part of the stables?
2023 Toyota HiLux GR Sport review
Is the new halo HiLux Toyota’s best dual-cab ever?
2023 Best Ute: Ford Ranger
Why Ford's locally designed and developed Ranger is top of the dual-cab class.
2023 Best Value 4X4 Ute: Isuzu D-MAX SX
What are the most affordable dual-cab utes to own and run? We’ve crunched the numbers to help you save some serious cash
2023 Best Ute Under $50K: Mitsubishi Triton
At the most affordable end of the market, which dual-cab ute delivers the goods?
2023 Best Work Ute: Ford Ranger XLT
Are you a tradie in the market for a new ute? You’ve come to the right place, because we are rounding up what we think are the top five 4x4 tradie utes available in Australia right now.
2023 Best Ute Under $60K: Volkswagen Amarok Life
Not everyone has the budget for the fancier dual-cab utes in town, but do you opt for a Ford or VW badge if you have less than $60,000 to spend?
2023 Best Ute for Towing
When it comes to the important task of towing, it's a straight fight between the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok twins in the mid-size ute class.
2023 Best Family Ute: Toyota HiLux
The modern dual-cab is called upon to deliver very precious cargo. Here’s the inside scoop on the best family-friendly dual-cab utes on sale today
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV vs current 2023 Ranger Wildtrak: SPEC BATTLE!
How does the plug-in Ranger stack up for specifications and features against a diesel-powered equivalent?
2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak X review
Special edition Wildtrak X arrives with a strong off-road focus
2024 Mitsubishi Triton vs old 2023 Triton: SPEC BATTLE!
How do the specifications and features for the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton stack up against the outgoing ute?
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 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?
The top six off-road expedition vehicles
Not all 4x4s are suited to long-distance, remote-area expeditions, so the 4X4 Australia team share their six top choices
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?
