4X4 Australia’s Ute Special is out May 28

IT shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone anymore that the dual-cab market is thriving in Australia.

An increasing number of people are veering towards vehicles that can double-up as workday plodders cum weekend retreat mobiles. In fact, Light Commercial Vehicles currently hold a 19.4 per cent of the overall market, according to the April 2018 VFACTS report.

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And when a showroom stocker doesn’t cut the mustard, there’s a massive aftermarket industry chomping at the bit to get its gear on your rig.

So, we’ve assembled some of the best utes in Australia to satiate your thirst for the pick-up, including an LS3-powered Colorado, Patriot Campers’ wild 6x6 LC79, Coyote V8-powered Ranger and a supercharged Tundra.

Four top-of-the-range utes – Hilux TRD, Ford Wildtrak, Colorado Z71 and Amarok V6 – battled for bragging rights, and we sussed out how a smart build can make the world of difference by lining a stock Ranger against a fettled one.

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WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

• Black Ops F250
• F150 Raptor in the US of A
• Valentino Rossi-approved Ranger
• Marks 4WD LC79
• Duramax V8-powered Ranger
• Building a ute on any budget
• Products… and lots of them

The Ute Special is in stores May 28 or pick up a subscription via Magshop.