VFACTs January 2022: Mid-size utes continue to dominate 4x4 sales

The 2022 new 4x4 vehicle market has picked up where it left off last year, with mid-size utes dominating sales, filling the top three places and taking seven of the top 10 positions.

Numbers were down, however, on those seen at the end of 2021, with supply issues still having a major effect on what the manufacturers can get in to Australian showrooms.

“The microprocessor shortage and the pandemic’s impact on supply chains continues in to 2022. This is an issue impacting markets all over the globe. Despite this, consumer interest, inquiry, and the fundamental demand for new cars in Australia remains strong,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

While we’re used to seeing the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux battling it out at the top of the chart, the perennial favourite Toyota ute had to make way for the rebounding Mitsubishi Triton in January as it claimed second place in sales.

Triton suffered heavily in the latter part of 2021 with supply shortages seeing it tumble down the sales charts, but it looks like its clawing its way back and you can bet Mitsubishi will be keen to see it regularly back among the top three 4x4 sales.

The commercial LandCruiser 79 Series tied with the Ford Everest wagon for ninth spot in January, and it’s nice to see the Ford wagon back among the best sellers. An all-new Everest landing in the second half of the year should see renewed interest in this popular model.

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2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Of course, this will come after we see the new Ford Ranger hit showrooms some time around June/July and, while the current model is still the best-selling 4x4 in Australia, the new model with its V6 diesel engine option and extra equipment is sure to cause a stir. The Ranger will be hard to beat again this year, providing Ford can meet demand.

Aside from Toyota which consistently has four models among the Top 10-selling 4x4s, Isuzu is the only other manufacturer to have more than one in there. That’s pretty impressive when you consider Isuzu Ute Australia only offers two models in it range and both the MU-X wagon and D-MAX ute continue to be popular.

January 2022 sales

1. Ford Ranger: 2986
2. Mitsubishi Triton: 2601
3. Toyota Hilux: 2569
4. Toyota Prado: 2566
5. Isuzu D-MAX: 1454
6. Mazda BT-50: 1047
7. Nissan Navara: 1019
8. Isuzu MU-X: 820
9. Toyota LandCruiser: 730
10. Ford Everest: 730
11. Toyota LC79: 713