Best 4X4 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.
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 4x4 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.
4x4 Ute Pricing
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | $27,390–$87,990 |
| Toyota Hilux | $26,475–$70,760 |
| Isuzu D-MAX | $32,200–$67,500 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | $21,990–$56,940 |
| Mazda BT-50 | $35,370–$73,945 |
4x4 Ute Reviews
2023 Mitsubishi Triton GSR review
With the next-gen Triton imminent, does Mitsubishi’s flagship GSR still has something to offer?
2023 Mitsubishi Triton GSR: Quick review
The Triton GSR range-topper blends robustness with enhanced on-road performance
2023 Isuzu D-MAX LS-M: Quick review
The 2023 Isuzu D-MAX SX: a reliable and affordable workhorse.
2023 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+: Quick review
The 2023 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ blends comfort and capability.
2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain: Quick review
The 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is a robust blend of power and luxury
2023 Mitsubishi Triton GLX+: Quick Review
The 2023 Triton GLX+ features an attractive suite of features that make it a serious contender in the mid-range ute segment
2023 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R: Quick review
A compelling proposition in the mid-range ute segment
2023 Isuzu D-MAX SX: Quick review
The 2023 Isuzu D-MAX SX is a reliable and affordable workhorse
2023 VW Amarok vs Ford Ranger comparison review
Tubthumping: Can the all-new Volkswagen Amarok put the stoppers on the market-leading Ford Ranger? We test them on road and off
2023 Mitsubishi Triton GLX: Quick review
When it comes to practicality and bang-for-buck, the Triton GLX 9is an enticing package
2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme by Walkinshaw review: First drive
Walkinshaw and Mitsubishi are launching a new Triton halo, and we’ve driven it
2023 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 Mitsubishi Triton review: Full range detailed
The Mitsubishi Triton is a popular light commercial vehicle in a competitive segment.
2023 Ford Ranger review: Full line-up detailed
The Ford Ranger is a popular dual-cab ute in Australia. Learn more about the Ford Ranger range including price, interior, towing capacity, safety assists and performance.
2023 RAM TRX 1500 vs Ford Ranger Raptor: Hero trucks compared
Australia’s most outrageous utes face off in a rock-spraying, fuel gargling celebration of excess. Strap in, it’s about to get noisy!
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor long-term review: Quiet, I’m moving over here!
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 XLT 4-cyl v Toyota HiLux SR5: Spec to spec
Ford’s new-gen Ranger has proven a hit since launching in 2022, outselling its HiLux arch-rival in January 2023. So how do these mid-range variants compare on paper?
2023 Ford Ranger XLT review
The XLT was our favourite variant in the previous Ford Ranger line-up. Does the same hold true for the latest generation of the popular ute?
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor: 4x4 review
Has petrol power relegated the new Ranger Raptor to the world of cashed-up tradies? We hit the dirt to find out
2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs Toyota HiLux Rogue comparison review
Does an unsealed trail challenge hand another victory to the new Ranger or does the updated, upgraded HiLux Rogue have the chops to come out on top?
Best Dual-Cab Utes 2023: The Daily Living Test
Dual-cab utes have charged in as a firm favourite for family hauling and daily duties. It's time to see which are best suited to the role.
2022 Mitsubishi Triton GLS review: The dad weekender drive
When the opportunity arose for one of our resident SUV owners to drive Mitsubishi's dual-cab ute for a week, how did the Triton compare?
2022 Mazda BT-50 SP review
Prudent partnership combines car-like comfort and hardworking ethic in Mazda’s mid-range ute
2022 Isuzu D-Max LS-M review
At mid-$50K, is the 4x4, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel D-Max LS-M the pick of the litter?
