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Mar 24, 2025 | by CarBee
One in five vehicles sold in Australia is a ute - and for good reason. Modern utes aren't just tradies' workhorses anymore; they're family-friendly weekend warriors that can tow your toys, tackle the outback, and still handle the school run.
Designed and engineered in Australia, the previous-gen Ranger nailed the brief for both work and play. Its spacious cabin leads the class for comfort. The 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel has grunt where it counts; the newer 2.0-litre twin-turbo with its 10-speed auto brings more power and better fuel economy. Just get a thorough inspection - both engines have known issues worth checking.
Legendary reliability makes these utes gold in the used market. The cabin's a bit narrower than some rivals, but that's the trade-off for genuine off-road capability. The 2.8-litre diesel got a serious power boost in late 2020. Australian-developed traction control and 4WD systems mean this thing eats difficult terrain for breakfast.
The latest BT-50 switched from Ford to Isuzu underpinnings - and that's no bad thing. You get Isuzu toughness with Mazda style and a proper tech package. The 3.0-litre diesel might not win the numbers game, but it's got real-world muscle where it counts.
The Amarok brings European refinement without sacrificing capability. The V6 version (from late 2016) is the powerhouse of the ute world - perfect if you're regularly towing heavy loads. The tray's one of the widest going, but the back seat's tight for adults.
You'll often get more features for your money compared with base models of pricier rivals. Super Select 4WD (on better-equipped models) lets you run in 4x4 on tarmac - handy for wet roads. Just watch the long rear overhang off-road.
The pre-2020 D-Max isn't flashy, but it's built to last. The 3.0-litre diesel comes from Isuzu's truck division - agricultural but nearly bulletproof. Perfect for businesses that prioritise reliability over refinement.
The Navara took a different path with coil-spring rear suspension - great for ride comfort but initially problematic with heavy loads. Post-2018 models with dual-rate springs sorted this out. The clever 2.3-litre twin-turbo setup is both powerful and efficient.
Don't let Holden's departure put you off. The 2.8-litre diesel is a proper workhorse, and the cabin's one of the roomier options. Early adoption of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (from 2016) means better tech than many rivals of the same age.
Modern utes need to be Swiss Army knives - tough enough for work, comfortable enough for family, and capable enough for adventure. Whether you're buying for business or pleasure, focus on service history and condition over kilometres.
