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
2025 Isuzu D-MAX Blade: First Australian drive
Walkinshaw-fettled Blade sits at the pointy end of the D-MAX line-up
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV vs BYD Shark: SPEC BATTLE!
Rocking the status quo! We line up the spec sheets of two plug-in hybrid utes en-route to Australia in 2025
2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ vs 2024 Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider
How does the new Triton compare to the popular D-MAX? We line up two mid-spec models to find out
2024 Ford Ranger Tremor review
Ford Australia has released another limited-edition Ranger variant, this time taking the Tremor nameplate from the US F-150 range.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton review: Full range detailed
The current-gen Triton is bigger and better than the past-gen in just about every way!
2024 Ford Ranger review: Full line-up detailed
One of Australia's most popular dual-cab utes, and for good reason! Learn more about the Ford Ranger range including price, interior, towing capacity, safety assists and performance
2024 Toyota HiLux SR5 48V review
Is the HiLux SR5 better with a bit of a boost provided by V-Active tech?
Save money by kitting out a lower-spec Toyota HiLux with ARB gear
Top-spec models are more expensive and often harder to get, but opt for a lower-spec unit and you could save thousands ... even after giving it the ARB treatment
2024 Mazda BT-50 review: Full range detailed
We take a closer look at the D-MAX twin under the skin!
2024 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
2024 Toyota HiLux review: Full range detailed
The Toyota HiLux is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles. We review its price, interior, boot space, safety assists and performance
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?
2024 Toyota HiLux SR 48V review
Does a mild-hybrid system improve one of Australia’s favourite vehicles
2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLS vs Ford Ranger XLT vs Toyota HiLux SR comparison review
Can the all-new Mitsubishi Triton challenge the huge-selling class leaders for top 4x4 dual-cab honours? We pitch it against Ranger and HiLux
2024 VW Amarok with Lift Kit review
We test the Amarok ute with an Old Man Emu suspension lift kit from ARB
Baby Seat to Driver’s Seat: 1998 Toyota HiLux SR5 retro review
Sometimes, a car is a part of the family.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ off-road review
A no-frills dual-cab ute that has all the essentials you could want in a tourer
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
2023 Ford Ranger build: Job done!
We wrap up the build of our Ford Ranger Sport and look back at all the awesome gear that’s been fitted to it
2023 Ford Ranger build: 19,000km update
A run to the hills in our V6 Ranger
2024 Mitsubishi Triton review: Pre-production drive
New Triton sheds its value stigma to take the fight to the segment’s heavy hitters
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