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There are so many choices in the ute market, with more to come – but what are the best available right now if you’re not prepared to buy the evergreen current HiLux, and can’t wait for the new model coming next year?
JUMP AHEAD
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has only been on sale for aroound 18 months, but what an impression it has made. Whether you choose the 2.0 bi-turbo diesel or the V6 turbo-diesel you’re going to enjoy a very un-ute-like ute.
The Ranger has achieved new standards for the dual-cab ute market that most competitors can’t match. There is so much where the Ranger excels, from refinement and ride quality to technology and safety.
Then there are the smart, useful features that show Ford has listened to owners. There’s an integrated trailer brake controller option, a tailgate ruler, and great side steps to climb into the tray. It’s just so well thought out and well-engineered.
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Volkswagen Amarok
Given it is platform-shared with the Ford Ranger, the Volkswagen mirrors many of the Ford’s attributes – but also goes its own way in some areas, making the Amarok quite a unique experience.
The Amarok offers an excellent, refined performance and decent economy from the smooth and quiet V6 diesel and has a large, comfortable interior.
With lighter steering and a firmer ride, the Volkswagen turns into corners more quickly than the Ford and on twisting roads is more fun to drive quickly. However, some might find the Volkswagen’s suspension is a touch firm on bumpy roads
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Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max got a great reception when it arrived three years ago because it was such a big step up from its much more basic predecessor, but it didn’t completely lose its forebear’s simplicity.
The D-MAX presents such a strong argument where safety, technology, comfort features and towing/payload are concerned.
It’s also not far behind the front runners Ford and Volkswagen to drive, with decent on-road and off-road performance and handling with a simple, efficient powertrain.
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Mazda BT-50
As Mazda is very much the same as the D-Max, it should be no surprise to see it here nudging up to the platform-shared Isuzu. There is not much in it between the pair.
It also does well in the areas of safety, technology, interior comfort, and features and presents an excellent heavy-duty towing package while the payload is also good.
The BT-50 has a year less warranty than D-Max, but goes one better on the kilometre cap: It doesn’t have one (the D-Max is 150,000km).
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Nissan Navara
Although the oldest model here with a 2015 original on-sale date, the Navara has improved a lot, with Nissan giving it a make-over most recently in 2021.
With a 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre twin turbo-diesel four-cylinder and (optional) seven-speed auto, the Navara performs better than the numbers suggest and has good off-road performance.
While the Navara’s 2015 five-star ANCAP rating has expired, it still has good safety features, and it’s not bad to drive on the road. Towing is much improved, as is payload with the 2021 update, but the infotainment system and dash feel very old school among newer vehicles.
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