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4×4 Ute Reviews

Travelling from Uluru to Kakadu? Find a 4x4 ute that will get you there.

Tough, rugged and reliable, 4x4 utes are some of the most versatile vehicles around. Equally at home on a worksite, a campsite or in city traffic, these big haulers are hugely popular with Aussie drivers. In fact, the most popular new vehicle in Australia throughout 2016 was a ute, with the Toyota HiLux outselling even the top passenger cars.

However, there's a huge range of 4x4 ute models on the market, so choosing the best one can be a difficult proposition. To make your decision easier, we've gathered reviews of the leading 4x4 utes here in the one spot.

Compare these 4x4 Ute reviews

By clicking "Find a Deal" on the table below, you will be redirected to our partner, OnlineAuto. Thanks to their "bulk buying power", OnlineAuto are able to help you buy the car you want and potentially save you money too. In fact, the average saving through OnlineAuto is $4,616.

1 - 11 of 11
Name Product Payload ANCAP rating Price (from) Finder Score
Ram 1500
845 kg
5 stars
$82,950
86%
Ford Ranger
945 kg
5 stars
$29,190
85%
Volkswagen Amarok
1,020 kg
5 stars
$38,490
85%
Isuzu D-Max
935 kg
5 stars
$31,200
81.5%
Mazda BT-50
1,039 kg
5 stars
$33,650
81%
Mitsubishi Triton
855 kg
5 stars
$22,490
80.5%
Holden Colorado
1,029 kg
5 stars
$29,490
80%
Nissan Navara
1,013 kg
5 stars
$32,300
79.8%
Toyota HiLux
995 kg
5 stars
$29,850
79.67%
GWM Ute
1,050 kg
5 stars
$34,990
78%
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
1,188 kg
5 stars
$45,450
72.5%
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Australian Ute comparisons

Definition: What is a 4x4 ute?

A ute, which is Australian slang for utility, is a vehicle with the passenger cab area at the front and a cargo tray at the back. The "4x4" part of the equation refers to the fact that the vehicle features four-wheel drive. While there are also two-wheel drive (or 4x2) models available, 4x4 utes have more off-road capability.

What features come with a 4x4 ute?

The features of a 4x4 ute vary widely depending on the make, model and variant you select, but there are a few inclusions standard across the range. The first is four-wheel drive, which allows you to tackle tougher terrain than you could in an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle. The next standard feature is the cargo tray, which you can use to lug around tools, toys or anything else you need to get from A to B.

Up front in the cabin is where some differences start to appear. 4x4 utes are available in three cab types:

  • Single cab. With two doors and seating for passengers, this is probably what springs to mind when you think of a tradie's ute.
  • Dual cab. Dual cabs boast four doors and an extra row of seating, meaning there's enough room inside for four or five people. This configuration is also known as a crew cab.
  • Extra cab. Sometimes called a king cab, space cab or super cab, this body style is basically halfway between a single-cab and dual-cab ute. It provides extra room behind the front seats which can be used for additional seating or storage space.

Pros and cons of 4x4 utes

Pros

  • Tough. Whether being used to haul heavy loads or tackle tough terrain, 4x4 utes have a reputation as rough and reliable workhorses.
  • Versatile. Though they were traditionally used only as work trucks, many modern 4x4 utes double as commuter vehicles and people movers for busy families.
  • Can take you where other vehicles can't. Four-wheel drive means you can head off the beaten track.
  • Practical. With seating for up to five people and plenty of load-carrying capacity, 4x4 utes are some of the most practical vehicles on the road.

Cons

  • Not the most comfortable. Though the level of refinement and comfort in the cabins of 4x4 utes has come a long way in recent years, some models still feel much more like rugged work trucks and lack a few creature comforts.
  • Don't have great performance. If you're looking for exhilarating engine performance and dynamic on-road handling, look elsewhere.
  • Harder to manoeuvre. Hate navigating through busy city streets or tight carparks? Many models are quite large and much more difficult to manoeuvre than smaller cars.

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How do you compare 4x4 utes?

When you're weighing up the pros and cons of different 4x4 utes, make sure to consider the following factors:

  • Price. This is the first factor many of us look at, but remember that the engine, transmission, number of seats, included features and a wide range of other factors can vary from one model to the next. When looking at prices, make sure you're comparing apples with apples.
  • Tray. How large is the tray area and how easy is it to access? What's the maximum load that each 4x4 ute can safely carry?
  • Cab. Stepping inside, it's time to look at the quality of the fit and finish and the design of the interior. Is the driving position comfortable? Is the dash intelligently designed and easy to use? Is it roomy enough and is there adequate storage? Does it have all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a modern car, such as sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity?
  • Ride and handling. How does the ute perform on the road? Is it a reliable handler and easy to manoeuvre, and can the driver and all passengers travel in comfort?
  • Durability. Next, take some time to consider how rugged and reliable each model is. What's the build quality like? Will it stand up to whatever punishment you'll throw at it? Is there sufficient ground clearance to go off-road?
  • Towing capacity. If you're planning on lugging a boat, trailer or caravan with your 4x4 ute, check its maximum towing capacity. It's also a good idea to look for vehicle reviews that test a vehicle's real-world towing performance.
  • Safety. Check the ANCAP safety rating to see how each ute will perform in a crash. Also remember to check the features list to find out what active safety technologies are included, such as lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.

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on OnlineAuto.com.au's website

On-road costs to expect

Due to the variety of different configurations and models available, 4x4 ute prices cover a pretty broad range. To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay, entry-level single-cab models typically start around the $25,000 mark. Meanwhile, for a top-of-the-range dual cab with all the trimmings, you'll need to spend anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000.

Are 4x4 utes worth it?

It depends on the type of vehicle you want. If you're looking for the ultimate in driving performance or luxury on-road touring with all the creature comforts, an offroad-capable ute probably won't be the best fit. But if you want a tough, practical workhorse with the capability to handle a bit of punishment, a 4x4 ute is well worth the investment. Regardless of whether you're looking for a reliable work vehicle or something to help you escape the city on the weekends – or maybe both – a 4x4 ute will fill the brief admirably.

Compare the best 4x4 utes on the market to find the make and model that ticks all the right boxes for you.

Compare 4x4 ute finance

Name Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp. Rate (p.a.) Application Fee Monthly Fee Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.24%
to 7.74%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.36%
to 8.85%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.52%
to 18%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.95%
to 23%
Application Fee
$395
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with.
Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan
OurMoneyMarket logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.57%
to 18.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.19%
to 21.78%
Application Fee
$250
min.
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
IMB New Car Loan
IMB logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,000 - $125,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.24%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.59%
Application Fee
$274.78
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.24% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
RACV New Car Loans
RACV logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.29%
to 16.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8%
to 17.77%
Application Fee
$499
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit
OurMoneyMarket logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.57%
to 18.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.19%
to 21.78%
Application Fee
$250
min.
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan
Stratton Finance logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.52%
to 18%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.95%
to 23%
Application Fee
$395
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a.
A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.74%
to 7.74%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.85%
to 8.99%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
RACV Used Car Loans
RACV logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
8.49%
to 16.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
9.21%
to 17.77%
Application Fee
$499
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a.
Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.
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Showing 9 of 9 results

Compare car insurance side-by-side and get quotes

Name Product Roadside assistance Accidental damage Storm Choice of repairer Agreed or Market Value
Youi Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: One of the only insurers to automatically include roadside assistance. It also won 12 out of the 22 categories in Finder's 2024 customer satisfaction awards.

Winner of 12 out of the 22 categories in Finder's 2024 customer satisfaction awards. Yes, that many.
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2024 winner of our Best Value Car Insurance award. It's cheaper than most, plus you can lower costs by adding age restrictions.

⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Anyone who wants a good value policy.
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You need car insurance so why not get one that lets you earn Qantas Points? It's good value too (it's underwritten by the same insurer as Budget Direct).

⭐ Current offer: Earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points with every car insured by 30 September. Plus save 15% on your 1st year’s premium when you purchase online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: People who want more bang for their buck with Qantas Points.
ALDI Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: ALDI's comprehensive insurance policy covers your car for an agreed value and a variety of policy benefits.

Who it might be good for: Ideal for those seeking competitive coverage limits, though other products may have higher limits.
Huddle Black Comprehensive
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: This goes further than most insurers. You get up to 2k for stolen keys, roadside assistance and rental car excess cover (for car rentals in Australia).

Who it might be good for: Those who want top cover for their car.
QBE Comprehensive
Green Company
QBE Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Our best-rated Car Insurer for Customer Satisfaction in 2021/2022 and Green Insurer for the last 3 years.

⭐ Current offer: Save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Those who want a trustworthy insurer and more cover than other brands, such as 3-year new car replacement (e.g. they'll give you money for a new car for up to 3 years if yours is written off).
Australia Post Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Covers a little more than other insurers. You don’t need to pay an excess for windscreen repairs and cover applies to anyone who uses your car.

⭐ Current offer: Get $75 off your first year's comprehensive car insurance premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Multiple people using one car.
ROLLiN' Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: One of the most cost-effective insurers for under 25s, according to Finder research, with no aged-based excess.

Who it might be good for: Young drivers looking to keep costs down and anyone who’d like to get more flexibility from their car insurance.
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Written by

Writer

Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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