9 best work utes in Australia

Need help picking a ute for work? Want one that can double up as a family vehicle after hours or for the weekend?

Here's a helpful comparison of the features and capabilities of the nine best utes on sale in Australia.

The 9 best work utes

Mitsubishi Triton

The Triton has the longest warranty of any of the utes here, with a 10-year guarantee, so long as you have it serviced according to Mitsubishi's maintenance intervals. The 2.4-litre engine isn't the most powerful here, but it's reasonably frugal. It also happens to be one of the best-looking dual-cab utes on sale. Plus, it has many modern safety assists.

The Triton has a Finder score of 80.50%. Reviewers most commonly praised the Triton's pricing, safety equipment and its SUV-like handling. Towing capacity is a little down on some of its rivals, but you should read more into how towing limits are calculated – there's more to it than the brochure figure.

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*Included in base price.

Ford Ranger

Word on the street, from both car reviewers and the ute-buying public, is that the Ford Ranger is one of the best work utes on sale. The Ranger stable is varied, with stripped-back workhorse models, special editions and even a performance model in the Ranger Raptor. That thing is like a road-legal Baja car.

The Ranger has a Finder score of 85%, sharing the top spot with the VW Amarok. Reviewers loved the Ford Ranger's handling, the excellent SYNC 3 infotainment system, the safety features, the general build quality and the powertrains.

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*Included in base price.

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is priced to compete. It's also the meanest and most clean-looking ute on sale as of 2021, in our opinion. Nissan, after popular demand, finally gifted the Navara with a similar grille design to its huge US cousin, the Titan. The Japanese car-making giant also made waves when it adopted a multi-link rear coil spring suspension config over a conventional, hard as nails, leaf spring set-up.

Like the Ford Ranger, there's a twin-turbo variant of the engine on sale. The best Navara on fuel uses 7.2L/100km, according to the brochure.

The Nissan Navara has a Finder score of 75%. Reviewers liked the tough design, towing capacity, refined ride, engine fuel economy, dimensions and zesty acceleration.

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*Included in base price.

^Included in top of the line model price.

Volkswagen Amarok

If you want a V6 diesel, the Amarok is your only option. It's a little longer in the tooth than most of its competitors – in fact, it's now discontinued in key international markets, pending a replacement, that's coming next year.

The Amarok has a very high Finder score, matching the Ford Ranger, at 85%. Car reviewers gushed about the smooth, silky V6 diesel. They also praised its refined handling and the high-end interior build quality.

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*Included in base price.

Toyota HiLux

The one most people associate with the word "ute", the HiLux is consistently the best-selling model. It's a relentless force. You'll pay a little more for Toyota's reputation, but it's basically the Hoover or Jet Ski of the ute world.

The Toyota HiLux has a solid 79.67% Finder score. Reviewers liked the new-styling, the modernisations such as Bi-LED headlights and infotainment upgrades. The HiLux was praised for its comfort and little ripper engines.

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*Included in base price.

Mazda BT-50

Until recently, the BT-50 was actually a T6 Ford Ranger beneath the outer body panels. However, late last year, Mazda switched the third-generation BT-50 onto the Isuzu D-Max platform. Isuzu reportedly solely developed the ute.

The BT-50 is riding the D-Max's coat-tails when it comes to the new safety tech fitted. The second-gen BT-50 had a Finder score of 78%. Interestingly, the D-Max is cheaper than the BT-50.

Read review

*Included in base price.

Isuzu D-Max

The D-Max was very recently completely redesigned. It seems the changes were hugely successful, as many now view the D-Max as the benchmark for ute safety. It's a great looking ute too.

Finder's Alex Jeffs drove the new D-Max in December. After testing the D-Max, Jeffs said:

I am a big fan of the new D-Max, and in my opinion, if you are looking at a new 4x4 ute, this is certainly worth a look. In my view, and those of many others, it is right at the top of the segment pile.

Read review

*Included in base price.

Toyota LandCruiser 70

The grandad of the ute world is no slouch! This thing is a diehard ute, used in mines and other rough conditions that would leave other pick-ups running for cover.

It might not have the flashiest specs, but it does have the bare minimum of the things you do need. Plus, many buyers are attracted by its 4.5-litre, turbo diesel V8. For some reason, Toyota doesn't publicise payload info, but the LandCruiser 70 is good for towing up to 3,500kg.

Car reviewers generally view the LandCruiser 70 as unkillable, utilitarian and dependable, with a lionhearted diesel at its core.

*Included in base price.

Ram 1500

Relative newcomers to Australia, Ram Trucks import US pick-up trucks and convert them to right-hand drive, with factory support, locally in Melbourne.

The results are staggering. Ram produces some of the most impressive utes in the country. They have ridiculous towing capacities, of up to 4,500kg, with the larger 2500 able to haul just under 7,000kg thanks to its 6.7-litre diesel.

Car reviewers scored the 1500 highly. It's apparently incredibly capable on or off-road. Plus, they have some unique accessory options, like the smart "RamBox". They also boast smooth engines. Fuel economy might not be a strong suit, but pretty much everything else is.

*Included in base price.

Compare car loans to finance work utes

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Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
Simplify New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.21	Go to siteMore Info Compare
loans.com.au - New/Demo - Variable Rate Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.39%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.5%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $630.83	Go to siteMore Info Compare
IMB New Car Loan 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 $619.01	Go to siteMore Info Compare	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.
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan ($5,000-$100,000) Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $100,000	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 $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan 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 $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	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.
RACV New Car Loans 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 $635.67	Go to siteMore Info Compare	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 ($5,000-$100,000) Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $100,000	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 $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Simplify Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.21	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan 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 $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	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 Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.39% to 7.39%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.5% to 8.64%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $641.54	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV Used Car Loans 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 $647.01	Go to siteMore Info Compare	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.
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car < 3 years Fixed3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.59% to 8.79%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.7% to 10.04%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $643.41	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Latitude Variable Rate Personal Loan Variable2 - 7 Years $5,000 -	Interest Rate (p.a.) 9.49% to 29.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 10.37% to 30.69%	Application Fee $0	Monthly Fee $13	Monthly Repayment $653.57	Go to siteMore Info Compare	Special Finder offer: $395 establishment fee waived for approved personal loan applications submitted through Finder. Latitude may withdraw offer at any time. T&Cs apply.

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What to look for in a work ute

• Dual-cab utes. All the vehicles above are dual-cabs (sometimes called crew cabs), meaning you'll have up to five seats in the passenger compartment and a slightly smaller, shorter tray. Dual-cabs are big vehicles that give you the best of both worlds.
• Power and handling. Just because you're buying a ute, doesn't mean you should go without comfort. Modern utes have surprisingly comfortable rides, without compromising load carrying. However, some do this better than others. Alex Jeffs says the Ford Ranger is definitely one of the most soft-riding out there, meaning it's comfortable for everyday driving. Many utes are essentially car-like, or at least resemble SUVs, in their handling. Power and torque are something to look for too. Having more power and torque is good, but you need them to kick in low-down in the rev range. That way, your ute is delivering up the most performance, right from the off. You'll notice low-end torque most when taking off while fully loaded or hooked up to a trailer.
• Security. Keeping your tools safe is paramount. If you regularly carry expensive equipment or materials, look for utes with lockable hard or roller tonneau covers. These quickly secure the load in the tray and keep things out of sight. Also handy to have is keyless entry, especially if you work solo and need to load heavy materials like bags of cement or adhesives. Must-haves also include central locking, an engine immobiliser and a factory alarm.
• Safety. Most new ute models have several active safety assists. You'll also want to check for things like ISOFIX anchors for child seats, as well as airbags for the rear. Having things like Active Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition make long-distance driving less taxing.
• Passenger comfort. Some of the tradie-spec utes miss out on fancy passenger comforts, but most offer the bare necessities. Higher trims have things like dual-zone A/C, upgraded audio and contoured leather seat upholstery.
• Cost. Look at not only what you'll pay upfront, but running costs like fuel economy. Remember, when full-loaded or towing heavy trailers, fuel economy is going to be markedly higher. Make sure to balance the specs of top-of-the-range models, versus what you'll actually use and the purchase price. You might be able to write-off the cost of your ute thanks to the $150k asset write-off.
• Reliability. See what kind of warranty is on offer with the ute, the longer the better. Note, some ute manufacturer's warranties advertised are for non-commercial use. Check online to see if the ute has any common mechanical faults, failures or recalls. You can never be too careful.

^{Sources: Manufacturer web sites
DISCLAIMER: Many of the comments in this article are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information applicability to their own particular circumstances. These utes are presented in no particular order. Prices and features are accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication (Mar 2021)}

Written by

Ben Gribbin

Writer

Ben Gribbin is an experienced automotive writer and life-long car enthusiast with a passion for restoring classic vehicles. He brings many years of experience working with and writing about cars to Finder. See full bio