Buying a safe ute is one of the most important purchases we make, and choosing the right one can be difficult. Whether you plan to buy a new or used ute, make safety a high priority and do your homework. Compare the van's safety features and star rating to other ute's to see which one is the safest.
All of today's dual-cab utes have five-star safety ratings and an alphabet soup of safety features, but what do all those letters stand for and how does dual-cab safety shape up?
Dual-cab ute safety is somewhat of a chicken or the egg question: Did dual-cab utes become the best-selling vehicles on Australian roads because they have increasingly offered the safety of conventional passenger cars or did their popularity, especially as family transport, mean that manufacturers needed to offer more and more safety kit to maintain their competitive advantage?
There are outside influences, too, including the Federal government mandating electronic stability control (ESC) on light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from the end of 2017, and demands for five-star ANCAP ratings for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) from the industry. Remember, the dual-cab you see as your' family car' is still classified as an LCV by the government, and in lower-spec variants is used in work roles.
Here are the best buys you'll find if you're looking for a second-hand dual cab ute in Australia:
Ford Ranger
It's a handsome pickup, fun to drive, and surprisingly secure, all of which contribute to its continued dominance of the sales charts. All models come standard with dual front, side chest, and side head airbags. Automatic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) are also standard.
The higher-priced models come with a plethora of extra safety features.
The Ranger received a 36.72 out of a possible 37 points from ANCAP in September 2015. All possible iterations share this score.
It received a score of 15.72 on the frontal offset test, 16 on the side impact test, a score of 2 on the pole test, a rating of "Good" for whiplash protection (the maximum), a rating of "Acceptable" for pedestrian protection, and a score of 3 for seat belt reminders (out of 3).
Traction control, six airbags, an emergency stop signal, cruise control, a speed limiter that can be adjusted, hill start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control are just some of the additional safety features.
Enhanced safety features, such as a tyre-pressure-monitoring system, adaptive cruise control with forwarding collision alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver-impairment monitor, are not included in the base model but are either standard or optional on the higher trim levels.
All models (aside from the single cabs) come equipped with two ISOFIX anchor points in the back seat for securing a child safety seat in place.
The Wildtrak (starting at $60,090 for the car, excluding on-roads) is the best of the bunch because it comes standard with a slew of safety technology, including a reversing camera, and allows you to upgrade to the cutting-edge technology described above through its "Tech Pack" options.
We think a backup camera ought to be a minimum feature on every model.
Holden Colorado
In ANCAP testing performed in August of 2016, Colorado received a score of 34.89 out of a possible 37 points. All possible iterations share this score.
The report from ANCAP says that "There are two standard airbags for the front seats, one for each side of the chest and one for each side of the driver's head (curtains). Every permanent seat has a sophisticated seatbelt reminder system installed. The Crew Cab's outboard rear seats are equipped with upper anchorages for child restraints."
It received a 13.89 on the frontal offset, a 16 on the side impact, a 2 on the pole crash test, a 'Good' on the whiplash protection scale, a 'Good' rating for pedestrian safety, and a 'Good' rating for seat belt reminders (out of 3).
Dual-cab Six airbags, electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic brake-assist, hill start assist, roll stability system, manual speed limiter/alarm, daytime running lights, and trailer stability control are all included in the base model of the Colorado.
Except for the base model, all other trims come standard or as an option with features like lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance when reversing, and tire-pressure checking.
Top tether anchorages (three) for the rear seat, as well as three ISOFIX location points, are standard equipment on crew cab (dual cab) models only.
We believe the Colorado could benefit from additional driver-assist technology, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic/intelligent speed limiting, automatic high beam, and blind-spot monitoring, none of which were present on any tested trim.
Colorado Z71 4x4 automatic, the top of the line model, costs $54,490. (excluding on-road costs).
Mazda BT-50
In December 2011, the BT-50 received a rating of 35.72 out of a possible 37 points from ANCAP. The same value is assigned to each of the possible outcomes.
With features like "dual front airbags, head-protecting side curtains, anti-lock brakes (ABS), EBD, and ESC," the vehicle earned a perfect score from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). In addition, "side thorax airbags are also standard except for single cabs with three front seats (bench seats)," which have four airbags but still receive a perfect five-star rating from the group.
The front offset, side impact, and pole crash test scores for the BT-50 were 15,72, 16, and 2, respectively; whiplash protection was "Not Assessed," pedestrian protection was "Not Assessed," and seat belt reminders were rated at 2 out of 2. (out of 3).
Two conventional anchor points, not ISOFIX, are available in the second row for top tether child restraints.
For $53,790 (not including on-road fees), the top-of-the-line model BT-50 GT dual cab comes with six airbags, a rearview camera, electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, an emergency stop signal, a high-mount stop lamp, hill descent control, hill launch assist, an intrusion-minimizing brake pedal, load adaptive control, a locking rear differential, Roll Stability Control (RSC), traction control, and trailer sway control.
We think there ought to be more state-of-the-art security measures built in by default.
Mitsubishi Triton
In April of 2015, the Triton was put through the ANCAP testing process and was given a score of 36.22 out of a possible 37 points. This rating is the same for every possible iteration.
What can be gleaned from ANCAP's findings? "There are two front airbags, two side airbags for the chest and the head (curtains), and a driver's knee airbag as standard safety equipment. The use of EBD and EBA is also quite common. Every passenger's seat is equipped with a state-of-the-art safety belt indicator. None of the vehicles have high-tech safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) or other crash avoidance aids. A rearview camera is a premium accessory on some models."
It was rated "Good" for whiplash protection and "Acceptable" for pedestrian safety, with scores of 15.22 in the front offset, 16.2 in the side impact, 2. in the pole crash test, and 3. in the seat belt reminders (out of 3).
Several safety features are available on the Triton. These include daytime running lights, reversing collision avoidance, hill start assist, trailer stability control, and six airbags (both standard or optional on everything except the base model).
There are 2 ISOFIX anchors and 2 anchors for child restraints.
Unfortunately, no Triton model offers advanced safety equipment like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, or a tyre pressure monitoring system, all of which we think would be useful.
Top-spec The Exceed dual cab 4x4 automatic is pricey at $48,000. (excluding on-road costs).
Nissan Navara
In July 2015 the dual-cab Navara scored 35.01 out of a possible 37 points in ANCAP testing (single and king cab Navara variants were awarded five-star ANCAP ratings in separate July 2015 tests. – scoring 34.01 and 35.01 points respectively).
"Dual frontal, side chest and head-protecting airbags (curtains) and driver knee airbag are standard. EBD, ESC, and EBA are also standard. Advanced seat belt reminders are fitted to all seats," ANCAP noted on the dual-cab report.
It scored 14.06 (frontal offset); 16 (side impact); 2 (out of 2) in the pole crash test; whiplash protection was 'Good' (the maximum), pedestrian protection was 'Marginal', and seat belt reminders scored 3 (out of 3).
The Navara's standard safety gear includes six airbags, traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Brake, Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and more.
There are three top-tether anchorages for child restraints in the dual-cab (second row), but no ISOFIX anchor points.
An electronic diff lock is standard on SL, ST and ST-X 4x4s. Some models have reversing camera (ST and ST-X) and reversing sensors (ST-X) as standard; hill start assist, and hill descent control are only available on top-spec ST-X 4x4.
We reckon, based on this report, the Navara needs more driver-assist tech, such as adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane support and a tyre-pressure monitoring system – none of these were available on any Navara variant at the time of testing in July 2015.
The range-topping Navara ST-X dual cab 4×4 auto is $54,490 (excluding on-road costs).
Toyota Hilux
Now into its eighth-generation, the Toyota HiLux has developed a well-earned reputation as one of Australia's toughest and most reliable dual-cab utes. How has it earned this reputation? Well, let's start with the obvious. The HiLux blends a comfortable suspension setup with a standout, refined 2.8L engine that never feels overwhelmed, no matter what you throw at it.
Elsewhere, the HiLux also offers precise steering, as well as a sleek interior that truly has all the trimmings, plus an excellent safety record, highlighted by ISOFIX anchor points. Pair this with an easy-to-use touchscreen entertainment system, and you get a fantastically well-rounded dual cab ute.
Volkswagen Amarok
If you like your dual-cab utes to be roomy, no-nonsense, and powerful, then look no further than the Volkswagen Amarok. First things first, the Amarok offers the biggest tray among its close competitors, which is a huge plus for anyone who regularly hauls large amounts of cargo. Better yet, the interior is still super spacious even with the larger tray, affording passengers plenty of head and legroom.
On-road, the Amarok delivers an extremely comfortable ride, while still packing a good amount of power under the hood. The Amarok also comes with permanent all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox with eight ratios, which is again the most among its close competitors. The Amarok leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of excellence.
Dual cab utes are a competitive and popular market in Australia, meaning there's likely to be an option that suits your requirements.
Important factors to consider when purchasing a second-hand dual cab ute include storage space, power, fuel economy, safety, off-road performance, and reliability.
A used dual-cab ute can give you the best of both worlds: providing all of the toughness you'd expect from a dual cab ute, without the expensive price tag
Safety Features of UTEs
Dual-cab ute airbags
Airbags, or Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), made their debut in US automobiles in the 1970s. They were developed in response to the fact that, despite seatbelts being required equipment in all cars in the United States at the time (they'd been around for 20 years), it was more difficult to require people to actually wear them.
Unlike seatbelts, which necessitate the driver's active cooperation, airbags don't need to be used, so they're ideal for convincing hesitant drivers to buckle up. The Australian state of Victoria holds the distinction of being the first in the world to make it lawful for drivers and front seat passengers to wear seatbelts at all times.
Initially, airbags were only installed in the steering wheel for the driver. The dashboard passenger airbag installation came next. These two airbags serve to shield the head and upper body from harm. Later on, side airbags were added to the seats to protect the torso from side impacts, and driver knee airbags were added to protect the obvious.
Curtain airbags, which are mounted in the window and/or door pillars, were recently added to protect the occupants' heads in the event of a side impact.
Dual-cab ute anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock brakes, or ABS for short (from the German "Anti-Blockier System" developed by automotive-systems manufacturer Bosch), first appeared in aircraft in the 1950s to aid in stopping on wet or icy runways and then in cars ten years later.
Both early aircraft and automobiles relied on mechanical systems. Nevertheless, the 'electronic' die was cast when electronic anti-lock brakes were developed for the revolutionary faster-than-sound Concorde passenger jet in the 1960s, and electronic ABS appeared on cars in the early 1970s.
By preventing the wheel from locking up and the tyre from skidding, anti-lock brakes perform their intended function. By adjusting the amount of force applied to the brakes in an emergency, ABS can ensure that the wheels don't lock up during deceleration. Shorter stopping distances are achieved, and the driver is able to maintain some steering control—something that is impossible with locked front wheels and often challenging with locked rear wheels.
Sensors in the wheels inform the anti-lock braking system (ABS) of each wheel's current velocity, rate of deceleration, and impending lockup. A computerised processing unit (CPU), also known as the "brain" of the system, receives this data and uses it to control the hydraulic pressure applied to the brakes. The hydraulic pump is also used in the anti-lock braking system.
Electronic traction control (ETC) and electronic stability control (ESC) rely on wheel-speed sensors, which are a relatively straightforward but crucial component of active safety technology (ESC).
Dual-cab ute brake assist
During an emergency situation, Brake Assist (BA), also known as EBA (emergency brake assist) or BAS (brake assist system), can greatly increase the effectiveness of your braking. The rate at which the brakes are applied is used to accomplish this. If the driver hasn't already done so, it will apply full braking force if the speed exceeds a threshold indicating an attempt at an emergency stop.
According to studies, nearly 90% of motorists don't use their brakes to their full potential in an emergency situation. Brake assist (BA) is only installed on cars that also have ABS, and it operates up to the point where ABS takes over.
Dual-cab ute electronic brake-force distribution
Since the load affects the ute's attitude (nose up or nose down), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) automatically adjusts the brake force applied to each wheel in response to changes in road surface, vehicle speed, and load.
It is the front wheels of a ute that bear the brunt of the weight and braking effort in most situations, and this is especially true when the ute is empty. Braking force is transferred to the rear wheels as the load in the tub or tray increases. The same is true of EBD and BA; both of these features pair well with ABS.
Dual-cab ute electronic traction control
Soon after anti-lock brakes were introduced in the 1970s, work began on Electronic Traction Control (ETC). Similar to anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic traction control (ETC) uses wheel-speed sensors, a hydraulic pump, and a valving system to prevent wheels from locking up under acceleration. However, ETC also requires new software programming.
The development of ETC was in response to the fact that cars are getting more powerful and more prone to losing traction when accelerating, especially in the snow and ice that characterise winter driving conditions in North America and Europe. Early electronic stability control (ETC) systems relied solely on applying pressure to a single wheel's brakes to prevent the wheel from spinning. Off-road, ETC is just as useful. It's the same as equipping your 4x4 with effective limited-slip differentials at both ends.
Off-road capability and a calibration tailored to off-road use are both new features in the second generation of ETC systems for 4x4s. Therefore, the off-road benefit of off-road-specific ETC is more akin to a locking diff than a good limited-slip diff.
In the eyes of 4x4 drivers, traction control is the ultimate present.
Dual-cab ute electronic stability control
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a feature found on a wide variety of vehicles. ESC is known by many different brand-specific names, including Electronic Stability Program, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and Dynamic Stability Control, but they all aim to achieve the same thing.
In the 1980s, ESC began appearing on mass-produced vehicles; it was a development on earlier safety systems like anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and so on. But the addition of sensors for steer angle, yaw, roll, and lateral acceleration makes ESC an essential addition.
The ESC system uses data from these sensors to determine whether the vehicle is moving in the direction the driver intended (as measured by the steer-angle sensor) or in a different direction (as measured by the yaw, roll, and lateral-acceleration sensors), as occurs during a skid or slide.
If the ESC detects a skid or slide, it will work to counteract it by applying the brakes to one or more wheels, often to varying degrees on each wheel, or by cutting the engine power. This can happen before the driver even notices anything is wrong.
It is true that electronic stability control (ESC) is one of the most important safety advancements, but it is not what you want in a 4x4 if you plan on going off-roading in sandy or muddy conditions.
When driving in sand or mud, countersteering to correct small slides causes the ESC to react by applying the brakes and/or cutting engine power, which is the last thing you want to happen because momentum is so important in these conditions. When shifting into low gear, ESC is typically disabled automatically, and some vehicles also feature a switch that can be used to manually disable the system for use in sandy or muddy conditions.
Some 4x4s have terrain-specific chassis-control systems (like Land Rover's revolutionary Terrain Response) because of the issues with ESC off-road. By way of illustration, in the 'Sand' mode of one of these systems, the ESC is rendered less sensitive or even inoperable.
Dual-cab ute trailer sway control
The Sway Control for Trailers is an Upgrade to ESC (ESC). It's a piece of software tailored to the ESC system that helps stabilise the vehicle when towing.
This is especially important for utes because of their widespread use in towing, which may include caravans, boats, horse floats, off-road trailers, or anything else of a similar nature. Trailer Sway Control is especially helpful when towing a heavy load that exceeds the towing vehicle's carrying capacity.
Crosswinds, rough roads, faster speeds, off-throttle deceleration around corners, and a wide variety of other conditions can all contribute to towing instability, but an inadequately balanced tow rig is often the root cause. It is possible for the vehicle and trailer to 'jack knife' or even roll if the towed element begins to sway from side to side, creating a yaw moment at the rear of the tow vehicle in the opposite direction.
When the Trailer Sway Control senses the onset of this type of oscillation, it can apply the brakes to individual wheels or shut off the engine to help stabilise the tow vehicle and trailer.
Dual-cab ute lane keeping assist
It's safe to say that inattention, distraction, and drowsiness are all causes of poor driving, and newer safety technologies like Lane Keeping Assist are here to help.
However, Lane Keeping Assist differs from Lane Departure Warning. Unlike the latter, which will merely alert the driver (audibly or visually) that the vehicle is swerving, the former will actively correct the lane departure and return the vehicle to its proper position if the driver does not.
This is particularly simple to accomplish in the Ford Ranger, thanks to its programmable electric power steering (EPS). If your vehicle lacks electronic power steering (EPS), like the Toyota HiLux or the Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6, you can manually correct a skid by applying the brakes selectively to generate a yaw moment that corrects the skid.
Dual-cab ute blindspot monitoring
Through the use of cameras, Blindspot Monitoring can identify vehicles that are lurking in the rear and side blind spots of the driver. The typical warning system consists of a visual indicator in the side mirrors and a chime. On multi-lane highways and when looking out for smaller vehicles like motorcycles, blind-spot monitors shine.
Dual-cab ute reversing camera
All popular dual-cab pick-ups, and even some cab-chassis variants, now come equipped with reversing cameras. Driveway accidents, particularly those involving a parent tragically running over a child, were a driving force behind the development of reversing cameras.
Dual-cab ute rear cross-traffic alert
With what amounts to a high-tech wide-angle rear camera, the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system notifies the driver visually and audibly if there is traffic approaching at an angle across the back of the vehicle. It is especially helpful in small towns with nose-to-kerb parking.
Dual-cab ute tyre pressure monitoring system
TPMS, which stands for "Tyre Pressure Monitoring System," uses pressure sensors installed in each wheel to monitor the air pressure of the vehicle's tyres.
The driver can view a readout of the tyre pressures if they so choose, but the system's real value lies in its ability to alert them to a tyre's deflating well before they notice a problem. This may prevent the tyre from completely deflating and becoming irreparably damaged if the vehicle is continued to be driven on while flat. Even better, it reduces the likelihood of an accident caused by a flat tyre.
Off-road driving is notoriously dangerous due to the high likelihood of tyre damage and punctures, especially for vehicles equipped with factory original equipment tyres.
Dual-cab ute autonomous emergency braking
The Australian government plans to make Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) mandatory on all new cars sold in the country by the early 2020s, and this technology is already making its way into dual-cab utes.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is one of the newest safety technologies that was developed to protect drivers who are distracted.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) employs radar and/or laser technology to "see" what's in front of the vehicle and to measure the distance to any obstacles in the vehicle's path, such as other vehicles or even pedestrians and cyclists. If the system determines that a collision is likely to occur, it will issue a warning to the driver in the form of a visual and/or audible signal.
If the driver doesn't respond by applying the brakes, the system will do so on its own if it determines that a collision is imminent. A forwards collision warning system, unlike AEB, can only alert the driver to a potential collision; it cannot apply the brakes.
Dual-cab ute full-time 4x4
Full-time 4x4 offers a considerable safety benefit over part-time 4x4, and is a key safety divide in today's dual-cab ute market, but it is often overlooked as a safety feature, perhaps because it is mechanical and not electronic, and a "built-in" rather than a "added-on" feature.
When driving on wet or otherwise slippery bitumen roads, the limitations of a part-time 4x4 become immediately apparent in comparison to those of a full-time 4x4. With only the rear wheels receiving power rather than all four, electronic traction and stability control systems are put under greater stress to prevent wheel spin and skidding.
Since full-time 4x4 can be used on any road, it doesn't take any special knowledge to operate, while part-time 4x4 requires the driver to assess the slickness of the road before deciding whether or not to engage high-four, which could damage the transfer case.
Therefore, less experienced or less knowledgeable drivers benefit more from full-time 4x4, as it reduces the amount of decision making required of the driver in varying (dry to wet; sealed to unsealed) road conditions.
Stocks asserts that the rankings are an indispensable resource for those looking to purchase a pre-owned car.
A one-star rated vehicle is roughly twice as likely as a five-star rated vehicle to kill or seriously injure a driver in an accident.
Some five-star Safer Pick vehicles that offer the best injury protection for all road users are available for less than $10,000, proving that safety and affordability can go hand in hand when shopping for a used car.
Conclusion
Put safety first when shopping for a new or used ute. Find the safest ute by contrasting the van's safety features and star rating with those of other utes. If you're in the market for a used dual cab ute in Australia, these recommendations will help you save money. Every single one of these cars has two ISOFIX anchor points in the rear seat for installing a child safety seat. The standard features on the base model include six airbags, ESC, EBD, rear-end collision avoidance, and tyre pressure monitoring.
From ANCAP, the BT-50 scored 35.72 out of a possible 37 points. The BT-50 GT dual cab, the top of the line model, has six airbags. There are no state-of-the-art safeguards present, such as Automatic Emergency Braking or other means of reducing the likelihood of a collision. In July 2015, the Nissan Navara was tested by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), where it received a score of 35.01 out of a possible 37 points. A pair of front airbags, side airbags for the chest and head, and a knee airbag for the driver are all included as standard.
There isn't a single Triton model that has cutting-edge safety features like automatic emergency braking or lane keeping assistance. The Amarok offers a smooth and relaxing ride on the road and is equipped with sufficient power to get you where you need to go. All-wheel drive is standard on the Amarok, and there's also an automatic transmission available. When looking for a used dual cab ute, you should prioritise its storage capacity, engine power, gas mileage, safety features, off-road ability, and dependability. In the 1960s, electronic anti-lock brakes were created for the Concorde passenger jet.
The efficiency of your brakes can be greatly improved by using Brake Assist (BA), also known as EBA (emergency brake assist) or BAS (brake assist system). Wheel-speed sensors are integral to electronic traction control and electronic stability control. The amount of pressure used to stop the vehicle's wheels is automatically adjusted by the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system. Only vehicles with anti-lock brake systems (ABS) come equipped with brake assist (BA). Wheel-speed sensors, a hydraulic pump, and a valving system are used in Electronic Traction Control (ETC).
The 1980s marked the introduction of electronic stability control (ESC) in the automotive industry. The system employs sensors to measure the steering angle, yaw, roll, and sideways acceleration. When ESC senses a skid or slide, it will take action by reducing engine torque or applying the brakes. The cause is often a tow rig that is not properly balanced. Whenever a car starts to drift out of its lane, Lane Keeping Assist will steer it back into the correct lane automatically.
Vehicles lurking in the back or side blind spots can be spotted with the help of blind-spot monitoring. If vehicles are approaching from the side, the driver will be notified by the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system. The acronym TPMS refers to a system that checks the tyre pressure of a vehicle. It can notify drivers of a tyre's low pressure long before the driver becomes aware of the issue. For use with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), a vehicle uses radar and/or laser technology to "see" and avoid potential collisions with objects in its path.
Unlike AEB, a forwards collision warning system cannot automatically apply the brakes in the event of a collision, only warn the driver. Full-time 4x4 is especially useful for inexperienced or poorly informed drivers because it minimises the need for them to make split-second decisions in changing (dry to wet) road conditions.
Content Summary
- Compare the van's safety features and star rating to other ute's to see which one is the safest.
- It's a handsome pickup, fun to drive, and surprisingly secure, all of which contribute to its continued dominance of the sales charts.
- Enhanced safety features, such as a tyre-pressure-monitoring system, adaptive cruise control with forwarding collision alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver-impairment monitor, are not included in the base model but are either standard or optional on the higher trim levels.
- All models (aside from the single cabs) come equipped with two ISOFIX anchor points in the back seat for securing a child safety seat in place.
- The Wildtrak (starting at $60,090 for the car, excluding on-roads) is the best of the bunch because it comes standard with a slew of safety technology, including a reversing camera, and allows you to upgrade to the cutting-edge technology described above through its "Tech Pack" options.
- Several safety features are available on the Triton.
- Unfortunately, no Triton model offers advanced safety equipment like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, or a tyre pressure monitoring system, all of which we think would be useful.
- If you like your dual-cab utes to be roomy, no-nonsense, and powerful, then look no further than the Volkswagen Amarok.
- Dual cab utes are a competitive and popular market in Australia, meaning there's likely to be an option that suits your requirements.
- It is true that electronic stability control (ESC) is one of the most important safety advancements, but it is not what you want in a 4x4 if you plan on going off-roading in sandy or muddy conditions.
- However, Lane Keeping Assist differs from Lane Departure Warning.
- TPMS, which stands for "Tyre Pressure Monitoring System," uses pressure sensors installed in each wheel to monitor the air pressure of the vehicle's tyres.
- The Australian government plans to make Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) mandatory on all new cars sold in the country by the early 2020s, and this technology is already making its way into dual-cab utes.
- A forwards collision warning system, unlike AEB, can only alert the driver to a potential collision; it cannot apply the brakes.
- Full-time 4x4 offers a considerable safety benefit over part-time 4x4, and is a key safety divide in today's dual-cab ute market, but it is often overlooked as a safety feature, perhaps because it is mechanical and not electronic, and a "built-in" rather than a "added-on" feature.
- When driving on wet or otherwise slippery bitumen roads, the limitations of a part-time 4x4 become immediately apparent in comparison to those of a full-time 4x4.
- Some five-star Safer Pick vehicles that offer the best injury protection for all road users are available for less than $10,000, proving that safety and affordability can go hand in hand when shopping for a used car.