What is the most reliable 4×4 ute?

Dual cab utes are a true Aussie favourite. And there's a good reason for that. When you think of a dual cab ute, a few things likely come to mind right away. These include the words "rugged," "reliable," "powerful," and "refined," as well as the phrase "a real workhorse."

These days, the very best dual-cab utes include all of these features that we have come to expect, in addition to adding some touches of class and style that are well deserved. This indicates that because there is such a wide variety of high-quality dual-cab utes available to choose from in Australia, it is likely that there is one that is suitable for your needs. Check out our picks for the best used dual-cab utes for families in Australia, even though the term "best" can mean different things to different people when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.

Because there is such a wide variety of options available, there is an extensive selection of pre-owned dual-cab utes that are of a high standard. When looking for the ideal dual cab ute for your needs, you will, of course, want to give careful consideration to a number of criteria, including the amount of space available for storage, the amount of power available, the fuel economy, the level of safety, and the level of dependability.

According to the panel of experts who chose the winners of Australia's Best Cars 2018, those in the market for a four-wheel-drive dual-cab pickup truck shouldn't look any further than the Ford Ranger XLT. The award goes to the well-known Ford model, which prevailed over the Volkswagen Amarok and the Toyota HiLux.

In order to provide potential purchasers with the most helpful and comprehensive review possible before making a purchase decision, Australia's Best Cars puts well-known makes and models through their paces in fifteen distinct categories. The value for money, design and function, and performance on the road are the three primary criteria that are utilised by the judges in the decision-making process.

Here's how the Ford Ranger took the top spot:

Ford Ranger XLT 3.2

Ford's current best-seller is the Ranger, which also regularly places first or second in its class in sales. It has been the best-selling 4x4 dual cab ute in Australia since the program's inception in 2013 and has won multiple awards for it. The eighth generation of the Toyota HiLux dethroned it in 2015, the only other time it had happened.

In 2018, the Ranger was already looking promising after being updated, and that was before the Blue Oval announced a new five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty for new vehicles delivered as of May 1. Even before the Blue Oval offered the warranty, the Ranger's 2018 prospects looked good. Since this news broke just before the start of the testing week for the top students in each class, it gave the Ranger an almost insurmountable advantage.

Our most expensive pick-up trucks are the Ranger XLT and the Toyota HiLux SR5. The Ford's depreciation, operating costs, and repair bills are about average for the class, as are its insurance premiums. Standard features are adequate, and the Holden Colorado LTZ is the only available trim level that provides even more features at a slightly lower price.

Full-length side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, front and rear park sensors, a rear diff-lock, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, side steps, a sports bar, Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) radio, navigation, and tyre pressure monitoring are all standard on the XLT. A rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, a rear differential lock, and more are also included. Ford's latest SYNC 3 infotainment and communication system is built in as well, and it's got a colour touchscreen that's eight inches big and supports "pinch and swipe" gestures, so you can use it with your voice.

A good towing capacity and a practical layout are must-haves for any ute, and the Ranger meets both of these criteria. The XLT comes with the highest towing mass rating in its class (3500 kilogrammes) and the most standard equipment for towing (a towbar and trailer sway control). Our judging panel favoured a large tray with a standard tub liner, six load restraint eyes, a power outlet, load area lighting, and enough space for work or play. The Ford, like the Toyota HiLux, has a 230-volt inverter power outlet in the cabin.

The Ranger has class-leading cabin space and supportive seats in every row. The Ford Ranger's interior and exterior design have been praised for their superior craftsmanship. Its sleek design is evidence of the pickup truck's evolution from its utilitarian roots to its more refined present-day form.

The judges were once again impressed by the Ranger's 147 kW, 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine's performance in both road and off-road tests. It effortlessly handled the obstacles of our off-road test loop, which included towing a 500-kilogram payload and four burly ABC judges up a muddy, rutted, and steep path. A ferocious 470 Nm of torque allowed for delivery at RPMs between 1750 and 2500. The Ranger has proven itself off-road to be every bit as capable and accomplished as the top vehicles in its class.

Even though it was designed to work for a living and conquer challenging off-road terrain, the big Ford drives more like a car than you might think it would. The big Ford has a more substantial wheelbase, which is why this is the case. When compared to other vehicles in its class, the ride quality, handling, and steering are all superior.

Consumer interest in dual-cab utes in Australia remains high. The Ford Ranger XLT is representative of the flexibility, manoeuvrability, and civility available in modern dual-cab pickup trucks. This demonstrates once again the firm grasp it has on a social group that it has come to virtually own. Ford has announced that the 2019 Ranger will receive new, more powerful engines with torque ratings of up to 500 Nm, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, and advanced driver assistance features, among other upgrades.

VW Amarok TDI420 Core

The Volkswagen Amarok has consistently placed in the top spots in Australia's Best Cars competition for the dual cab 4x4 category, and it has once again proven to be a worthy adversary to the extremely successful Ford Ranger.

The Amarok's opening gambit appears to be sound enough, with the majority of value-for-money scores giving the Toyota and the HiLux something to compete with. It has a significant price advantage in the TDI420 Core specification, which also flows through to lower depreciation losses as a direct result. Ongoing expenses, such as maintenance and repairs, insurance premiums, and gasoline, are marginally lower as well. However, it does not match up to Ford's superior warranty or dealer spread, and the lower purchase price reflects a less generous standard features list than Ford's offering does.

The cargo tray of the Amarok is the most spacious of the bunch, and it can easily accommodate a standard Australian pallet in the space between the wheel arches. In addition to that, there is a cargo area light and a tailgate that can support up to 200 kilogrammes of weight. The maximum rated towing capacity of 3000 kilogrammes is lower than that of both the HiLux and the Ranger.

The Amarok's performance is surprising thanks to its bi-turbo diesel engine, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the engine does not quite match the grunt of its competitors' larger displacement engines. Off-road, the ute is able to perform well; however, we discovered that it is more likely to have clearance issues when traversing terrain with moguls and heavily rutted areas.

It continues to be one of the more refined and automobile-like options available in this category.

Toyota HiLux SR5

With the return of the Volkswagen Amarok to compete alongside the Ford Ranger, the 2015 champion Toyota HiLux SR5 has dropped to the bronze medal position.

With regards to what you get for your money, the HiLux and the Ford are pretty even. The Toyota warranty only extends to 100,000 miles, while Ford's new warranty covers you for five years and as many miles as you can put on your car.

Although our judges agreed that the backseat was less spacious than in the Ranger, they praised the new ventilation options that had previously been absent in the Ford. The vehicle's already strong ergonomic credentials are bolstered by features such as rear passenger B-pillar grab handles, push-button ignition and proximity entry, and a tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel (tilt-only is the norm on most in the class).

The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine delivers respectable on- and off-road performance and a more refined ride than the Ford. Our off-road test section was particularly challenging, with its steep inclines and muddy conditions, but the HiLux proved itself more than capable. This was the case regardless of whether the vehicle was empty or hauling 500 kilogrammes of cargo in the tray along with four people.

The maximum towing capacity of a HiLux with an automatic transmission is 3200 kilogrammes, which is less than Ford's 3500kg rating. In contrast, the Toyota HiLux SR5, which has been and remains a top pick in the 4WD dual cab segment, offers a lot of advantages.

Mercedes Benz X-Class

Mercedes-premium Benz's decision to end production of its pick-up truck shows that there is no sure thing in the U.S. auto market. What might be Merc's misfortune could turn out to be your good luck. German engineers imposed additional noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) measures on the Nissan Navara's platform, which contribute to a superior cabin compared to the norm for 4x4s.

The 3.0-liter V6 engine is suitably potent and refined, while the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate performance and fuel economy but is less than stellar. The latter's entry price of $73,000 was its biggest drawback; the premium Power model is listed at $79,200 plus on-roads. Some have argued that the original price of a Power should have been the current lower $70,000 driveaway price.

Mitsubishi Triton

This one is cheap for a reason. When put next to other vehicles of the same generation, like a Ranger or an Amarok, it looks positively dated. However, the 2.4-liter diesel is more refined than rival midfielders like the Navara and the D-Max, and the safety upgrades (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and AEB) that came with the front-end redesign are much appreciated. Both of those enhancements were standard issue.

The rear suspension can be tuned to improve handling, but keep in mind that the tub on dual-cab Tritons overhangs the rear axle more than on other utes, shifting some of the extra weight to the back of the vehicle when towing or carrying heavy loads. It's important to remember this. Provides no assistance in controlling the vehicle.

Mazda BT-50

The mystery surrounding the unloved Ranger's brother is fascinating. Given Mazda Australia's larger share of the local market compared to Ford Australia's, the BT-50, which was co-developed with the Ranger, should not be ignored to such a degree. But why exactly is that the case? The slightly feline front-end styling might not appeal to the blokey people who are the intended audience.

The situation is not helped by the fact that the BT-50 has been left out of significant parts of the Ranger's ongoing development, such as the switch to electric power steering assistance and the addition of additional safety systems. The once potent five-cylinder engine is now slower than many of the smaller-capacity fours in this class, and features that you might expect to be standard in the year 2020, such as a digital speedometer, push-button start, and radar cruise control, are not present. The unappreciated portion is suddenly much easier to understand.

Nissan Navara

It would be unfair to say that Nissan didn't work to improve the pickup truck's reliable rear suspension. The coil-sprung rear end of the D23 generation appears to have undergone more changes than Scott Morrison has spent days on the beach in Hawaii, but it is still not a benchmark for ride quality, composure, or load-carrying capacity. The good news is that under the hood is a twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder that, in conjunction with the seven-speed automatic transmission, provides lively performance, reasonable fuel economy, and respectable but not excellent refinement. The interior is equally polished, with a streamlined layout and an intimate, car-like vibe. Nonetheless, there is nothing particularly appealing about the seats (they are flat and lack contours) or the safety presentation. Surely, you can do better than this.

Holden Colorado

Since the Holden brand will be discontinued at the end of 2020, the Holden ute, which has historically been the fifth best seller in this category, is now considered to be a "Dead Man Walking." So, it's unclear why you'd want to buy one. The Colorado's 2.8-liter engine has strong low-end torque, and the vehicle's well-tuned steering and composed handling are the result of careful local chassis development. The Colorado is well-known to have some admirable characteristics.

If you can get past the interior's pervasive use of cheap plastics, the presentation is fine, and the functionality is excellent. However, it lacks crucial safety features like AEB and does not have the same level of overall polish as vehicles like the Ranger. Deal-breaker? Though possible, the likelihood of this happening is low due to the abundance of sellers offering deeply discounted items.

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500, despite its massive size and weight, is the vehicle that most closely resembles the Commodore and Falcon V8 utes that were once popular in Australia. It's an unusual claim to make, but it's the truth all the same. Its great-sounding Hemi V8 engine allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.0 seconds, making it much faster than a Raptor. However, it will use at least 16 litres of gas for every 100 kilometres driven in the city.

There is more room for passengers in the rear and a large cargo tray, but the limited parking options are offset by these generous proportions. The RHD conversion was done locally with great precision, and the vehicle's coil-sprung rear end gives it a very refined ride and handling on the road.

Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep ute will be available in the region sometime in the middle of the year, and it may be just the thing for those who enjoy driving across extremely rough terrain before disrobing. The Gladiator, like the Wrangler from which it was derived, allows you to lower the windscreen and even remove the doors using the tools that are provided, so you can enjoy a refreshing breeze over your private parts.

There is a noticeable improvement in stability and steadiness over the Wrangler's ride quality thanks to this vehicle's longer wheelbase. It has been confirmed that a gasoline V6 engine will be used, and that engine will be a 3.6-liter Pentastar. This motor is very refined and quiet, but it does not have a lot of torque and it likes to imbibe. All the necessary hardware for extreme off-roading operates without a hitch, and the vehicle is equipped with a silky-smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Jeep Australia has not yet commented on whether or not a diesel engine or manual transmission will be available for the vehicle. The former has the potential to impede some individuals' progress.

HSV Chevrolet Silverado

It's not always easy to prioritise between dimensions, costs, and torque output. How about we just call them "huge, huger, monstrous"? Five distinct trim levels are offered, with prices ranging from $115,000 to $148,000; all are powered by a monstrous turbo-diesel mill.

Its 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine can generate 332 kW of power and a whopping 1234 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission by Allison takes care of gear changes, and four-wheel disc brakes keep things stopping safely. You wouldn't buy one of these unless you needed to relocate Clive Palmer to greener pastures or tow a boat the size of a Sydney ferry, but the performance is fairly lively for the weight range of 3.5 to 3.7 tonnes.

SsangYong Musso

This model's availability in both short and long wheelbase configurations is a welcome novelty in the 4x4 ute market. The seven-year warranty is the longest in the market, and the product also has one of the largest trays. Both the coil and leaf spring rear suspensions are available, with the former supporting up to 880 kg of payload and the latter up to 1025 kg. With its relatively small 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle has the performance of a midfielder.

Nonetheless, it is noticeably more sophisticated and quieter than others. Automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert systems are all part of the standard package of safety features. Furthermore, the interior is quite comfortable. We should really be asking, "Why wouldn't you?" Aside from the oddity of the second-row centre seat only having a lap belt, the lack of an ANCAP crash test result is also unusual. If you're not careful with your finances, competitive pricing could cause you to question how much you care for your middle child.

Isuzu D-Max

Before 2017 when it was required to meet stricter Euro 5 emission regulations, Isuzu made no major changes to the D-Max. A new six-speed manual and automatic transmission were introduced along with an updated engine at that time (replacing the previous five-speeders.) In 2018, all SX, LS-U, and LS-T dual-cabs came standard with more compliant three-leaf rear springs, which were designed to improve the ride quality when the vehicle was not carrying any additional weight. This was just one of the many NVH upgrades and equipment upgrades that were implemented.

(LS-M models continue to use five-leaf springs.) Interior presentation certainly places more of an emphasis on function than on form, and the large 4JJ1 3.0-liter four-cylinder engine with its beefy timing chain is still a bit vocal when asked to work for its keep. However, the consistent sales suggest there is a willing market for a product with a well-established track record of being easy to use, inexpensive to maintain, and trustworthy. The D-Max may not have the show room polish of its rivals, but it will still get the job done when you really need it to.

There is currently no more compelling argument against purchasing a D-Max than the impending release of an entirely new model. When exactly the new D-Max will be available is unknown, but it could be as soon as July. The next-generation model, the first major redesign in eight years, will feature extensive upgrades to the vehicle's powertrain, exterior and interior styling, and an abundance of additional safety and convenience features.

LDV T60

Even though this Chinese bench warmer is on the cheap, that doesn't make him a glum person. Starting at $35,490 driveaway, the top-of-the-line LDV T60 Luxe automatic is priced at a significant discount from the competition by as much as $15,000. It's one of the few utes with rear disc brakes, its shocks are designed for Australian conditions, and its 10.0 inch infotainment screen is the largest in its class.

The MegaTub model, in particular, has a larger tray than any other dual-cab 4x4 in its class. So, if you must know, what is the catch? The 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine is a weasel, with output of 110 kW and 360 Nm and a usable powerband narrower than the distance between Mr. Burns' eyes. It's not just a slow vehicle, but it also makes a lot of noise when idling and hates going uphill. When travelling over rough terrain, the steering rack makes a rattling noise and gives a jolt to the vehicle. The LDV currently does not serve as a signal to enter the market, but rather focuses on future potential.

Mahindra Pik-Up

In this regard, the Mahindra Pik-Up shines. This is particularly important to Australians, who like to give the impression that they are getting a lot for their money. Its incredible value starts at $29,490 for the base S6 4x4, making the Pik-ace Up a huge bargain. As a company that got its start in the 1940s by assembling war-surplus Jeeps, Mahindra is familiar with the inner workings of a transfer case. This is further evidence of the genuine 4x4 competence on display.

In 2018, Mahindra gave the Up its third life, updating the chassis, powertrain, and cabin to make it more modern and appealing to a younger audience. Thus, the Pik-Up has an advantage over its rivals. The Pik-103 Up's kW and 320 Nm may not seem like much on paper, but in practise, it provides adequate power and isn't the worst in its class when it comes to fuel economy. A 2.2-liter diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox is the sole powertrain option (buyers interested in an automatic transmission will need to look elsewhere).

Some sacrifices are inevitable at this price point; however, it is cheap, has a good steering feel, and adds a lot of features to the top-tier S10 models (such as a 6.0-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, a rear camera, and cruise control). The ride is harsh and choppy when the car is empty, the interior is made almost entirely of hard plastics and won't win any awards for fit and finish, the wheel isn't reach adjustable, and the screen is only 6.0 inches in size. Additionally, the lack of an ANCAP crash rating is likely to raise some level of concern.

Great Wall Steed

This demonstrates that low-cost activities can still be enjoyable. Despite high-priced options like on-demand 4WD and rear disc brakes, the Steed is thousands of dollars cheaper than the Hilux and the Ranger (by about $13,000 and $17,000, respectively). Furthermore, the interior is luxurious, with heated leather front seats. Bluetooth, cruise control, an electric driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and tyre pressure monitoring are just some of the standard features. It will cost you $990 to purchase the satellite navigation system.

The Steed suffers from being based on antiquated technology, making it feel several generations behind its contemporaries in key areas such as handling when compared to newer rivals. The Steed can manage light off-road courses, but it is not as off-road capable as its mainstream competitors. This is due to its low-slung body and average wheel articulation.

When the going gets tough

We've called attention to the wide gap between the hauling capacities of our rivals, as well as the fact that each can tow different loads depending on a wide range of "other factors." All ten utes tested had adequate four-wheel-drive capabilities, it was found. It seems that not all dual-cab, four-wheel-drive utes are equal when it comes to off-road performance.

In contrast to our rugged competition, which uses a wide range of ladder-frame platforms, leaf- and coil-sprung rear ends, and transfer cases without a low range, our competitors' lack of ground clearance, articulation, and geometry becomes immediately apparent on the trail.

When you consider that many modern electronics are unnecessary complex, the difference between the best and the rest is as stark as day and night.

To compile this year's Dual-Cab 4WD Ute Comparison, we enlisted the help of Matt Brogan, editor of the car sales road test, and Rod Chapman, senior journalist. Both are used to taking their time over long distances due to their extensive background in testing various vehicles, including cars, SUVs, 4WDs, trucks, and motorcycles. In addition to using diff locks and tyre deflators, this test will also require the use of low-range crawl functions.

Instead of going to a four-wheel-drive park like we did last year, we took the utes to an abandoned quarry north of Melbourne to see how they would perform in a more realistic setting.

Our utes were given the chance to demonstrate their abilities (and limitations), and the Ford Ranger emerged victorious, making it the third time the Ranger has triumphed in this comparison.

Driving a hard bargain

All eight of our judges drove each ute around a standard road course in addition to the above-mentioned tasks.

Traveling through the stunning Macedon Ranges on a mix of sealed and unsealed roads, the dual-cab 4WD utes overcame hill and dale, an abundance of corrugations, and open highway. By going through this process, we were able to compare and contrast the ride and handling, driveline performance, and cabin comfort of our top ten competitors.

The Holden Colorado, with its locally-optimized tuning, was able to outscore the competition and take first place. All of our judges had nothing but high praise for the Colorado's stability, road-holding, comfort, and performance.

In the end, though, the Ford Ranger came out on top thanks to its five-year warranty, generous capped-price servicing provisions, and cheaper cost of consumable service parts. The Ford Ranger was compared to other vehicles in its class using this criteria.

No business like tow business

Towing is an obvious selling point for many double-cab 4WD utes, which is why so many manufacturers go to such great lengths to ensure a 3500kg braked towing limit — at least on paper. Towing is an obvious selling point for many double-cab 4WD utes. And while this might be a bit of a misnomer for some of the utes that are being tested – which are restricted by Gross Combination Mass, down ball weight, speed, and other factors – there are others that are a bit more forthright about what they are.

The braked towing capacity of the Toyota HiLux automatic models is 3200 kilogrammes, which is higher than the braked towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Triton, which is 3100 kilogrammes.

In some circumstances, the ability to tow at capacity is also affected by the total amount of weight that is contained within the ute itself; consequently, the tray must be left empty in order for capacity to be achieved. Because of this, we towed the trailer with an empty tray and a caravan that weighed very close to 3,000 kilogrammes.

Beasts of burden

The 'one-ton' (1000-kg) payload capacity that some manufacturers promote is misleading, just like the 'three-and-a-half-ton' (three-and-a-half-tonne) towing capacity that others promote. Only four of the utes that were built here have the legal capacity to carry one tonne in their trays; the towing capacities of the other six range between 790 and 961 kilogrammes.

Carrying capacity ratings aren't the only thing to consider in this scenario. The ability of our competitors to safely transport loads is obviously hindered by factors such as inadequate tie-down points, inadequate tray space, and suspension that isn't up to the task. The starting point for this examination was set at a manageable 650 kilogrammes.

It was helpful to distribute the load if the weight was positioned as centred and as far forwards as it could be in the bed. Because our test route followed the same undulating track that was used by our tow testers, and because the combination of terrain, speed, and surface allowed for an accurate reflection of what buyers might experience in the real world, we used this route for our tests.

The comfort zone

We all want a ute that is capable of carrying a load and going off-road, but in addition to those features, we also want one that is roomy, comfortable, and quiet (digitally measured, to be sure). We are increasingly interested in purchasing a pickup truck that is equipped with the most recent innovations in connectivity and convenience technology, as well as the most advanced electronic driver and chassis aids that can be found anywhere on the market.

This last point is the one that started to put a significant distance between the candidates who were in the lead on the test. In point of fact, while the vast majority of the utes were perfectly content to tow, haul, or perform off-road, only a select few of them provided the same level of ergonomic benefits and creature comforts that a family SUV does.

Because of this, it is no longer acceptable for us to deflect the issue by arguing, "yeah, but it's just a dual-cab." Customers in today's market want a car that can do everything imaginable. If they don't, customers will go elsewhere to do their shopping. The pursuit of creature comforts has supplanted loyalty as the highest priority.

Tim Britten, a senior contributing journalist who brings fifty years of experience to our comparison (the first ute he reviewed was the HK-series Holden!), evaluated the size and comfort of the cabin during this year's test. In terms of the product's usability and technological capabilities, it was our consumer editor, Nadine Armstrong, who made certain that no feature was overlooked in terms of evaluation.

Tim and Nadine chose the Mercedes-Benz X-Class as the winner of this category for the current year and awarded it with the prise.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's dual cab ute market is competitive and flourishing, so you're likely to find a model that meets your needs.
• Storage capacity, power, fuel efficiency, safety, off-road performance, and reliability are crucial aspects to take into account when buying a used dual cab ute.
• With all the toughness you'd anticipate from a dual cab ute, but without the high price tag, a used dual-cab ute can give you the best of both worlds.

One ute to rule them all

The Volkswagen Amarok (2017) and the Ford Ranger (2015), both previously owned dual-cab 4WD utes, have been rated as the best in comparisons of these vehicles by car dealers. The year 2017 marked the debut of both of these automobiles.

Both times, the winners narrowly beat out their rivals for the top prise, and this year's comparison is no different.

If you follow the links on this page, you'll learn that the 2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is once again the best off-road vehicle on the market, having previously held that title from Volkswagen.

The new bi-turbo four-cylinder engine in the Ranger Wildtrak has abundant torque and smooth acceleration, made possible by the equally refined 10-speed automatic transmission, which earned high praise from our panel of judges.

The Wildtrak's refined cabin, included equipment, and safety features earned high marks, and its off-road performance was praised for its ability to overcome obstacles that stopped competitors in their tracks. Ford's excellent customer support after the sale is just one more reason to buy a Ranger.

Conclusion

Australia's Best Cars has chosen the top pre-owned dual-cab utes in the country. The Ford Ranger XLT beat out the Volkswagen Amarok and the Toyota HiLux to claim first place. There is a wide variety of excellent quality used dual cab utes available. The Ford Ranger XLT has an industry-leading towing capacity (3500 kilogrammes). As of May 1, all new Ford vehicles will be covered by a five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, as announced by the Blue Oval.

Depreciation, maintenance, and repair costs for the Ford are about par for the course. For several years running, the Ford Ranger XLT has dominated the dual cab 4x4 category at Australia's Best Cars competition. The Ranger's 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine impressed the judges in both road and off-road tests, with 147 kW of power. Incredibly, the Amarok's bi-turbo diesel engine allows for surprising levels of performance. The engine's not quite as powerful as its rivals' larger displacement engines, though.

The ute can perform well off-road, but clearance problems are more common. The off-road and on-road performance of the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine is satisfactory. When equipped with an automatic transmission, the HiLux's maximum towing capacity falls short of Ford's 3500kg mark. Some of the extra weight is moved to the back of the Mitsubishi Triton because of its longer overhanging rear axle than that of competing utes. Many aspects of the Ranger's development have been conducted without BT-50's input.

When compared to many of the smaller capacity fours in this class, the once potent five-cylinder engine is now noticeably slower. The interior is just as well-designed, featuring a minimalistic layout and a cosy, automobile-like atmosphere. Although the Ram 1500 is much larger and heavier, it is most similar to the once-popular Australian Commodore and Falcon V8 utes. If you enjoy driving across extremely rough terrain before stripping down, the Jeep Gladiator might be for you. All five of the available trim levels are powered by a monstrous turbo-diesel engine and range in price from $115,000 to $148,000.

For a vehicle weighing between 3.5 and 3.7 tonnes, performance is quite peppy. The novelties of the short and long wheelbase versions of the SsangYong Musso are much appreciated. The D-Max may lack the gleaming exterior of its competitors, but it will still carry you through any emergency. The next-generation model's engine, exterior, and interior will all be significantly improved, and it will come with a plethora of new safety and convenience features. Mahindra brought the Up back for a third generation in 2018, updating the chassis, powertrain, and cabin.

On paper, the Pik-103 Up's kW and 320 Nm don't look like much, but in practise, they provide sufficient power and aren't the worst in their class in terms of fuel economy. It was discovered that all ten tested utes had sufficient four-wheel-drive capabilities. Due to its dated technology foundation, the Steed lags behind modern rivals in important ways like handling. Its average wheel articulation and low-set body contribute to this. The Holden Colorado scored higher than the other vehicles and came out on top.

Many consumers look for double-cab 4WD utes specifically for their ability to tow. The Ford Ranger won because of its five-year warranty, extensive capped-price servicing provisions, and lower cost of consumable service parts. Weight distribution was improved by putting the load as close to the bed's centre and as far forwards as possible. Only a few utes offered the same level of conveniences and ergonomic improvements as a family SUV. For this year, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has been deemed the best in its class.

Previously held by Volkswagen, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak has regained its position as the industry's premier off-road vehicle. The Ranger Wild Amtrak's bi-turbo four-cylinder engine and equally refined 10-speed automatic transmission provide ample torque and silky smooth acceleration.

Content Summary

• According to the panel of experts who chose the winners of Australia's Best Cars 2018, those in the market for a four-wheel-drive dual-cab pickup truck shouldn't look any further than the Ford Ranger XLT.
• The award goes to the well-known Ford model, which prevailed over the Volkswagen Amarok and the Toyota HiLux.
• Here's how the Ford Ranger took the top spot:Ford Ranger XLT 3.2
• Ford's current best-seller is the Ranger, which also regularly places first or second in its class in sales.
• It has been the best-selling 4x4 dual cab ute in Australia since the program's inception in 2013 and has won multiple awards for it.
• The judges were once again impressed by the Ranger's 147 kW, 3.2-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine's performance in both road and off-road tests.
• Ford has announced that the 2019 Ranger will receive new, more powerful engines with torque ratings of up to 500 Nm, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, and advanced driver assistance features, among other upgrades.
• With the return of the Volkswagen Amarok to compete alongside the Ford Ranger, the 2015 champion Toyota HiLux SR5 has dropped to the bronze medal position.
• The 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine delivers respectable on- and off-road performance and a more refined ride than the Ford.
• The maximum towing capacity of a HiLux with an automatic transmission is 3200 kilogrammes, which is less than Ford's 3500kg rating.
• Given Mazda Australia's larger share of the local market compared to Ford Australia's, the BT-50, which was co-developed with the Ranger, should not be ignored to such a degree.
• Ram 1500The Ram 1500, despite its massive size and weight, is the vehicle that most closely resembles the Commodore and Falcon V8 utes that were once popular in Australia.
• When exactly the new D-Max will be available is unknown, but it could be as soon as July.
• The next-generation model, the first major redesign in eight years, will feature extensive upgrades to the vehicle's powertrain, exterior and interior styling, and an abundance of additional safety and convenience features.
• Starting at $35,490 driveaway, the top-of-the-line LDV T60 Luxe automatic is priced at a significant discount from the competition by as much as $15,000.
• In this regard, the Mahindra Pik-Up shines.
• Its incredible value starts at $29,490 for the base S6 4x4, making the Pik-ace Up a huge bargain.
• The Steed can manage light off-road courses, but it is not as off-road capable as its mainstream competitors.
• All ten utes tested had adequate four-wheel-drive capabilities, it was found.
• Our utes were given the chance to demonstrate their abilities (and limitations), and the Ford Ranger emerged victorious, making it the third time the Ranger has triumphed in this comparison.
• The Holden Colorado, with its locally-optimized tuning, was able to outscore the competition and take first place.
• In the end, though, the Ford Ranger came out on top thanks to its five-year warranty, generous capped-price servicing provisions, and cheaper cost of consumable service parts.
• We all want a ute that is capable of carrying a load and going off-road, but in addition to those features, we also want one that is roomy, comfortable, and quiet (digitally measured, to be sure).
• evaluated the size and comfort of the cabin during this year's test.
• Storage capacity, power, fuel efficiency, safety, off-road performance, and reliability are crucial aspects to take into account when buying a used dual cab ute.
• If you follow the links on this page, you'll learn that the 2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is once again the best off-road vehicle on the market, having previously held that title from Volkswagen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH8VoN6Y7nQ