Australians buy more utes per capita than any other country. Whether it's for work, towing, or the weekend, we ranked every ute on the metrics that matter.
Best Overall: Ford Ranger
The Ranger wins on refinement, tech, and towing capability. The 3.0L V6 turbo diesel (Wildtrak X, Raptor) delivers 600Nm. the most torque of any ute. The 10-speed auto is the best transmission in the segment. Pro Trailer Assist makes it the easiest ute to tow with.
Best Reliability: Toyota HiLux
The HiLux's reputation isn't just marketing. it's backed by decades of abuse in mining, farming, and construction. The 2.8L turbo diesel is simple and proven. Resale value is the best of any vehicle in Australia. If you're buying for work, the HiLux is the lowest-risk choice.
Best Value: Isuzu D-Max
The D-Max undercuts the Ranger and HiLux by $2,000-5,000 while matching them on towing (3,500kg) and safety (5-star ANCAP). The 3.0L turbo diesel is one of the most reliable in the segment. Isuzu's 6-year warranty is competitive.
Best Off-Road: Ford Ranger Raptor
The Raptor is in a class of its own for off-road capability. Fox Live Valve suspension, 283mm ground clearance, 850mm wading depth, and the 3.0L V6 twin-turbo diesel with 600Nm. It's the most capable factory off-road ute you can buy.
Best Budget: GWM Cannon
From ~$36,000 driveaway for a loaded dual cab 4x4. The Cannon offers features that cost $50k+ in a Ranger. leather seats, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise. The 2.0L turbo diesel tows 3,000kg. The catch: resale and long-term reliability are unproven.
Electric Utes
The LDV eT60 and BYD Shark 6 are the first electric/PHEV utes in Australia. The Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid with 100km electric range and 2,500kg towing. For tradies doing mostly metro work with occasional towing, it could save thousands in fuel annually.
Full electric utes with 3,500kg towing and 400km+ range are still 2-3 years away for Australia.
Use our Speed vs Range calculator to see how towing and speed affect EV ute range.
Full Ute Comparison Table
| Ute | Price From | Towing | Payload | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger XLT | $58,790 | 3,500kg | 1,003kg | 7.4L |
| Toyota HiLux SR5 | $60,150 | 3,500kg | 925kg | 7.6L |
| Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | $56,900 | 3,500kg | 965kg | 7.2L |
| Mitsubishi Triton | $47,540 | 3,100kg | 895kg | 7.6L |
| Nissan Navara | $48,490 | 3,500kg | 940kg | 7.8L |
| GWM Cannon | $36,490 | 3,000kg | 810kg | 8.0L |
Annual Running Costs
| Ute | Fuel/yr | Insurance | Service/yr | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger XLT | $2,055 | $2,100 | $840 | $4,995 |
| Toyota HiLux SR5 | $2,109 | $2,200 | $800 | $5,109 |
| Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | $1,998 | $1,900 | $750 | $4,648 |
| Mitsubishi Triton GSR | $2,109 | $1,700 | $700 | $4,509 |
| GWM Cannon | $2,220 | $1,500 | $640 | $4,360 |
The D-Max and Triton are the cheapest mainstream utes to run annually. The GWM Cannon wins on absolute cost but carries higher depreciation risk.
Warranty Comparison
| Ute | Warranty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | 5yr / unlimited km | Standard coverage |
| Toyota HiLux | 5yr / unlimited km | Extended warranty available |
| Isuzu D-Max | 6yr / 150,000km | Good for high-km users |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 10yr / 200,000km | Class-leading by far |
| Nissan Navara | 5yr / unlimited km | Standard coverage |
| GWM Cannon | 7yr / unlimited km | Strong for a budget brand |
Mitsubishi's 10-year / 200,000km warranty is class-leading and a major reason to consider the Triton, especially for trade use where km add up fast.
Single Cab vs Dual Cab
- Single Cab. maximum tray length (~2,400mm), higher payload, designed for tradespeople and fleet use. No rear seats.
- Dual Cab. 5 seats, shorter tray (~1,500mm), family-friendly. Outsells single cab 4:1 in Australia.
- Space Cab / Extra Cab. small rear seats for occasional use, longer tray than dual cab. A compromise.
If you need the ute purely for work and carry tools/materials daily, single cab gives you more usable tray space. For everything else, dual cab is the practical choice.
Towing Tips for Ute Buyers
- Check GCM, not just towing capacity. Gross Combined Mass = vehicle weight + payload + trailer weight. You can exceed towing capacity while being within GCM limits
- Electric brakes are legally required for trailers over 750kg in Australia
- Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is essential for caravans. it prevents tail sag and improves stability
- Ball weight matters. most utes have a 350kg towball limit. An overloaded towball makes the ute unstable
- Transmission cooler. if you tow regularly in hot conditions, factory-fitted transmission coolers (standard on Ranger, HiLux) extend gearbox life
5-Year Resale Value
| Ute | 5yr Retention | $ Retained on $60k |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota HiLux | 63% | $37,800 |
| Ford Ranger | 58% | $34,800 |
| Isuzu D-Max | 55% | $33,000 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 50% | $30,000 |
| Nissan Navara | 45% | $27,000 |
| GWM Cannon | ~40% | $24,000 |
The HiLux is the undisputed king of ute resale. Read our full depreciation guide for more detail.
Compare these cars yourself
200+ specs, fuel costs, safety ratings, braking distance, and speed vs range calculator.
Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (1 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 1 April 2026
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