| Model | Model Code | Release Year | Engine | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Fuel Efficiency (Combined) | Price (AUD) | Safety Rating | 0-100 km/h Time (seconds) | Wireless CarPlay | Units Sold (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux | N80/N70 | 2015 (facelift 2020) | 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo | 3,500 kg | 1,015 kg | 7.9 L/100 km | $40,000 – $70,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 10.7 seconds | No | 63,000+ |
| Ford Ranger | T6.2 | 2022 | 2.0L Bi-turbo diesel | 3,500 kg | 1,130 kg | 7.4 L/100 km | $45,000 – $80,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 9.0 seconds | Yes | 50,000+ |
| Ford Ranger Raptor | T6.2 | 2022 | 3.0L V6 twin-turbo petrol | 2,500 kg | 750 kg | 11.5 L/100 km | $86,000 – $95,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 6.0 seconds | Yes | Included in Ranger |
| Isuzu D-Max | RG | 2020 | 3.0L turbo diesel | 3,500 kg | 1,150 kg | 8.0 L/100 km | $40,000 – $70,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 10.0 seconds | No | 27,000+ |
| Mitsubishi Triton | MR | 2022 (new generation pending 2024) | 2.4L turbo diesel | 3,100 kg | 950 kg | 8.6 L/100 km | $35,000 – $65,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 10.5 seconds | No | 22,000+ |
| Mazda BT-50 | TF | 2020 | 3.0L turbo diesel | 3,500 kg | 1,065 kg | 8.0 L/100 km | $40,000 – $70,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 10.0 seconds | Yes | 12,000+ |
| Nissan Navara | D23 Series 5 | 2021 (facelift 2021) | 2.3L twin-turbo diesel | 3,500 kg | 1,104 kg | 7.9 L/100 km | $38,000 – $65,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 10.5 seconds | No | 15,000+ |
| Volkswagen Amarok | 3rd Gen | 2023 | 3.0L V6 turbo diesel | 3,500 kg | 1,110 kg | 8.4 L/100 km | $55,000 – $85,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 7.7 seconds | Yes | 6,000+ |
| GWM Cannon | NPW | 2020 | 2.0L turbo diesel | 3,000 kg | 1,050 kg | 9.4 L/100 km | $35,000 – $50,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 11.5 seconds | No | 8,000+ |
| LDV T60 Max | SK8C | 2021 (facelift) | 2.0L Bi-turbo diesel | 3,000 kg | 925 kg | 9.3 L/100 km | $30,000 – $50,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 10.6 seconds | Yes | 5,000+ |
| Jeep Gladiator | JT | 2020 | 3.6L V6 petrol | 2,721 kg | 693 kg | 12.4 L/100 km | $75,000 – $90,000 | 4-Star ANCAP | 8.1 seconds | Yes | 2,000+ |
| Ram 1500 | DT | 2021 | 5.7L V8 petrol | 4,500 kg | 800 kg | 12.2 L/100 km | $95,000 – $150,000 | 4-Star ANCAP | 6.1 seconds | Yes | 4,000+ |
| Chevrolet Silverado | 1500 (T1) | 2021 | 6.2L V8 petrol | 4,500 kg | 800 kg | 12.4 L/100 km | $120,000 – $150,000 | 5-Star ANCAP | 6.5 seconds | Yes | 1,000+ |
Market Leaders:
- Toyota Hilux maintains its reign at the top of the Australian ute market with 63,000+ units sold in 2023. Despite being an older model, having last received a significant facelift in 2020, its reliability, strong off-road capability, and solid reputation continue to appeal to buyers across trades, agriculture, and recreational markets. It’s no surprise that the Hilux remains the most popular choice for those seeking a dependable workhorse.
- Ford Ranger (T6.2) has firmly secured its position as the second-best-selling ute with 50,000+ units sold in 2023. The latest T6.2 platform, introduced in 2022, brings a more refined driving experience, better technology, and a more modern design. The availability of wireless Apple CarPlay, along with its range of high-spec trims, makes the Ranger a premium option among utes. Its strong sales reflect a continued rise in popularity, particularly among those who want both work and leisure in one vehicle.
Performance and Off-Road Standouts:
- Ford Ranger Raptor is the undisputed performance champion in the ute market, boasting a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and a blistering 0-100 km/h time of 6.0 seconds. It’s built for thrill-seekers and off-road enthusiasts who want maximum power and superior off-road capability. The Raptor is a true standout for those seeking a high-performance utility vehicle, making it an aspirational model for many ute buyers.
- Volkswagen Amarok (3rd Gen) has made a significant impact since its 2023 release. Built on the Ford Ranger platform, the Amarok offers a premium driving experience with its 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine, delivering a solid 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and refined on-road manners makes it a strong contender in the mid-to-premium ute market, with 6,000+ units sold so far. It’s an ideal option for buyers seeking luxury and practicality in one package.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives:
- LDV T60 Max continues to offer excellent value for money, especially after its 2021 facelift. With a 2.0L Bi-turbo diesel engine and wireless Apple CarPlay, the T60 Max appeals to buyers seeking modern tech features without the premium price tag. With 5,000+ units sold in 2023, it’s a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers who still want decent towing capacity and usability.
- GWM Cannon remains a solid choice in the budget ute segment. While it may not have the same premium appeal or performance as some of the bigger names, it still manages to provide adequate power with its 2.0L turbo diesel engine and a competitive towing capacity of 3,000 kg. With 8,000+ units sold, the GWM Cannon demonstrates that there’s still a strong demand for affordable work-ready vehicles with decent tech and performance features.
American Powerhouses:
- Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 continue to represent the American full-size ute category, offering massive towing capacities (4,500 kg) and impressive V8 powertrains. These models remain niche but are incredibly appealing to buyers who prioritize strength and towing capacity over fuel efficiency. The Ram 1500 sold 4,000+ units, while the Chevrolet Silverado saw 1,000+ units sold in 2023. Though expensive, they’re unmatched in their brute power and towing capabilities, making them favorites for heavy-duty applications and enthusiasts.
Upcoming Potential:
- Mitsubishi Triton is due for a new generation in 2024, and it’s one to watch. The current MR generation, although aging, still sold 22,000+ units in 2023, demonstrating its reliability and practicality. The upcoming redesign is expected to include significant improvements in styling, technology, and performance, potentially propelling it further up the rankings next year.
Technology Integration:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay has become a sought-after feature in the ute market, with premium models like the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, and even more budget-friendly options like the LDV T60 Max offering it as a standard or available feature. As more buyers demand seamless tech integration, utes without this feature, such as the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara, may feel pressure to catch up, especially as more tech-savvy customers enter the market.
Fuel Efficiency:
- While fuel efficiency remains a key consideration for many buyers, the market is still predominantly driven by diesel powertrains. Models like the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 offer relatively good fuel economy at around 8.0 L/100 km, making them appealing for buyers who want strong performance and decent mileage.
Final Thoughts:
The ute market in Australia is incredibly diverse, with options that cater to all types of buyers, from budget-conscious consumers to those seeking premium performance and luxury. The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger continue to lead the way in sales, while new models like the Volkswagen Amarok (3rd Gen) and budget options like the LDV T60 Max are carving out their own significant market share. The standout Ford Ranger Raptor represents the pinnacle of performance in the segment, while American heavyweights Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado dominate in terms of power and towing capacity.
As the market continues to evolve, particularly with expected electrification and new generation releases (like the Mitsubishi Triton), the next few years will likely see even more exciting developments in the Australian ute landscape.
