Nothing beats that new car feeling. But with plenty of brands, models, engine types and even colours to choose from, it can all prove a bit overwhelming. But if you find yourself drawn to the ute, which one should you be looking at a bit more closely? To help you find out which utility may be the car of your dreams, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries releases a monthly report on the top-selling cars in Australia, showing which models are proving most popular on our roads. Check this page for regular updates on the best-selling utes – including 4×4 and 4×2 models – with the February 2023 top-sellers listed below:
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Hilux
- Isuzu UTE D-MAX
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Mazda BT-50
- Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
- LDV T60
- Great Wall Cannon
- Nissan Navara
- RAM 1500
#1 Ford Ranger – 4,473 sales
With a line-up that originally consisted of the Single Cab, Double Cab and Super Cab XL models, Ford expanded the range with the XL, XLS, XLT, WildTrak and Raptor models for motorists to choose from. Including features such as an 800mm wading depth, e-Locking Rear Differential and Hill Descent Control, the latest Ford Ranger models may be enough to get you excited for an outback adventure.
Additional features SYNC3 integration, Smart Keyless Entry and a 4.2inch Multi-Function Display are included on most models, with each range available in both petrol and diesel engines. Selling over 4,400 models in February, Ford’s flagship is stilling proving to be quite a popular vehicle for Aussie motorists to get behind the wheel of.
#2 Toyota Hilux – 3,939 sales
The Toyota Hilux has consistently been the vehicle to beat, showcasing its popularity with Aussie motorists over the past few years. The Toyota Hilux sold under 4,000 units in February, indicating that it’s still very much a leader in the Australian market.
Within the Hilux range, motorists have plenty to choose from, including the single-cab WorkMate, the four-door SR as well as the off-road capable Rogue and Rugged X models, with petrol and diesel varieties additionally available. If you’re looking to customise your new car, you won’t be disappointed with the Hilux, with plenty of extras available to suit the drive to work or your next weekend adventure, with trays, canopies, bull bars and comfortable seating all available for purchase.
#3 Isuzu UTE D-MAX – 1,931 sales
Known for its range of commercial trucks, Japanese manufacturer Isuzu UTE has offered the flagship D-MAX model since 2002, with its range divided primarily into the SX and LS range, with an X-Terrain model also available. Selling over 1,900 units in February, Isuzu UTE is proving to be a popular option for those looking for a new ute.
With Crew Cab, Space Cab and Single Cab varieties available, most models pack a 3.0L diesel engine under the hood, with a turbocharger upgrade also available on select models. Coming with a 6speed automatic or manual transmission, the D-Max also has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity on select models, along with leather interior and an infotainment unit for driver and passenger comfort.
#4 Mitsubishi Triton – 1,376 sales
Mitsubishi’s primary utility option, the Triton has been a staple within the Japanese brand’s line-up, with the model selling over 1,300 units in February. With 4×2 and 4×4 models available, the Triton is primarily available in the GLX, GLX+, GLX-R and GLS varieties, with special edition models additionally available.
Most Triton models include features such as Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system, rear diff lock, heated seats and an electrochromatic rear view mirror, allowing for both increased comfort and safety, while drivers can expect bull bars, sports bars and additional wheel sizes and rims available to add-on, depending on your tastes and budget.
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#5 Mazda BT-50 – 1,240 sales
First produced in 2006, the Mazda BT-50 is the Japanese brand’s only utility model, and sold over 1,200 units in February. Now in its third generation, the BT-50 is available in a single cab, freestyle cab, dual cab, 4×2 and 4×4 models, giving you plenty of options to find the ideal fit for your lifestyle.
With features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Trailer Sway Control to keep your load stable when driving, along with Dynamic Stability Control to help you in control, the BT-50 also comes with a range of accessories to be purchased if you’re really looking to make it your own. Other features also include reverse camera, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather seats, keyless entry and Sat Nav, although these features are only available on select models.
#6 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series – 761 sales
As one of Toyota’s longest running models, it’s no surprised that the LandCruiser has made its way into the utility market, with the popular 70 Series one of the top-selling 4×4 models in Australia. Powered by a 4.5L turbo diesel engine, the 70 Series ute can produce over 150kW of engine output, and has a 5speed manual transmission, and sold over 700 units in February.
Available as a single cab, double cab, troop carrier or wagon, the 70 Series can be further broken down into the WorkMate, GX and GXL varieties, with all models including halogen headlamps, air-intake snorkel, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC) in addition to a 6.1inch touchscreen multimedia display with sat-nav, ideal whether you’re staying on the bitumen or heading off-road.
#7 LDV T60 – 752 sales
Otherwise known as the Maxus T60, the LDV T60 ute has been on Aussie shores since 2017, with the ute available in the Pro or Luxe models. Each model is available with a manual or automatic transmission, with all T60 utes powered by a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine, capable of a maximum output of 160kW, and sold over 700 units in February.
Available with 17inch alloy wheels, the T60 also comes equipped with LED daytime running lights, Hill Descent Control, a 10.25inch touchscreen entertainment system and six speakers for your music. You can also expect two USB ports, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, with a 360-degree panoramic camera and leather seat trims on the Luxe model.
#8 Great Wall Cannon – 718 sales
One of the latest offerings from the Great Wall brand, the Cannon – otherwise known as the P Series or simply as the GWM Ute – looks to replace the Steed in the Australian market as the flagship model. Available only as a dual cab, the Cannon is available as a base model, the Cannon-L or the Cannon-X, depending on your needs.
Selling over 700 units in February, the Cannon also features a 1-tonne payload and 3-tonne braked towing capacity, in addition to a 2.0L diesel engine, coupled with an 8speed automatic gearbox. With 4×4 models additionally available, you’ll be able to enjoy off-road adventures, with a 9inch touchscreen infotainment unit available across the range, with all models similarly featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
#9 Nissan Navara – 534 sales
First rolling off the production line in 1985, the Nissan Navara has proven a popular ute for Aussies, with over 500 units selling in February. In its third generation, the Navara is available in a number of models, including SL, ST, ST-X and N-TREK, with 4×2 and 4×4 models available in the range.
Coming with features such as Hill Start Assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Nissan Intelligent Mobility to keep you running smoothly, the Navara also has a 3,500kg towing capacity on all models, helping you to take what you need, whether it’s for the weekend or the worksite. Additionally, the Navara comes equipped with an Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) to deliver equal power to both rear wheels to boost traction over tricky terrain, the Nissan Navara may be just the weekend companion you’ve been looking for.
#10 RAM 1500 – 501 sales
The American brand lives up to the stereotype, with the ute larger than life, making it stand out on Aussie roads. Selling just over 500 units in February, the RAM 1500 is the baby of the Australian RAM range – and known as simply the ‘pickup’ in US markets – and is available as the Express, Warlock and Laramie model, with a Limited Edition model also available.
The Express features a 5.7L V8 engine, 8speed auto transmission, tinted glass windows, rear privacy glass, heated folding side mirrors, a 5.7L cargo tub on the back, 20inch wheels, two USB ports, a 7inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, an 8.4inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Sat-Nav, as well as remote keyless entry and dusk-sensing headlights.
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Which ute should I buy?
While often considered the go-to for the worksite, the humble ute has merged lanes into the school run, the weekend adventure, as well as the casual Sunday drive, meaning it’s not just for tradies anymore. In saying that, there’s plenty of workhorses available for those on the tools, while luxury brands have also expanded their range to accommodate those who prefer a bit of extra storage space with their creature comforts.
Regardless of which brand and model you’ve got your heart set on, it’s best to look into all of your options and keep an eye out for bargains, as you don’t want to be taken for a ride when it comes to the price tag. But you won’t be left waiting in the ute market. The only downside? You’ll be asked to help your mates move house. But if you can live with that, then a ute may be your next set of wheels.
Photo Credit: Ford
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