Tradies Reviews

The Ford Ranger XLS is a standalone dual-cab 4x4 option in the line-up, slotting in between the the XL and XLT grades. It offers plenty of likeable attributes and comes in at an appealing price tag. So what's it like with a load in the back? We found out.

The venerable HiAce is the firmly entrenched sales leader in Australia's mid-sized (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van market. That's a remarkable achievement given the last new model was launched in 2004. So, given that 15 years have passed since then, the long wait for its replacement this year has been worth it because Toyota clearly hasn't become complacent.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has achieved icon status. It’s the ute people refer to as the one they want when you ask them… well, that or the Raptor. That station used to be the realm of the SR5 HiLux.But it’s more than just a kooky variant name - it’s the fact the Wildtrak is based on a benchmark ute in the segment, the Ford Ranger - but with some flashy elements inside and out that separate it from the rest of the range. Dual-cab utes like this one have become a solution to everyone’s problems. These vehicles are so versatile, so useful, and so popular that they’re becoming a default for people out there who just want a ute that can do anything for them.So does the Wildtrak offer everything a ute buyer would want? And what’s it like when it comes to actual ute duties? We put some weight in the back to find out.

The mid-size (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van segment is one of the most competitive in Australia's new vehicle market. In 2019, a new contender has joined the battle in the form of Peugeot's Expert van.

There's no denying the Australian 4x4 ute market is one of the most diverse and competitive in the world right now, with 16 different models representing 13 different brands.

Australia’s 4x2 ute market is dominated by the Toyota HiLux. It’s a favourite for many tradies, small business operators and government/private fleets due to its brand familiarity, load-carrying ability, reliability, variety of body configurations and resale value. And, no doubt, Toyota’s proven success in maintaining and growing fleet business.In 2019 the HiLux commands more than 36 per cent of the local 4x2 ute segment. However, unlike the battle to be top dog in 4x4 ute sales, Toyota’s closest 4x2 competitor is not Ford’s Ranger but Isuzu’s venerable D-Max, which currently attracts more than 13 per cent of sales. We recently trialled a one tonner from the D-Max 4x2 range to find out why it’s such a strong performer in this workhorse-focused market.

The 2019 Ford Transit Custom 300S short wheelbase van arrives in an already busy market segment. It has always had a loyal following, however, the Transit has consistently been overshadowed by Toyota's HiAce and the like.

The Nissan Navara range is wide, and the RX is the most affordable version in the mix. You can get it as a single cab, king cab or dual cab, and with the choice of a tray or a tub. How does it stack up as a budget-conscious choice for tradies? We put some weight in the tray and did a few hundred kays to find out.

The lack of a cab-chassis variant could well be a factor in the relatively small Australian sales of the Fiat Ducato, which with only 5.0 per cent market share currently sits near the bottom of a long list of quality competitors. So, is this largely the result of not offering a cab-chassis variant, or are there others factors at work? We recently put a Ducato through its paces to find out.

Australians don't normally associate utes with Korea given that its most prominent automotive brands, Hyundai and Kia, do not offer such a popular vehicle.