Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial
24 Jun 2021
1 min read

After a very busy 2020, it’s no surprise there aren’t a lot of new utes due to be released in Australia in 2021 – well, ones we know about at the time of writing.

That said, a couple of the models that are on the way are no less significant. In fact, they will play significant roles for the brands they represent. Read on.

01. Nissan Navara - February

Building on the styling cues from the just-unveiled MY21 Navara PRO-4X, the 2024 replacement is likely to look even tougher.
Building on the styling cues from the just-unveiled MY21 Navara PRO-4X, the 2024 replacement is likely to look even tougher.

The Nissan Navara has undergone a significant midlife facelift, and it entered showrooms in February. And yes, we meant it when we say significant.

The ute’s front end has been redesigned with a tougher look that sees it take the fight to even its fiercest rivals. That said, there's plenty more to the nip and tuck...

Read More: 2021 Nissan Navara pricing and specs detailed: PRO-4X dual-cab ute sets sights on Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota HiLux SR5
Read More: Nissan Navara 2021 review

02. Jeep Gladiator - June

Another new-generation ute has tweaked its line-up, with the Jeep Gladiator adding losing its Sport S grade but gaining a Night Eagle version as part of an update that landed in June.

Previously the mid-range offering, the latter now serves are the entry-level variant, giving buyers a more highly specified, albeit more expensive, base Gladiator.

Read More: 2021 Jeep Gladiator price and features: Boosted payload capacity for Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Ram 1500 rival

Jeep Gladiator

From
$43,890

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

03. Ram 1500 - May

The new-generation Ram 1500 was large and in charge when it went on sale in May. Just like their predecessors, the full-size pick-ups will be locally ‘remanufactured’.

But the really big news is what’s under their bonnet: a thumping 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine.

Read More: 2021 Ram 1500 pricing and specs detailed: New-gen V8-powered pick-up truck arrives to tempt you away from Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux

Ram 1500

7.1/10
From
$60,280

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

04. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD - Late 2021

In late 2021, the new-generation Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD will enter newly established GMSV showrooms after being locally remanufactured. Sound familiar? We thought so.

This full-size pick-up has the established 332kW/1234Nm 6.6-litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8 in tow, with it now mated to a 10-speed Allison torque-converter automatic transmission.

Read More: HSV officially replaced by GMSV! Chevrolet Silverado 1500 now in showrooms, 2500 and Corvette Stingray due late 2021

Chevrolet Silverado

From
$108,130

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

05. Mazda BT-50 Thunder - April

Mazda finally got into the flagship ute game in April when it released the BT-50 Thunder. Yep, this new model takes its name from the famous Holden Ute of yesteryear.

While the BT-50 Thunder ups the ante with a series of off-road-focused upgrades, including a single-hoop steel bullbar, it doesn't come with the much-anticipated upgraded engine.

Read More: 2021 Mazda BT-50 pricing and specs detailed: New Thunder flagship arrives to take on D-Max X-Terrain and Ranger Wildtrak with Holden Ute name!
Read More: Mazda BT-50 2021 review: Thunder off-road test

Mazda BT-50

7.9/10
From
$39,380

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

06. Volkswagen Amarok W580 - May

The ageing Volkswagen Amarok got a whole lot spicier in May, with the Walkinshaw-developed W580 becoming its new flagship. And yes, it seriously means business.

The W580 stands out from the Amarok crowd with its lifted suspension, unique wheel and tyre package, and twin-tune dampers... and it gets a very familiar 200kW/580Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

Read More: 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580 pricing and spec detailed: Aussie-developed Ranger Raptor and Navara N-Trek rival gets a pricetag!
Read More:  Volkswagen Amarok 2021 review: W580

Volkswagen Amarok

7.5/10
From
$39,270

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

07. SsangYong Musso - July

SsangYong's Musso ute hasn't made as much noise as the South Korean brand probably would've hoped for since its relaunch, but it will double down with the release of a facelifted model in July 2021.

There's no mistaking the new Musso for the old thanks to its front-end redesign, which cuts a much more striking impersonation. That said, Australia misses on the gruntier turbo-diesel engine.

Read More: 2022 SsangYong Musso price and features: Budget-friendly Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton alternative steps up with facelift

Ssangyong Musso

From
$25,300

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial
Justin’s dad chose to miss his birth because he wanted to watch Peter Brock hopefully win Bathurst, so it figures Justin grew up to have a car obsession, too – and don’t worry, his dad did turn up in time after some stern words from his mum. That said, despite loving cars and writing, Justin chose to pursue career paths that didn’t lend themselves to automotive journalism, before eventually ending up working as a computer technician. But that car itch just couldn’t be scratched by his chipped Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7), so he finally decided to give into the inevitable and study a Master of Journalism at the same time. And even with the long odds, Justin was lucky enough to land a full-time job as a motoring journalist soon after graduating and the rest, as they say, is history. These days, Justin happily finds himself working at CarsGuide during the biggest period of change yet for the automotive industry, which is perhaps the most exciting part of all. In case you’re wondering, Justin begrudgingly sold the Golf R (sans chip) and still has plans to buy his dream car, an E46 BMW M3 coupe (manual, of course), but he is in desperate need of a second car space – or maybe a third.
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