Best utes arriving in 2022

The past year may have been relatively quiet on the ute new-model front, but that hasn't stopped their popularity hitting fresh heights.

Expect this trend to continue well into 2022, thanks to a raft of important changes that every potential buyer needs to know about before they make an informed decision.

Note that timing is subject to change, particularly due to the semiconductor shortage and other factors that impact global production, but otherwise – without further ado – here are the best utes for 2022.

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01. Ford Ranger - July
02. Isuzu D-Max - January
03. Mazda BT-50 - February
04. Volkswagen Amarok W580X - May
05. Other new models coming in 2022
06. New models arriving in 2023

01. Ford Ranger - July

Ford’s next-generation Ranger is on sale from mid-2022, with more extensive changes and upgrades than previously thought.

Over half a decade in development in Australia, key differences include new sheetmetal, a redesigned cabin, a larger load area, broader diesel powertrain choices - including a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit to replace the old 2.2L, a carryover 2.0L twin-turbo to replace the old 3.2L five-cylinder engine, and big 3.0L V6 flagship - improved transmissions, an overhauled platform featuring a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, bigger wheels; a more advanced four-wheel-drive system option, four-wheel disc brake availability and greater towing capability.

Along with sizeable steps forward in safety, interior comfort, climate-control effectiveness, overall refinement, multimedia technologies, practicality and convenience features, there's now a completely redesigned load area that can finally hold a standard Australian palette, so the new-gen Ranger will be in peak form to fight its arch-enemy Toyota HiLux for sales supremacy. Let the battle begin.

Ford Ranger

8.2/10

From

$32,450

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

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Pricing and specs

For sale

02. Isuzu D-Max - January

One of Australia's most popular utes of 2021 will finished undergoing a mild makeover in January 2022 with extra safety and more equipment, as well as additional grades, designed to keep it at the pointy end of the segment.

Prices rise as a result, although so does choice, since a new-for-Australia 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel slots in at the bottom of the range, to broaden the Thai-made D-Max's affordability for those who can't quite stretch to the continuing 3.0-litre versions.

Additionally, there are more models to choose from, in both 4x2 and 4x4 styles.

Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 2022 review: off-road test

Isuzu D-Max

8.5/10

From

$45,540

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

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Pricing and specs

For sale

03. Mazda BT-50 - February

Like its Isuzu D-Max twin, the Mazda BT-50 flies into 2022 with a raft of equipment and safety specification modifications, as well as a host of additional versions in both 4x2 and 4x4 flavours.

From January, the cheapest of the range also gains a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, making the Thai-built ute more accessible (and appealing) than before.

That said, the majority of grades continue with the big 3.0-litre version. As with the Isuzu built alongside it, the MY22 BT-50 changes are said to be the result of customer feedback.

Mazda BT-50 2022 review: XS 1.9, plus SP

Mazda BT-50

7.8/10

From

$35,090

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

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Pricing and specs

For sale

04. Volkswagen Amarok W580X - May

The W580X is the first-generation Volkswagen Amarok's swansong, offering off-road biased styling, engineering and equipment upgrades created to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor, Nissan Navara Pro-4X and Toyota HiLux Rugged X from April 2022.

The changes have been carried out by local tuning outfit Walkinshaw, and strive to make the strident V6-powered W580X the most formidable Amarok ever offered in Australia.

That is, until the all-new, Ford Ranger-based second-generation ute gains a similarly-focused grade, usurping the Volkswagen from Argentina.