Ute News

With the vast majority of utes being diesels, are Australians breathing in more noxious fumes now than 15 years ago? After all, back in 2010, most utes were either of the smaller one-tonne variety or lighter car-based locally-made Holden and Ford Falcon-based models with six-cylinder/V8 petrol options. To find out if Australians breathed easier 15 years ago, we’re comparing the top-three sellers of 2010 with their modern equivalents.

We have just gotten our first proper look at the powertrain that will likely propel the Kia Tasman out of the diesel era, with heavy reporting that the brand is plotting a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain for its dual-cab ute in 2026.

Ford’s new ute is going to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, at least according to Ford’s global boss Jim Farley.

Australian new-car sales had another bumper month, with about 106,000 vehicles landing in driveways in September.

A US pick-up has joined the brewing warranty war.Chevrolet has announced a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty across its Silverado range to boost buyer confidence.This new warranty scheme offers a two-year increase from the previous three-year warranty. It applies to all three Silverado models sold from 1 October 2025, which includes the base 1500 LTZ to the 1500 ZR2 and the top-of-the-range 2500 HD.It also comes with five years 24/7 roadside assistance.The changes coincide with a price rise of $4500 to the Silverado 1500.The Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium now kicks off at $134,500 (before on-road costs) and the Silverado 1500 ZR2 now starts at $144,900.There is no equipment change for the LTZ Premium, but the ZR2 gets new exterior paint options and front park assist tech.The Silverado has been a popular choice in the high-end ute market with more than 2500 sales of the 1500 up to August 2025.Once imported to Australia, the American-built ute is adapted to right-hand drive in a Melbourne factory.A five-year warranty brings the Silverado into line with many of its competitors including Ford’s F-150 and the Toyota Tundra. It beats RAM’s pick-up range, which offers three years/100,000km.The Silverado’s warranty isn't groundbreaking and is now considered industry standard.Warranties are becoming an ever-more valuable selling point for car companies, with many brands advancing their schemes. Kia and Hyundai now offer seven-year warranties, while MG, Nissan and Mitsubishi has a ten-year conditional option. These conditional warranties are often subject to factors such as on-time and regular dealer-based servicing for them to apply.The increased warranty represents greater trust from Chevrolet for its hard-working ute that is used in a variety of environments from off-roading to long-distance cruising.Managing Director of GM Australia and New Zealand Jess Bala said a longer warranty fits the multi-purpose nature of the vehicle.“We know how our owners love to use their Silverado, both during the working week and on the weekends, so introducing an unlimited-kilometre warranty is something we know they will love,” she said.“The Silverado is a vehicle with a reputation forged by strength, durability and trust, and its passionate owners know they can rely on their truck to get the job done, no matter how tough. This change cements that reputation even further.”

Volkswagen will launch an all-new version of the Amarok that is completely unrelated to any previous ute wearing the famous badge. Due in 2027, it is expected to finally replace the ageing, 2H-series Amarok original launched in 2010, still in production in Argentina for the South American market and facelifted in 2024. But the really big news is that this will be a variation of the recently-released LDV (or Maxus) Terron 9 that’s also sold in Australia as the MG U9, courtesy of Chinese automotive conglomerate SAIC.

A new Toyota HiLux is just around the corner.

A ute that could finally take the fight to plug-in hybrid models like the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha is on the cards from an expected brand, with confirmation Zeekr has put the idea of a Lynk & Co ute on the table.

Prompted by this week’s announcement of an MG ute, here are some of today’s most egregious examples of new cars or latest models that might have their founders confounded, dazed or confused. And before firing off missives our way, we are not judging any of the listed vehicles’ merits; indeed, we admire their makers’ gumption and self-belief. Good for them!

Is the electric ute running out of charge already? Ram’s recent decision to scrap plans for an electric-powered version of its popular 1500 pickup may prove to be a turning point for the broader ute community.