Ford Reviews

The growing popularity of mid-sized (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial vans that can carry up to six people, generically known as crew vans, has seen an increasing number of rivals from mainstream manufacturers with a second row of seats. These include Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Renault, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.There’s no argument that 4x4 dual cab utes are by far Australia’s most popular and versatile light commercial vehicles. However, not everyone needs high-riding off-road ability and some would happily trade that for more spacious rear seating and a huge fully-enclosed cargo bay to carry their crew and all their gear – be it for work or play.It's those two key attributes which present a compelling argument for crew vans – but which one would you choose? We’ve combined our most recent road test activity of three of Australia’s best examples from Toyota, Ford and Renault to see how they measure up in a side-by-side comparison.

The ute scene has seen some action in 2020, with the launch of an all-new Isuzu D-Max which is now paired to a brand-new Mazda BT-50. Those two fresh young things are up against the stalwart king of the dual cab utes - the Ford Ranger - in this comparison test. It's a very tight contest.

The ST-Line sits in the middle of the Ford Puma range with its list price of $32,340.

The ST-Line V sits at the top of the Ford Puma range with its list price of $35,540.

Remember the EcoSport? Nope? Good. Well the Ford Puma little SUV hopes to do what the EcoSport couldn't - be memorable and win you over. And it might do that, except there are just one or two things you should know

The top three contenders in the local medium-sized (2.5 to 3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van class are the Toyota HiAce followed by the Hyundai iLoad and Ford's Transit Custom.

Now with the hardcore Ford Focus RS hot hatch gone, is the Focus ST going to be enough for those looking for both performance and practicality?

The Ford Ranger should be right up the top of your shopping list for a family ute, based on its car-like manners and practicality, along with its proven abilities as a work vehicle and adventure machine. But which one to choose? The FX4 sits between the popular XLT and Wildtrak trim levels at the upper end of the Ranger line-up.

The four-cylinder version of the Ford Mustang is now known as the 2.3 High Performance. And, yes, you guessed it - there has been a power bump to add a bit more kick.

The Ford Everest is a great example of a ute-based SUV that manages to successfully balance on-road comfort with respectable performance in the off-road realm. The mid-spec Trend has traditionally been considered an appealing value-for-money variant in the Everest line-up, but can it still be regarded as such?