Ute Reviews

Ford Ranger 2025 review: Raptor - Off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 21 Dec 2024

The realm of high-end, high-performance utes is an increasingly competitive slice of the new vehicle market. The latest Ford Ranger Raptor to enter the arena has a V6 engine, an upgraded suspension set-up and drive modes aimed at further bolstering its growing reputation as a built-for-purpose adventure machine.But does the Raptor have serious potential as a touring 4WD?

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Toyota Tundra 2025 review: Limited

By John Law · 12 Dec 2024

The fourth and final piece of the full-size, US-sourced pick-up puzzle has slotted into place in the shape of the Toyota Tundra Limited. We've spent a week behind the wheel to see if its brawn, capacity and equipment justifies a solid price tag.

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Volkswagen Amarok 2025 review: 10 Deserts Edition - Off-road test

By James Cleary · 28 Nov 2024

Volkswagen Australia used its Amarok dual-cab ute to set a new record for crossing Australia's 10 deserts... in one go. And a limited run of 300 '10 Deserts Edition' examples has been commissioned to celebrate. We've driven it on-road and over some challenging off-highway trails to find out if the value and dynamic ability equation adds up.

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KGM SsangYong Musso 2025 review: XLV Ultimate Luxury Pack - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 27 Nov 2024

There are many different makes and models to choose from in today's highly competitive 4x4 dual-cab ute market. For those prepared to look beyond the major players, is the KGM SsangYong Musso XLV Ultimate Luxury Pack the bargain its low drive-away pricing would suggest?

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Ford F-150 2025 review: Lariat LWB

By Marcus Craft · 25 Nov 2024

If you're in the market to buy a US ute like the Ram, Chevrolet Silverado or even the upcoming Toyota Tundra, then the F-150 seems like it should be right up there in terms of what you consider.And a top-spec Ford F-150 Lariat long wheelbase is well-engineered, well-equipped and purpose-built for towing and touring, so it should be a spot-on fit at the top of your shopping list. Right?

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Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Australian first drive

By Byron Mathioudakis · 01 Nov 2024

With the help of engineering firm Walkinshaw, the Isuzu D-Max Blade gatecrashes the Australian-developed, off-road dual-cab ute shindig, as defined by the Ford Ranger Raptor and Nissan Navara Warrior. Aimed at the latter rather than the former, it may miss out on extra grunt, but gains improved on- and off-road capabilities, thanks to extensive engineering upgrades. Is it the best D-Max ever?

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Ineos Grenadier 2025 review: Quartermaster - Australian first drive

By Tom White · 31 Oct 2024

Australia loves a ute, but we're also their toughest critics. Does the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stack up?

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Hyundai Santa Cruz 2025 review: Ultimate - International first drive

By Byron Mathioudakis · 18 Oct 2024

Australia is ready for car-based utes, and Hyundai is set to deliver in around 2026 with the Santa Cruz. Based on the Tucson mid-size SUV, this is an American-designed and made five-seater dual-cab, with monocoque (not body-on-frame) construction that cuts weight yet boosts power, efficiency, comfort and dynamics compared to, say, a Toyota HiLux. It should beat the similar Ford Maverick to market.

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BYD Shark 6 2025 review - Australian first drive

By Byron Mathioudakis · 15 Oct 2024

The BYD Shark 6 is Australia's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, slotting in between the GWM Cannon Alpha hybrid and full-electric LDV eT60 on the electrification scale. But the Shark 6 PHEV is cheaper than both so should make big waves. With a petrol engine and two electric motors on each axle providing 4WD, the BYD offers some - if not all - of its rivals' abilities, and is roomy to boot.

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Ford Ranger 2025 review: Tremor - Off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 06 Oct 2024

Ford has added another limited-edition Ranger - the Tremor - to its already comprehensive line-up. The Tremor is only available as a 4WD dual-cab with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, with only 1150 to be sold in Australia. The Tremor has the line-up's more advanced full-time 4WD system, heavy-duty off-road suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres and more.

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