Ute Reviews
Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Off-road test
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By Marcus Craft · 13 Feb 2025
The D-Max Blade, a collaboration between Isuzu and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, was developed locally as a hardcore four-wheel drive. It has 3mm steel bash plates, Aussie-tuned and lifted suspension, light truck construction all-terrain tyres and Blade-specific design enhancements. But, without extra power and torque, is the Blade actually worth $15,000 more than the LS-U+ on which it's based?
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Mazda BT-50 2025 review - Australian first drive
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By Stephen Ottley · 12 Feb 2025
The Mazda BT-50 is the under-rated star of the Japanese brand's line-up. Often overshadowed by its SUV siblings, the 'black sheep' of the Mazda family is actually one of its best-sellers.It has been updated for 2025, with a fresh look to try and attract more ute buyers who prefer a tough-looking truck. We put it through its paces on- and off-road to see how this new model stacks up.
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Ford Ranger 2025 review: Raptor - Off-road test
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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?
Toyota Tundra 2025 review: Limited
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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.
Volkswagen Amarok 2025 review: 10 Deserts Edition - Off-road test
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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
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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
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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?
Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Australian first drive
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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
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By Tom White · 31 Oct 2024
Australia loves a ute, but we're also their toughest critics. Does the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stack up?