Ute Reviews

Volkswagen Amarok 2023 review

By Byron Mathioudakis · 11 May 2023

The original VW Amarok changed the ute, pushing out refinement and drivability boundaries. The new version is based on the Australian designed and engineered Ford Ranger, and shares its underpinnings, most powertrains, safety systems and structure. But the VW features its own look inside and out, as well as unique driving tunes and specification, to create an unexpectedly different experience.

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Ford Ranger 2023 review: XLS Bi-Turbo long-term | Part 2

By Mark Oastler · 09 May 2023

Dual cab utes often double as a hard-working commercial vehicle as well as practical family transport. In his second month with Ford's Ranger XLS Bi-turbo on long-term test, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist, Mark Oastler has spent time in both worlds.

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Toyota HiLux 2023 review: Rogue - off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 24 Apr 2023

Rogue is the top-grade variant in Toyota's HiLux line-up now that the Rugged X has been discontinued and the range-topping GR Sport hasn't arrived here yet.The Rogue has new suspension and is now wider, taller and, supposedly, tougher than ever before. But can it compete with the likes of Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Nissan Navara Warrior, or even Ford Ranger Raptor?

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Ram 1500 TRX 2023 review: GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 19 Apr 2023

You think the Ford Ranger Raptor's 'tuff', well think about the Ford F-150 Raptor in the USA, with 335kW, a five-link rear suspension and Fox Racing Shox all around. RAM did, and created the 1500 TRX to comprehensively out-muscle it. T-Rex tops Raptor, right? We've driven it, and loaded it up, on local soil. Read on to see how this monster performs.

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Ford Ranger 2023 review: XLS Bi-Turbo long-term | Part 1

By Mark Oastler · 12 Apr 2023

It's built to work hard, but what about family life? We're spending three months with the Ford Ranger XLS Bi-Turbo to see how it measures up in terms of comfort, practicality, driving dynamics, fuel economy, and more. First impressions for the settling in phase are encouraging.

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Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR LE

By Mark Oastler · 03 Apr 2023

Mazda's BT-50 ute competes in one of the Australian new car market's hottest segments against the all-conquering Ford Ranger, evergreen Toyota HiLux, and many more. Can a new premium XTR LE grade zoom zoom a few more 4x4 ute buyers Mazda's way?

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Toyota LandCruiser 70 2023 review: 79 Series GXL single cab chassis - off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 23 Mar 2023

The Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series is a legend of Australian 4WDing. But while it's a beast out in the bush, it's the wrong side of ordinary to drive in any city or suburb.It's also expensive and there are many cheaper and better-equipped alternatives available, so why is there so much love for the 79?The price has gone up, as has the GVM, and the 79 finally has AEB, so is it worth almost $85,000?

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Nissan Navara 2023 review: SL Warrior - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 20 Mar 2023

Nissan Australia scored a hit with its locally enhanced Navara Warrior PRO-4X. Now it's offering a more affordable version that keeps all the hardcore stuff and trims away some of the fancy bits around the edges - the Navara SL Warrior.

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Chevrolet Silverado 2023 review

By David Morley · 16 Mar 2023

The Chevrolet Silverado has been selling in strong numbers in Australia for a few years now, and a major update has just arrived to further boost numbers. But with the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra waiting in the wings, can the beefy American hold its own?

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Mitsubishi Triton 2023 review: GSR - off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 16 Mar 2023

It's an underestimated ute and while its sales performances have never been HiLux high, the Mitsubishi Triton has consistently been a quiet achiever in a tough market and it has a legion of loyal fans to prove it.Adventure lovers appreciate the Triton's low-key, no-nonsense, value-for-money appeal and its renowned for being robust and reliable hasn't hurt its long-term reputation either.

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