Ute Reviews

Sitting at the top of the standard 2021 Toyota HiLux range is the SR5 - and the SR5+, too.The range has expanded for 2021, with new dual cab-chassis models added to sit alongside the dual cab ute and extra cab ute versions. SR5 models are strictly 4x4, and only available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 150kW of power and torque rated at either 420Nm (manual) or 500Nm (auto). Towing capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked for all but the 4x2 dual cab SR5 Hi-Rider. Fuel use is claimed at between 7.9L and 8.1L per 100km. Payload is rated at between 995kg and 1105kg depending on the derivative.Here’s a rundown of the SR5 and SR5+ models in terms of body style, drivetrain and pricing.The SR5 variants add LED headlights, two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports bar (pick-ups only), model-specific tail-lights, satellite navigation, keyless entry with push-button start, digital radio and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector.The SR5+ version nets eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and leather-accented upholstery over the SR5 for $2500 extra. SR5 HiLux still only has single-zone climate control, but you’re also getting carpet flooring here.The SR5, of course, also gets the 8.0-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch driver info screen, auto headlights, and a safety technology list including auto emergency braking (AEB) that works at speeds 50km/h-180km/h, as well as pedestrian and cyclist detection (10km/h-80km/h), lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, speed sign recognition and warning, and adaptive cruise control on autos. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert remain unavailable on HiLux SR5 / SR5+, and the new cab-chassis models don’t get a reversing camera but it’s standard on pick-up models.All HiLux models have dual front, front side, driver’s knee and full-length curtain airbags, for a total of seven. Two ISOFIX outboard attachments and two loop-style top-tethers for baby seats are fitted to dual cabs. 

The VW Amarok rattled Australia's ute-market cage when it first arrived in 2011. The nice-looking workhorse was a pleasant surprise: a ute that was refined, nice to drive and also quite capable in the rough stuff, without a dual-range transfer case.But times have changed and all utes have improved, so is the Amarok still the gold standard of utes or is it in danger of being left behind?

The new 2020 Ram 1500 is expected to arrive in Australia towards the end of the year, bringing more power, more tech and a new drive experience. But who can wait that long? So we travelled all the way to Los Angeles just to put the new model to the test.

Australian buyers are prepared to spend big bucks on pick-ups, and now there's a new kid on the block: HSV's locally remanufactured Chevrolet Silverado 1500. But with it wearing a six-figure price tag, is going full-size worth the extra dough?

In a world where utes have to be more than just tools, does Isuzu's D-Max keep up?

It’s the ute Volkswagen says Australians want: an Amarok with a V6 engine and a manual gearbox. And after a long wait, it’s finally here.

Mitsubishi’s Triton is a truck of the times – a dual-cab that’s a quiet achiever in a dual-cab obsessed market - but does it deserve its number three spot? We took one for a week to find out.

Ford has the Raptor, HSV has the Sports Cat, Toyota has the Rugged X, and now Nissan has the N-Trek Warrior. Does the Navara tough truck stack up?

The Mitsubishi Triton 2020 model range has been mildly revised following the launch of the facelifted version in 2019. Since it debuted it has rocketed up the sales charts, and it’s now consistently the third-most popular ute in Australia behind the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

Ford's Ranger Raptor is the hero truck for generation ute. Can it live up to the hype?