Ute Reviews

The entry point for the all-new LDV Terron 9 is the Origin variant which aims to keep costs down with the fitment of cloth trim and a few omissions from the equipment list. Even so, with 18-inch alloys, large dual-info screens, full connectivity, paddle-shifter and a 360-degree camera system, the $53,674 is more than the much older LDV T60, but still relevant.Power comes from a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with 163kW and 520NM, and that's linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with low ratios for off-road work.LDV claims a combined fuel economy figure of 7.9 litres per 100km, and there's an 80-litre fuel tank for decent range.The cabin seats five but is a little larger than most dual-cabs (as is the cargo area) thanks to the overall larger external dimensions and an interesting design that makes the body side one-piece. The flip-side is that this means there's no cab-chassis variant.Safety is taken care of by driver aids including AEB, lane-departure warning, lane keeping assistance and a front and rear parking sensors.The Terron 9's warranty is a handy seven years/200,000km and servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, apart from the very first service which is scheduled for 10,000km.

We finally know what the Kia Tasman is like on Australian roads. And Kia is playing a very smart game. Yes, the design is divisive, but it stands out. The cabin is vast and practical, yet also comfy, easy and beautiful. As a workhorse, this ute is right up there. And, with some reservations, this is an enjoyable drive. Willing and tough yet friendly and charming, Tasman is a terrific first effort.

Need a dual-cab ute? You’re in luck. Not only does Australia have access to a huge variety of makes and models in the dual-cab space, there is also a huge range of prices and equipment levels.

The BYD Shark 6, the first plug-in hybrid electric ute to hit Australia's shores, is leading the charge of plug-in hybrid electric utes, followed closely by PHEV versions of the Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha.It's an innovative approach and has generated plenty of excitement, but is the Shark 6 - with no 4WD, no low-range gearing and no diff-locks - a novelty or a sign of things to come?

The number of Chinese players in Australia’s 4x4 ute market continues to rise, with BYD, GWM and LDV recently joined by JAC Motors (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd) with its T9 offering.

For so long seen as purely a tool-of-trade, in recent decades the ute has grown into a Swiss Army-style work/family/lifestyle multi-purpose machine. And in his second month with the Ford Ranger Platinum, Andrew Chesterton is appreciating the family side of its character more than ever.

The GWM Cannon has always offered great value for money with high levels of standard equipment at low prices. In 2025 it's shifted up a gear with a larger engine, benchmark towing and numerous other enhancements, so is that what's needed to topple the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux?

Utes are, apparently, no longer mere tools of the trade. They're increasingly lifestyle-friendly family vehicles for those who want to take advantage of the space and practicality on offer. And given Andrew 'Chesto' Chesterton's family has just grown by one, who better to put the Ford Ranger Platinum to the family test?

The long-awaited electrified Ford Ranger has arrived. The Blue Oval's plug-in joins a very short list of partly battery-powered rival utes, but Ford Australia says the Ranger hasn't been compromised for the sake of its new EV ability. We're here to find out if that's true.

GWM's made some big claims about the Cannon Alpha PHEV. It's able to tow 3.5 tonnes, it's got a range of more than 1000km, and it can actually tackle proper off-roading.But is it really going to be the best plug-in ute in Australia? And why is there a spare wheel in the back? We went on a road trip in one to find out.