Utes

Is the electric ute running out of charge already? Ram’s recent decision to scrap plans for an electric-powered version of its popular 1500 pickup may prove to be a turning point for the broader ute community.

Driver-assist technology is supposed to do just that – assist the driver – but sometimes the application of it in the real world ranges from annoying to bloody atrocious depending on the vehicle you’re driving at the time.

How Deepal's werid 'Multitruck' is already stealing sales from Tesla's Cybertruck.

Mazda has announced a bigger 2.2-litre engine as part of its 2026 BT-50 range with pricing starting at $37,900.

KGM Australia (formerly SsangYong Australia) has received a tick of approval from the Federal Government for the local appearance of a pure-electric version of its Musso dual cab ute.

Jeep has cancelled the plug-in hybrid version of its Gladiator off-road pick-up truck before it even went on sale.

Hyundai is joining the ute arms race.The South Korean brand has confirmed it will build a ute to rival the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux before 2030.The company confirmed it would be fit for purpose with rugged ladder frame underpinnings, which supports all the other four-wheel drive utes.Hyundai is expected to use the expertise gained from sister brand Kia’s new Tasman dual-cab ute, which launched in Australia this year.Hyundai’s workhorse is likely to forgo the Tasman’s diesel-power and focus on petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid grunt.New Hyundai Australia boss Don Romano told CarsGuide recently, "Australia doesn't need another diesel ute".Instead, petrol, petrol-hybrid or plug-in hybrid options are being explored."I think we have to look at options. And I can't tell you whether that's a PHEV, a HEV or a BEV, but I think those are options that have to be considered. And I think those are the areas that will give us an opportunity for expansion," he said.This will give Hyundai a genuine competitor to the Ford Ranger PHEV and the instant hit BYD Shark 6.BYD’s Shark 6 makes a combined 321kW and 650Nm and can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in 5.7 seconds.Ford’s new Ranger PHEV makes 207kW and 697Nm from its petrol-electric combo. The Ranger also has a 3500kg towing capacity compared to the Shark 6’s pedestrian 2500kg.Any Hyundai PHEV ute will need to match or better these two market leaders if it wants to stand a chance.A plug-in hybrid or hybrid is more likely to give the Tasman some breathing room, so it doesn’t have to compete with its own corporate cousin.It also points to the Hyundai ute being more focused on North America and other global markets where petrol is preferred over diesel.Strengthening the vehicle’s North American bent is Hyundai has confirmed it will co-develop the ute with General Motors.US Outlet Car and Driver claimed Hyundai’s global boss Jose Munoz said the ute would spawn a rugged off-roader.This would give Hyundai an answer to the popular Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.Kia has also been linked to a tough 4WD based on its Tasman ute.Kia hasn’t confirmed the vehicle but said it is a possibility, but it needed to make sure the Tasman was a success before it spawned any other variants or vehicles.

Money pit or not, Aussies spend big on 4x4s because it's simply a fun activity for a diverse community.

Kia’s all-new Tasman X-Line mixes comfort with capability, but is that enough to earn a place alongside Aussie favourites?

We know what it will cost, when it will arrive, even the colours it will come in. But now Ford Australia has detailed a staggering range of factory designed, tested and warranted accessories developed for its new Ranger Super Duty.From purpose-built trays, tool boxes and tanks to driving lights, scuff plates and rock sliders the list is immense, with pricing (including a recommended fitting allowance) detailed for almost all items.Approved suppliers including well known names like ARB, Warn and EVOm also get a look in with specialised pieces including bull bars, winches, roller shutters and more.Each official accessory comes with a five-year warranty when fitted to a new vehicle by an authorised Ford Dealer prior to delivery.The extensive range recognises the often unique uses to which a vehicle like the Ranger Super Duty will be put, as Ford Australia Customer Service Division Marketing and Sales Manager Brad Hogg said, "Our new line of Super Duty Ford Licensed Accessories offers a one-stop solution for customers, providing fully integrated, Ford-engineered products to prepare Ranger Super Duty for almost anything. “From the robust steel tray to advanced device integration, every accessory is built to meet the rigorous demands of Ranger Super Duty work and adventure," he said. A standard Ranger Super Duty is already equipped with fuss-free vinyl flooring and the seats are trimmed in what Ford describes as “hard-wearing cloth”. But an impressive number of included features means while tough it’s far from spartan. Factory prepared for customisation with an auxiliary switch bank for accessories and a 400W inverter the Super Duty also features a 12-inch ‘SYNC’ multimedia screen with built-in satellite navigation, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera view plus ‘Trail Control’, ‘Trail Turn Assist’ and more. An impressive safety suite is onboard as is a ‘Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Regeneration Control’ allowing customers to choose when their vehicle’s DPF regeneration takes place.A trio of accessory packs also bundle together useful extras for three distinct groups of potential owners or operators.The ‘Farm Pack’ consists of a tray (galvanised, body colour or matt black), water tank, tool box, an ARB Summit Bull Bar and All-Weather Floor Mats. The ‘Work Pack’ includes the same choice of tray as well as an ‘Integrated Device Mounting System’, all-weather floor mats, a top console mount, weather shields and wheel nut indicators. And the ‘Adventure Pack’ features the tray choice plus the all-weather floor mats, a Warn winch and rock sliders. There’s also a range of ‘Tray Packs’ with a toolbox and water tank thrown in until March 31, 2026. Ford Ranger Super Duty deliveries are scheduled to start in early 2026 with pricing (before on-road cost) set at $82,990 for the Single Cab-Chassis, $86,490 for the Super Cab-Chassis and $89,990 for the Double Cab-Chassis.