Utes

Kia's global campaign of teaser trailers for its upcoming Tasman ute has set tongues wagging, with many keen-eared observers noting the model being filmed does not sound like a four-cylinder diesel.

Ford USA seems to get all the good stuff - not just the partially Aussie-developed Bronco four-wheel drive but also the urban-friendly Maverick ute. 

Can you hear what’s coming over the horizon? Probably not, because it’s a swathe of near-silent Electric Vehicles (EVs), set to supersede the bog-standard gas-guzzling Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car within the next decade or two. 

Competition amongst Australia’s top-selling vehicles is heating up, with the second special edition ute announced in just a week. 

A ute's primary use is for a business and its tools; while its secondary use is as a family vehicle for camping/road trips and school pick-ups. 

Mitsubishi's new ute provides the perfect platform to relaunch its defunct Ralliart brand.

Are full size American pick-ups all about work or play? Maybe it's a bit of both, and when it comes to the Chevy Silverado LTZ Premium a healthy helping of luxury, as well. We've put this lavishly equipped heavy-hauler to the GVM test to see if it has the brawn to match its primo macho appearance.

In May this year Toyota Motor Sales USA issued a recall notice covering in excess of 100,000 vehicles; specifically twin-turbo V6 petrol-powered versions of the Toyota Tundra full-size pick-up and Lexus LX600 luxury three-row SUV from 2022-2023.

Four-wheel drive enthusiasts, this one's for you: the Ford Ranger lineup is expanding once again with the “adventure-ready” Tremor. Ford is bringing 1150 units of the off-road specialty vehicle, which will roll off dealership floors by September, with the Tremor available for order now.Prices start at $69,690 (before on-roads costs), which is about $6300 less than the more luxe-focused Wildtrak X.It's more expensive than other no-frills tough 4WD utes such as the Nissan Navara SL Warrior ($61,250), but cheaper than the beefy Toyota HiLux Rogue ($71,530, all before on-road costs).The Tremor shares all the features of the Ranger Sport 2.0-litre twin-turbo variant, including a long list of additional extras that will come as standard. This includes several features borrowed from the Ranger Wildtrak X, including specially developed Bilstein dampers that, along with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and General Grabber all-terrain tyres, give the Tremor 26mm more ground clearance and a 30mm wider track. It shares the same motor as the Wildtrak X, too, with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder providing 154kW and 500Nm matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers will also get Ford’s advanced full-time 4WD system instead of the part-time 4WD system, which is typically reserved for its V6 variants. New heavy-duty protective materials includes a steel front end bash plate, cast aluminium side steps and specially-designed interior trim that allow for easy cleaning after off-road adventures.Ford Australia Head of Marketing Ambrose Henderson said the Tremor is designed to offer consumers more off-road options at a lower price point."The Tremor takes the highlights of Wildtrak X and combines them with the Sport series, resulting in a more budget-friendly off-road warrior that’s ready-to-go for the adventures that hard-working Aussies love," said Henderson.Where it goes its own way is with unique Tremor badging and styling, including Tremor-embossed seats, front and rear black Ford oval badges and availability of the ‘Conquer Grey hero’ colour.The Tremor’s unveiling comes as the Ford Ranger continues its run as Australia’s top-selling vehicle. The Ranger is on track for another record year with more than 33,000 sales through the first six months of 2024, which is up 29 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. 

Next-generation LDV ute breaks cover in both diesel and electric forms ahead of Q1 2025 Australian arrival.