Utes starting under $30k
Our best ute under $30k picks
1. Ford Ranger
What we like
- Ride quality
- Load lugging ability
- Back-to-basics with a touch of style
What we don't
- Downhill engine braking under load
- Engine clatter & transmission hunting when cold
2. Toyota HiLux
What we like
- Sharp price and cheap servicing
- Drives better than the SR5
- Bulletproof reliability
What we don't
- Needs Apple CarPlay
- Needs a digital speed display
- Needs height adjustable driver seat
3. Mazda BT-50
What we like
- Purchase price
- Large capacity engine
- Effortless load-hauling ability
What we don't
- Exterior styling
- Umm...?
4. Nissan Navara
What we like
- Well-appointed
- 450Nm twin-turbo diesel
- Sophisticated seven-speed auto
What we don't
- Sliding rear window - do you ever open it?
- Rear suspension still too soft for GVM rating
- Dead steering feel
5. Mitsubishi Triton
What we like
- Settled, dynamic ride.
- Impressively quiet cabin.
- Surprisingly talented off road.
What we don't
- No air vents for passengers.
- hard plastic surfaces near drivers knee can be annoying if used to brace while off-roading.
