news

TMR Best Buy 2016 – Top 5 4×4 Utes: Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton

For many Australian families, the dual-cab 4X4 ute has become the proxy family car – workhorse, carriage with baby-seat, and family get-away vehicle. Most now feel and drive enough like cars to be everyday vehicles; gone are compromises to features and


For many Australian families, the dual-cab 4X4 ute has become the proxy family car - workhorse, carriage with baby-seat, and family get-away vehicle.

Most now feel and drive enough like cars to be everyday vehicles; gone are compromises to features and comfort and cabin-trim. And that's why the Aussie love affair with the ute has blossomed. There are months where utes/pickups top the sales charts (from time to time, the HiLux knocks the Mazda3 or Corolla off the pedestal), and quite a few utes occupy the top ten slots on VFACTS.

With a wide spectrum of choices, two and four-wheel-drive, petrol and diesel, auto and manual, single, extra, or dual cab models, from the spartan cab-chassis to the leather-trimmed premium sports utes, there has never been more choice.

Here is our list of the Top 5 4x4 utes - and whittling the list down has not been an easy task.

Nissan Navara NP300

Price Range: $31,990 (4x4 DX single cab c/chassis manual) - $54,490 (ST-X dual cab utility automatic)
Engine: 120kW/403Nm 2.3l turbo diesel 4cyl, 140kW/450Nm 2.3l turbo diesel 4cyl
Transmission: 6sp manual, 7sp automatic

Nissan rolled the Navara NP300 out gradually, launching a version with a coil-sprung rear axle onto the market first - something of a break in tradition compared to the usual leaf-spring tradie’s companion.

With increasing numbers of dual cab utes being used as family transport, not just workhorses, it’s a move that makes sense. Cabin fittings and driving behaviour all feel more like an SUV and less like a light-duty truck.

The new Navara is vastly improved over the old, has the interior feel of an SUV, a smooth new diesel drivetrain and a more settled ride on-road (even when unladen), thanks to the coil sprung rear.

Isuzu D-Max twins are off the pace when it comes to interior presentation, and still feel a bit 'truck-ish' behind the wheel, not as calm and comfy as the newer breed of utes. Of those two, we rate the Isuzu as a good buy - it has one of the best hard-working drivetrains in the business - just not a 'Best Buy'.

 

MORE:Nissan Showroom
MORE:Nissan News
MORE:Nissan Reviews
MORE:Nissan Navara Showroom
MORE:Nissan Navara News
MORE:Nissan Navara Reviews
MORE:Search Used Nissan Navara Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Nissan Cars for Sale
MORE:Nissan Showroom
MORE:Nissan News
MORE:Nissan Reviews
MORE:Nissan Navara Showroom
MORE:Nissan Navara News
MORE:Nissan Navara Reviews
MORE:Search Used Nissan Navara Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Nissan Cars for Sale
Drive Team

The Drive Team brings you trusted, expert reviews of your next new car and is home to the best new car awards program in Australia.

Read more about Drive TeamLinkIcon
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent