Here at Finder, we painstakingly compare ute reviews to determine the general findings of motoring experts on a vehicle. This saves you time and helps you understand the pros and cons of buying a particular pick-up. But what if, after reading our guides, you're still unsure about which ute to buy?
We've put together key off-road features and measurements of the most popular utes to see which is the most capable when the road ends and the less-travelled stuff starts.
What to look for in a 4x4 ute
When you need to travel over rough terrain, what should you look for in a ute?
High ground clearance. This is the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle (almost always the diff case) and the ground you're travelling on. The larger this gap, the easier it'll be to travel over heavily undulating terrain without catching the belly of your ute. When the ute grounds out, then you risk damaging critical mechanical components – not good if you're in the middle of nowhere. To offset a lower ground clearance, look for utes with bash/skid plates also called underbody protection. You can improve your ground clearance by fitting larger wheels/tyres to lift the body up, but if you go too far, the treads will start rubbing on the body when the suspension is compressed.
Bash plates. Ground clearance is important because it prevents you from getting stuck. Bash plates can also help reduce this by making your ute slide over rocks and other hard stuff. A good quality skid plate is generally made from thick steel, though some are aluminium. If you're venturing into really extreme off-road situations, you'll want to make sure your engine sump, gearbox, transfer case, diffs and fuel tank have some protection from rocks or branches jutting out of the ground.
Approach/Departure/Ramp angles. If you imagine drawing a line from the centre of the bottom of the tyre to the lowest point of the outer bodywork/towbar, when measured this gives your off-road angles. Approach tells you how steep a gradient you can tackle travelling forwards without damaging your front-end; departure is the steepest incline you can transition off without catching anything. If you picture a peak as a triangle, the breakover or ramp angle is the sharpest point you can travel over without clipping the apex on part of the underside of your vehicle. Ideally, you want the approach and departure angle numbers to be higher (picture a 90-degree angle, the closer to this figure you get, the better), while a higher ramp angle rating means you can go over more aggressive pitches without trouble. Bear in mind, these numbers are for low-speed movements, if you travel into a slope at speed, your suspension will compress and you could bottom out. These critical measurements are governed by ground clearance, overhangs and wheelbase. So, in theory at least, if you go for a ute with a shorter wheelbase, lifted higher from the ground and with minimal overhangs, you'll fair better off-road. Fun fact, a stock Hummer H1 can have a go at a 72-degree gradient.
Overhangs. Generally, the shorter the overhang of your bodywork, measured from the centre line of your wheel to the outer extremity, the better. It means the bodywork and bumpers are lifted away from the terrain as much as possible, returning good approach and departure angles. If the car's components don't contact the ground, it lessens the chance of incurring damage.
Tyres. Tyres are very important when off-roading. The majority of utes sell with road tyres. These give better fuel economy, higher-speed ratings and make less noise. But when you go off-road, mud quickly gathers in the treads, making them almost perfectly smooth. As a result, grip will be diminished. To combat this, manufacturers produce all-terrain and mud tyres. Specifically designed to clear mud, thanks to larger gaps in the treads and with aggressive tyre blocks, a good quality all-terrain tread will give you better grip and keep you moving when the ground gets soft and mushy. The downside is they'll wear quicker, be noisy and also sometimes affect the braking distances and handling when on tarmac. If your chosen ute brand doesn't offer more aggressive tyres from the factory, it's not a big job to purchase a set of five (you'll want a matching spare) and have them swapped over onto your stock rims.
Snorkel/engine breather. These aren't just to make you look like you know what you're doing out in the bush, they protect your engine from accidentally sucking in a load of liquid or dust. If you plan on travelling through deep water or into dusty, arid environments, you'll definitely want a snorkel. A lot of the utes below have factory options, but for some, you'll need to go to an aftermarket parts supplier.
Winch. Winches are incredibly useful if you get stuck, need to move large objects that are blocking your way ahead or need to get a trapped vehicle out of the mud. You'll also need a solid winch bumper and a selection of straps, rated shackles, pulleys and gloves if you're going to use a winch. Recovery kits are available with these all kept in a neat bag. Be very careful when using a winch, if the cable or rope snaps, it can be deadly!
Off-road bumpers. A bull bar is a good addition to an off-road ute as it gives you somewhere to attach spot lamps or fix a CB radio aerial. They can also deflect minor scrapes and dings as well as branches encroaching on your path. Some have integrated winch mounting locations as well as rated recovery/tow points.
Rugged interior. You want a hard-wearing interior in your ute, so ditch carpet which will quickly be destroyed by abrasive grit in thick mud and go for something removable and made from tough rubber or vinyl. Then you can lift out your interior mats and give them a hose down, ready for your next trip.
Electronic terrain modes. In the good old days, the driver was the one who manually operated the vehicle to get the best off-road performance. Nowadays, the driver receives assistance from a number of electronic systems such as hill descent control (where fitted), traction control and, on some utes, a terrain response system. If you're really serious about driving off-road, you'll want front and rear diff lockers to stop a wheel that's in the air from spinning and to keep you ploughing through sticky mud. A centre diff is even more useful, locking both axles together so they turn in unison.
Gearing and transmission. A low-range transfer box is a must. It allows you to change the effective gear ratios of your car, reducing them so that the speed you're travelling at is less for the same engine revs. This helps with slow-speed manoeuvres but also gives you more control and is advantageous whenever you might lose grip in 4WD high. A low ratio will give a driver more control on hill descents too, where you'll make the most of engine braking. Again, having extra gears (the Ford Ranger has ten gears on some models) helps maximise the command you have over your vehicle, squeezing the optimum from the engine and augmenting traction.
Suspension. Suspension plays a key role in a good off-roader. Long travel dampers help keep the wheels planted even when you get into cross-axle situations. Twin shocks cope with heat and corrugations better, lasting longer before they get wallowy. Independent suspension allows all four corners to conform to the ground underneath them. Soft suspension will be more comfortable off-road, while less flexible damping will see the body move around more when crossing gullies at an angle.
Lighting. Having extra spot lamps and light bars can mean the difference between being forced to park-up and camp as dusk sets in or having the ability to drive on into the night.
Equipment storage. Roof bars and racks are a great place to store things like bikes or even a roof tent and canopy. You can also stick your off-road jacks up there. Some off-roaders might feel comfortable putting extra fuel cans and spare tyres on the roof, though you'll need to make sure you're not unbalancing the ute and not exceeding the factory specified maximum weight. A rear canopy over the tub is great if you've got dogs you take off-roading since it stops them from jumping out and also extends the usable roof storage space.
A few words about off-roading
If you're an inexperienced off-road driver, you should consider taking a training course. It isn't just a case of point and shoot, poor technique will result in injuries or worse. Here are a few pointers to remember:
Keep your thumbs out of the wheel. People have had their thumbs broken by allowing them to sit inside the outer rim of the steering wheel. When the wheel hits a rock or follows a rut, it can violently spin the wheel and send you into a world of pain. Instead, place your thumbs on the outer edge of the wheel pointing up, then if the wheel turns abruptly, your thumbs will slide along the outer edge, clear of the inner spokes/boss.
Walk your line first. It's always wise to stop your vehicle safely and walk a route you want to take first. This way, you can look out for, and shift, any large rocks while plotting out a deliberate line to drive along. Ideally, you'd always travel in a convoy in case of mechanical failures. This way, there are others around to spot you as you travel over rough rocks and give directions. They can also help if you bury your ute in a thick slurry of mud.
Do not underestimate water. Fast flowing water is a killer. It doesn't take much water to sweep someone off their feet or to shift a heavy 4x4. Water can be deeper than you think and contain unseen objects. Where safely viable, you should inspect a water crossing and check the depth before committing to wading through it.
Heavy-duty suspension available with underbody package on Hi-Rider HiLuxs
Underbody shielding
Yes, on Hi-Rider models
Rubber matting
Vinyl floor covering available
Measurements: external (L, W, H)
5,415mm x 1,885mm x 1,815mm
Wheel arch protectors
Rugged, Rugged X
Rock sliders
Rugged, Rugged X
Recovery points
Rugged, Rugged X
Snorkel
Rugged, Rugged X
Reversing camera
Pick-up models
Rear diff-lock
SR models and upwards
Dual ratio transfer box
Yes
Downhill assist
Pick-ups from the SR double-cab upwards
Terrain dial
No dial or button, but various separate systems
Comments
Toyota has a huge number of dealers, which should reduce the distance new parts have to travel for crucial repairs. Also, an 80-litre fuel tank is impressive, giving you a decent off-road range before you have to dip into your jerry cans.
* Rugged and Rugged X models have 1,087mm and 1,082mm overhangs respectively
The Triton has some unique features that make it on-paper a decent off-roader. Multi-around view could be useful when navigating tight gullies. A factory bull bar, LED light bar and all-terrain tyre option round out the equipment.
Front steel bash plate, 4x4s have sump, transfer box plus fuel tank protection
Rubber matting
Vinyl floor covering available, rubber mats as an accessory
Measurements: external (L, W, H)
5,295mm x 1,860mm (not including mirrors) x 1,785mm
Wheel arch protectors
Fender flares as a factory option (heavy-duty side rail factory option)
Rock sliders
Aftermarket
Recovery points
Factory fitted rated tow hooks, up to 2,850kgs limit
Snorkel
Factory option
Reversing camera
Available on all pick-up models
Rear diff-lock
No (Aftermarket airlocks for sale)
Dual ratio transfer box
On 4x4 models, yes
Downhill assist
Yes
Terrain dial
Terrain Command
Comments
Isuzu's optional side rail protection is unique among factory fitted options, apart from on the Toyota LandCruiser 70.
Toyota LandCruiser 70
Overhangs (Front/rear)
Not listed/Not listed
Ground clearance (worst model)
~230mm
Wheelbase
3,180mm
Breakover angle
Not listed
Approach angle
Not listed
Departure angle
Not listed
Nationwide dealers
310
Towing capacity
Up to 3,500kg
Wading depth
700mm
Fuel tank
130 or 180 litres
Turning circle
14.4 metres
Suspension
Front coil springs and radius arm, rear lead springs
Underbody shielding
Aftermarket available
Rubber matting
Optional all-weather mats
Measurements: external (L, W, H)
5,230mm x 1,870mm (not including mirrors) x up to 2,115mm
Wheel arch protectors
Some models have over fender flares
Rock sliders
Aftermarket
Recovery points
Aftermarket
Snorkel
Standard
Reversing camera
Aftermarket available
Rear diff-lock
Optional on some
Dual ratio transfer box
Yes
Downhill assist
No
Terrain dial
Has Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Comments
Single-cab models have a five-star ANCAP rating. Looks like an older vehicle, but boasts some of the more modern comforts. It's a stout and robust vehicle, with a crazy huge fuel tank.
Front double-wishbones with coils, rear axle with leaf springs
Underbody shielding
Yes, on 4x4 models
Rubber matting
Vinyl floor covering, rubber mats available
Measurements: external (L, W, H)
5,365mm-5,373mm x 1,850mm (not including mirrors) x 1,821mm
Wheel arch protectors
Optional (apart from on Boss model)
Rock sliders
Aftermarket
Recovery points
Aftermarket
Snorkel
Optional accessory
Reversing camera
Yes
Rear diff-lock
Locking rear diff on Freestyle and up
Dual ratio transfer box
Yes
Downhill assist
Yes, hill descent control (HDC)
Terrain dial
Variety of systems
Comments
Some of the Mazda BT-50s have a locking rear diff, sat-nav with off-road maps and various other off-road potential boosting features. It's also cool to see the Boss adventure pack that brings various adventure kit like a bull bar and driving lights. The BT-50 shares a platform with the Ford Ranger.
Twin shocks, double-wishbone at front, rear five-link with twin dampers
Underbody shielding
Aftermarket available
Rubber matting
Rubber floor covering
Measurements: external (L, W, H)
5,817mm x 2,017mm (not including mirrors) x 1,917mm
Wheel arch protectors
Aftermarket
Rock sliders
Aftermarket
Recovery points
Aftermarket
Snorkel
Aftermarket
Reversing camera
Available on Laramie
Rear diff-lock
Anti-spin diff
Dual ratio transfer box
Yes
Downhill assist
No
Terrain dial
Traction control
Comments
The Ram 1500 should handle gravel roads and mud, but it's a heavy and large beast.
Which ute is the best off-road?
From research, it would appear the three best-selling utes are also very competent off-road vehicles. The Ford Ranger is highly rated, thanks to its impressive wading capability, powerful yet frugal diesel engines and modern ten-speed box. The HiLux fares well too as does the Triton with its Super Select II terrain response system. The 70 Series LandCruiser is also rated highly and the Mazda BT-50 is based on the Ford Ranger, so it should be able to take care of itself off the bitumen. Car reviewers also favourably rated the Volkswagen Amarok, specifically the V6 model (some even say it is the best off-road).
At the end of the day, very few ute owners spend more than even half of their time off-road. You need to weigh how well the 4x4 copes with on-road, day-to-day travelling against its abilities off the paved road network. You also have to factor in things like value for money, fuel economy, passenger comfort, equipment levels and servicing fees. Remember, if you do a lot of travelling off-road, all manufacturers will consider this a harsh working environment and you'll need to service your ute more frequently, with shorter distance intervals.
One of the best things about owning a ute is if you want to improve its ability off-road, you can relatively easily modify it. Installing suspension lift kits, larger tyres, underbody protection and a winch will see you travelling to places you'd never think possible.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Ben Gribbin is an automotive writer at Finder. He is a life-long car enthusiast, bringing many years of experience working with and writing about cars. During his time, Ben has been a freelance writer, editor and reviewer for a number of leading publications across the UK. He was voted the Guild of Motoring Writers Breakthrough Blogger in 2015.
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