Which ute is the best?

Here at Finder, we painstakingly compare ute reviews to determine the general opinion 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 comparisons, you're still unsure about which ute to buy?

We've compiled popular utes by key measurements, to help you pick the best model to suit your needs.

Best ute around town

If you live in a metro area or need to work in and around cities, the Mitsubishi Triton is probably the ute to look at. It has the tightest turning circle of all the utes we've compared below, at a mere 11.8m compared to the average of 12.7m. Plus it's skinny at only 1,815mm wide with the mirrors out, making it the perfect ute for tight city streets.

Conversely, the bulky RAM 1500 and LandCruiser 70 are bigger vehicles, with larger kerb to kerb turning circles, making them more of a handful in built-up areas.

Best ute for heavy towing

If you tow a lot, you need a vehicle with a high tow capacity rating. However, this number doesn't always factor in the weight you're carrying. We've calculated how heavy a trailer you can haul if you're fully loaded up. We've done this by subtracting the gross combination mass (GCM), which is the maximum allowable mass of your vehicle and trailer, from the ute's gross vehicle mass (GVM), which is the upper operating weight that a manufacturer has certified.

The clear winner here was the RAM 1500, which will comfortably lug a 3,787kg trailer, even with a fully loaded tray and passenger compartment. Plus, with its monster-truck size 5.7-litre V8, there are wads of torque to get your convoy rolling. The LandCruiser 70 is also another towing brute, with a 4.5-litre turbo diesel and the ability to pull 3.5 tonnes while carrying a full payload.

Most fuel-efficient ute

If fuel usage is your main concern, like when you need to travel long distances, then the Nissan Navara Dual cab ST 4x4 pick-up came out as the most frugal ute in our list, using just 6.3L/100km combined. The Ford Ranger 4x2 XL Single cab low-rider with the 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine uses a pretty decent 6.5L/100km combined, according to Ford.

Best ute for carrying heavy loads

If you need to haul heavy loads, like pallets or blocks of cement, then the Holden Colorado 4x2 LS Single cab diesel can move around 1,487kg. A Ford Ranger 4x2 XL Single cab Hi-rider will handle 1,476kg without a fuss.

Best ute for carrying large loads

If you need to carry bulky, cumbersome loads, a single cab ute with a tray will be your best choice. The Isuzu D-Max, VW Amarok and Holden Colorado single cabs have huge trays that can accommodate cargo up to 2,550mm in length.

The widest tray on a double cab ute (measured between the wheelhouses) was the RAM 1500, followed by the Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger.

Best ute for families

If you're looking for an ideal ute to use as your family vehicle, all the models in our list have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. However, the HiLux was given the topmost score more recently. The rest were last tested in 2016 (LandCruiser Cab chassis and Holden Colorado). In 2015, the Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara and Triton were tested. The Isuzu D-Max was last assessed in 2013 and ANCAP last crashed the Amarok in 2011.

A double cab body makes the most sense, as it gives a family-friendly five seats, with room in the tray for storing your luggage. Therefore, for parents, we'd recommend something like the 2019 Toyota HiLux. It comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Support, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning as standard. There are side head airbags in the rear, Fatigue detection and ISOFIX points too. Double cab HiLux utes scored a suitable 87% for child occupant safety.

Best ute for tradies

If you need a work truck, check our guide on the best utes for tradies.

Toyota HiLux

* Toyota calls its king cab model an Extra-cab

Ford Ranger

*Ford calls its king cab models a Super cab

Mitsubishi Triton

*Mitsubishi calls its king cab a Club cab

Holden Colorado

*Manufacturer's recommended list price

Nissan Navara

Isuzu D-Max

*Isuzu calls its king cab models a Space cab and dual cabs are labelled Crew cabs

Toyota LandCruiser 70

Mazda BT-50

*Mazda names its king cab models as Freestyle cabs

VW Amarok

RAM 1500

Compare car loans to finance utes

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Updated regularly

Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $934.23	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $931.85	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with. Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Simplify New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $927.29	Go to siteMore Info Compare
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.85%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $936.14	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Credit Concierge New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $100,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.29% to 16.45%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.41% to 17.91%	Application Fee $553	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment $943.5	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Simplify Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $927.29	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $934.23	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $931.85	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a. A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.74% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.85% to 8.99%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $956.98	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV New Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $945.77	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a. A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Credit Concierge Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $1,000,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.8% to 17.45%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.56% to 18.91%	Application Fee $553	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment $950.6	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV Used Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $962.64	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.

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Compare ute insurance providers

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Name	Product	Roadside assistance	Accidental damage	Storm	Choice of repairer	Agreed or Market Value
Youi Comprehensive Finder Award					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Features Car Insurance award. Plus, it's one of the only insurers to automatically include roadside assistance. Who it might be good for: Those who want good customer service with lots of inclusions.	Get QuoteView details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Budget Direct Comprehensive Finder Award		Optional			Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: The 2024 winner of our Best Value Car Insurance award. It's cheaper than most, plus you can lower costs by adding age restrictions. ⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Anyone who wants a good value policy.	Get QuoteView details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Australia Post Comprehensive					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Covers a little more than other insurers. You don’t need to pay an excess for windscreen repairs and cover applies to anyone who uses your car. ⭐ Current offer: Get $75 off your first year's comprehensive car insurance premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Multiple people using one car.	Get QuoteView details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bingle Comprehensive Finder Award						Market	Finder's summary: Our data shows it’s the cheapest comprehensive policy. It just covers the basics such as damage to your car, theft and storms – it doesn’t go in for add-ons and extras. Who it might be good for: Those wanting a low-cost, no-frills policy.	View details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Qantas Comprehensive		Optional			Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: You need car insurance so why not get one that lets you earn Qantas Points? It's good value too (it's underwritten by the same insurer as Budget Direct). ⭐ Current offer: Earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points with every car insured by 30 September. Plus save 15% on your 1st year’s premium when you purchase online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: People who want more bang for their buck with Qantas Points.	Get QuoteView details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ROLLiN' Comprehensive						Agreed	Finder's summary: One of the most cost-effective insurers for under 25s, according to Finder research, with no aged-based excess. Who it might be good for: Young drivers looking to keep costs down and anyone who’d like to get more flexibility from their car insurance.	Get QuoteView details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
QBE Comprehensive Green Company					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Our best-rated Car Insurer for Customer Satisfaction in 2021/2022 and Green Insurer for the last 3 years. ⭐ Current offer: Save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Those who want a trustworthy insurer and more cover than other brands, such as 3-year new car replacement (e.g. they'll give you money for a new car for up to 3 years if yours is written off).	Get QuoteView details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Kogan Comprehensive					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Kogan comes with all the perks that most comprehensive car insurance policies include, but you'll also be entitled to some benefits from its online store. This usually comes in the form of a gift voucher or discount if you buy online. ⭐ Current offer: Get $80 off first year premiums when you purchase Kogan Comprehensive Car Insurance online + $10 monthly kogan.com credit. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Kogan shoppers and those after a good range of policy options.	View details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ahm Comprehensive		Optional				Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Its "pay as you drive" cover can save you up to 30% compared to its standard comprehensive cover. There's also no excess to pay if you hit a Kanga or other animal. ⭐ Current offer: Get 12 months of roadside assistance included when you take out a new comprehensive car insurance policy. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Rural drivers and those who drive less than 15,000 km a year.	View details Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Club Comprehensive 4x4 Insurance		Optional				Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: With Club 4X4, you can take advantage of Australia-wide cover for your 4WDs or 4x4. Importantly, insurance extends to modifications and accessories. Also, get peace of mind with personal effects cover of up to $2,000, plus, up to $1500 towards the cost of recovering your off-road vehicle if you get in trouble. Who it might be good for: Drivers of 4WDs or 4x4s looking for wide-ranging protection ahead of their next driving adventure.	View details Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Written by

Ben Gribbin

Writer

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. See full bio