Despite significant challenges, this year is quickly becoming the best opportunity to buy a brand new car at a cut-rate price we've seen in a long time. If you’re interested in getting the most bang for your hard-earned bucks in the dual-cab 4x4 space, it pays to look past the industry’s top-ranked pairing of Ford’s Ranger and the Toyota HiLux.
Think about it for a second. If a particular ute is proving popular with punters – take the HiLux SR5 or Ranger Wildtrak as examples - there is less incentive for a dealership to haggle with you over a few hundred dollars to get the sale on a model that will probably turn over pretty quickly anyway.
MORE
New Isuzu D-MAX is going after the Hilux and Ranger
Considering both models have just been updated for the 2021 model year too, it's unlikely that you'll nail down a discount anytime soon.
10
Along with that popularity, though, comes the desire from an industry perspective to carve up the pie in as many ways as possible in order to make sure everyone can choose the slice that suits them best.
Meaning, there's plenty of specifications and variants within each model line which could suit your needs and wants (and price) better than any range hero. It’s within these unusually shaped pieces of pie where the deals are lurking, and if you’re willing to be a little bit brave on spec, then you could be aboard a dual-cab ute in 2020 for a lot less than you think.
MORE
2020 Toyota HiLux SR5+ review
Skin deep
Key to this is the simple fact that the modern dual-cab ute doesn’t vary much from one to the next. Scratch the surface of any of the current generation of dual-cabs, and you’ll find next to no difference when it comes to key mechanical specifications.
All of the major players offer a smallish-capacity four- or five-cylinder turbodiesel engine backed by a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, and they don’t change whether you’re coming in at the base of the range or looking at all the bells and the whistles.
MORE
Should I be buying a dual-cab ute?
Sure, there are variations on the theme, like the six-cylinder Volkswagen Amarok and Mercedes-Benz X-Class models, while the 4x2 (or rear-wheel-drive only) dual-cab offers a cheaper way into the genre, but in the main, the vast majority of dual-cabs are carbon copies under the bodywork.
With that in mind, the price difference from top to bottom comes down to what you want on and in your ute in terms of specification.
What you want and what you need
If you want to save money buying a dual-cab ute, then ask yourself the hard questions. What are you planning to do with your new rig – is it a suburban warrior, or will it be seeing service in the dirt? Do you need maximum towing or payload capability, or will a pair of mountain bikes and a box trailer be the hardest work it ever sees?
If you reckon you need the tray to carry sizable items on a regular basis, then hard tonneau covers and faux roll bars may impact on that ability – even a plastic tub liner might not be the best option, as it can gobble up vital centimetres of width.
MORE
Are dual-cab utes increasing our road toll?
When it comes to other specs like leather seating and big alloy wheels, you’ll definitely save money if you can live without them – or alternatively, a limited edition model may offer you most of what you’re looking for at the expense of other items.
$30,000- $40,000
(plus on-road costs unless noted)
Volkswagen Amarok Core 4x4
$38,490 (before on-roads)
10
Currently on sale for $42,990 driveaway (September 2020), the Core Enduro 4x4 runs VW’s 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic – not a common spec in the dual-cab world.
It tows less than its rivals at 3000kg, but if you’re only taking the tinny to the boat ramp, that’s more than enough.
Mazda BT-50
.jpg "The best value dual-cabs on the market today (5)")
10
Mazda's got a brand-new BT-50 on the way, and while we don't know how it's going to be priced just yet, it's set to offer a level of kit, ability and practicality above and beyond its predecessor. It shares a 3.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder producing 140kW/450Nm with the also-new Isuzu D-Max and will only be offered with a dual-cab body at first.
That's all well and good, but Mazda will be willing to do big discounts on the previous generation too, in order to clear out the lot considering the new car is on sale imminently.
You can nab a high-spec dual-cab BT-50 4x4 Boss for $54,990 driveaway,a 4x4 XTR spec for $45,990 driveway or a 4x2 XT with tray for $31,840. Check Mazda's website for the full range of discounts.
Ssangyong Musso XLV Ultimate
$36,990 driveaway (ABN holders)
10
This is an astonishingly good buy for someone in the market for a ute with decent passenger appointments and the longest cargo tray on the market. The Ultimate wants for exactly nothing in the cabin; heated/vented leather front seats and leather rear seats, automatic lights and wipers, decent multimedia and tinted windows.
MORE
Nine dual-cab utes driven and rated
It’s also arguably one of the best-equipped utes for safety aids that includes AEB, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert. And it'sno slouch under the bonnet either, with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel grunting out 133kW and 420Nm, 3500kg towing and 1000kg payload capacity.
It’s also quiet, comfortable with rear coil springs (leaf springs are optional) and pretty inoffensive on the eye.
Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max has just been facelifted for the 2021 model year and Isuzu is keen to do deals on both the new car as well as the old. Bargain hard on the outdated models and aim for under $40k on old stock. Isuzu is even offering deals on new cars too, like the X-Terrain range hero which costs $58,990 driveaway.
New 2021 model year cars use a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which is now up on power and torque compared to its predecessor, producing140kW/450Nm.
$40,000-$50,000
Ford Ranger XLS
$46,490 driveaway
10
The Ranger isn’t an especially cheap rig, but the XLS grade presents a good opportunity to get into one of Australia’s most popular new cars for less than $47,000.
It comes stock with 4x4, Ford’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine and six-speed auto, as well as a locking rear diff. It also comes with carpet instead of rubber flooring, Ford’s excellent Sync 3 multimedia system, an onboard 230v inverter and automatic headlights and wipers.
MORE
:Ford tweaks 2021 Ranger line-up
It also eschews the sports bar, which gives the rear tray more flexibility.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS
$46,290 driveaway
10
An upper-spec offering in Mitsubishi's Triton range, the GLS includes AEB, automatic high beam, rear cross-traffic alert and trailer sway control, while the premium-spec cloth trim is specced up with a leather-trimmed wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch rims and more.
$50,000 plus
Toyota HiLux SR5 4x4
10
Often thecountry’s best selling ute, the SR5 standard spec includes AEB, adaptive cruise control and road-sign detection, along with keyless entry, a towbar (sans tongue and wiring) and a sports bar for the rear tray.
MORE
Facelift and more power for updated Toyota Hilux
This is another ute that has just been facelifted, bringing more power and equipment to the range, though prices will go up as a result. Bargain hard on a pre-facelift example for the ultimate deal.
Ford Ranger XLT 4x4
$54,990 driveaway
10
The Ranger XLT could be the best way to buy a Ranger. A huge spec list includes17-inch alloy wheels,8-inch Colour Touch Screen with smartphone mirroring, LED headlights, lane-keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, tow bar and keyless entry.
The best new car discounts you can get right now
Tim Robson
Contributor
FAQs
What is the most spacious double cab? ›
| INTERIOR SPACE | Ford Ranger Wildtrak | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow width rear (mm) | 1512 | 1465 |
| Knee room min (mm) | 149 | 159 |
| Knee room max (mm) | 401 | 382 |
| Head room front (mm) | 1032 | 1012 |
The Toyota Land Cruiser has one of the strongest Ute Chassis, and the Mitsubishi Triton would be the most likely to bend, purely because they've kept the rear axle so much further forward than other Utes.
Which 4wd ute has the least problems? ›- Ford Ranger XLT 3.2.
- VW Amarok TDI420 Core.
- Toyota HiLux SR5.
- Mercedes Benz X-Class.
- Mitsubishi Triton.
- Mazda BT-50.
- Nissan Navara.
- Holden Colorado.
Ford Ranger Dual-Cab takes out prestigious 2023 Drive Car of the Year award. In a sign of changing new car buyer preferences, and for the first time in its history, the 2023 Drive Car of the Year overall award has been won by a commercial vehicle.
What Crew Cab truck has the most room? ›The current class leader in rear legroom is the Ford F-150 SuperCrew, followed closely by the Toyota Tundra CrewMax.
Which is the fastest double cab? ›The 1000 TRX, based on a Dodge Ram TRX pickup, is celebrated as the world's fastest and most powerful bakkie thanks to being powered by a 755kW and 1,313Nm 6.2l supercharged “Hellcat” V8 engine.
What is the max length dual cab tray? ›Most dual-cabs in this segment of the market are in the 5.2m to 5.4m length range, so there's a bit in it.
What chassis do most cars use? ›Monocoque Chassis
This type of chassis is the most common type of chassis used in modern passenger cars. This single body type structure makes up all the components and mechanical parts. All the exterior components like seats, suspension, engine, transmission, and body panels are directly connected to the chassis.
The Extra Cab option slots right in between a Single Cab and Dual Cab because it is, in effect, one-and-a-half cabins. If your top priority is having the longest load area, a Single Cab ute is the go. If regularly carrying passengers is important, then a Dual Cab (aka Double Cab/Crew Cab) is best.
Why not use 4WD all the time? ›When you shouldn't use 4WD. Do not use 4WD on flat, smooth and dry roads, as it can damage your vehicle, according to Consumer Reports. Family Handyman adds that 4WD uses up more fuel to get the gears and drive shaft going. Turn it off when you don't need it to save on gas.
What is the most powerful 4x4 engine? ›
- 1 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk - 707 Horsepower.
- 2 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX - 702 Horsepower. ...
- 3 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged - 575 Horsepower. ...
- 4 Ford Superduty F-250 - 475 Horsepower. ...
- 5 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 435 Horsepower. ...
- 6 Ford F-150 Hybrid - 430 Horsepower. ...
AWD removes some of the drama from snow and ice driving. If you deal with extreme snow and ice, 4WD is the ticket. If you also want to off-road into the wild, 4WD works better if you want to wander off the pavement. Also, 4WD vehicles tend to offer far more towing capacity than AWD vehicles.
What was the last Ford ute made? ›In June 1972 the third generation Falcon ute goes into production; 48,144 would be built across the XA, XB and XC models. 1978: In April 1978 the last Falcon ute is built at Eagle Farm as Ford shifted all ute production to Broadmeadows.
What month do 2023 vehicles come out? ›Consider the Previous or Outgoing Model Year
You can also get a good deal by purchasing a new car toward the end of its model year, for example, a 2023 model in December of 2023. Traditionally, new model year vehicles start coming out in the previous year's fall.
New Hyundai Australia COO John Kett has lit the fire under a long-awaited ute program, confirming that the company is working on a full range of one-tonne ute-based commercial vehicles for sale in Australia.
What is the roomiest midsize truck in 2023? ›2023 Jeep Gladiator
It has the largest and roomiest crew cab of any truck in this class, it can be configured to match Chevrolet for the highest tow rating (7,700 pounds) and it offers the most fuel-efficient engine (the optional 24-mpg combined EcoDiesel V6).
2019 Silverado 1500 Durabed Is Largest Pickup Bed.
What is the fastest street legal pickup truck? ›The Ram 1500 TRX has the fastest quoted top speed of any production truck at 118 miles per hour.
Which is the most powerful single cab? ›This 3.0L variant is the most powerful single cab in the country with a maximum output and torque of 177PS/380Nm. Both 2.5L and 3.0L single cab are now fully equipped with advanced driving safety aids of any make in the segment.
Does Chevy make a double cab? ›The Chevy Silverado Double Cab and the Chevy Silverado Crew Cab can both be optioned to seat either five or six passengers.
Can you put an extra cab tray on a dual cab? ›
This is especially the case with Dual Cab utes where typically the rear wheels are not in the centre of the tray and there is a large overhang to the rear. By extending a Dual Cab 4WD you get the best of having a 2100 mm tray on an extra cab AND a 4 door cabin.
How long is a dual cab 79 tray? ›79 Series Landcruiser Configurations (Cab/Tray setup) A 79 Series single cab will usually come standard with a 2.4 m long tray. Dealer upgrades are available from 2.5 to around 2.7m, giving you valuable extra headboard space, and more flexibility when carrying loads.
How much does a dual cab alloy tray weigh? ›Tray Length 1800 Long. Tray Width 1780 Wide. Standard Weight: Approx 85kg.
What is the most popular car body? ›A sedan, also known as a saloon in other countries, is the most popular body style.
What type of chassis does Nascar use? ›| Technical specifications | |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Steel tube frame with integral safety roll cage |
| Length | 193.4 in (4,912 mm) |
| Width | 78.6 in (1,996 mm) |
| Height | 50.4 in (1,280 mm) |
If necessity is the mother of invention, Land Rover owes its proud heritage to the economic devastation of early post-war Britain.
What is the difference between a double cab and a dual cab? ›Dual cabs are exactly what they sound like, a double sized cab to fit double the number of people (in some cases +1 more). The cab will have four standard doors (the back doors are usually smaller than the front). All vehicle manufacturers refer to this configuration as the 'dual cab'.
Should I get a Crew Cab or double cab? ›If you need a second row to carry small adults, kids, or gear, a double cab will get the job done. If you regularly transport five full-size adults, a crew cab will be a bit more comfortable.
Why buy an extended cab? ›Trucks with extended cabs are great for carrying cargo and other supplies as well as extra passengers. Extended cabs are a type of truck with extra seating that's accessible by folding the front seats forward. In some extended cabs, the back seats may also be accessible by smaller doors called 'suicide doors'.
Can you drive 70 mph in 4 wheel drive? ›Additionally, some components of a 4WD system are designed only for low speed off-roading and can be damaged by driving too quickly. It is best to keep your speed at or below 55 mph when driving with 4WD engaged.
Is it bad to go fast in 4 wheel drive? ›
The general AWD and 4WD systems do not have a mechanical unsafe speed limit that will permanently damage components or negatively affect performance. The exception is the “part time” or manually operated system that allows the driver to choose between 2WD and 4WD.
What are four disadvantages of four-wheel drive? ›- Needs to be disengaged to drive on pavement without issue.
- Not suitable for all driving conditions.
- Adds weight and increases fuel usage when engaged.
Which is stronger, 4H or 4L? 4L is stronger than 4H, as it provides more torque and power to the vehicle's wheels.
Which 4x4 has the most torque? ›| RANK | DUAL CAB | NM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SsangYong Musso Ultimate XLV | 420 |
| 2 | Mitsubishi Triton GLX ADAS | 430 |
| 3 | Volkswagen Amarok TDi550 Core | 550 |
| 4 | Mahindra Pik-Up S10 | 330 |
1) Ferrari 296 GTB – 218 HP/Liter
There are small details that include 164 horsepower in electrical assist and a V6 layout that's similar to the McLaren Artura. But let the math show that the 296 GTB reigns with the highest hp-per-liter figure of any production car currently on sale.
Full-time 4WD spreads the driving torque between all four wheels, which gives good traction when running on loose or slippery surfaces. On-demand systems sense a loss of tyre grip and do the same, until better grip returns and they revert to two-wheel-drive.
What is more fuel efficient AWD or 4WD? ›While vehicles with AWD aren't as fuel-efficient as 2WD models, they typically get better gas mileage than those with 4WD.
What is better than 4 wheel drive? ›Both send power to all four of a vehicle's wheels, but AWD is more useful on paved roads or for light off-roading, while 4WD has a lot of off-road capability but limited usability on paved roads.
What year did Ford make best trucks? ›The Ford SVT Lighting produced from 1999 to 2004 is often lauded as the greatest factory production performance truck ever made. Its supercharged 5.4L V8 engine sounded like a rabid hyena under full throttle, and its 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque could liquefy a set of rear tires in no time.
What was the second Ford ever made? ›Soon after Henry Ford built his first automobile, the 1896 Quadricycle, he sold it to finance construction of his second car, this 1898 runabout. Ford's second car improved upon the Quadricycle in almost every respect. It was sturdier and more sophisticated.
What does FG stand for Ford? ›
Ford Falcon (FG) Ford Falcon G6 Limited Edition.
Should I buy a car now or wait until 2023? ›Americans planning to shop for a new car in 2023 might find slightly better prices than during the past two years, though auto industry analysts say it is likely better to wait until the fall. Since mid-2021, car buyers have been frustrated by rising prices, skimpy selection and long waits for deliveries.
Is it better to wait to buy a car by 2023? ›Conclusion: Is 2023 a Good Time To Buy a Car? Considering vehicle prices are still inflated and loan rates may be on the rise, it's not the best time to buy a car. However, auto prices may continue to level off during the rest of the year, which would be a good sign for car buyers.
Will vehicle prices go down in 2023? ›There is good news on the horizon in 2023, however. J.P. Morgan estimates that prices for both new and used vehicles are set to decrease as supply chain issues abate and inflation is poised to keep easing.
What is Hyundai discontinuing? ›Hyundai Accent
After a long and successful run, Hyundai is discontinuing the model for the 2023 model year to focus on its range of SUVs. The Accent was a great subcompact car, with excellent build quality, a 7-inch touchscreen, up to 36 mpg combined, and a roomy interior with useable rear seats.
Known internally as TK, the new dual-cab ute will plug a big gap in the brand's Australian line-up, and has the potential to boost Kia to new heights on the sales charts – potentially overtaking Mazda in the race for second place, behind market leader Toyota.
Does anyone still make a ute? ›Ute vehicles are most popular in Australia and New Zealand. Although they are making their way to the United States of America, they are not yet as popular as in other countries. Most Americans would not consider a ute a truck and would prefer an SUV or a traditional truck for their vehicle of choice.
Is Toyota double cab bigger than crew cab? ›The main difference between a double cab and a crew cab is the size. You might be surprised to learn that despite also being called an extended cab, a double cab is smaller than a crew cab.
Which Silverado has the most cab space? ›The Chevy Silverado Crew Cab has the most amount of passenger room out of all the cab styles. The front passenger room is essentially the same between the Crew Cab and Double Cab.
Is a double cab bigger than an extended cab? ›The double cab truck is bigger than an extended cab but smaller than a crew cab. Just like the crew cab, double cab trucks offer front-hinging regular doors and two rows of seats. However, the seats and doors are a bit smaller and more reminiscent of the extended cab truck.
Is Crew Max or Double cab bigger? ›
Double Cab vs CrewMax: Interior Dimensions
Although each cabin can seat six people in its two rows of seats, the CrewMax offers more headroom and legroom for riders seated in the back. 38.5 in. 38.5 in. 60.5 in.
What is a Double Cab? Comparing the Toyota truck Access vs. Double Cab styles, the Double Cab is much larger. A Double Cab configuration features four doors instead of two and much more interior space.
Which Silverado to stay away from? ›Faulty Silverados start with the 2012 year model. Along with the 2013 one, this one has a poor transmission and engine. It's not unlikely that you'd experience excessive oil consumption, vibration, or outright transmission failure if you went with one of these models, potentially costing you upwards of $3,000.
Which crew cab has the most rear legroom? ›1) 2016 Ford F-150 SuperCrew — 43.6 inches
The 2016 Ford F-150 SuperCrew leads the fullsize crew cab truck pack in terms of overall leg room. There are 43.6 inches of rear leg room to be had in the Ford F-150 SuperCrew, which is almost as much as the front passengers are afforded.
Ford's Super Duty pickups offer the most rear-seat leg- and headroom, along with front shoulder room. While Ram's 2020 HD trucks are technically all new, they carry over cab dimensions from the previous generation. Still, they offer the most front-seat hip room.
Why extended cab trucks are better? ›Trucks with extended cabs are great for carrying cargo and other supplies as well as extra passengers. Extended cabs are a type of truck with extra seating that's accessible by folding the front seats forward. In some extended cabs, the back seats may also be accessible by smaller doors called 'suicide doors'.
Does anyone make a 2-door truck? ›Start driving the all-new 2023 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and find out everything this adept 2-door Pickup has in store for you today! The 2023 Ford F-150 Pickup offers power and durability at every corner with its standard Electronic Ten-Speed Automatic Transmission and 3.3L V6 PFDI Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology.
What is a super cab? ›SuperCab Configuration
To help you get in and out of the truck easier, the SuperCab style has four doors, but they're not full size. The two back doors have rear hinges so you have wider access to the back seat. The rear windows are also not full size.
- Extra room for a large amount of people in the back seat.
- A smaller set of windows on first row seats.
- Have varieties of bed sizes to choose from.
The crew cab is the largest of the three cab categories. It usually comes equipped with four full-size, front-hinging doors. With two full rows of seats, it can accommodate five to six people.