best 4wd ute australia 2023 Page 8

In 2023 the 4WD ute royal rumble was fierce, and your driveway will look tougher than you are either way.

• Ford Ranger: Pros—plush tech, strong safety, 3500 kg towing and a smooth V6 option; Cons—pricey specs, wait times, and the odd recall headline.
• Toyota HiLux: Pros—bulletproof reputation, resale, huge dealer network; Cons—firmer ride and less grunt vs the newest rivals (GR Sport aside).
• Isuzu D‑MAX/Mazda BT‑50: Pros—durable 3.0‑litre diesel, generous safety kit, solid warranty; Cons—can be noisy and firm, infotainment is fine not flash.
• VW Amarok (new gen): Pros—refined cabin, Ranger underpinnings, punchy V6; Cons—spec complexity, servicing costs, and availability swings.

Test-drive with a load or trailer because brochures are brave and payloads are honest.