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What makes a good ute?<\/p>\n
The word \u201cute\u201d has its roots in Australian slang vocabulary and is a short word that describes a utility vehicle.\u00a0 Utes can be single or double cabs; the single cab has just the two seats or a bench seat to cater for the driver and front passenger\/s, though the bench seat is less common these days.\u00a0 The added practicality of having an extra three seats in the rear of the double cab ute is often the reason why people prefer the double cab over the single cab.\u00a0 The single cab with a large tray allows you to throw all your tools in the back, and a spacious double cab ensures the whole family can come along for the ride.<\/p>\n
Practicality is probably the number one reason many people buy themselves a ute.\u00a0 Being able to throw some rubbish, posts or firewood onto the deck is really easy when you have yourself a ute.\u00a0 The tray out the back is capable of carrying way more than you ever could in your sedan, hatchback or wagon and you\u2019re often in hot demand when your mates are shifting house.\u00a0 You can often buy 2WD or 4WD models \u2013 as is the case with many of the utes you\u2019ll find on sale.\u00a0 Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Great Wall, Mitsubishi Triton are just some of the utes you\u2019ll find on sale that can provide you with 2WD or 4WD alternatives.<\/p>\n
Utes are also built tougher than your usual sedans and wagons.\u00a0 Designed and built to work hard reliably, the chassis has been built tough to withstand heavier loads and provide strong towing capabilities.\u00a0 Obviously, the 4WD option will be offering a little more protection under the ute, mud plug tyres and a raised ride height – many 4WD utes can end up going some pretty way-out-there places.\u00a0 It\u2019s very common to see a 4×4 ute towing the boat to the lake or a trailer full of kayacks.\u00a0 4WD traction means that getting the boat down to the water and away again in slippery conditions is a breeze.<\/p>\n
Many people opt for the dual cab ute because it can double as a work and family vehicle.\u00a0 Having the extra seats for the kids at school or on holidays is always going to be handy.\u00a0 A couple of decades ago, the ute was pretty basic and they had interiors that you could clean out using a bucket and a broom.\u00a0 Land Rover\u2019s Defender still has this ability, and even some of the bog standard Japanes utes are rugged enough to be able to handle a slosh of water from the bucket and a broom to clean out the muddy interior.\u00a0 Most modern utes, whilst relatively tough on the inside, are actually very comfortable to drive and offer many luxuries and plenty of electronic gadgets like leather seats, fancy audio systems, satellite navigation and Bluetooth communications.\u00a0 Come cleaning time, these modern higher spec models need a little more care than just a slosh with a bucket of water and a broom!<\/p>\n
I also see the ute as an asset in the safety arena.\u00a0 The modern ute is well equipped with safety equipment \u2013 some makes are better than others \u2013 but most provide airbags, ESC and ABS.\u00a0 Having a higher ride height \u2013 particularly in the 4×4 utes – is also advantageous.<\/p>\n
The best utes are built tough while continuing to be comfortable to drive.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard to go past a new Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger, as these are some of the best in the business when it comes to ruggedness and comfort.<\/p>\n
Having plenty of torque under the hood to tow some heavy metal is a big plus.\u00a0 Holden\u2019s Colorado, Ford\u2019s Ranger and Nissan\u2019s Navara are plenty powerful.<\/p>\n
Choosing a new ute isn\u2019t always an easy decision to make. \u00a0In many ways, it\u2019s tougher than picking out your average, everyday car. \u00a0Not only do ute buyers want something big enough to carry their livestock, weekend gear or tools, they\u2019re after a vehicle that\u2019s reliable and functional enough to keep up with weighty lifestyle demands of work and play. \u00a0Farmers and tradies will place a lot of trust in their utes \u2013they are after all a workhorse.<\/p>\n
The new Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok are the main rivals vying for top spot.\u00a0 Foton, Great Wall and Mahindra are also handy utes worth considering. \u00a0Ford\u2019s Falcon ute and Holden\u2019s Commodore ute are immensely comfortable and powerful low profile RWD utes with a car-like drive for the long haul.<\/p>\n
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