Few types of cars can handle the rough and tumble of Australia’s roads and worksites while meeting the various demands of a modern family, which has made the dual-cab ute platform by far Australia’s favourite type of vehicle.
Don’t believe us? If you take a close look at the past few years of best-selling vehicles here in Australia, you’ll find the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a never-ending battle at the top of the charts.
With a huge number of options out there on the dual-cab market, though, it can be difficult to know which are the most deserving of your attention, which is what we’ll be unpacking today.
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Toyota HiLux
The Toyota HiLux is one of the biggest players in the dual-cab ute market here in Australia, with Toyota giving buyers a range of entry-points into the segment.
Depending how keen you are on luxurious elements, Toyota’s HiLux Workmate is a cost-effective variant for those looking for an affordable dual-cab ute that comes powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel paired with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, with the option of two- and four-wheel drive platforms.
In terms of worksite potential, the base model HiLux petrol has braked towing capacity rated at 2,500kg, which increases to 2,800kg for two-wheel drive diesels, and up to 3,500kg in range-topping 4x4 turbo-diesel form, while gross vehicle mass (GVM) stands at between 2,700-3,100kg.
The base model receives adaptive cruise control, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, a reversing camera, automatic headlights and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, giving buyers a healthy amount of equipment even in entry-level spec.
Ford Ranger
One of the most important new car releases of this decade came in the form of an all-new Ford Ranger, which offers buyers a choice of six cab configurations across six variants.
Underneath, the Ranger’s platform has been updated, with a range of new engine options and equipment available in the latest generation, giving Australians a heap of options within the Ranger lineup.
The cheapest dual-cab Ranger comes in the form of the XL 4x2 Ranger, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque, powering the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Stepping higher into the range adds a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel producing 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque, while the flagship 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel kicks up 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque, resulting in some class-leading pulling power.
Braked towing capacity stands at an impressive 3,500kg across the range, while the payload is capped at 1,327kg and the GVM stands at 3,350kg in total.
Ford says its new platform has translated to a longer wheelbase and, as a result, even more inside the Ranger’s cabin which will benefit those sitting in the rear of the cabin the most.
In terms of equipment, the base model receives 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, climate control, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system powered by Ford’s Sync4 system, making for a well-equipped base model.
Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen’s entrant to the dual cab market has been increasingly turning heads here in Australia, impressing buyers with its sleek looks and sophisticated ride quality.
The Amarok range is available exclusively in a dual-cab configuration here in Australia, which means buyers simply need to choose which equipment and engine they’d like, depending on their budget.
The range kicks off from $45,890 for the entry-level Amarok TDI400 Core manual, which is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 132kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
Stepping up higher in the lineup adds a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo diesel producing 165kW of power and 500Nm, while the flagship TDI580 produces 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque.
The VW Amarok’s braked towing capacity is capped at 3,000 for the TDI500, while the rest of the range is rated up to 3,500kg. Payloads vary between 836-1,033kg, with the base models producing the biggest payload capacity figures.
Standard equipment for the entry-level Amarok dual cab ute include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, mechanical locking differential, 16-inch alloys, reversing camera and a 6.33-inch infotainment system.
Mitsubishi Triton
The Mitsubishi Triton has been a fan favourite for Australian ute buyers, representing one of the most affordable and well-equipped dual cab utes you’ll find at this end of the market.
Mitsubishi has given the Triton a refresh in recent months, with the addition of new entertainment and safety equipment as standard, reinforcing the Triton’s on paper value proposition.
The Triton dual-cab ute range kicks off from $38,940 for the entry-level GLX 4x2, while the range stretches out to $55,690 for the range-topping Triton GSR 4x4 dual cab.
The range receives a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel producing 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque, which can be paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, translating to braked towing capacities of between 3,000-3,100kg.
Mazda BT-50
Earlier this year, Mazda announced it was expanding its BT-50 lineup with a new base model variant that gives buyers another entry point into its stylish dual-cab ute lineup.
That means the BT-50 XS dual-cab 1.9 is now the cheapest double cab ute within its ranks, which is priced at $42,790. It comes powered by an all-new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel producing 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, while the rest of the range kicks out 140kW and 450Nm of torque from a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.
With the smaller engine, the base model has its braked towing capacity reduced to 3,000kg, while the rest of the BT-50 range is capped at 3,500kg.
Standard equipment for the base model includes 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, cruise control, a reversing camera and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto atop a large list of safety equipment.
Isuzu D-MAX
Since arriving on the scene, the Isuzu D-MAX has wasted no time in becoming one of the most popular dual cab utes on the market, providing buyers with a heap of value for money within its dual cab range.
The latest generation is no different, and in spite of recent price increases, it remains a no-brainer within the segment, with the 4x2 D-MAX SX crew cab priced at $42,700.
The entry-level dual cab is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel producing 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, while the rest of the range gains a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel kicking up 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, with higher-spec variants gaining a 4x4 system that makes it a great all-rounder for worksites and off-road trails.
The base model has its braked towing capacity capped at 2,800kg, while the remainder of the D-MAX crew cab range can move up to 3,500kg, with payloads varying between 970-1,320kg.
Standard equipment for the base dual cab D-MAX includes safety equipment like a reversing camera, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring as well as 17-inch weels, cloth upholstery and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara presents Australian buyers with an appealing value for money proposition, with the base SL dual-cab variant priced at $39,600.
The entry-point into Nissan’s dual cab lineup comes powered by a 2.3-litre turbo diesel producing 120kW of power and 403Nm of torque, while higher-spec variants gain a more powerful 140kW/450Nm output.
Depending on your needs, the dual-cab Navara range stretches out to $60,630 for the range-topping Navara Pro-4X 4x4, which receives a heap of luxurious and off-road elements.
Braked towing capacity stands at 3,500kg across the range, which gives the base model a significant advantage over its rivals when it comes to pulling power. Payloads for dual-cab Navara variants is more than 1,000kg.
Nissan has also given its Navara ute a significant amount of added technology to keep up with its rivals, with the addition of a heap of safety equipment as standard, in addition to its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Toyota 70 Series
A hero amongst Australian buyers, the Toyota 70 Series has earned itself a reputation as perhaps the world’s toughest platform, which very much extends to its dual cab ute variant.
Powered by a tough-as-nails 4.5-litre V8 producing 151kW of power and 430Nm of torque paired with a five-speed manual, the 70 Series takes a back-to-basics approach to work duties and off-roading and has been celebrated for its rugged simplicity.
Braked towing capacity stands at 3,500kg across the range, with the base WorkMate variant receiving 16-inch steel wheels, side steps, air snorkel, vinyl upholstery and a 6.1-inch infotainment system with sat-nav as standard.
RAM 1500 DS
If you’re hunting down the biggest and most powerful dual cab ute on the Australian market, look no further than the RAM 1500, a mean American creation that takes the more-is-more approach to pretty much everything.
Priced from $79,950, the Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab comes powered by no less than a 5.7-litre V8 petrol unit producing 291kW of power and 556Nm of power paired with a sleek eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive system.
The Ram 1500 leads the segment when it comes to interior space in the rear of the cabin, making it by far the most spacious dual cab ute you’ll find on the market, as well as pulling power thanks to its segment-leading 4,500kg braked towing capacity figure.
GWM Ute Cannon
We’ll wrap up our list with Australia’s cheapest dual-cab ute, which comes in the form of the GWM ute Cannon, a Chinese ute that offers buyers a huge amount of value.
The GMW Ute platform comes in a dual cab-only configuration, which is priced from just $33,490, and comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit kicking up 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque and a 4x2 system as standard.
For those looking for a 4x4 dual cab, you’ll need to upgrade to the $35,490 for the Cannon 4x4, which features a braked towing capacity figure that is limited to 2,250kg.
As standard, the entry-point into the GWM Ute lineup receives 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, body-coloured bumpers, side steps and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
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