Not all utes are created equal; some are made of stronger stuff than others.
We check out some of the ‘tough’ features that make utes the ideal vehicle for both work and play.
Turbo Diesel Engines
If you’re going to be using your ute as a work-horse, then go for a diesel engine. Turbo diesel engines have pulling power advantage, and many utes are now diesel-only. Modern turbo diesel engines may be getting smaller but they still have a huge range of design features. They can produce substantially more grunt for two or three litres compared to an older four-litre engine. As emission standards get stricter, these turbodiesel engines have things like computerised fuel delivery, superior intercoolers and sequential turbochargers.
- The Volkswagen Amarok ute has a 2.0-litre diesel engine but is robust, and one of the smoothest of the commercial diesel utes.
- The Nissan Navara STX, has a larger 3 litre V6 engine but has 17 percent more torque than the 3.2 litre Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50, and the 2.8 litre Holden Colorado.
Automatic transmission
There’s no need to bother about changing gears with a tough ute. Many have highly efficient transmissions offering up to eight speeds so you can get maximum power for the speed you’re travelling.
- The Isuzu D-Max is a genuine ‘tough truck’, offering excellent traction control for offroading, an 8-speed auto and all-wheel-drive.
Towing capacity
One of the most useful features of a tough ute is its increased towing capacity, and this is a big selling point.
- Toyota Hilux is one of the most popular utes on the market and along with awesome engine/transmission/cab specs, the new models can now tow 3,500 kg. Other utes that can tow 3,500 kg are the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado and Mazda BT-50.
Off-roading
Utes these days can range in use from work vehicles to family cars, but off-roading remains a popular reason for purchasing. And with the harsh conditions of the Australian outback, tough utes come into their own.
- Ford Ranger utes boast 5-star safety, are powerful, a good drive on road and used a lot for tough off-roading.
Generally, the more expensive the ute, the more value you’ll get for your money. However, you can still buy a tough ute for a reasonable price and be guaranteed a good vehicle, though it may not have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive model.