High 5 4×4 utes of 2024

As we proceed to depend all the way down to the top of 2024, we’re supplying you with a year-in-review on the automobiles that took our fancy all year long.

Persevering with on from final week’s mid-sized SUV assessment wrap-up, we’re transferring on to 4×4 utes. It’s the second-largest section on the VFACTS gross sales charts by quantity, and whereas it might not be as densely packed as different segments, there’s nonetheless loads of choices to select from.

We’ve had the prospect to drive a lot this 12 months, and these are the 5 that topped our rating charts over the calendar 12 months. A few of these fashions have been reviewed on a number of events this 12 months, so we’ve solely featured the variant that achieved the very best score.

Costs are based mostly on every producer’s configurators utilizing a Victorian postcode, which ought to present a consultant estimate of what the typical Australian purchaser will find yourself paying.

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Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger was our highest-rated ute for 2024, scoring a formidable 8.6 out of 10 in a assessment written by senior contributor Matt Campbell.

We praised the Ranger’s SUV-like inside really feel, one thing particularly evident within the Wildtrak grade reviewed. Its cabin match and end was additionally a optimistic, with high-quality supplies and sturdy tech serving to it obtain a excessive rating.

Serving to the Wildtrak to the very best score of any ute was its V6 diesel powertrain, which we described because the “preferrred match for one of these ute”. The ten-speed automated gearbox was additionally recognized as a key issue behind its high quality drive expertise, with “good shifts” that allowed the engine to thrive in all conditions.

Our assessment summed it up by labelling this particular ranger a “nice selection for many who will use it for work, play, or each”, praising its capability to be a versatile household dual-cab ute. Its value was listed as a unfavourable, whereas area in each the again seat and tub may even have been improved.

You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 right here

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Volkswagen Amarok

The Ranger’s Amarok cousin was our next-best ute for 2024, with information editor William Stopford giving it a decent rating of 8.3

Highlights included its security and trip consolation, whereas our in-depth rankings for value of possession, gasoline effectivity and its infotainment tech additionally mirrored the Amarok’s optimistic traits.

In contrast to the Ranger, we praised its bi-turbo four-cylinder engine for its cheaper value but respectable outputs. We additionally stated it was engaging in and out and appreciated its constant steering really feel.

We nonetheless most well-liked the inside of the Ranger, and our score of the Amarok as compared displays that. It scored comparatively poorly on worth for cash and inside practicality and area in consequence.

In any other case, its fundamental downside for an in any other case strong ute was listed as a scarcity of rear USB shops.

You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Volkswagen Amarok TDI500 Model right here

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Isuzu D-Max

The D-Max was the third and last ute to attain increased than 8.0 this 12 months, because it was awarded an 8.1 by market journalist Max Davies.

Sitting close to the highest of the D-Max vary, the LS-U+ was praised for its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that was stated to supply robust efficiency whereas sustaining confirmed reliability.

We preferred its inside expertise and luxury, whereas additionally figuring out its trip consolation as a key optimistic. It was additionally deemed sensible inside relative to its dimensions and maintained a commendable gasoline effectivity score.

It’s not significantly low cost although, and that was mirrored in our assessment. We additionally weren’t overjoyed by its match and end as we recognized a handful of rattles each from the inside and from the handful of exterior equipment fitted to our tester.

We additionally stated the actual fact you couldn’t drive the LS-U+ on sealed roads with four-wheel drive activated was a downside, particularly in comparison with rivals just like the Ranger.

You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ right here

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Mazda BT-50

Mazda’s BT-50 was reviewed in SP guise this 12 months, and it scored 7.9 by the hands of market journalist Josh Nevett.

Just like the Ranger, we felt the BT-50 SP “drives like an SUV” which was recognized as a key optimistic and contributed to its respectable rating. Its inside match and end was additionally strong and we had no points with its superior driver help methods both.

Its security, value of possession, gasoline effectivity, and infotainment expertise have been additionally given commendable rankings. Inside practicality and area wasn’t as robust as a few of its rivals, and whereas outputs from its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel aren’t as excessive as others we stated it had “greater than satisfactory shove” round city.

Regardless of being on the cheaper finish of higher-spec dual-cab utes, we rated its worth for cash poorly. That is largely as a result of it turns into pretty costly when the “SP Professional” choices are fitted, and the infotainment improve it obtained was additionally pricey.

However, we felt the D-Max-twinning BT-50 was well-equipped and benefitted from the credibility of the Mazda badge.

You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Mazda BT-50 SP right here

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Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi managed to crack our 2024 high 5 with the Triton, due to its 7.9 score awarded by assistant manufacturing editor Jack Fast.

We have been impressed by the actual fact its towing specs at the moment are up-to-scratch with the remainder of the section, whereas its 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder confirmed commendable efficiency and gasoline effectivity.

We additionally preferred its dealing with dynamics and its inside practicality, the latter of which was given a better score than different opponents. Its infotainment expertise additionally obtained reward.

We didn’t like its driver consideration monitoring system and located it to be “infuriating” when on the transfer. Equally, its idle stop-start operate didn’t carry out as we’d count on, and its trip consolation proved to be under par.

Its six-speed automated transmission can also be much less versatile than different items with extra gears present in some rivals, one thing we really feel needs to be addressed with a number of extra gears.

You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Mitsubishi Triton GLS right here

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