Comparing 2017 Utes – Which ute is the one for you?

First up is the newest addition of the selected utes, the Toyota HiLux, priced at $55,990.

The HiLux delivers keyless entry and a push start button, and comes with LED headlights, a touchscreen media system and, for an extra $2000, an optional leather and electric seat modifications.

With regards to the engine size, the six-speed automatic holds a 2.8 litre four-cylinder unit, with 130kW of power at 3400rpm and 450Nm of torque at 1600-2400rpm. The HiLux proved to be the loudest of the selected utes, reading 70dB at a 60k/h speed, however remains moderately quiet when driving at a leisurelier pace, suitable for small quiet suburbs. The HiLux also comes full-sized alloy spare wheels!

Secondly, we meet the most budget friendly of them all, the superb Mitsubishi Triton, valued at $47,490.

The Triton does not compromise its features for its price. In fact, it can claim more than some of its competitors with included dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, a reverse-view camera, a touchscreen media system and the only one of the eight utes to have side mirrors which fold away when locked. The Triton also boasts a modish leather interior and has the option to include a hard lid with integrated LED light and a tub-liner.

The striking vehicle holds a 2.4 litre four-cylinder unit, with 133kW of power at 3500rpm and 430Nm of torque at 2500rpm. Conversely to the HiLux, the five-speed auto Triton was the quietest motor registering a 61.3dB readout at a 60km/h speed … and includes full-size alloy spare wheels, too!

The Mazda BT-50, priced at $51,700, supposedly ‘does it all’.

The BT-50 comes with a 7.8-inch touchscreen media system, has a fitted camera in the rear-view mirror of quality resolution, offers cruise control, hill launch assist, fitted sports bars, impressive high speed steering and, of course, Bluetooth. The latest, more masculine styled BT-50 model can also hold a load of up to 1,389kg, making it a great choice for the heavy haulers!

Its large 3.2 litre five-cylinder engine produces 147kW of power at 3000rpm and 470Nm of torque at 1750-2500rpm.

The new-look Isuzu D-Max, worth $53,000, is an attractive buy for both on and off road drivers.

Although its stylish yet robust external appearance and leather interior does impress us, the D-Max is way more than just looks. The ute presents a keyless entry and push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen media system, fitted sports bar and comes with full-size alloy spare wheels. The D-Max can also tug a huge load, with a 3.5 tonne towing capacity … ready for that caravan trip?

The d-max has the largest four-cylinder engine capacity of the utes, with a 3-turbo-litre engine and 130kW at 3600rpm of power. It also has the least torque of 380Nm from 1800-2800rpm.

You’ll also be pleased to hear the D-Max, as well as the Triton, has the longest warranty coverage of five years/130,000 kilometres.

Valued at $54,490, the Nissan Navara ST-X is a revolution in the motoring world.

This lustrous ute is set for those who require a climate adapting vehicle, with its standard seat heating, sunroof and rear seat air-vents. The Navara holds a five-link coil spring rear suspension set-up, a hard-wearing tub trim and full-size 18-inch alloy spare wheels. It also has LED headlights, a leather interior, satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, a 7-inch colour display touchscreen media system and bears keyless entry.

The Navara’s four-cylinder engine provides 140kW of power at 3750rpm and 450Nm of torque at 1500-2500rpm.

The $55,490 Volkswagen Amarok is perfect for those heading off the beaten track.

From its permanent four-wheel-drive system, off road mode, fancy hill decent control system, full-size alloy spare wheels, protected and durable underneath and a 5-piece tub liner (the biggest tub of the eight vehicles), there is no track too tough for this ute. The Amarok comes with a 5-inch touchscreen media system, a reverse-view camera, rear parking sensors and the option of seat heating for an added cost of $590. The Amarok, however, proves at a disadvantage, with absent USB ports and rear airbags – assets which the competing vehicles provide.

The Amarok’s 2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine produces 132kW of power at 4000rpm and 420Nm of torque at 1750rpm.

The Ford Ranger, marketed at $56,690, is both tough and smart. Oh, and don’t forget attractive!

Known for its comfort, safety gear and innovative technology features, the Ranger XLT makes for a bold drive. It is the first ute to offer optional cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, as well as projector headlamps, a push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, an electric-assist steering system in all new models and is the only ute from the eight to offer a customary tow bar. We should also mention its impressive 8-inch touchscreen media system with a SYNC 2 interface, DAB radio, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and an SD card slot – now that’s something to brag about!

The Ranger’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine produces a power range of 147kW at 3000rpm and a torque of 470Nm at 1750-2500rpm.

Last, but not priced least (quite the opposite), is the Holden Colorado, valued at $57,190.

The Colorado certainly doesn’t shy away from superior features, with its leather interior, dual zone climate control (including heated front seats), forward collision alert, lane departure warning, a reverse-view camera, rear parking sensors and a 7-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle also provides full-size alloy spare wheels.

The six-speed automatic (or manual) Colorado boasts a 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine, running with 147kW of power at 3600rpm. It also has the highest torque of any ute specified here, with 500Nm at 2000rpm.