Utes are the second most popular new vehicle type in Australia, behind only SUVs, and it’s been a big month for new ute reveals and news.
This week saw the global unveiling of the new Kia Tasman and the price and details of the upcoming BYD Shark 6, the groundbreaking plug-in hybrid 4×4 double cab that broke the Chinese brand’s Australian website when orders closed on Tuesday evening. .
But among that crowd was a household name around the world: Isuzu. The Japanese brand, or specifically Isuzu Ute Australia, has unveiled its latest flagship model: the Walkinshaw-clad, off-road-ready D-Max Blade.
That got us thinking. This is certainly not the first time that a major car brand has released a new 4×4 double cab variant specifically designed for challenging off-road driving. There are even a few to choose from.
So we asked the AutoExpert team on which off-road vehicle they would buy for under $100,000, and here’s what they said. But first, here are some of the most popular examples of the breed:
- Ford Ranger Raptor
- Ford Ranger vibrations
- GWM Ute Kanon-XSR
- Isuzu D-Max blade
- Mazda BT-50 Thunder
- Nissan Navara SL warrior
- Nissan Navara Pro-4X warrior
- Toyota HiLux GR Sport
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Marton Pettendy: Ford Ranger tremor
If I was looking for a new, off-road-ready car, I’d buy a Tremor, as it’s the most hardcore version of the class-leading Ranger this side of the desert-eating Raptor, but it will still travel 500 miles between fill-ups. and transporting 900 kg and towing 3500 kg.
It’s also a completely factory designed and built vehicle, based on Australia’s only Australian developed ute, and comes with tasty off-road extras such as a full-time 4×4, a front fascia, Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tyres, wider wheel tracks and a one-inch suspension (fits the HiLux Rogue and D-Max Blade, but not the accessory option Nissan Navara Warrior, HiLux GR Sport or Mazda BT-50 Thunder).
There are also more unique off-road extras, such as an additional overhead switch bank and the Raptor’s Trail Control 3 and Rock Crawl 3 modes, all for $69,690 plus on-road – just $3550 more than Sport it’s on based and inferior to anything from its most direct rivals is the GWM Ute Cannon-XSR.
For me, it’s the perfect getaway machine, at least until Ford offers a Tremor V6 with a few inches more ride height…
Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
Jordan Mulach: Ford Ranger Raptor
I have a feeling this is going to be a popular answer, and for good reason.
If you can get past the fact that it sounds like a VN Commodore with holes in the exhaust, the Ranger Raptor is almost flawless for those who want both on- and off-road performance.
Not only is the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 a welcome upgrade over the disappointing first version that was powered by a four-cylinder turbodiesel, Ford has improved everything about the Raptor to set it far apart from the base Ranger.
In addition, the engine has not yet reached the limit of its potential and Ford specialist Herrod Performance – which has a long-standing relationship with the Blue Oval – is selling a power unit that not only gives it another 88 kW and 197 Nm, but also other components for extra reliability.
And if you’re looking for real off-road action, rather than just taking on a leafy drive while it rains, the Ranger Raptor is a proven performer at the Finke Desert Race, winning the Production 4WD two years in a row. class wins.
Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
Paul Maric: Toyota HiLux GR Sport
I think I would buy the HiLux GR Sport.
Compared to other cars in the same vein, it looks pretty cool, and being a Toyota, it will probably outlast the rest.
The interior is a bit outdated, but I think the exterior looks more than good.
I’m curious to see what Toyota does with the next generation HiLux and how it competes with Ford, for example.
Interested in buying a Toyota HiLux? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Toyota HiLux
James Wong: Ford Ranger tremor
Like me had to choose a double cab, especially one of these more focused off-road versions, the Ranger Tremor would be my choice.
As with virtually every other variant of Australia’s favorite new car nameplate, the Tremor delivers a more SUV-like driving experience and offers the kind of refinement and technology you’d expect from a modern car.
Ford is also one of the few manufacturers in this space to offer Australians a much cleaner Euro 6 certified diesel engine, which significantly reduces NOx emissions thanks to AdBlue injection.
Meanwhile, most other brands continue to cling to decade-old emissions treatment technology that results in high fuel economy with high emissions.
Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
Jack Quick: Ford Ranger Raptor
It’s no longer as affordable as it once was, but at $90,440 before you hit the road (or just under $100,000 drive-away in most capital cities), the Ford Ranger Raptor still narrowly slips in among us budget ceiling.
It’s worth noting how influential and groundbreaking this 4×4 double cab ute has been in its segment. As it stands, it’s leaps and bounds above its competitors.
This twin-turbo V6 petrol engine monster is so much fun to drive, both on and off road. It’s something I always beg to grab the keys when we have one in the garage.
The Raptor is not only powerful, but also quite comfortable. This is partly thanks to the coil-sprung rear suspension and sumptuous leather seats that offer heating.
Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
Max Davies: Isuzu D-Max Blade
Let’s be a little different and go for something Australian instead.
Sure, the Ford Ranger is developed in Australia, but it’s not built here. And while the D-Max is also made in Thailand and previously had no Australian development ties, Walkinshaw has now added the flavor of local engineering and manufacturing – the latter of which takes place just 30 minutes south-east of Melbourne’s CBD.
Then there are the two Navara Warrior variants, which happen to be built 30 minutes north of Melbourne’s CBD following another proprietary R&D program, this time by Premcar. Nissan’s two-tiered Navara Warrior offering, including the mid-range SL variant and the top-level Pro-4X, gives it a much wider price range, but the Navara platform is really showing its age.
That’s why the D-Max Blade gets my pick. There may be a recency bias coming through here as I’ve just attended the media drive, but the D-Max was already my top pick in the ute segment and Walkinshaw have now capitalized on that to create the Blade.
Although there’s no extra power, the off-road suspension and wheels have made the already successful D-Max experience that little bit more versatile. Plus, it looks as tough as nails and has a pretty bulletproof engine anyway.
It’s a top-spec model, meaning it competes with the HiLux GR Sport and the Navara Pro-4X Warrior, almost at around $70,000. The only real downside is that it is more expensive than the Tremor, but I think it does the job better than the other expensive devices.
Interested in buying an Isuzu D-Max? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Isuzu D-Max
Josh Nevett: Ford Ranger tremor
It’s hard to get past a Ranger here, and the Tremor is the best choice for off-road adventures.
The rugged Tremor is based on the mid-range Sport and features full-time all-wheel drive, Bilstein shock absorbers with remote reservoir, all-terrain tires, a front bash plate and a bunch of other adventure-oriented goodies for a very reasonable price premium.
Unfortunately, the package doesn’t include V6 power, but Ford’s bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine is just about the best in the class anyway.
The Blue Oval also reigns supreme in terms of interior technology, with its oversized Sync4 infotainment system.
Looking at the rivals, the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux GR Sport may have the wherewithal to keep up with the Ranger off the tarmac, but neither can match the Tremor in terms of cabin and powertrain refinement. Both are also more expensive.
Priced under $70,000, the Tremor is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
William Stopford: Ford Ranger Raptor
I was the last to respond to this opinion question, because I was away at the unveiling of the Kia Tasman. So I’ve had a chance to see everyone else’s responses and sorry, but I have to be unoriginal and nominate the Ford Ranger Raptor too.
I drive a lot of cars and appreciate their functionality, but I wouldn’t say I’m a dyed-in-the-wool person. However, sometimes I drive a ute and it just clicks with me – a couple of big American pick-ups for example, and the Ford Ranger Raptor.
I rode it off-road and found it extremely capable, but more importantly I also found it comfortable on road. It is a great all-rounder and also looks businesslike.
It doesn’t sound that great, but it still sounds better than any four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine – including the regular Ranger. It also features all the highlights of the regular Ranger, such as best-in-class technology.
I haven’t had a chance to drive the Tremor yet, but I suspect it could become my first choice if Ford ever puts its killer turbodiesel V6 under the hood.
Interested in buying a Ford Ranger? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
