The ute market in Australia, especially the dual-cab 4×4 category, is set to witness an influx of exciting new models across 2024 and 2025. With a diverse range of offerings from traditional internal combustion engines to cutting-edge electric and hybrid technologies, consumers can expect a variety of choices to suit their needs.
According to VFACTS new vehicle registration figures, Aussies bought (technically, took delivery of) 208,716 4×4 utes in 2023. That’s 17.2 per cent of the total new vehicle sales for the year. It is the biggest single market segment in the country. You’d be mad not to offer a product here, as a car brand.
Here are the top 10 best new utes/pickups anticipated to make a significant impact in the Australian market over the next couple of years, in our opinion. We’ve listed them in order of expected arrival time.
1. New Mitsubishi Triton – confirmed Q1, 2024
Mitsubishi’s Triton receives a significant overhaul for 2024, jumping to a newly-developed platform that offers a 60 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a lighter-weight yet stronger body, both helping to improve on-road “performance and ride comfort”, Mitsubishi says.
Further solidifying its position as a formidable contender in the pickup segment, the new model debuts a fresh 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 150kW and 470Nm. While it is a significant bump from the current 133kW/430Nm unit, these figures only just meet the current class standards, without including some of the V6 competitors.
With refreshed styling and improved features, and an extensive warranty, the 2024 Triton is set to continue to offer a compelling combination of versatility and reliability for Aussie buyers. Prices have been confirmed to start from $43,690 for the entry GLX dual-cab and top out at $63,840 for the GSR auto. It is arriving pretty much as we speak.
2. Ineos Quartermaster – confirmed Q1, 2024
The Ineos Quartermaster brings a rugged and utilitarian option to the Australian market, with a premium undertone. It’s based the Land Rover Defender-inspired Grenadier wagon, and features BMW inline-six power, in petrol and diesel forms.
Going for the petrol gets you 210kW and 450Nm of smooth, sweet-sounding grunt, while the diesel develops 183kW and 550Nm. Designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind, the Quartermaster offers robust capabilities and components, with a no-nonsense approach to interior design and practicality.
Prices have been confirmed to start from $110,000 and top out at $123,000 (excluding on-roads and options). It is set to arrive pretty much now as well.
3. Toyota HiLux 48V mild-hybrid – confirmed Q1, 2024
Toyota’s iconic HiLux receives an update with mild-hybrid tech for the first time. Building on the HiLux’s reputation for durability and off-road expertise, the addition of mild-hybrid technology aims to enhance fuel efficiency without compromising performance, while also improving drivability, the company says.
This will be the first time Toyota is introducing 48V mild-hybrid tech for its trusty ute. Full details are yet to be confirmed but power and torque are expected to remain at 150kW and 500Nm. Toyota says fuel economy has been improved by 6-10 per cent. As a guide, the current SR5 auto is rated at 7.9L/100km. Weight and capacity figures are likely to change slightly.
The technology will come standard on the Rogue and automatic dual-cab SR5, and optional on the SR dual-cab. It arrives in the first quarter of this year.
4. GWM Shanhai ‘Alpha’ – second half of 2024
Great Wall Motors (GWM) will soon introduce a new flagship ute for the Australian market, following a similar line to the Shanhai overseas. A local trademark for the name Alpha is currently registered by GWM in Australia, which suggests it could be called the GWM Alpha. Given that it will be larger and more powerful than the current Cannon ute, it seems like a fitting name.
Reports suggest V6 petrol power, with around 260kW and 500Nm. There’s also talk of a 2.4L turbo-diesel with around 135kW/480Nm, along with a hybrid option featuring the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder system from the Tank 300 Hybrid. In that it generates 258kW/615Nm.
The Alpha is expected to attract adventurous buyers looking for a capable yet affordable option in the large ute segment, with a wheelbase that’s around 120mm longer than the current Cannan XSR. The design could look something like these design patents.
5. Isuzu D-Max update – second half of 2024
It’s been a very popular model in Australia, the D-Max, and in fact it came home as the third most popular nameplate outright in 2023, according to VFACTS figures. And that’s despite the current model using some relatively old tech and features.
The current, fourth-generation D-Max went on sale in Australia about five years ago. The new model won’t be a complete model change-over but instead come in as a refreshed facelift. Expect slight tweaks to exterior trimmings, wheels, and updates to the touch-screen and driving assist tech.
Under the bonnet, the trusty 4JJ 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder will continue, very likely with the same 140kW/450Nm output. However, Isuzu might introduce a sporty special edition which could carry the existing generation into the all-new model set to arrive in a couple of years or so. Think along the lines of the X-Runner that we saw with the last of the third-generation model. The facelift is expected to arrive in the second half of this year.
6. BYD ute – late 2024
BYD is a fast-growing brand in Australia, with its Atto 3, Dolphin and interesting new Seal. However, the Chinese brand will soon step into the dual-cab ute market with a plug-in hybrid offering and then a fully electric option.
It’s understood the hybrid system will use a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and decent-sized battery. A fully electric driving range could potentially be upwards of 100km, bettering the Ford Ranger PHEV’s range of 45km. Combined output figures are yet to be discovered.
As with BYD’s existing lineup, we should expect a very practical yet slightly quirky interior for the new ute. A large touch-screen will probably dominate the dash, and as we can see by these official design patents, the exterior will showcase a clean and smoothed-edge boxy design.
The plug-in hybrid will launch first, late this year, followed by a fully electric version some time in 2025.
7. Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid – confirmed early 2025
Ford’s popular Ranger receives a plug-in hybrid option in 2025. Offering the versatility and capability of the Ranger platform with the added benefits of electrified propulsion, the plug-in hybrid model is poised to provide an efficient and practical solution for Australian consumers.
This will be the first plug-in hybrid ute of its kind in Australia (unless one of the others pips it at the post), with power coming from a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol pairing with an electric motor assist system. Specs haven’t been confirmed in terms of battery size and total output, but the electric driving range is confirmed to be around 45km. It will also offer more than 600Nm of torque, and vehicle-to-load ‘Pro Power Onboard’ functionality.
Ford says the braked towing capacity will remain at 3500kg but it is yet to confirm payload figures. It is also yet to confirm pricing figures, but it is likely to become the most expensive Ranger yet.
8. Kia ‘Tasman’ ute – early 2025
Kia’s entry into the ute segment is highly anticipated. Launching in early 2025, the new model, dubbed the Tasman (based on a trademark finding) will offer a blend of rugged capability and modern design, along with Kia’s renowned reliability and feature-rich interiors. This model is likely to appeal to consumers seeking a balance between functionality and comfort.
According to our insider sources, Kia is planning to offer a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with around 157kW/420Nm, along with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol producing around 206kW/422Nm, as well as fully electric options with up to 410kW/800Nm.
We’ve also heard Kia is targeting a full 3500kg towing capacity and over 1100kg payload, with a modern interior complete with enough USB ports to keep all passengers happy. Prices are set to start from around $50,000 for the base model and top out at around $90,000 for the top electric version.
9. Chery ute – some time in 2025
Revived Chinese auto brand (in Australia), Chery, is poised to bring a new player into the Australian market. While details are scarce, Chery’s track record for value-oriented vehicles suggests that its new ute could offer compelling features at an attractive price point, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
As far as we know, Chery is planning two different pickup models. The first is set to be more of a soft-roader-style model, a bit like the overseas Hyundai Santa Cruz, while the other is set to take on the big guns like the HiLux and Ranger.
Rumours suggest there will be a plug-in hybrid and even a fully electric option at some point, with the soft-roader version potentially adopting the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol from the Omoda 5. More details are expected to be announced in the not-too-distant future.
10. Next-Gen Nissan Navara – some time in 2025
Nissan’s next-generation Navara, based on the Triton platform, is expected to debut in Australia in 2025. Leveraging on the new Mitsubishi Triton under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the next-gen Navara is expected to offer enhanced performance, technology, and versatility over the current model.
With the new platform from the Triton, the new Navara is set to be longer, wider and riding on a longer wheelbase (opening up more passenger room). Chassis strength has been increased on the Triton and so has the body, so we should expect similar improvements to on-road handling for the next Navara as well.
Powertrain details are yet to be outlined, but it seems likely it will receive the twin-turbo 2.4-litre diesel from the Triton. The Mitsubishi produces 150kW and 470Nm. Nissan bosses have also hinted at hybrid options, although these are likely to be paired with small petrol engines rather than a diesel.
There was talk of a VR30 twin-turbo V6 petrol engine option coming as well, as a Nismo Navara variant to battle the Ford Ranger Raptor. But that idea has since fizzed out considering the level of downward pressure on large-capacity petrol engines and a switch to electrification, from both legislative and market demands.
It is only early days yet so we’ll keep you posted over the coming months.
Nissan rendering by Parallel Universe Cars