When it comes to tackling Australia’s tough terrain — from red desert tracks and farm paddocks to beach runs and city commutes — nothing beats the versatility of a 4WD dual-cab ute. They’ve become more than just workhorses; utes today combine power, practicality, and comfort, making them equally suited for job sites and family road trips.
Even though the SUV segment dominates the Australian market, it’s usually a ute that tops the monthly sales charts (looking at Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux). In fact, it’s even encouraged more brands to enter the segment for the first time, as seen with newcomers such as the BYD Shark 6 and Kia Tasman, which also bring new technology.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best 4WD dual-cab utes in Australia right now.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger remains the benchmark for 4WD dual-cab utes in Australia. Combining impressive off-road capability, strong towing power, and advanced technology, it’s built to handle both work and play. Buyers can choose between a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel or a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger’s 4WD system, selectable drive modes, and robust suspension make it confident on rough terrain, while its 3,500kg braked towing capacity is perfect for hauling caravans or boats.
Inside, the Ranger stands out for its comfort and connectivity, featuring Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment, a digital instrument cluster, and practical storage. It’s the all-rounder that continues to set the standard in the segment.
We’re not including the flagship Ford Ranger Raptor in this conversation as it does not have many direct rivals, and its supreme off-roading abilities and performance come with a hefty price tag.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L Bi-Turbo /3.0L V6 Diesel |
| Power | 154/ 184kW |
| Torque | 500/ 600Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.0-8.5L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Toyota Hilux
A household name in Australia, the Toyota HiLux has a long-standing global reputation for reliability and toughness. While we wait for the next-gen Hilux to arrive, buyers can find one powered by a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine that offers dependable performance both on and off the road. Toyota’s robust ladder-frame chassis and off-road features like hill descent control and rear diff lock make it well-suited to the harshest conditions.
The latest HiLux also brings improved refinement, with upgraded interiors, touchscreen infotainment, and Toyota Safety Sense technology. Furthermore, its strong resale value ensures it remains one of Australia’s most trusted utes.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.8L Turbo-diesel |
| Power | 150kW |
| Torque | 500Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.0/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Isuzu D-Max
Locally registered as Isuzu UTE Australia, the brand’s key vehicle is the Isuzu D-Max. Built for durability, the D-Max is known for its no-nonsense reliability and workhorse strength. The D-Max’s 4WD system, rear diff lock, and high ground clearance make it a capable off-roader, while its competitive towing rating handles heavy loads with ease.
Inside, recent updates bring modern comforts such as a touchscreen infotainment system, advanced safety tech, and supportive seating. Whether it’s on the worksite or a weekend getaway, the D-Max delivers confidence and endurance that Aussie drivers appreciate.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.9L /3.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 110/ 140kW |
| Torque | 350/ 450Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 7.0-7.8L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Mazda BT-50
The Mazda BT-50 combines rugged utility with the brand’s signature focus on refinement and style. Sharing its platform with the Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 features a proven 3.0L turbo-diesel engine and a payload capacity of over 1 tonne. Its selectable 4WD system, rear differential lock, and strong chassis ensure confidence off-road, while the suspension tuning delivers a comfortable ride on highways.
Inside, Mazda adds a premium touch with soft-touch materials, a large infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The BT-50 appeals to buyers wanting the toughness of a traditional ute with a more upmarket, refined feel for daily use. There is a new and improved BT-50 in the works, with refreshed styling and improvements all around, but that doesn’t make the current Mazda ute any less appealing as a top 4WD dual-cab ute.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 140kW |
| Torque | 450Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.0L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara is the struggling carmaker’s best-selling product Down Under, blending aggressive styling with serious off-road capability. It comes with a powerful twin-turbo diesel engine and part-time 4WD system, but gets clever off-road technology. The top-spec Navara Pro-4X further offers reinforced suspension, a rear locking differential, and Bilstein shocks that enhance its durability across rocky or sandy trails.
Inside, the top-trim Nissan Navara dual-cab ute comes with leather-accented seating, a touchscreen infotainment system, and Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring and 360° cameras. With its mix of workhorse toughness and comfort-focused features, the Navara stands out as a versatile ute for both tradies and weekend adventurers. This Japanese ute is also set for a big update that is due to make its global debut later this year, with the Australian launch likely in the first half of 2026.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.3L Turbo-diesel |
| Power | 140kW |
| Torque | 450Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.1L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Mitsubishi Triton
The Mitsubishi Triton is not as popular as the Ranger or Hilux, but it has managed to carve its own legacy in the Australian automotive landscape. It too is known for its reliability, affordability, and genuine off-road ability thanks to Mitsubishi’s renowned Super Select II 4WD system. The Triton’s compact dimensions and tight turning circle make it agile on trails and city streets alike without compromising on the practicality for work and recreational activities.
Recent updates to the Mitsubishi Triton dual-cab ute feature a bolder exterior design, modern driver-assistance features, and enhanced cabin comfort, including larger infotainment screens and upgraded amenities. Combining value, versatility, and capability, the Triton remains a dependable all-rounder for Australian conditions.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo-diesel |
| Power | 150kW |
| Torque | 470Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.0L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Volkswagen Amarok
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok raises the bar for premium dual-cab utes, offering European refinement with serious off-road strength. Built on a shared platform with the Ford Ranger, the Amarok features the turbo-diesel engines, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. It boasts a competitive towing capacity and impressive ground clearance, making it ready for heavy loads or rough terrain.
Inside, the Amarok dual-cab ute delivers a premium experience with a digital instrument cluster, large portrait touchscreen, leather upholstery, and advanced driver aids. Its quiet, composed ride and premium cabin distinguish it from more utilitarian rivals. For buyers who want ute ability with European sophistication, the Amarok is a good pick.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L / 3.0L Turbo-diesel /2.3L Turbo-petrol |
| Power | 154 / 184kW (diesel)222kW (petrol) |
| Torque | 500 /600Nm (diesel)450Nm (petrol) |
| Transmission | 6-speed / 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.4L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
GWM Cannon
Of the many Chinese-origin car brands that have landed in Australia, GWM has the strongest offerings for those seeking robust 4WD SUVs and utes. The GWM Ute Cannon has quickly gained attention for offering big-ute capability at a smaller price. It’s a little underpowered with its 2.0L turbo-diesel, but the part-time 4WD system with selectable terrain modes is fairly capable. The Cannon-X features a tough ladder-frame chassis, making it practical for towing and light off-roading.
Inside, it surprises with a premium feel — leather-trimmed seats, a 9-inch infotainment screen, a 360-degree camera, and driver-assistance tech all come standard. The ride quality is comfortable, and the cabin space rivals more expensive models. Combining value, tech, and usability, the Cannon-X appeals to budget-conscious buyers who still want a feature-packed ute capable of tackling Australia’s rugged conditions.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo-diesel |
| Power | 120kW |
| Torque | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 9.4L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,000kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
SsangYong Musso
The recently updated SsangYong Musso is an underrated contender in the dual-cab ute market, delivering comfort, practicality, and capability at a sharp price. Despite its affordability, the Musso impresses with its smooth ride and refined on-road manners, thanks to its coil-sprung rear suspension.
The XLV variant offers an extended tray for extra load space, while the interior feels more SUV-like than most utes, featuring soft-touch materials, an intuitive infotainment system, and available heated seats. The Musso is ideal for buyers seeking a comfortable daily ute that can still get the job done on weekends or worksites.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.2L Turbo-diesel |
| Power | 133kW |
| Torque | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 8.9L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 7 |
BYD Shark 6
The arrival of the BYD Shark 6 has certainly stirred up Australia’s 4WD dual-cab market, blending traditional ute capability with cutting-edge hybrid technology. Although it arrived just before the hybrid benefits of the FBT, which took away potential savings for buyers, the Shark 6 experiences decent sales for a newcomer. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain packs a lot of performance but loses out on towing capacity compared to traditional diesel 4WD utes. This plug-in hybrid setup promises not only impressive fuel economies but also an estimated 100km of electric-only range, making it ideal for city commutes and short trips.
The Shark 6 offers full-time 4WD, ensuring it can handle both work duties and weekend adventures. Inside, expect a modern cabin with a large touchscreen, premium materials, and a suite of advanced driver-assist systems. As one of the first electrified dual-cab utes in Australia, the BYD Shark 6 is set to redefine what a tough yet efficient ute can be.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo Hybrid |
| Power (Combined) | 321kW |
| Torque | 650Nm |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Combined Range | 670km |
| Electric Range | 100km |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Honorary Mention: Kia Tasman
The upcoming Kia Tasman will mark the brand’s first-ever entry into the 4WD dual-cab ute segment, and expectations are high. Designed and engineered with Australian input, the Tasman is expected to target segment leaders like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux with strong diesel and hybrid powertrain options. Early prototypes suggest a tough, squared-off exterior design and a focus on refinement, practicality, and technology.
Inside, the Tasman is likely to feature Kia’s latest infotainment system, digital driver display, and premium finishes, bringing a new level of sophistication to the ute market. With a 3,500kg towing capacity, off-road modes, and Kia’s reputation for long warranties and value, the Tasman aims to combine everyday usability with genuine off-road performance. It’s set to be one of 2025’s most exciting new arrivals for buyers seeking a fresh alternative to the established names.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.2L Turbo-diesel/ 2.5L Petrol Hybrid |
| Power | 154kW |
| Torque | 440Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | NA |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg (braked) |
| Seating | 5 |
Which 4WD dual-cab ute is right for you?
Choosing the right 4WD dual-cab ute depends on what you value most — power, comfort, tech, or affordability. For all-around strength and tech, the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok lead the pack. The Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, and Mazda BT-50 remain trusted choices for reliability and endurance, while the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton excel in practicality and everyday usability.
For those seeking something new, the GWM Ute Cannon-X, SsangYong Musso, and the upcoming BYD Shark 6 and Kia Tasman bring exciting value and innovation to the mix.
Whether you’re towing, touring, or tackling the Outback, Australia’s top 4WD dual-cab utes prove there’s a perfect match for every lifestyle — tough enough for work, comfortable enough for family, and ready for adventure.
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