Tradies rely on their work vehicles every day to transport tools and heavy loads.
To cater for the job, your choice of ute must be as hardworking as you.
Here are some of the best utes for tradies. Which one will get the job done for you?
Ford Ranger XLS
Currently Ford’s most popular model, the Ranger XLS is built to perform on the jobsite and the open road.
The Ranger can be used as a tradie’s workhorse, off-road 4WD, tow vehicle or as an everyday family car. It’s tough, classy, comfortable and capable.
The XLS comes is a dual cab ute with a 3.2-litre engine and can have either a manual or automatic transmission. The standard fit-out includes rearview camera, rear parking sensors, 16-inch tyres, fully adjustable steering wheel for reach and height, multimedia touchscreen and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted buttons.
Best for: Built for tough workdays and weekend adventuring. Ford’s Ranger is considered the best value ute in the dual-cab range.
Mercedes Benz X-Class 250d
If you want a tough vehicle equipped with luxury features, the Mercedes X-Class is the recommended choice for luxury and strength.
The X-Class is fitted with a leather-bound steering wheel, electronically adjustable front seats, and reversing camera. Powered by a 2.3-litre twin-turbo, it idles with a distant tick-over and is much quieter than other utes to drive because of extra sound deadening.
Compared to the Nissan Navara, which is similar in appearance, the Mercedes X-Class has its own suspension tune, increased girth and larger ute tray.
Best for: Comfort, safety and power. The X-Class has a 5-star ANCAP rating and is one of the most powerful utes in its class.
Toyota Hilux Rugged X
The latest additions to Toyota’s top-selling Hilux offers tradies more space.
Featuring a tweaked interior and refreshed façade, the Rugged X is favoured for its off-road abilities. Off-road driving is made better with new features such as steel bulbar, front and rear recovery points, front under guard, LED light bar, slider steps and a snorkel on the driver’s A-pillar.
Other standout features include 3,500kg towing limit (manual), highly effective traction control, all-wheel-drive system, climate control and extensive power and safety features. Choose from a 6-speed manual or automatic.
Best for: High-performance off-road adventuring. This model was designed in Australia (with help from Toyota Japan and Toyota Thailand).
Holden Colorado LTZ
The Holden Colorado is the most underrated tradie’s ute.
The LTZ was revamped in 2016 to a more attractive, functional and smooth-driving model.
The LTZ is practical and spacious. Like the Toyota Hilux, it also offers value for money and drives better than many comparable utes. However, there’s no petrol option.
Whilst it is the less able of utes off-road, Holden’s LTZ is well-equipped with a turbo diesel engine, good cabin storage and smartphone integration with 8inch touchscreen and seven-speaker premium audio. This model also has sharper steering and good fuel economy at around 9.5L/100km.
Best for: The ultimate combination of power, safety and technology. The LTZ also carries some handy tech inside.
Volkswagen Amarok V6 Sportline TDI 550
Considered Australia’s most powerful tradie ute, the VW Amarok is a performance king.
The ute is favoured among tradies because of its powerful performance and convenient features. It also boasts electronic stability features such as hill descent control and has a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
Best for: Its power. The V6 model is powered by a 3.0 litre V6-turbo diesel engine with an ‘overboost mode’. This function gives a seamless transition of 180kW burst of power in third and fourth gears.
LDV T60
The LDV is China’s first vehicle to achieve a 5-star rating and is considered the most cost-effective ute on the market.
It’s suitable for workday to weekend activities and is a popular tradesman’s tool; fitted with heavy-duty suspension and hard-wearing cloth seats (Pro model). Towing capacity is 3,000kg with 2.8-litre turbo-diesel power.
Best for: Value. T60s are well-priced and offer work-and-play versatility.
For more information about which ute is best for you, speak to our staff. The Easi team are qualified in fleet management with novated leasing and salary packaging options available to help you get the right vehicle for the job.
