The Best Ute for Tradies

by Team Tradify, September 14, 2023

As a tradie, your work vehicle isn’t just a means of transport to the job site. Your ute is a tool that can significantly impact your efficiency and comfort on the job. It’s also a major investment, so you’ll need to factor in all your requirements, such as storage space, towing capacity, off-roading ability, and comfort.

Looking for ways to afford a new ute? Check whether you’re charging enough.

In this guide, we’ll showcase the best utes for tradies, checking out how they stack up in terms of price, power, utility, and fuel efficiency.

Low on time? Skip head!

Solid reputation: Isuzu D-Max Ute
Long-lasting favourite: Toyota HiLux
Strong and spacious: Mazda BT-50
Powerful luxury: Ford Ranger
For the tradie-about-town: Volkswagen Amarok
Ease and efficiency: Nissan Navara
Rugged and reliable: Mitsubishi Triton

Considerations for tradies buying a ute

Decide whether to buy new vs. pre-owned.
Check whether there are discounts or subsidies available for buying certain vehicles new.
A new vehicle can be a business expense, so check with your accountant how this will
work with your taxes.
Check whether your tools can be stored securely to prevent theft.
Consider petrol vs diesel and know that diesels with a DPF have gotten a bad rap.
Consider whether your ute has a timing belt or chain and when it may need replacing.
Check on warranties and whether the manufacturer offers remote-area servicing.
Research common issues for any particular model year or engine type you’re considering.

1. Solid reputation: Isuzu D-Max Ute

Known as the Holden Rodeo between 2003 - 2008, the D-Max has also shared a platform with three other popular utes: the Colorado, Ranger, and the BT-50 (depending on model year). Save on brand name and buy the bones beneath them all with the tradie favourite Isuzu D-Max—is it the new HiLux?

Favoured by tradies for its build quality and reliability, the Isuzu D-Max is a no-nonsense ute designed to keep up with all your day-to-day activities. With an impressive towing capacity and various body styles, the D-Max caters for all different trades, from construction to landscaping and more. Isuzu has a solid reputation for building trucks and their utes remain a strong choice for tradies. The D-Max excels in off-road conditions, making it ideal for remote job sites.

Price: Starting around $30K new.
Powertrain: Options from 2.0 L - 2.4 L petrol, to 1.9 L - 3.0 L turbo diesel.
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic or manual.
Towing capacity: Up to 3500 kg.
Body styles: Single-cab, extra-cab, or dual-cab.
Fuel efficiency: 6.9 - 8 L per 100km depending on model.

Why tradies love a D-Max

The D-Max is a reliable workhorse known for its longevity. It may lack the refinement of some competitors, but it will get the job done. A great choice for any tradie.

2. Long-lasting favourite: Toyota HiLux

The Toyota HiLux has a legacy of style, reliability, and performance. It’s a favourite among tradies and has been the most popular ute for almost 20 years running. Rumour is that recent models can’t hold a candle to the original, but the HiLux still excels in off-road work and Toyota offer a competitive remote-area service programme.

Price: Starting around $25K new.
Powertrain: Options from 2.0 L - 4.0 L V6 petrol, to 2.4 L - 3.0L turbo diesel.
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 5-speed & 6-speed in both automatic and manual.
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg depending on model.
Body styles: Single-cab, extra-cab, double-cab, sport.
Fuel efficiency: From 6.9 - 11.1 L per 100km depending on model.

Why tradies love a HiLux

The Toyota HiLux is extremely popular among tradies for its reliability and versatility. It offers a refined ride and is suitable for all trades, construction jobs, and off-road work. A variety of options allow tradies to pick anything from a bare-bones rugged workhorse to a high-spec luxury sports model.

3. Strong and spacious: Mazda BT-50

The Mazda BT-50 boasts a powerful motor, ample storage space, and a comfortable interior. It's a versatile ute that can handle various work-related tasks while staying usable as a weekender. The BT-50 is ideal for trades that require a balance of strength, cargo space, and comfort.

Price: Starting around $40K new.
Powertrain: 1.9 L - 3.0 L turbo-diesel.
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 5-speed or 6-speed automatic or manual.
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg depending on model.
Body styles: Single-cab, freestyle-cab, dual-cab.
Fuel efficiency: From 8.0 L per 100km.

Why tradies love a BT-50

The Mazda BT-50 has won a bunch of awards—deservedly so. It’s a favourite among tradies for its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and smooth driving experience. It manages to capture a unique balance between form and function, making it equally suitable for business and personal use. It’s a compelling option for tradies in need of a ute that can handle the demands of the job site while offering a touch of sophistication on weekends.

4. Powerful luxury: Ford Ranger

One of the OGs for tradie utes, the Ford Ranger is a popular choice known for its versatility and reliability. It shares a platform with the Mazda BT-50 and is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants, so it’s suitable for all terrains. It’s a great all-round package of capability and comfort, making for an excellent daily driver both on and offsite.

Price: Starting around $35K new.
Powertrain: Options from 2.0 L - 3.2 L turbo-diesel, or 3.0 L V6 turbo-petrol (Raptor).
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 5-speed manual & 6-speed in both automatic or manual, or 10-speed automatic.
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg depending on model.
Body styles: Single-cab, super-cab, double-cab.
Fuel efficiency: From 8.4 L - 11.5 L per 100km depending on model.

Why tradies love a Ranger

Tradies love the size and power of the Ford Ranger. It has more power and luxury features than a lot of other utes on this list, giving tradies a premium option to splurge on. On top of that, it’s a solid reliable vehicle for weekends with the family as well as on the job.

5. For the tradie-about-town: Volkswagen Amarok

The Volkswagen Amarok balances style, size, and comfort, making it great for tradies who often work residential jobs. It’s gaining popularity among more sophisticated tradies for its refinement and handling. As a euro option, it offers a more exotic package, but comes at a higher price compared to some competitors.

Price: Starting around $50K new.
Powertrain: 2.0 L - 3.0 L turbo-diesel, 2.3L turbo-petrol.
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed in both manual and automatic, 8-speed or 10-speed automatic.
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg depending on model.
Body styles: Dual-cab only.
Fuel efficiency: From 7.1 L - 8.2 L per 100km depending on model.

Why tradies love an Amarok

Tradies appreciate the Amarok's more luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and modern technology, making it suitable for both work and daily commuting. While it comes at a slightly higher price compared to others on this list, the Amarok's build quality and refinement make it a standout choice for those who value craftsmanship and a touch of class in their ute.

6. Ease and efficiency: Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is a ute that combines power and comfort, making it an attractive option for tradies looking for a balanced performer. It’s super efficient and offers plenty of room while maintaining a smaller profile which proves easy to park.

Price: Starting around $30K new.
Powertrain: 2.0 L - 3.3 L petrol plus supercharged V6 option, or 2.5 L - 3.2 L turbo-diesel.
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 4-speed & 5-speed automatic or manual, 6-speed manual, or 7-speed & 9-speed automatic.
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg depending on model.
Body styles: Single-cab or double-cab.
Fuel efficiency: From 6.4 L - 7.2 L per 100km depending on model.

Why tradies love a Navara

The Navara's balanced performance and efficiency make it a practical choice for tradies who need a reliable work vehicle that can also save on fuel costs. Its ability to navigate city streets with ease while offering ample storage space is a winning combination.

7. Rugged and reliable: Mitsubishi Triton

The Mitsubishi Triton is a legendary ute known for its rugged construction, advanced technology, and ample storage space. It's a dependable choice for tradies who need a versatile work vehicle. New Tritons also come with a market-leading 10-year warranty and 10-year capped price servicing.

Price: Starting around $30K new.
Powertrain: 1.6 L - 2.5 L petrol, or 2.3 L - 2.4 L turbo-diesel.
Drivetrain: 2WD or 4WD.
Transmission: 4-speed and 5-speed manual, or 6-speed in both manual and automatic.
Towing capacity: Up to 3,100 kg depending on model.
Body styles: Single-cab, club-cab, double-cab.
Fuel efficiency: From 7.8 L - 8.4 L per 100km depending on model.

Why tradies love a Triton

The Mitsubishi Triton is a solid ute at an affordable price. It drives well on all terrains and offers some nice features at higher trim levels. If you don’t need huge towing power, the Triton is a choice most tradies won’t regret.

Kick your business into top gear! Tradify helps tradies all over the world spend less time on admin, and more time on the tools. See how it could work for your trade business by starting a free 14-day trial or book your free product demo today!