Quick Specs Snapshot: Popular Tradie Utes Compared
Here’s a side-by-side look at some of the most common utes tradies are running around in.
We’ve focused on the things that actually matter when you’re hauling gear, towing trailers, or spending long days on the road.
| Ute | Engine & Power | Towing Capacity | Payload | Fuel Economy | Pros | Cons |
| Toyota Hilux | 2.8L turbo diesel, 150kW | 3,500kg | 1,050kg | ~8.0L/100km | Reliable, great resale, strong off-road | Pricier upfront |
| Ford Ranger | 3L diesel, 147kW | 3,500kg | 1,200kg | ~7.5L/100km | Big cabin, comfy ride, tech-packed | Can be expensive to run |
| Isuzu D-Max | 3.0L diesel, 140kW | 3,500kg | 1,050kg | ~8.2L/100km | Tough, low maintenance, cheap parts | Interior a bit basic |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 2.4L diesel, 133kW | 3,100kg | 1,000kg | ~7.5L/100km | Affordable, good warranty | Less towing than others |
| Mazda BT-50 | 3.0L diesel, 140kW | 3,500kg | 1,100kg | ~8.3L/100km | Smooth ride, stylish | Slightly smaller payload |
| BYD Shark 6 | PHEV, 1.5L, 321kW | 2,500kg | 790kg | 8.5 L/100km | Low emissions, low running costs | Higher upfront price, charging times, charging network still growing |
Key takeaways:
- Payload & towing matter most if you’re constantly hauling tools, materials, or trailers.
- Fuel economy can make a big difference if you’re doing long drives between jobs.
- Comfort & cab space might not show up in specs, but they’re worth it when you’re in the ute all day.
Ute performance: what matters on the job
Specs are one thing, but how a ute actually performs day-to-day is what really counts. Here’s what to look for when choosing a workhorse for your business:
- Towing & Payload
If you’re towing trailers, carrying heavy tools, or loading up materials, check both towing capacity and payload. The Ranger and Hilux can handle 3,500kg towing, while the Triton is a bit lighter at 3,100kg. Every kilo counts, you don’t want to be cutting down your load to stay under limits. PHEV utes like the BYD Shark can also handle real tradie loads, making them a practical option if charging is accessible.
- Engine & Torque
Diesel engines are the tradie favourite. They’re powerful, efficient, and built to last. A 2.8–3.0L turbo diesel (like in the Hilux, Ranger, or D-Max) gives enough grunt for towing and off-road work without guzzling fuel. PHEV utes deliver instant torque from zero RPM, so hauling heavy loads feels effortless.
- Off-Road & Rough-Site Handling
Some jobsites are tougher than others. Hilux and D-Max are rock-solid off-road, while BT-50 and Ranger ride smoother on the bitumen but can still tackle dirt tracks. Suspension and ground clearance are key if you’re regularly on bush blocks, farms, or rough sites.
- Reliability & Maintenance
Nothing kills a day faster than a ute in the shop. Hilux has legendary reliability, and D-Max is famous for low maintenance costs. Triton and BT-50 are generally solid too. EVs have fewer moving parts, so maintenance is simpler, though charging infrastructure and battery care are considerations.
- Real-World Driving
Think about where you spend most of your time. Around town? Comfort and fuel efficiency matter more than maximum towing. Long-haul between sites? Ride comfort, cabin space, and tech features like cruise control and navigation are key.
Comfort & Daily Driving
Your ute isn’t just a work tool, you’re spending hours in it every day. A comfortable, practical cab can make a huge difference to your energy, focus, and even your safety on the job.
- Cabin Space & Seating
If you’ve got a crew, a dual cab is a must. Look for enough legroom, good seat support, and storage for tools and gear. Crew cabs on the Hilux and Ranger are roomy, while the Triton and BT-50 are a bit tighter but still practical for smaller teams. Some electric utes, like the BYD Shark, also come in dual-cab options, so you don’t have to compromise on space if you’re considering an PHEV.
- Ride Comfort
Bumpy roads, dirt tracks, and heavy loads can make or break your day. Ranger and BT-50 have smoother suspension for long drives, while Hilux and D-Max handle rough terrain well but feel firmer on bitumen.
- Visibility & Ergonomic
You want a ute that’s easy to park, manoeuvre, and see out of, especially on tight suburban sites. Adjustable seats, steering, and mirrors can make a surprisingly big difference.
- Tech & Convenience
Simple features like phone connectivity, USB ports, and a decent stereo make long days less tiring. Some utes have extras like reversing cameras, sensors, or satellite navigation. PHEVs often come with advanced tech as standard, which can save time and stress on the job.
Tip: Comfort isn’t just nice to have. A well-set-up cab helps you stay sharp and avoid fatigue. Over time, that saves money in health, mistakes, and repairs.
Running Costs & Maintenance
Buying a ute isn’t just about the sticker price. How much it costs to run and maintain can make a big difference to your business cash flow.
- Fuel / Charging Costs
Diesel engines are popular for tradie utes because of their power, but fuel efficiency varies. Triton is a bit more frugal on the highway, while Ranger and BT-50 sip a bit more. Over thousands of kilometres, small differences add up. Due to its hybrid engine, the BYD Shark, offers savings on fuel costs with around 8.5 L/100KM in mixed driving.
- Servicing & Part
Some utes are cheaper to service than others. Hilux and D-Max are known for reliability and affordable parts, so surprise bills are rare. Ranger and BT-50 are solid too, though parts and servicing can be pricier, especially through dealer-only services.
- Insurance
Work utes face more wear and tear, so insurance can be higher than for a personal vehicle. Dual cabs with towing packages or added accessories may also bump up premiums. Shop around, it can save a few hundred dollars a year.
- Resale Value
A ute that holds its value is a win if you plan to upgrade in a few years. Hilux and Ranger usually come out on top.
- Real-World Advice
Don’t just focus on the upfront price. Factor in fuel or charging, servicing, tyres, insurance, and expected resale. That total cost of ownership gives a clearer picture of what really works for your business.
Pro tip: Even if you finance your ute, keeping running costs low means more cash stays in your business each month.
Choosing The Right Ute For Your Business (TL;DR)
- Workload
Make sure it can handle your tools, materials, and trailers.
- Driving
Long trips = comfort and fuel efficiency; rough sites = ground clearance and suspension.
- Cab
Single for solo work, dual for crews. Enough room for gear.
- Running Costs
Fuel, service, insurance, resale – add it up before buying.
- Extras
Reversing camera, phone connectivity, storage – the little things that make life easier.
- Budget & Finance
Know what you can afford; asset finance can get you into the right ute sooner.
Tip: Compare models side-by-side and pick what works for your real-world needs, not just the specs.
Financing Your Next Ute
Upgrading your work ute doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Finance can be a smart way to get into a new vehicle without tying up heaps of cash upfront, whether it’s a diesel workhorse or a plug-in hybrid option like the BYD Shark.
Instead of paying the full price straight away, you spread the cost over months or years. You can choose a loan, a lease, a chattel mortgage, or even a novated lease for employee-owned vehicles, depending on what suits your business. Payments are usually fixed, which makes budgeting easier.
Using finance helps tradies keep cash in the business for tools, materials, or unexpected bills. It also means you can upgrade sooner, without waiting until you’ve saved the full purchase price.
Things to keep in mind:
- Interest rates and fees can vary, so it pays to shop around.
- Shorter terms cost more per month but mean you own the ute sooner.
- Different types of finance may let you claim back GST or interest, depending on your situation.
Want help figuring out the best way to finance your next work vehicle? Our team can guide you through your options and make sure your next ute is a smart business move.
