The old saying that ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ suits NZ’s booming utility market sector at the months. While we have lost some key players in the past 18 months – Mercedes Benz and Holden – the demand for your typical turbo-diesel-powered, double-cab ‘ute’ has never been greater. This demand, in turn, is driving existing manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, Isuzu and Mitsubishi to invest in improving their current offerings and newcomers like Tesla dazzle punters with concept models likely to go on sale here in the next two to three years.

Chevrolet Silverado

Competition for RAM’s Texas–size trucks comes via Aussie-based General Motors Special Vehicles, which is importing two petrol–fuelled versions of US parent company’s Silverado then RHD-converting them in Melbourne. Sheer size plus up to 4500kg (braked) towing capacity are main features of well-specced and priced pair.

Ford Ranger

The standard by which all contemporary turbo-diesel utes must be judged. Rides like an SUV, steers and handles like a sporty sedan yet tough, powerful, practical, well-specced and with a muscular presence perfect for the current gung-ho mood of the market. Ford’s Wildtrak models gain new engines and new transmissions while Ranger Raptor continues to be the aspirational ute Ford intended it to be.

GWM

Rebranding from the cheap ‘n cheerful Great Wall to GWM timed to introduce all new ‘Cannon’ model here and in other markets major Chinese manufacturer Haval considers key. New from the ground up the Cannon L offers exceptional value-for-money in a package which is fresh, modern, and able to take the competition on on its merits, rather than purely on price. Steed single cab c/c 2 and 4x4 models remain in local line-up as tradie-aimed price leaders.

Isuzu D–Max

New from the ground up – and all the more impressive for it – Isuzu’s D-Max has been transformed – from shy country kid to worldwise sophisticate back home and ready to take on Ford, Toyota et al. As well as significant upgrades to the engine, chassis, suspension, in-cabin NVH levels and its now sector-leading suite of airbags and electronic safety aids across the new, expanded model line-up there’s also an all-new range-topping X-Terrain model.

Jeep

A fresh, four-door from Jeep which retains the brand’s heritage, and at the same time, ushers in a new product era for the American go anywhere vehicle maker, Gladiator comes to us in three ‘spec levels all of which run the same perky V6 petrol Pentastar engine mated to the same eight-speed automatic, an excellent combination. To some, the Gladiator may stretch the description of a utility vehicle, but it does fit the bill, while at the same time, retaining Jeep’s iconic DNA.

LDV T60 

LDV is a division of China’s largest automaker SAIC and introduced the T60 in 2018. The T60 4x4 line represents serious competition for established players, thanks to built-tough ethos, feature-or-feature spec levels and full five-star ANCAP safety rating across both D/C and now the 4WD cab/chassis model. Local distributor has also added unique blacked–out Maxus dress-up model to local line-up.

Mahindra Pik Up

Relaunched here last year by new importer, Mahindra is back with its A-game, an immensely practical and rugged utility which espouses all a working ute should be – including being affordable. Made in India to answer global market needs, the Pik Up is an excellent reintroduction to the Mahindra brand.

Mazda BT–50 

And so, finally free of some of the constraints of their last JV (Joint Venture) with Ford and its market-leading Ranger, Mazda launched its all-new Isuzu D-Max-based TD DC ute here in late November 2020 in very much ‘eyes-orward’ mode with nary a backward glance. Mazda’s only direct contribution was to the way it looks. New models (italicised) sees the number of body types trimmed right down. Less apparently, is more.

Mitsubishi Triton

With a major overhaul to the front end plus incremental upgrades to the suspension, brakes, transmission and 4WD system in 2019, Mitsubishi not only future-proofed its Triton line, it created a ’bang-for-buck’ legacy which local buyers lapped up. That legend continues today with hi-tech safety-spec across all models, a move to auto transmissions for all 4WD models plus regular special offers on pricing (reflected here).

Nissan Navara

It’s a case of another comprehensive set of upgrades for Nissan’s Navara, the first local turbo-diesel double-cab ute to get coil spring suspension front and rear. Broad model range over single and twin turbo 2.3 litre engines and the inclusion of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility systems ticks all the key consumer boxes, while rugged look and features keep things fresh for 2021 and beyond.

RAM 4WD

Born in the USA but converted to RHD across the Tasman for Good Old Boys here and in Oz, these high-riding 4WD RAM Trucks are a contractor’s dream-come-true. Tough enough to get to any worksite, and big enough inside to hold a board meeting in, RAM’s current line-up is focused on the V8 petrol-fueled 1500 models.

 SsangYong Rhino

Rhino is successor to the Actyon Sports Utility distinguished by the fact that it is available in either short (1300mm and five-link coil-sprung rear axle) or long (1600m and leaf springs) tray versions. Sharp new look, solid Korean engineering and value-pricing bode well for on-going market success here in NZ.

Toyota Hilux

Another mid model cycle upgrade has given Toyota’s iconic Hilux just the boost it needed with a welcome increase in both power and torque, a new, tougher, more aggressive look, plus the latest version of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of electronic driver aids; everything – in other words – the modern ute buyer could want, including a comprehensive factory-backed accessory line, as well as an all-new limited edition ‘hero’ model called the Mako.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Back with a flourish in significantly updated and uprated form iconic Land Cruiser is one tough truck. Turbo-diesel V8 is a thing of torque-laden beauty while chassis and electric driver aid upgrades mean big ‘Cruiser is as user-friendly as a Hilux.

Volkswagen Amarok

Firm favourite of urban-dwelling ute buyers, Amarok is big, beautifully built, and very capable on and off the road. 4Motion eight-speed auto is more than a match for dual-range transmissions and new V6 diesel is exceptional.