• Lifestyle
    • Your home
    • Our state
    • Member deals
    • Bushfire safety
  • On the Road
    • Car Advice
    • Road Rules
    • In focus
    • Road Safety
    • Australia’s Best Cars
  • Travel
    • South Australia
    • Interstate
    • Overseas
    • Tips
  • Competitions
  • Read the magazine

Best 4×4 dual cab ute

The Toyota HiLux reigns supreme, confirming why it’s again the top-selling vehicle in Australia.

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:30 am

The perennially popular Toyota HiLux SR5 surprised judges this year with a narrow victory over its Ford Ranger XLT arch-rival.

Winner: Toyota HiLux SR5

Variant: SR5
Engine: 2.8 litre turbo-diesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars

The HiLux conquered our off-road test loop with ease.
The HiLux conquered our off-road test loop with ease.

Runners up

Second place went to the Ford Ranger XLT and the Mitsubishi Triton GLS placed third.

What sets it apart from the rest

The HiLux made up ground this year with its value for money compared to the now more expensive Ranger, which has seen a greater price increase.

HiLux owners fare best on service department costs too, and Toyota’s recent welcome move to a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty brings it in line with its adversaries.

Design and function-wise, the top 3 contenders traded blows evenly in most areas. However, the HiLux trumped its rivals for safety, carrying a 5-star ANCAP crash rating to the latest and more stringent 2019 test protocols.

Key features

  • A refined 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine
  • A 5-star ANCAP crash rating to the latest and more stringent 2019 test protocols
  • Excellent value for money
  • A well-appointed interior
  • Exceptional service department costs
  • Advanced driver assistance tech
The HiLux trumps its rivals for safety, carrying a five-star ANCAP crash rating.
The HiLux trumps its rivals for safety, carrying a 5-star ANCAP crash rating.

What it’s like to drive

The HiLux performed well on the bitumen and second-class unsealed roads, whether unladen or lugging around 4 judges inside.

The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel offers a respectable, refined level of performance both on and off-road, though the Ford Ranger’s larger capacity engine does feel that bit stronger. The Toyota conquered our off-road test loop with ease, including some steep and badly rutted climbs.

There was praise, too, for the SR5’s steering reach adjustment, along with the usual tilt-only adjustability found in most utes.

How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)

4x4 dual cab utesToyota HiLux SR5Ford Ranger XLTMitsubishi Triton GLS
Pricing335
Cost of depreciation ($)435
Running & repair costs876
Fuel consumption333
Warranty & dealer access888
Insurance566
Standard features778
Safety1077
Environment444
Seating comfort 778
Cabin space 676
Tray space686
Practicality887
Ergonomics879
Build & finish quality887
Rated towing897
Payload666
Performance787
Ride787
Handling778
Braking777
Smoothness & quietness778
Eng, gearing & traction888
Clearances & articulation767
Average overall108210761072

Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia

Is your car one of Australia’s best?

Check out the other winners of Australia’s Best Cars awards for 2019.

Find out

See the full lineup

Check out the full list of 4X4 dual cab utes we put to the test in 2019.

Find out more

Share
Tweet

Related Articles

Road Rules

3 situations where you don’t need to wear a seatbelt

But you still should. Our experts reveal why.

More

On the Road

13 spooky driving superstitions

Are you superstitious or a sceptic?

More

In focus

12 ways to keep our cyclists safe

Share the road this Ride2Work Day.

More

On the Road

5 driving myths debunked

Why these motoring fables shouldn’t be believed.

More

GPO BOX 1499 ADELAIDE 5001

T. 08 8202 4600

  • Home
  • About us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • T&C
  • Advertise
  • © Copyright 2021 RAA