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Top 10 Best Utes in Australia 2026
Utes are Australia's favourite new vehicles, and in 2026 there's more choice than ever. Diesel workhorses, V6 diesels, plug-in hybrids and brand-new nameplates are all fighting for your driveway. If you're hunting for the best ute Australia 2026 has to offer, this list will save you hours of research.
We've ranked 10 new utes on what matters to Aussie buyers: price, towing, power, safety and warranty. Every figure comes from the manufacturer's Australian website or press release, ANCAP or FCAI sales data.
Our verdict: the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are still the two utes to beat, and they were Australia's top two sellers in October 2026. The Isuzu D-Max is the value pick, and the BYD Shark 6 is the one to watch if you want a plug-in hybrid.
The 10 best utes in Australia at a glance
| # | Ute | From | Price type and source | Max towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota HiLux | $33,990 | List price, Toyota Australia, Nov 2025 | 3,500kg (diesel 4x4) |
| 2 | Ford Ranger | $59,000 (PHEV XL) | Recommended drive-away, ford.com.au, checked Nov 2026 | 3,500kg (with tow pack) |
| 3 | Isuzu D-Max | $38,990 | Drive-away offer, Isuzu UTE Australia, to 30 Nov 2026 | 3,500kg |
| 4 | Kia Tasman | Postcode-based | See kia.com/au | 3,500kg |
| 5 | BYD Shark 6 | Postcode-based | See bydautomotive.com.au | 2,500–3,500kg |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Triton | Postcode-based | See mitsubishi-motors.com.au | 3,500kg |
| 7 | GWM Cannon Alpha | $58,990 (Lux Diesel) | Drive-away (Vic), gwmanz.com/au, checked Nov 2026 | 3,500kg |
| 8 | Nissan Navara | $53,348 | List price, Nissan Australia, Feb 2026 | 3,500kg |
| 9 | Mazda BT-50 | $38,400 | List price, Mazda Australia, Mar 2026 | 3,500kg |
| 10 | Volkswagen Amarok | $73,990 (MY26 Style) | Drive-away offer, Volkswagen Australia, to 31 Dec 2026 | 3,500kg |
Prices are the lowest confirmed price we could find on each brand's Australian website or media release. "List price" means manufacturer's list price, plus on-road costs. Drive-away offers can end at any time. Sources and months are listed with each price. Kia, BYD and Mitsubishi don't publish a national price online (it depends on your postcode), so check with a dealer.
Want to see what's in stock near you? Browse utes for sale on Auto Buyers Guide.
1. Toyota HiLux – best all-rounder
The new-generation HiLux was Australia's best-selling vehicle in October 2026, with 5,954 sales (FCAI). Every diesel uses Toyota's 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with 150kW and 500Nm in automatics (420Nm in manuals). Diesel 4x4s tow up to 3,500kg.
Every grade now gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and blind spot monitor is standard. SR 4x4 double cab autos and above add a 48V V-Active system for smoother take-off. Prices start at $33,990 (list price) for the WorkMate 4x2 single cab-chassis manual and top out at $71,990 for the Rogue and Rugged X.
What we like
- Huge Toyota dealer network across Australia
- 12.3-inch screen on every grade
- 3,500kg towing on diesel 4x4s
What we don't
- Top grades now cost over $70,000
- Manuals get less torque (420Nm)
Read our full used Toyota HiLux buyer's guide if you'd rather buy second-hand.
2. Ford Ranger – best range of engines
The Ranger was Australia's best-selling vehicle in September 2026 (5,062 sales) and second in October. No other ute here offers as many powertrains: a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (125kW/405Nm), a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (184kW/600Nm), and a plug-in hybrid with 207kW and 697Nm combined and up to 50km of electric driving (NEDC).
Towing is 3,500kg with a Genuine Ford tow pack (optional on XL, XLS and Black Edition), and the Ranger has a 5-star ANCAP rating from 2022. The plug-in hybrid starts at $59,000 recommended drive-away for the XL (Ford Australia).
What we like
- Punchy 600Nm V6
- Plug-in hybrid still tows 3,500kg
- 5-star ANCAP (2022)
What we don't
- Ford doesn't publish list prices online
- Raptor tows only 2,500kg and isn't ANCAP rated
Thinking used? Read is a used Ranger still a smart buy?
3. Isuzu D-Max – best value
The D-Max has the lowest confirmed drive-away price in this list: $38,990 for the SX 4x2 single cab-chassis auto with the 2.2-litre engine (Isuzu UTE offer, valid to 30 November 2026). It comes with a 2.2-litre (120kW/400Nm) or 3.0-litre (140kW/450Nm) turbo-diesel.
Every D-Max can tow 3,500kg with a genuine tow bar and electronic brake controller. You also get a 6-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-star ANCAP rating (all variants except BLADE).
What we like
- Sharp drive-away pricing
- 3,500kg towing across the range
- 6-year/150,000km warranty
What we don't
- Lower outputs than V6 and hybrid rivals
- BLADE flagship isn't ANCAP rated
4. Kia Tasman – best newcomer
Kia's first ute uses a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with 154kW and 440Nm, and it tows 3,500kg with a 350kg tow ball rating. It earned a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2025 (X-Line and X-Pro are unrated) and comes with Kia's 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Kia is running a $3,000 cashback on the S 4x4 and $5,000 on SX and SX+ for vehicles bought and delivered in November 2026. Read our full 2026 Kia Tasman review.
What we like
- 7-year warranty
- Strong 154kW diesel
- 5-star ANCAP (2025)
What we don't
- Only one engine choice
- Top X-Line and X-Pro grades are unrated
5. BYD Shark 6 – best plug-in hybrid
The Shark 6 was Australia's eighth best-selling vehicle in October 2026 (1,843 sales). Most versions use a 1.5-litre turbo petrol plug-in hybrid system with 321kW and 650Nm combined, while the Performance grade has a 2.0-litre turbo with 350kW and 700Nm.
BYD's 2025 brochure quotes 100km of electric-only range (ADR 81/02). It has a 5-star ANCAP rating (2025), a 6-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty. BYD is offering $4,000 cashback on orders until 21 December 2026.
What we like
- 100km of electric driving
- Big power for a ute
- 5-star ANCAP (2025)
What we don't
- 1.5T versions tow 2,500kg (Performance tows 3,500kg)
- No national list price online
Compare it with other options in our guide to the best plug-in hybrid utes in Australia.
6. Mitsubishi Triton – best warranty
The Triton has the newest ANCAP result of the established diesel utes: 5 stars, tested in 2024 and valid until December 2031. Its 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel makes 150kW and 470Nm, and it tows 3,500kg.
Mitsubishi's warranty runs up to 10 years/200,000km when you service with Mitsubishi dealers (otherwise 5 years/100,000km). GLS and GSR grades get Super Select 4WD-II.
What we like
- Up to 10-year warranty
- Strong 470Nm
- 5-star ANCAP (2024)
What we don't
- No hybrid option
- Long warranty depends on dealer servicing
7. GWM Cannon Alpha – most diesel torque
The Cannon Alpha is a large dual-cab with a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (170kW/620Nm), at dealers from mid-September 2026, plus a plug-in hybrid with 300kW and 750Nm combined. GWM claims up to 115km of electric range for the plug-in hybrid, based on its own testing.
It tows 3,500kg, has a 5-star ANCAP rating (2024) and a 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty. GWM lists the Lux Diesel at $58,990 drive-away for Victorian private buyers.
What we like
- 620Nm diesel
- Long-range plug-in hybrid
- 7-year warranty
What we don't
- The 115km claim is from GWM's own testing
- ANCAP rating predates the new 3.0-litre diesel
8. Nissan Navara – best for off-road extras
The all-new Navara arrived in March 2026 as a 4x4 dual cab only, with a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel (150kW/470Nm) and 3,500kg towing on every grade. It shares its basics with the Triton but gets a local Premcar suspension tune, and even the base SL has a rear e-locker.
Prices start at $53,348 (list price) for the SL and run to $68,418 for the PRO-4X. Nissan's warranty is up to 10 years/300,000km with Nissan servicing. A Navara plug-in hybrid is confirmed for 2027.
What we like
- Rear e-locker from the base grade
- Up to 10-year/300,000km warranty
- Local suspension tune
What we don't
- Starts above $53,000 list price
- 4x4 dual cab only
9. Mazda BT-50 – best for choice
The BT-50 shares its running gear with the D-Max, so you get the same 2.2-litre (120kW/400Nm) and 3.0-litre (140kW/450Nm) diesels and 3.5-tonne towing. The range spans 20 variants, from $38,400 (list price) for the XS 2.2 4x2 single cab-chassis to $78,400 for the THUNDER 4x4.
It has a 5-star ANCAP rating (excluding Thunder and XTR LE), and even the 2.2-litre XS gets adaptive cruise control and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
What we like
- Low entry list price
- Wide range of body styles
- Proven D-Max mechanicals
What we don't
- No V6 or hybrid
- Thunder flagship is pricey and unrated
10. Volkswagen Amarok – best premium ute
The Amarok is the upmarket choice, with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (184kW/600Nm) or a 2.3-litre turbo petrol (222kW/452Nm). All MY26 variants tow 3,500kg, and it has a 5-star ANCAP rating from 2022.
Volkswagen's current drive-away offers start at $73,990 for the MY26 Style, with run-out MY25 Core models from $55,990 drive-away while stocks last (offers to 31 December 2026).
What we like
- 600Nm V6 diesel
- Turbo petrol option
- 3,500kg towing across MY26
What we don't
- Expensive in MY26 form
- 5-year warranty is shorter than many rivals
Which ute should you buy?
For towing a big van: HiLux, Ranger, D-Max, Tasman, Triton, Navara, Cannon Alpha and Amarok all tow up to 3,500kg.
For the lowest running costs around town: the BYD Shark 6, if you can charge at home.
For the longest warranty: the Triton (up to 10 years/200,000km) or Navara (up to 10 years/300,000km), with dealer servicing.
For the tightest budget: the HiLux WorkMate, Mazda BT-50 XS and Isuzu D-Max SX cab-chassis.
Want to know what's arriving next? Read our guide to upcoming utes in Australia, or our list of the best used dual cab utes for families.
FAQs
What is the best-selling ute in Australia in 2026?
The Toyota HiLux was Australia's best-selling vehicle in October 2026 with 5,954 sales, ahead of the Ford Ranger on 4,841. The Ranger was number one in September 2026 (FCAI).
What is the cheapest ute in this list?
The Toyota HiLux WorkMate 4x2 single cab-chassis manual starts at $33,990 list price, plus on-road costs. The Isuzu D-Max SX 4x2 single cab-chassis is $38,990 drive-away until 30 November 2026.
Which utes can tow 3,500kg?
In this list: HiLux diesel 4x4, Ranger (with tow pack), D-Max, BT-50, Tasman, Triton, Navara, Cannon Alpha, Amarok and the Shark 6 Performance.
Which ute has the longest warranty?
The Nissan Navara (up to 10 years/300,000km) and Mitsubishi Triton (up to 10 years/200,000km), both with dealer servicing.
Is there a hybrid ute in Australia?
Yes. The BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are all plug-in hybrids, and the HiLux offers a 48V V-Active system on many autos.
The bottom line
There's no single best ute for everyone. The HiLux is the safe, proven all-rounder, the Ranger has the widest choice of engines, and the D-Max is the value hero. If you want to try electric power without giving up a tub, the Shark 6 is the standout.
Ready to find yours? Find a trusted dealer near you on Auto Buyers Guide.
Sources: Toyota Australia PressRoom and toyota.com.au; ford.com.au; isuzuute.com.au; kia.com/au; bydautomotive.com.au; mitsubishi-motors.com.au; gwmanz.com/au; nissan.com.au; mazda.com.au; volkswagen.com.au; ANCAP; FCAI VFACTS releases for September and October 2026. All checked 10 November 2026. Feature image: Isuzu UTE Australia.