Australia is the world's most enthusiastic ute market, per capita. In 2025, utes accounted for four of the country's top five best-selling vehicles — a feat unmatched anywhere else in the developed world. For tradespeople, farmers, fleet operators and lifestyle buyers, the dual-cab ute represents the ultimate all-rounder: genuine commercial capability, 3,500kg towing, genuine off-road ability and a comfortable cabin for everyday driving.
But the market has never been more competitive. New entrants like the Kia Tasman and BYD Shark 6 PHEV are challenging the established order, while established players continue to update their lineups. This guide gives you the complete picture, backed by 2025 VFACTS registration data — the definitive source for what Australians are actually buying.
All utes listed here are available through BuyFleet's commercial vehicle fleet pricing service. ABN holders may also be eligible for significant tax benefits on commercial vehicles.
Australia's Top 3 Utes — 2025 VFACTS
These three utes alone accounted for over 134,000 new vehicle sales in Australia in 2025 — roughly 13% of the entire new car market.
Ford Ranger
Australia's best-selling vehicle overall, the Ford Ranger leads not just the ute segment but the entire new car market. The current generation offers a dramatically upgraded cabin — centred on the 12-inch portrait SYNC4 touchscreen — alongside genuine off-road capability and the option of a 3.0L V6 producing 292kW/583Nm in Raptor and Ranger V6 form. Available across XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, Ranger V6, and Raptor variants in single, extra, and dual cab configurations. Payload ranges from approximately 820–1,000kg depending on variant. An excellent choice for lifestyle and commercial buyers alike.
Get a Ranger fleet quote →Toyota HiLux
The Toyota HiLux is the most trusted name in Australian utes — a reputation earned over decades in mining, agriculture, and remote work environments where reliability isn't negotiable. The 2.8L turbo diesel is proven and refined, and HiLux resale values remain the strongest in the segment. Available from WorkMate through SR, SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport in multiple body styles. Payload up to approximately 905kg on relevant grades. If long-term durability and resale value are your priorities, the HiLux remains the benchmark. Compare Ranger vs HiLux →
Get a HiLux fleet quote →Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max is the preferred choice for heavy commercial applications — farming, construction, and mining operators who need proven reliability and genuine payload capacity. The 3.0L Isuzu diesel is one of the most trusted engines in its class, with outstanding long-term durability. Payload on the SX and LS-M grades can exceed 1,000kg. Available from SX through LS-M, LS-U, LS-U+, and X-Terrain. Isuzu's dealer network and parts availability in regional Australia is excellent. D-Max vs Ranger vs Triton comparison →
Get a D-Max fleet quote →More Utes Worth Considering
Beyond the top 3, Australia's ute market has never offered more choice — including value alternatives, premium options, a new Korean entrant, and the world's first mainstream PHEV ute.
Mitsubishi Triton
The all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is arguably the most significant generational leap in the ute segment in years. The Super Select 4WD-II system remains one of the most capable and user-friendly 4WD setups in the segment, and the new 2.4L engine delivers a meaningful power upgrade over the outgoing model. Strong value proposition across GLX, GLX+, GLS, GSR, and Titan grades. Compare Triton vs Ranger vs D-Max →
Get a Triton quote →BYD Shark 6 PHEV
The BYD Shark 6 has taken the Australian ute market by storm, selling 18,073 units in 2025 to become the 18th best-selling vehicle in the country. This is genuinely unprecedented for a PHEV ute in any market. The Shark 6's plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with electric motors for a total system output of 321kW, giving it more power than anything else in the segment. With over 100km of electric-only range for local driving and a petrol engine for longer runs, fleet operators doing predictable daily routes can dramatically reduce fuel costs. 3,500kg braked towing capacity.
Get a BYD Shark 6 quote →Mazda BT-50
The Mazda BT-50 shares its platform and 3.0L diesel engine with the Isuzu D-Max, adding Mazda's characteristic interior refinement and dealer network advantages. Available in XT, XTR, SP, and GT variants, the BT-50 offers a more lifestyle-oriented alternative to the D-Max while delivering identical core capability. A strong choice for buyers who want D-Max reliability with Mazda presentation.
Ask about BT-50 pricing →GWM Cannon
The GWM Cannon offers full dual-cab ute capability at a price point that undercuts the Japanese and Korean mainstream by a significant margin. Starting from around $27,990, you get a 2.0L turbo diesel, AWD, 3,500kg towing, and a well-equipped cabin. The Cannon Alpha variant adds more premium touches. Growing fleet use in Australia, particularly in price-sensitive commercial applications. GWM's warranty and parts support has improved significantly.
Ask about GWM pricing →Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara occupies a mid-market position with its twin-turbo 2.3L diesel engine, delivering strong performance and a refined driving experience. Available in SL, ST, and ST-X grades, the Navara suits fleet operators with an existing Nissan service infrastructure, particularly in metro and regional markets where Nissan dealer coverage is strong. An independent rear suspension gives it an on-road ride quality advantage over some competitors.
Ask about Navara pricing →Volkswagen Amarok
The Volkswagen Amarok is the premium choice in the ute segment — and the all-new generation, built on the same platform as the Ford Ranger, delivers a genuinely upmarket experience inside and out. The V6 TDI option with 177kW and 600Nm of torque makes it effortless at its 3,500kg tow rating. Interior quality and on-road refinement are class-leading. Available in Life, Style, PanAmericana, Aventura, and Titan grades. Best suited to buyers who also use the ute as a personal vehicle.
Ask about Amarok pricing →Kia Tasman
Kia's first-ever ute arrived in Australia in 2025 and immediately generated strong interest, selling 4,196 units in its debut partial year. The Tasman brings a contemporary interior with Kia's excellent 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, strong specification at a competitive price, and the brand's standout 7-year unlimited km warranty. Available in S, EX, GT-Line, X-Pro and X-Line variants. 4WD capability is genuine, and early owner feedback has been positive. One to watch as the full-year sales data accumulates.
Ask about Tasman pricing →Utes Compared — 2025 VFACTS Data
| Ute | 2025 Sales | From (approx) | Engine | Power | Towing | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | 56,555 | ~$37,130 | 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel | 154kW/500Nm | 3,500kg | Cabin tech, power |
| Toyota HiLux | 51,297 | ~$33,990 | 2.8L Turbo diesel | 150kW/500Nm | 3,500kg | Reliability, resale |
| Isuzu D-Max | 26,839 | ~$30,290 | 3.0L Turbo diesel | 140kW/450Nm | 3,500kg | Payload, durability |
| BYD Shark 6 | 18,073 | ~$57,990 | PHEV 1.5T + EV | 321kW | 3,500kg | Electric range, power |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 18,900 | ~$33,990 | 2.4L Turbo diesel | 150kW/470Nm | 3,500kg | 4WD system, value |
| Mazda BT-50 | 14,797 | ~$36,490 | 3.0L Turbo diesel | 140kW/450Nm | 3,500kg | Refinement, D-Max base |
| GWM Cannon | 7,800 | ~$27,990 | 2.0L Turbo diesel | 120kW/400Nm | 3,500kg | Value for money |
| Nissan Navara | 7,249 | ~$35,990 | 2.3L Twin-Turbo | 140kW/450Nm | 3,500kg | IRS, ride quality |
| VW Amarok | 5,392 | ~$58,990 | 3.0L V6 TDI | 177kW/600Nm | 3,500kg | Premium interior |
| Kia Tasman | 4,196 | ~$45,990 | 2.2L Turbo diesel | 147kW/440Nm | 3,500kg | 7-yr warranty, tech |
*2025 VFACTS full-year data. Prices approximate drive-away, vary by state and grade.
ABN holders: Utes are classified as commercial vehicles. If you use your ute for business, you may be eligible for the instant asset write-off, GST credits (1/11th of purchase price), and depreciation deductions. These benefits can significantly reduce the real cost of your ute. Explore commercial finance options →