ATN #418

The Ford Ranger
XLT is definitely the
sprinting star of our
assembled group
FINAL THOUGHTS
In the final reckoning it is the Mitsubishi
Triton that brings up the rear in this
comparison, but it is not quite that simple. As
many dual-cab utes have increased in price
and specification, it has allowed the Triton
to carve out a value-for-money niche, sitting
above challenger brands like the Ssangyong
Musso and GWM Ute but below more
expensive rivals like those here.
With that in mind, we recommend that
you forget about the upper reaches of the
Triton range and stick to a GLX ADAS or
GLX+, which will leave you with a capable and
affordable no-frills dual-cab with the peace
of mind of Mitsubishi’s industry-leading
warranty. If you are on a more modest budget,
it is easy to recommend.
Next in line is the Navara ST-X. Kudos goes
to Nissan for undergoing a constant process
of improvement in an effort to rectify the
shortcomings of the most recent generation,
particularly in the area of suspension.
It is a solid performer in all areas, bar
perhaps its ability to carry loads, without
being a standout in any specific category. It
is not a bad ute by any means, but there are
better offerings.
Happy news for the tens of thousands
of Aussies that bought a HiLux last year: it
is a good ’un. The upgraded powertrain is
impressive and, while it still trails the best
in terms of on-road dynamics, it is brilliant
off-road, unfazed by towing or heavy loads,
is competitive in terms of running costs and
drives well enough.
Then there is the kicker. Not only does a
HiLux offer top-notch resale, there is still the
Toyota factor of, wherever you go in this wide,
brown land, you are likely to find parts and
support. It is a tough thing to measure in a
comparison, but it matters to buyers.
Well done, Isuzu, it is the most improved
award for you. From coming bottom in our
last dual-cab megatest, the D-Max is now
a real player. It is now the industry leader
in terms of safety equipment, continues its
reputation of offering a grunty, dependable
drivetrain along with vastly enhanced
dynamics and has a much nicer interior.
There is still room to improve off-road and
we are not sure the range-topping X-Terrain
is the sweet spot of the range, but it is an
excellent dual-cab offering.
Finally, all hail the king, the Ford Ranger XLT
Bi-Turbo. The only real blot on its copybook
is its terrible braking performance, which is
unacceptable for a vehicle that is increasingly
being used as family transportation.
Nevertheless, Ford’s evergreen ute still
leads the pack in terms of performance and
on-road dynamics (and it is not particularly
close), it is excellent off-road and when
carrying loads, has cutting-edge (for this
segment) infotainment, great resale and
decent aftersales support.
The interior is feeling its age but then the
Ranger has been around a long time now.
And that should be the scary thing for its
competitors, for the all-new Ranger is less
than a year away.
THE VERDICT
1st
FORD RANGER XLT BI-TURBO
Likes: benchmark driving experience;
impressive in all areas
Dislikes: dreadful braking performance;
ageing interior
Score: 8/10
2nd
ISUZU D-MAX X-TERRAIN
Likes: safety kit; grunty engine; much
improved dynamics
Dislikes: low-range performance; enough of
a leap forward?
Score: 7.5/10
3rd
TOYOTA HILUX SR5
Likes: strong engine; brilliant off-road;
towing performance
Dislikes: could be better dynamically; lacks
some equipment
Score: 7.5/10
4th
NISSAN NAVARA ST-X
Likes: Smooth engine; improved
suspension; capable off-road
Dislikes: needs more grunt; suspension still
struggles with loads
Score: 7/10
5th
MITSUBISHI TRITON GLS
Likes: good value; benchmark warranty;
solid in all areas
Dislikes: no standout talents; lacks engine
performance
Score: 7/10
FULLYLOADED.COM.AU July 2021 ATN 79