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COMPARISON<br />
Eleven utes from Ford, GWM, Isuzu,<br />
Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Jeep,<br />
SsangYong and Toyota were put through<br />
the ultimate off-road comparison test<br />
WORDS EVAN SPENCE<br />
Four-wheel drives are meant to be used off-road, so we devised a<br />
comprehensive off-road test loop to see which dual-cab ute was the<br />
most capable in low-range 4x4.<br />
Our test course was made up of mud, steep hill climbs and descents,<br />
rutted-out wombat holes and a water crossing, as well as some faster<br />
corrugations, to gain an understanding of how each ute held together over<br />
traditional Australian off-road terrain.<br />
This was an accurate representation of what we feel most dual-cab owners<br />
will be putting their own vehicles through. It is also a back-to-back comparison<br />
designed to highlight any shortcomings or highlights of each 4x4.<br />
SCORE: 7/10<br />
MAZDA BT-50 THUNDER<br />
The BT-50 Thunder from Mazda is a more lifestyle-oriented ute but when you look<br />
past the steel bullbar and flares, it is essentially a D-Max. Which is a good thing.<br />
As per the D-Max, traction control was not top of the field but the rear diff lock<br />
made up for any shortcomings.<br />
The revered 4JJ3 three-litre motor produces torque down low where you want<br />
it, allowing for smooth and easy going when negotiating rough terrain.<br />
The suspension does feel firm as per the D-Max and is something we would<br />
personally be upgrading if we were in the market. 4x4 engagement is simple and<br />
effective, grabbing low-range the first time (as it should).<br />
MITSUBISHI TRITON GLS<br />
The first thing you notice about the Triton off-road is how nimble it is, thanks to<br />
the shorter wheelbase and narrower dimensions. It is also packed with clever<br />
off-road features, such as Super Select, which allows you to run in 4x4 high range<br />
(with the centre differential unlocked) on-road.<br />
It also has various terrain modes available, including rock, gravel, mud/snow<br />
and sand. These, combined with the rear differential lock and decent traction<br />
control system, meant the Triton went everywhere we wanted it to go.<br />
4x4 engagement did take a few turns to get locked in and the low-hanging rear<br />
differential vibration damper did touch down on a few occasions. Suspension<br />
travel in the front end is also limited and the brakes suffered after driving through<br />
heavy mud. Otherwise, it felt like a little tractor, in a good way.<br />
SCORE: 7/10<br />
FULLYLOADED.COM.AU July 2021 <strong>ATN</strong> 93
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