The top tradie vehicles, as told to us by tradies

 

We spend more time in our vehicles than at home watching Netflix. It’s the tool you depend on.

Can it survive a bit of rough and tumble? Tools thrown in the back? Mud on site? We asked an industry expert and a few of our fellow tradespeople what tradie vehicles never fail them. Is it time to start looking for a new ride?

Read on and find out!

Thinking of buying a new tradie vehicle? Start here!

There’s a lot to take into consideration before spending our hard-earned cash on a new set of wheels, but these points are a must:

• Talk to friends in the industry: Learn from their mistakes. Will a ute be practical when everything you need has to stay dry? Is a turbo diesel needed to tow a loaded trailer?

• Draw up a list and get driving: Test drive every contender. What’s perfect for your best mate might not have enough headroom for you. It’s important to be comfortable behind the wheel when that’s where you’ll be spending so much time.

• What else will you use it for? Is it purely going to be a work vehicle, or will you want to load up the family, dog, jet ski, caravan and the kitchen sink for a weekend away? This is when a few extra luxuries up front will make a difference to everyone’s comfort (and stop the kids whinging… well, we can’t guarantee that).

• Take a look at your finances: Probably the most important but complicated consideration of the lot is what you can afford. The tax benefits on a new purchase can be significant, but a used car can save a bundle. This will almost certainly be a question for your accountant!

To dual-cab or van it?

Reliability, dependability, fuel economy and safety should all be top-of-mind, given the amount of time you spend on the road and what you’re carrying every day. But what’s best – a dual-cab or a van?

If you ask motoring journalist and Australia’s World Car Of The Year judge Joshua Dowling, one category shines through.

“Vans can be more spacious and more practical in some ways, and they’re more popular in Europe because of their weather,” he says. “However, in Australia a double-cab ute is often better suited to our conditions and the vast distances we travel, sometimes in off-road conditions.”

And it’s a crowded market.

“Double-cab utes are amongst the most difficult vehicles in the world to design, engineer and manufacture at a given price, because no other vehicle does what these cars do for their money,” says Josh, adding: “For about $50,000 to $60,000 – which is the most popular segment of the market – you need to have a vehicle with five-star safety, with excellent reliability, with decent fuel economy and then they need to be good off-road and be able to carry up to a tonne in the back and tow three-and-a-half tons. There is no other vehicles category in the world that can do all of those things at that price point!”

Here, we grill some tradies on what they're rolling around in – from utes to vans, entry-level to top of the line – and profile some rides worth adding to your list for your next upgrade.

Ford Ranger (from $47,983*)

Through multiple models, from the basic XL to a fully tricked-out Raptor, the Ranger has fast become a tradie favourite. Comfortable, safe and with a range of engines and capacities to choose from, there’s a reason it’s showing up on every worksite. “I’m on the road a lot, always driving from site to site, and for me the Ranger just makes it all so comfortable,” says builder Ryan Graham. “Even with the tool trailer, the V6 is smooth and gives a great ride to get me where I need to go.”

The specs (based on the XL model)

Type: Dual-cab ute (4x2 and 4x4)

Power/torque: 125kW/405Nm

Towing: 3.5 tonnes

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Mercedes-Benz Vito Panel Van (from $64,480*)

With nine variants, the Vito range covers a lot of ground, but for trade value, the base model panel van is hard to beat. With an interior starting at 6m3, this is ideal for deliveries or loads that need to be kept weather-safe.

The specs

Type: Panel van (RWD or FWD))

Power/torque: 120-140kW/380-440Nm

Towing: 2.5 tonnes

Transmission:9-speed automatic 

Volkswagen Amarok (from $50,990*)

Built for off-road (there are even “Slippery” and “Mud” drive modes!), the Amarok will handle any worksite. Throw in the touch-screen entertainment console and a range of safety features and this is a great mix of tough and comfortable.

The specs

Type: Dual-cab ute  4x4)

Power/torque: 125-222kW/405-600Nm

Towing: 3.5 tonnes

Transmission: 6-speed or 10-speed automatic

RAM 1500 Big Horn (from $119,150*)

The RAM 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab is big, powerful and hard to miss. Storming onto the Australian market with its 5.7 litre V8 engine, 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity and a range of options to rival a luxury sedan, it quickly became a ‘tradie limo’. “If you need a bigger work vehicle, you can’t do better,” says excavator operator Christopher Spiteri. “It’s luxurious, great for towing and to drive!”

The specs

Type: Dual-cab ute (2x4 and 4x4)

Power/torque: 291kW/556Nm 

Towing: 4.5 tonnes

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Toyota Hilux (from $32,936*)

Seen on nearly any worksite around the country, the Hilux has a well-deserved reputation for reliability, even after years of hard use. Modern additions include keyless entry and starting, up to six sensors, cameras for parking and more. “It’s just a great, reliable car,” says Atlas and Stone company director Saeed Lotfaliani. “I use mine for carrying stone, tools – whatever I need – and the Hilux takes it all… Plus it’s very comfortable and that’s important!”

The specs

Type: Single-, extra- or dual-cab ute (4x2 or 4x4)

Power/torque: Up to 165kW/550Nm

Towing: 4x4 variants have a 3.5 tonne braked towing capacity^ 

Transmission: Manual or automatic 

Ford Transit Custom (from $55,590*)

Getting its first major upgrade in a decade, the 2024 Transit Custom is due to land between April and June 2024 and will boast an economical 2.0L turbo diesel engine with an eight-speed transmission and up to 6.8m3 load space (LWB version).

The specs

Type: Van

Power/torque: 125kW/390Nm 

Towing: 2.5 tonnes

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Mitsubishi Triton (from $30,740*)

Tough, comfortable and versatile, the Triton is a good all-rounder for work and the weekend. With a six-speed manual or auto transmission and 133kW or power, this will tow – or head off-road – easily.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” says sparkie Gary Murphy. “It’s easy to drive, and with the cabin on the back, I can use it for camping, fill it with rubbish to take to the tip and take a big load to and from a worksite!”

The specs

Type: Dual-cab ute (2x4 or 4x4)

Power/torque: 133kW/430Nm

Towing: Up to 3.1 tonnes

Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic

Disclaimer: *Prices vary according to availability and exchange rates – check with dealers for latest updates. ^Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, and vehicle and equipment design limitations. Ask your dealer for more information, including Toyota Genuine Tow Bar capacity and availability.