CarExpert's top five ute reviews of 2025

Utes, eh? We absolutely love ’em. And by ‘we’, we mean Australians in general. Can’t get enough of them.

For the best part of a decade, the Toyota HiLux dominated the Aussie sales chart before the Ford Ranger overtook it and relegated it to the second spot on the podium in 2023.

But 2025 has seen an influx of new utes, from both legacy and newcomer brands.

While the Ford Ranger Super Duty and new-generation HiLux were two of the biggest ute launches of 2025, they both happened fairly late in the year, leaving us with this list – the top five most viewed ute reviews of the year.

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5. GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV

While GWM has had a presence in Australia for almost two decades, the company has really begun to ramp-up its product lineup in recent years. In 2025, we saw the introduction of the Cannon Alpha PHEV, a plug-in hybrid dual-cab to compete against the likes of the BYD Shark 6 and the Ford Ranger PHEV. We had our marketplace editor James Wong tell us all about it.

James Wong wrote:

“The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV shapes up as a proper Ranger PHEV alternative, for those on a budget who want proper ute capability with an electrified drivetrain.

“While the BYD Shark 6 has been the subject of much hype before and after its Australian launch, if you want a ute to do ute things while also saving money at the pump and reducing your CO2 emissions, I think the GWM is the better bet – especially after recent price adjustments put it within a whisker of the BYD.

“It looks tough, offers more size and space (if you excuse the tray-mounted spare), has a pretty plush cabin with heaps of luxury features, and can happily tow 3.5 tonnes and tackle some serious off-road trails. The Shark is an excellent lifestyle utility vehicle in its own right, but isn’t as rugged or capable as the GWM in terms of off-roading and towing.

“The Cannon Alpha PHEV also drives pretty well, with its EV-capable drivetrain allowing for incredibly refined and quiet commuting in everyday scenarios, which is in stark contrast to rattly diesel engines or rev-happy petrol engines that power many rival dual-cabs.

“GWM has largely addressed previous complaints about its driver safety aids, which is a plus, though I can do without the naggy audible prompts when you switch adaptive cruise control on or off, and the system is incredibly conservative with gaps around the vehicle, which is frustrating.

“I’d also like to see a more sophisticated digital instrument cluster with the option of a virtual power meter or tachometer, and some off-road menus. With all that digital real estate, it seems like an oversight not to have it.

“The sheer size of this near-5.5-metre-long ute makes it difficult to park as well, even if you account for the litany of cameras and sensors dotted throughout the vehicle. I found the added size over a Shark 6 or Ranger a bit of a challenge in suburban shopping centre carparks, so I imagine driving it in the city – as a lot of ute drivers will – could prove to be a bit of a pain.

“Finally, the unusual placement of the spare wheel will be a problem for some. Sure, it can be removed or relocated (perhaps to a roof basket, which is hardly ideal either), but when the whole point of a ute is to have a tray it seems counterproductive for a decent proportion of that tub space to be occupied by the spare wheel.

“I think the entry-level Lux is the one to get, given it’s actually cheaper than the most affordable 48V hybrid version. Given the gains it delivers in terms of electric driving and efficiency (as well as general driveability) compared to the HEV powertrain, my advice would be to save a few bucks and opt for the base PHEV rather than the Ultra-spec HEV.”

You can read our full review of the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV here.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Click here to get a great deal.

MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom

4. GWM Cannon

The plug-in hybrid Cannon Alpha may have been popular among readers in 2025, but even more so was the standard turbo-diesel Cannon, which took fourth spot. Jack Quick attended the launch of the updated GWM ute, which continues to make waves at the value end of the segment.

Jack Quick wrote:

“The year has only just started, but I think the refreshed and renamed Cannon will be up there as one of the most improved vehicles of 2025.

“Mid-life updates usually only consist of mild exterior and interior styling changes and perhaps more technology, but the 2025 GWM Cannon has redefined what a mid-life update can be.

“Beyond the name change, it’s great that GWM managed to shoehorn the larger and more powerful 2.4-litre turbo-diesel from the Cannon Alpha into this smaller dual-cab, because it makes the driving experience livelier and punchier.

“While it’s disappointing that GWM ditched the ZF-sourced automatic transmission for an in-house unit, it still performs the same duties with little to no fuss, besides the awkward low-speed surging in first gear.

“The revised suspension tune for this update also takes it to the next level for on-road comfort, putting the Cannon almost on par with many more expensive utes, which is a major credit to this budget Chinese challenger.

“I don’t love how the Emergency Lane Keep Assist system is still overbearing with its steering inputs, despite GWM’s efforts to revised the tune, but it’s good that there’s an easy way to turn it off on the touchscreen if you don’t like it.

“The interior of the Cannon has also had a major glow-up. It looks considerably more modern with its Tank 300-esque design cues, though it has come at the expense of fewer buttons and knobs for key functions like the climate controls.

“Lastly, there’s the price, which is still super affordable as a fully featured dual-cab ute with four-wheel drive. It’s virtually unheard of for a twin-cab 4×4 ute to start at $40,000 drive-away in 2025. Equivalent versions of the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara start at around $50,000 before on-road costs (not drive-away), and they lack alloy wheels. And the most popular nameplates in this segment are more expensive again.

“GWM is bringing the fight directly to entry-level and mid-range Japanese rivals with this updated Cannon range, and they should be worried because this upgraded ute is now a much more compelling package.

You can read our full review of the GWM Cannon here.

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MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon showroom

3. Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R

For its new-generation Triton lineup, Mitsubishi added the GLX-R as a mid-range variant – and CarExpert readers were particularly interested to know how it fares. To find out, our marketplace journalist Max Davies was on the case.

Max Davies wrote:

“As the latest re-addition to the Triton range, we think the GLX-R makes a lot of sense.

“It perfectly bridges the gap between the work-oriented GLX variants and the more premium, road-going GLS, meaning it gains some more user-friendly bits and pieces without going overboard and inflating the price.

“Its price is likely one of its most compelling aspects. The GLX-R is still well within the mid-$50,000 range, and you don’t miss out on too much gear by not going for the higher-spec trims.

“Sure, it only has halogen headlights, but other shortcomings like the lack of full lane centring apply across the Mitsubishi ute range (along with the annoying driver monitoring system) so it’d be unfair to single out the GLX-R for them.

“You also get full-time four-wheel drive on top of those utilitarian GLX+ bones, which are also easier to live with thanks to Mitsubishi’s decision to swap out heavy-duty rear suspension in favour of a softer standard-duty setup.

“The interior is a comfortable place to be too. We could do without the fake carbon-fibre trim, but you at least get a leather-wrapped steering wheel instead of the GLX+’s plastic tiller.

“It’s a case of function over form, yet there has still been considerable effort put into the form factor to back up its strong functionality.

“The GLX-R looks the part. We like its blacked-out exterior accents and wheels, as well as that utilitarian-looking metal sports bar on the back. Load it up with Mitsubishi accessories and you have yourself a capable weekend hauler.

“Compared to the GLX+, the GLX-R is a much more logical value proposition and a hot contender for pick of the Triton family alongside the GLS – not to mention a strong consideration for me if I was in the market for a dual-cab 4×4 ute.

“Fit LED headlights, iron out those driver monitoring bugs, and it’d likely top my list.”

You can read our full review of the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R here.

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MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Triton showroom

2. Toyota HiLux GR Sport

Australia’s second-most popular new model was also the subject of our second-most popular ute review of 2025 – but curiously, the range-topping GR Sport has yet to be confirmed for the new-generation HiLux range, which was launched very late in the year. Regardless, readers were keen to know what the GR-S was like as part of the outgoing HiLux lineup. We had Jack Quick review it on our behalf.

Jack Quick wrote:

“The Toyota HiLux continues to be an icon among tradies, farmers and adventurers alike, and with a completely redesigned new-generation model based on the newer TNGA-F ladder platform now appearing unlikely, the GR Sport could be a fitting flagship for some time.

“Toyota has managed to squeeze more oomph out of the tried-and-tested 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, and this ute feels much more spritely and eager to accelerate as a result.

“A big kudos to Toyota Australia’s designers and engineers for their input here, since local car manufacturing ended almost a decade ago now, even if Ford continues to develop the Ranger here and Kia continues to undertake local chassis tuning including for its upcoming Tasman ute.

“My favourite locally engineered part about this car in particular is its styling. It makes the commonplace HiLux dual-cab look much more special and unique.

“But there’s only so much a wider track, higher engine outputs, fresh styling and other minor tweaks can do for a vehicle that, at its heart, dates back over a decade.

“This means a lot of age-old gripes carry over, including the rough unladen ride, heavy hydraulic power steering, old interior technology, and the lack of more sophisticated driver assists and a full-time four-wheel drive system, among others.

“Then there’s the price. This dual-cab ute costs around $80,000 drive-away, which is no small amount for a four-cylinder turbo-diesel dual-cab. There are plenty of other simply priced or cheaper competitors out there that have more power, more comfort, more technology, more refinement, and a broader spread of overall capability.

“With this in mind I’d recommend checking out some of the many other hero off-road ute flagships available before you sign on the dotted line, to ensure this particular HiLux is for you.”

You can read our full review of the Toyota HiLux GR-Sport here.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Toyota HiLux. Click here to get a great deal.

MORE: Explore the Toyota HiLux showroom

1. BYD Shark 6

While the BYD Shark 6 is closing in on the Ranger and HiLux on the sales charts, the plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute has taken the top spot for our most-read ute review in 2025. The idea of a ute that can do almost anything seems to have struck a chord with Aussie buyers, and our marketplace journalist Max Davies was tasked with this seven-day review following the BYD ute’s launch early this year.

Max Davies wrote:

“With the updates that have been rolled out, in addition to keen pricing and a long standard tech and equipment list, it’s easy to see why the Shark is flying off showroom floors.

“Though the negative connotations of ‘lifestyle ute’ may still linger, the Shark makes a lot of sense as a daily driver. It’s comfortable and smooth on the road, its safety tech is unobtrusive, and it can be highly efficient when driven sensibly in the correct modes.

“It’s also large, which seems to be all the rage at the moment, and there’s still a big tub out the back for weekend Bunnings runs, plus improved towing capacity even if doesn’t match the class leaders.

“Then there’s the price, which has only become more impressive since its two rivals launched. The fact you get this level of technical sophistication and equipment at a price that’s more than $12,000 lower than a ‘base-spec’ Ranger XLT PHEV is astounding.

“There’s actually very little compromise here, if you aren’t planning on making the Shark your recreational rock crawler.

“Yes, the Shark’s off-road capability still needs work, especially when its two local rivals can do it much better, and when one of those two is within touching distance on price – even if its spare wheel takes up tray space.

“But there are other shortcomings. The Shark’s throttle hangs up after accelerating, and its regenerative braking isn’t strong enough. There’s also the fact the 1.5-litre petrol engine is underpowered for a vehicle this size, which will be a problem if you’ve used all your battery power at an overnight campsite.

“As good as a PHEV system can be, it’s still essential to have solid combustion power at its core for backup. The Cannon Alpha and Ranger also do better here, as they pack larger 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre engines respectively.

“If none of that worries you, the Shark is a solid dual-cab ute and a good choice if you’re looking to save a buck.”

You can read our full review of the BYD Shark 6 here.

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MORE: Explore the BYD Shark 6 showroom