logo
CarExpert Choice winner: Best Ute

CarExpert Choice winner: Best Ute

The Advertiser24-06-2025
The Ford Ranger has been named Australia's best ute in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards.
It beat out the GWM Cannon and Volkswagen Amarok.
Australia's top-selling ute deserves its immense popularity, because it's a good thing.
There's the wide range as expected of a ute in Australia, with cab/chassis and pickup configurations, plus single-, super- and dual-cab body styles, and multiple engines.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
But Ford has gone above and beyond most of its rivals, additionally offering a smooth and powerful turbo-diesel V6 engine, as well as a highly capable, high-performance Raptor flagship packing a twin-turbo petrol V6. Ford has also recently introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Ranger was engineered in Australia, and it shows in its class-leading driving dynamics that make it pleasant to live with. Also aiding this are its thoroughly modern in-car tech and a comfortable interior.
But with competitive payload and towing capacity figures, it's also a capable workhorse – exactly what you need from a ute.
The Ranger launched back in 2022, but it remains a class-leader, and Ford has subsequently broadened its appeal with more variants like the luxurious Platinum and rugged Tremor.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Ford Ranger has been named Australia's best ute in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards.
It beat out the GWM Cannon and Volkswagen Amarok.
Australia's top-selling ute deserves its immense popularity, because it's a good thing.
There's the wide range as expected of a ute in Australia, with cab/chassis and pickup configurations, plus single-, super- and dual-cab body styles, and multiple engines.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
But Ford has gone above and beyond most of its rivals, additionally offering a smooth and powerful turbo-diesel V6 engine, as well as a highly capable, high-performance Raptor flagship packing a twin-turbo petrol V6. Ford has also recently introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Ranger was engineered in Australia, and it shows in its class-leading driving dynamics that make it pleasant to live with. Also aiding this are its thoroughly modern in-car tech and a comfortable interior.
But with competitive payload and towing capacity figures, it's also a capable workhorse – exactly what you need from a ute.
The Ranger launched back in 2022, but it remains a class-leader, and Ford has subsequently broadened its appeal with more variants like the luxurious Platinum and rugged Tremor.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Ford Ranger has been named Australia's best ute in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards.
It beat out the GWM Cannon and Volkswagen Amarok.
Australia's top-selling ute deserves its immense popularity, because it's a good thing.
There's the wide range as expected of a ute in Australia, with cab/chassis and pickup configurations, plus single-, super- and dual-cab body styles, and multiple engines.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
But Ford has gone above and beyond most of its rivals, additionally offering a smooth and powerful turbo-diesel V6 engine, as well as a highly capable, high-performance Raptor flagship packing a twin-turbo petrol V6. Ford has also recently introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Ranger was engineered in Australia, and it shows in its class-leading driving dynamics that make it pleasant to live with. Also aiding this are its thoroughly modern in-car tech and a comfortable interior.
But with competitive payload and towing capacity figures, it's also a capable workhorse – exactly what you need from a ute.
The Ranger launched back in 2022, but it remains a class-leader, and Ford has subsequently broadened its appeal with more variants like the luxurious Platinum and rugged Tremor.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Ford Ranger has been named Australia's best ute in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards.
It beat out the GWM Cannon and Volkswagen Amarok.
Australia's top-selling ute deserves its immense popularity, because it's a good thing.
There's the wide range as expected of a ute in Australia, with cab/chassis and pickup configurations, plus single-, super- and dual-cab body styles, and multiple engines.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
But Ford has gone above and beyond most of its rivals, additionally offering a smooth and powerful turbo-diesel V6 engine, as well as a highly capable, high-performance Raptor flagship packing a twin-turbo petrol V6. Ford has also recently introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Ranger was engineered in Australia, and it shows in its class-leading driving dynamics that make it pleasant to live with. Also aiding this are its thoroughly modern in-car tech and a comfortable interior.
But with competitive payload and towing capacity figures, it's also a capable workhorse – exactly what you need from a ute.
The Ranger launched back in 2022, but it remains a class-leader, and Ford has subsequently broadened its appeal with more variants like the luxurious Platinum and rugged Tremor.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Nissan X-Trail Nismo teased ahead of imminent debut
Nissan X-Trail Nismo teased ahead of imminent debut

Perth Now

time2 hours ago

  • Perth Now

Nissan X-Trail Nismo teased ahead of imminent debut

The Nissan X-Trail is getting a sporty Nismo makeover, but it hasn't been confirmed for our market. 'For the Japanese domestic market a new X-Trail NISMO will be revealed tomorrow. All details will be revealed then,' said Nissan Australia spokesperson. The new Nismo flagship will be revealed at 11:00am AEST on August 21, 2025. It's expected to top a facelifted X-Trail lineup that, according to Japanese outlet Creative Trend, will also include a rugged-looking Rock Creek variant. The facelifted X-Trail range will reportedly go on sale in Japan in September. Nissan Australia hasn't confirmed when the wider facelifted X-Trail lineup will arrive in Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Nissan. Click here to get a great deal. As seen in the single teaser image released by Nissan, the X-Trail Nismo has prominent red accents on its front bumper as well as what appears to be a unique grille. According to Creative Trend, it'll get the following unique equipment: Nismo-exclusive grille, bumpers, mirror caps Available Nismo Stealth Grey paint with a Super Black roof Black roof rails Enkei 20-inch alloy wheels Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres Nismo-exclusive fabric and leatherette upholstery There'll also be red stitching for the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, armrest and doors, as well as other Nismo touches like a red-accented start button. A set of leather and Alcantara-clad Recaro sports seats will reportedly be an additional option. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Nissan Note Aura Nismo Creative Trend reports the X-Trail Nismo will be offered only in e-Power with e-4orce form, meaning a series hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive, and exclusively with five seats. However, it reportedly won't get any extra power. The current X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce has a 105kW/250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with 150kW/330Nm front and 100kW/195Nm rear electric motors. However, mechnical upgrades are expected to include retuned steering and suspension, as well as tweaks to the all-wheel drive system. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Current Nissan X-Trail It's not the first Nissan to get a Nismo makeover. Besides the Z Nismo sports car sold here, Nissan offers Nismo-fettled versions of its Ariya, Leaf, Note and Skyline in Japan, all featuring a raft of aesthetic and mechanical enhancements – though not always offering more power than the models upon which they're based. The X-Trail Nismo will give Nissan an alternative to sporty mid-size SUVs like the petrol-powered Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R Line and the upcoming plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 GR Sport, and will slot in atop a refreshed X-Trail lineup. According to Creative Trend, changes across the range will reportedly include a new grille and front bumper, as well as fresh wheel designs. Inside, the facelifted X-Trail will reportedly get a black upper dash and doors, replacing the existing brown, plus USB-C outlets to replace the USB-A outlets, a new infotainment system with Google built-in, and a 3D view for the available surround-view camera. However, the Japanese website says tri-zone climate control has been removed, while ventilated front seats haven't been added like on the related Mitsubishi Outlander. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Not only is the facelifted X-Trail set to get a sporty Nismo flagship, it's also getting a Rock Creek edition like that offered with the almost identical Nissan Rogue built in the US. This more rugged variant will reportedly also be offered exclusively in e-Power with e-4orce guise, albeit with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations. Standard features will reportedly include black 19-inch wheels with orange accents, wrapped in all-terrain tyres, as well as a unique front bumper and grille, plus waterproof trim and orange stitching inside. The X-Trail Rock Creek will also reportedly be available with the same 'hero' paint scheme – Canyon Beige, with a Super Black roof – as the Rogue Rock Creek, along with a range of other exterior colours. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Launched in the US-market Rogue for 2025, the Rock Creek grade brings a unique front fascia, a tubular roof rack with integrated cross bars, and 17-inch satin black wheels wrapped in 235/65R17 Falken Wild Peak all-terrain tyres. Inside, there's water-repellant leatherette upholstery and Lava Red accent stitching. Notably, there are no mechanical enhancements for either the US-market Rogue Rock Creek or the upcoming X-Trail Rock Creek, making it more equivalent to a Subaru Forester Sport than the tougher Forester Wilderness offered overseas. It'll battle not only the Forester Sport but also the upcoming Toyota RAV4 Adventure/Woodland, and replace the Japanese-market X-Trail Extremer X, which is effectively the same as our local N-Trek. The launch of a facelifted X-Trail comes almost two years after the related Rogue received a refresh in the US, bringing revised front- and rear-end styling, new interior trim, and an available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Google built-in. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: 2026 Nissan Rogue Nissan also ditched USB-A outlets for USB-C outlets. The reason for the delay in Nissan facelifting the X-Trail stems from the fact it was launched considerably later than the Rogue. Nissan launched the current Rogue in the US in late 2020, but the X-Trail didn't launch in Japan until July 2022 and in Australia until later that year. Don't be too jealous of buyers in markets where the Rogue is sold, however – they don't get the e-Power powertrain, though they do get a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in lieu of the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four sold here. MORE: Explore the Nissan X-Trail showroom

2026 GWM Ora price and specs
2026 GWM Ora price and specs

7NEWS

time2 hours ago

  • 7NEWS

2026 GWM Ora price and specs

The GWM Ora now has a new battery and more tech following a running update and a switch to Thai sourcing. The updated electric hatch is arriving in local showrooms this month. A new 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, developed by GWM subsidiary SVOLT, replaces the old 48kWh lithium-ion and 63kWh ternary lithium packs. Gone are the Standard Range and Extended Range designations, with the updated lineup now consisting of Lux and GT trim levels, both with the same battery. There will be 30 examples of the Ultra imported, all in Aurora Green exterior paint with a black roof and a blue/grey interior, before this limited edition is dropped. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Ora. Click here to get a great deal. WLTP electric range is now stated at 380km for the GT and 400km for the Lux. The pre-update model had a claimed range of 310km in Standard Range guise and 420km as an Extended Range. GWM claims a switch to LFP chemistry provides a longer battery lifespan and faster charging capabilities, while also allowing for the introduction of vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. This has a maximum output of 6kW, allowing you to power electrical appliances off the battery. The updated Ora also includes a heat pump, which captures residual heat from components such as the motor and battery, allowing the vehicle to use less energy to heat the cabin in cold weather. App connectivity is now available, allowing you to remotely control vehicle functions, view the vehicle's location, and monitor its charging progress in real time. The refreshed hatch is a bit slower, with GWM claiming a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds compared with 8.4 seconds. You can blame a higher kerb weight for that, as the Ora now weighs between 1650kg and 1670kg – up from 1540-1580kg. There's a new single-tone Sun Black finish, replacing the old black with white roof option, which is mated with a blue and grey interior. This interior colourway was previously exclusive to Oras finished in Aurora Green. The updated Ora can also be distinguished by revised badging at the rear. There's now a large GWM wordmark on the tailgate and a smaller Ora one, instead of the other way around. Inside, there's a new USB-C outlet next to the existing USB-A outlet. Pricing Drivetrains and Efficiency There are three selectable regenerative braking levels, including a single-pedal mode. There's vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, with a maximum 6kW output. Dimensions Servicing and Warranty The GWM Ora is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty. GWM offers capped-price servicing across its range, though it has yet to confirm pricing for the updated Ora. Safety The GWM Ora has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Driver fatigue monitoring Lane-keep assist Lane centring Emergency lane-keep assist Traffic jam assist Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Rear parking sensors Surround-view camera 7 airbags The Ultra and GT also include front parking sensors. Standard Equipment There are three trim levels in the 2026 Ora lineup, though the Ultra will soon be retired. Above: Lux The Lux comes standard with the following equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels Tyre repair kit Automatic LED headlights Automatic high-beam Rain-sensing wipers Proximity entry with push-button start Electronic parking brake with auto hold 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless phone charger 6-speaker sound system Leatherette and suede upholstery 6-way power driver's seat 4-way power passenger seat Microfibre/leather-wrapped steering wheel 4-way steering column adjustment Power windows with auto up/down Climate control air-conditioning Heat pump (NEW) GWM App connectivity (NEW) 1 x USB-C outlet (front) (NEW) 2 x USB-A outlets (1 x front, 1 x rear) Above: GT The Ultra adds: Panoramic sunroof with sun blind Power-folding exterior mirrors with memory Hands-free power tailgate Driver's seat memory Heated and ventilated front seats Massaging front seats Heated steering wheels Illuminated vanity mirrors The GT includes the additional equipment of the Ultra, plus: 18-inch machined alloy wheels Red brake calipers GT body kit with unique bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler GT red and black interior trim Launch control Colours There are three interior colourways available: Black/Red (GT only) Blue/Grey (Lux and Ultra in Aurora Green or Sun Black) Black (Lux only) The following exterior finishes are available on the Lux: Hamilton White with black roof Sun Black Mars Red with black roof Aurora Green with black roof The following exterior finishes are available on the GT: Hamilton White Mars Red Chalk Grey As mentioned, the Ultra is coming here only in Aurora Green with a black roof. Premium paint (ie: anything bar the Hamilton White options) costs an extra $595.

2026 GWM Ora price and specs
2026 GWM Ora price and specs

Perth Now

time2 hours ago

  • Perth Now

2026 GWM Ora price and specs

The GWM Ora now has a new battery and more tech following a running update and a switch to Thai sourcing. The updated electric hatch is arriving in local showrooms this month. A new 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, developed by GWM subsidiary SVOLT, replaces the old 48kWh lithium-ion and 63kWh ternary lithium packs. Gone are the Standard Range and Extended Range designations, with the updated lineup now consisting of Lux and GT trim levels, both with the same battery. There will be 30 examples of the Ultra imported, all in Aurora Green exterior paint with a black roof and a blue/grey interior, before this limited edition is dropped. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new GWM Ora. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert WLTP electric range is now stated at 380km for the GT and 400km for the Lux. The pre-update model had a claimed range of 310km in Standard Range guise and 420km as an Extended Range. GWM claims a switch to LFP chemistry provides a longer battery lifespan and faster charging capabilities, while also allowing for the introduction of vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. This has a maximum output of 6kW, allowing you to power electrical appliances off the battery. The updated Ora also includes a heat pump, which captures residual heat from components such as the motor and battery, allowing the vehicle to use less energy to heat the cabin in cold weather. App connectivity is now available, allowing you to remotely control vehicle functions, view the vehicle's location, and monitor its charging progress in real time. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The refreshed hatch is a bit slower, with GWM claiming a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds compared with 8.4 seconds. You can blame a higher kerb weight for that, as the Ora now weighs between 1650kg and 1670kg – up from 1540-1580kg. There's a new single-tone Sun Black finish, replacing the old black with white roof option, which is mated with a blue and grey interior. This interior colourway was previously exclusive to Oras finished in Aurora Green. The updated Ora can also be distinguished by revised badging at the rear. There's now a large GWM wordmark on the tailgate and a smaller Ora one, instead of the other way around. Inside, there's a new USB-C outlet next to the existing USB-A outlet. There are three selectable regenerative braking levels, including a single-pedal mode. Supplied Credit: CarExpert There's vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, with a maximum 6kW output. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The GWM Ora is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty. GWM offers capped-price servicing across its range, though it has yet to confirm pricing for the updated Ora. The GWM Ora has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2022. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Driver fatigue monitoring Lane-keep assist Lane centring Emergency lane-keep assist Traffic jam assist Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Rear parking sensors Surround-view camera 7 airbags The Ultra and GT also include front parking sensors. There are three trim levels in the 2026 Ora lineup, though the Ultra will soon be retired. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Lux The Lux comes standard with the following equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels Tyre repair kit Automatic LED headlights Automatic high-beam Rain-sensing wipers Proximity entry with push-button start Electronic parking brake with auto hold 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless phone charger 6-speaker sound system Leatherette and suede upholstery 6-way power driver's seat 4-way power passenger seat Microfibre/leather-wrapped steering wheel 4-way steering column adjustment Power windows with auto up/down Climate control air-conditioning Heat pump (NEW) GWM App connectivity (NEW) 1 x USB-C outlet (front) (NEW) 2 x USB-A outlets (1 x front, 1 x rear) Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: GT The Ultra adds: Panoramic sunroof with sun blind Power-folding exterior mirrors with memory Hands-free power tailgate Driver's seat memory Heated and ventilated front seats Massaging front seats Heated steering wheels Illuminated vanity mirrors The GT includes the additional equipment of the Ultra, plus: 18-inch machined alloy wheels Red brake calipers GT body kit with unique bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler GT red and black interior trim Launch control There are three interior colourways available: Black/Red (GT only) Blue/Grey (Lux and Ultra in Aurora Green or Sun Black) Black (Lux only) The following exterior finishes are available on the Lux: Hamilton White with black roof Sun Black Mars Red with black roof Aurora Green with black roof The following exterior finishes are available on the GT: Hamilton White Mars Red Chalk Grey As mentioned, the Ultra is coming here only in Aurora Green with a black roof. Premium paint (ie: anything bar the Hamilton White options) costs an extra $595. MORE: Explore the GWM Ora showroom

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store