Head of Editorial

CarsGuide

24 Jun 2021 • 1 min read

Best utes arriving in 2021

Justin Hilliard

Head of Editorial

CarsGuide

24 Jun 2021 • 1 min read

The Thunder is the new Mazda BT-50's eagerly anticipated flagship.

After a very busy 2020, it’s no surprise there aren’t a lot of new utes due to be released in Australia in 2021 – well, ones we know about at the time of writing.

That said, a couple of the models that are on the way are no less significant. In fact, they will play significant roles for the brands they represent. Read on.

Nissan Navara - February

Building on the styling cues from the just-unveiled MY21 Navara PRO-4X, the 2024 replacement is likely to look even tougher.

The Nissan Navara has undergone a significant midlife facelift, and it entered showrooms in February. And yes, we meant it when we say significant.

The ute’s front end has been redesigned with a tougher look that sees it take the fight to even its fiercest rivals. That said, there's plenty more to the nip and tuck...

Jeep Gladiator - June

Another new-generation ute has tweaked its line-up, with the Jeep Gladiator adding losing its Sport S grade but gaining a Night Eagle version as part of an update that landed in June.

Previously the mid-range offering, the latter now serves are the entry-level variant, giving buyers a more highly specified, albeit more expensive, base Gladiator.

Jeep Gladiator

3.4

Jeep Gladiator

From

$78,250

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Ram 1500 - May

The new-generation Ram 1500 was large and in charge when it went on sale in May. Just like their predecessors, the full-size pick-ups will be locally ‘remanufactured’.

But the really big news is what’s under their bonnet: a thumping 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine.

Ram 1500

3.7

Ram 1500

From

$119,950

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD - Late 2021

In late 2021, the new-generation Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD will enter newly established GMSV showrooms after being locally remanufactured. Sound familiar? We thought so.

This full-size pick-up has the established 332kW/1234Nm 6.6-litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8 in tow, with it now mated to a 10-speed Allison torque-converter automatic transmission.

Chevrolet SILVERADO

3.8

Chevrolet SILVERADO

From

$130,500

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Mazda BT-50 Thunder - April

Mazda finally got into the flagship ute game in April when it released the BT-50 Thunder. Yep, this new model takes its name from the famous Holden Ute of yesteryear.

While the BT-50 Thunder ups the ante with a series of off-road-focused upgrades, including a single-hoop steel bullbar, it doesn't come with the much-anticipated upgraded engine.

Mazda BT-50

3.9

Mazda BT-50

From

$35,520

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Volkswagen Amarok W580 - May

The ageing Volkswagen Amarok got a whole lot spicier in May, with the Walkinshaw-developed W580 becoming its new flagship. And yes, it seriously means business.

The W580 stands out from the Amarok crowd with its lifted suspension, unique wheel and tyre package, and twin-tune dampers... and it gets a very familiar 200kW/580Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

Volkswagen Amarok

3.9

Volkswagen Amarok

From

$55,490

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

SsangYong Musso - July

SsangYong's Musso ute hasn't made as much noise as the South Korean brand probably would've hoped for since its relaunch, but it will double down with the release of a facelifted model in July 2021.

There's no mistaking the new Musso for the old thanks to its front-end redesign, which cuts a much more striking impersonation. That said, Australia misses on the gruntier turbo-diesel engine.