Weighing Up the Options: The Best Vehicles for Tradies

Time for a new vehicle? Whether you just bought a new one or your old one is falling to bits, it’s never too soon for an upgrade. It needs to be practical, good to look at and not to mention tough as nails. So, what exactly is the best vehicle for tradies?

From utes to vans and even trucks, it’s time to settle the great tradie debate of what really is the best work vehicle for tradies.

Let’s meet the contenders…

From utes to vans, 4WD to 2WD, there are so many options and add ons that need to be factored into the decision. Before we decide which, one is the best vehicle for tradies, we first need to meet the vehicles vying for this title! So, without any further ado, let’s bring them in.

· Ford Ranger

Pros - First cab off the rank is our Ford Ranger – one of the most popular cars for tradies. Speaking of cabs, this dual cab ute can tow 3.3T and has the chrome finishes of an American pick-up truck. With both 4x2 and 4x4 qualities, this vehicle allows for a wide range of duties. It’s also one of the handfuls of utes that boasts five-star ANCAP safety across all variants. One of the other benefits of a Ford Ranger is the multiple purposes it serves, with the ability to not only be a work vehicle but an off-road 4WD tow vehicle or everyday family car.

Cons – A few cons make up this vehicle, spearheaded by the hefty price tag. Other things to be aware of are the fuel efficiency and that the diesel is still more truck-like than SUV-like.

· Volkswagen Amarok

Pros – Next on the list is the Volkswagen Amarok. The popularity of this international car continues to climb, with it offering much of the refinement and class of the brand’s SUVs. This vehicle is available in an 8-speed automatic transmission and is the only ute in Australia with a turbo-petrol motor). Another feature tradies love is that it’s the only ute in Australia that can handle a Euro pallet sideways, making it the largest tray among its competitors.

Cons - Some of the newer models like the W580 have a tight back seat space and lack advanced safety aids and rear airbags which isn’t ideal if you’re throwing some mates in for a weekend camping trip. Volkswagen also has pricy servicing costs attached.

· Toyota Hilux

Pros – The Toyota Hilux has been Australia’s best-selling ute for the past 17 years, making it a clear favourite for tradies. It comes with a wide range of varieties including family-friendly double-cab options. It’s built tough – just like tradies – and does well off-road as well as has a strong towing capacity. With plenty of space to store tools in the roomy tray, the name alone is reputable among tradies.

Cons – For the whole Hilux range, a larger price tag is probably one of the bigger downsides. However, with so many different models, there’s bound to be something for everyone

· Nissan Navara

Pros – This ute keeps getting better with time! One of the main standouts is the high power and low fuel use that combines for a brisk performance. For those looking for something a little smaller than the bigger utes, the Navara is perfect for you as the smaller cabin is a lot easier to park than most other utes. It also features ample storage space, coil-spring rear, and sharp steering.

Cons – A couple of things to keep in mind if looking to purchase this vehicle is that the smaller cabin makes the vehicle a little less roomy than some of its competitors. Some versions also lack some of the ‘flashier’ extras that you can find in others.

· Toyota HiAce

Pros – The first tradie van on our vehicle list! This high-roofed van is comfortable, practical, and better equipped than previous models. Even when it’s loaded up with a few hundred kilos in the back, it’s still an easy drive which makes workdays a breeze.

Cons – The towing capacity isn’t as great as some of its competitors and there is no cabin bulkhead in place.

· Renault Trafic

Pros – This van comes packed full of features with the driving experience being much similar to a car than a commercial vehicle. It also comes with rear barn doors and a sliding side door, along with a bulkhead behind the driver’s seat.

Cons – The storage within the vehicle isn’t as good as some of its competitors and cup holder sizes aren’t ideal! There is also no safety tech within and the floor in the back can get quite slippery when wet, making climbing in and out a hazard.

The verdict

There are so many work vehicles – we could go on and on! When it comes down to finding the best work vehicles for tradies, it comes down to personal preference. Some things you need to consider when looking for a new vehicle include:

• Is this vehicle primarily for work or will I be using it at home/as a family car too?
• Is there enough storage space for my tools?
• What safety features are included?
• Do I need a van or will a ute suffice?
• Is a strong towing capacity important?
• What is my budget?
• Do I plan to use the car for any off-roading activities?
• What’s going to drive the best for me?
• Do I need a four-seater, or will a two-seater do the job?
• Is it practical?
• How much is it going to cost me to run?

Getting a new vehicle is a very personal choice. When it comes to choosing a new vehicle, there are so many options to weigh up that it can be easy to get swept up in some of the add ons offered by the seller, meaning that you need to sit back and think about the main reasons behind the purchase. Every vehicle has its pros and cons, but it comes down to looking at which vehicle is best for you and your situation.