Utes are continuing to extend in popularity in Australia, and native buyers are increasingly leaning towards pricier, more profitable 4×4 pickup and cab-chassis models.
In line with the most recent VFACTS latest automobile sales data, a complete of 249,762 utes were sold in Australia during 2023, which is a rise of 9.2 per cent from the previous yr.
Looking forward to 2024, there are quite a variety of latest or updated utes which might be confirmed to be launching in Australia. The next is a breakdown of every latest ute set to reach this yr.
When you would really like to read all the brand new cars arriving in Australia throughout 2024 and beyond, take a look at our latest automobile calendar.
BYD plug-in hybrid ute – second half of 2024
BYD’s local distributor EVDirect has confirmed its forthcoming and as-yet unnamed ute shall be launching in Australia within the second half of 2024.
A camouflaged left-hand drive evaluation prototype was recently spied on an Australian freeway.
The BYD ute will launch first as a plug-in hybrid in Australia, using the corporate’s Dual Motor Intelligence (DM-i) technology.
BYD hasn’t detailed the plug-in hybrid powertrain at this stage, though previous reports have indicated it can consist of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated with two electric motors for a complete system output of 365kW.
Chevrolet Silverado HD – early 2024
The updated Chevrolet Silverado HD is attributable to arrive locally in early 2024. Local pricing and specifications haven’t been confirmed at this stage.
Within the US this update brought more power to the 6.6-litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine, which is the one engine offered locally. It now produces 350kW and 1332Nm, up 18kW and 88Nm on the outgoing model.
There have also been changes made inside, with the vast majority of US-specification variants receiving a brand new 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Models with the updated interior also get a centre console with a repositioned wireless phone charger, while other changes include latest audio control knobs, climate vents and controls for the second row, additional hidden storage areas, and leather-wrapped and real wood accents on certain models.
Ford F-150 facelift – second half of 2024
Ford only just began customer deliveries of its US-built and locally remanufactured F-150, but an update is already on the horizon. It’s due locally within the second half of 2024.
On the skin the updated F-150 has a restyled grille, bumpers and lighting elements. There are also more three-dimensional tail light elements.
Available on the updated F-150 within the US is the Pro Access Tailgate, that’s essentially a swing gate integrated into the regular fold-down tailgate that may open all the best way out to 100 degrees.
Inside, all the F-150 range now comes with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. There’s also an available head-up display.
GWM Shanhai Cannon – expected first quarter of 2024
CarExpert understands the GWM Shanhai Cannon is ready to reach in Australia in the primary quarter of 2024. It had previously been reported to reach late in 2023.
Slotting above the GWM Ute, with which it shares its platform, the Shanhai Cannon has more upscale appointments plus a variety of unique powertrains.
It’s set to supply the primary hybrid powertrain within the ute segment in Australia, which incorporates a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated with an electrical motor, a nine-speed automatic transmission and an on-demand four-wheel drive system.
Also expected to be offered in Australia is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel teamed with a 48V mild-hybrid system, nine-speed automatic transmission, on-demand four-wheel drive, and available electronically locking front and rear differentials.
Ineos Quartermaster – first/second quarter of 2024
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup is ready to reach in Australia through the first or second quarter of 2024, followed by a cab-chassis version later in 2024.
Based on the Grenadier wagon, the dual-cab Quartermaster pickup is 545mm longer overall – 305mm longer within the wheelbase alone.
The Grenadier Quartermaster pickup’s tub measures 1564mm long and 1619mm wide, ensuring it might probably fit a normal Euro pallet. The Grenadier’s 3500kg braked towing capability carries over, while payload is rated at 832kg.
Power comes from the identical 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol and diesel engines because the Grenadier wagon, sourced from BMW. Also familiar is the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, Brembo brakes, and five-link front and rear suspension with solid beam axles sourced from Carraro.
JAC T9 – February 2024
Australian vehicle importer and distributor BLK Auto announced in December 2022 it might bring the Chinese-built JAC T9 dual-cab ute to Australia.
The turbo-diesel ute was originally set to launch locally in June last yr, though this was pushed back to February 2024.
Along with a previously announced electric variant, now due in June 2024, a hybrid version will follow later in 2024.
The Chinese-made ute shall be sold locally at 30 dealers. 50 units shall be available initially on the February 2024 launch, with an extra 300 examples arriving in March.
Jeep Gladiator update – third quarter of 2024
Jeep Australia has confirmed an update to the Gladiator ute is attributable to arrive locally within the third quarter of 2024.
Just like the update to the related Wrangler, due here within the second quarter of 2024, the updated Gladiator will be distinguished by its latest seven-slot grille that’s shallower than before. The steel mast radio antenna has also been replaced by a “trail-ready stealth” unit integrated into the windscreen.
Inside there’s a softer, more luxurious dashboard that comes with contrast stitching. The dash has also been redesigned to accommodate a 12.3-inch touchscreen, up from the present automobile’s 8.4-inch display.
As before the Gladiator is powered by the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, which continues to be rated at 213kW and 353Nm in North American trim. It’s connected to all 4 wheels via a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
LDV electric ute – 2024
LDV confirmed in September last yr it can launch a new-generation electric ute – a production version of the Maxus GST concept – in 2024.
More details will come through the second quarter of 2024, but LDV – or Maxus because it’s known in most markets – desires to offer 600km of range plus off-road ability for the production ute.
The production model may even spawn a combustion-powered variant, but this hasn’t been confirmed for Australia.
LDV says it has learned lessons from the eT60 and intends for the brand new electric ute to be more desirable to non-public buyers.
Mitsubishi Triton – February 2024
A brand new-generation version of the Mitsubishi Triton is ready to reach locally in February 2024. Cab-chassis models will arrive later within the second half of 2024.
All variants at launch are powered by a brand new 2.4-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine which produces 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque.
The Triton now also boasts a 3500kg braked towing capability, up 400kg on the old model and on par with rivals just like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
Mitsubishi claims the Triton has a segment-first inclusion of front cross-traffic alert and driver monitoring, while that is the primary generation of Triton to feature a centre airbag and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Toyota HiLux with 48V Technology – first half of 2024
Toyota Australia has confirmed 48V mild-hybrid technology is coming to the HiLux in the primary half of 2024.
The system will combined the prevailing 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, with a 48V battery, small electric motor generator, and other components.
It can be standard on all dual-cab 4×4 SR5 and Rogue models, and optional on the dual-cab 4×4 SR.
Toyota guarantees an roughly 10 per cent fuel economy improvement for “certain HiLux models” in comparison with the prevailing 2.8-litre san electrification, in addition to improved drivability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.
Also on the horizon
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
