Details, details…

By Ashley Lucas. All three utes in this year’s sample were very similar in size and basic set-up.

All three now use electronics to select 4WD, with a rotary knob either near the gear lever or on the dash (Hilux) where it is hidden by steering wheel. As one person found out (that would be me! Ed) unless you use the correct procedure to engage 4WD the electronics will not allow engagement. All autos require you to be in neutral before selecting low range 4WD.

Apart from a long nose that reduced approach angle, the Hilux seemed the most capable of the three off-road. It had really good low down gearing in the transfer case providing good engine braking downhill, almost negating the need of its Hill Descent Control which worked in other gears besides first low. When Hill Descent came into play it was noticeably quieter in operation than the Mazda which was very noisy in operation.

The Triton was the only vehicle without an electronic Hill Descent assist function, but gearing was good and it had more than adequate engine braking on our little test.

All three had locking rear differentials which show that these manufacturers are at last realising the added benefit of fully locking the rear diff. The locked rear diff eases the load on traction control and thus reducing reliance on the electronics and overheating the system as they fight to stop the spinning wheels.

Also the locking rear diff is proactive in off-road situations where the traction control is reactive and often ‘kicks in’ too late. You also have to drive the vehicle ‘harder’ without the rear diff lock.