INSIDE JOB
‘CAR-LIKE COMFORT’ IS OFTEN PROMISED BY UTE MANUFACTURERS BUT HOW MANY REALLY DELIVER?
AS MORE AND MORE Australians elect for a dual-cab as their main car or family mover, the technology, comfort, space, ergonomics and function of the cabin becomes increasingly important. While all the models here offer accommodation for up to five and four doors, that’s where a lot of the interior similarities end.
At the top of the pack, the Ford Ranger is a hard act to follow with the best balance of technology in the form of its portrait-oriented SYNC4A infotainment touchscreen and large digital instrument cluster, practicality in the form of numerous clever storage options, and overall quality and finish. It also offers one of the most spacious front-row cabins and modern touches such as electric parking brake which frees up even more space, and one of the only contenders to offer USB-C charging sockets.
But it’s not perfect. Even budget rivals such as the Ssangyong weigh in with decent levels of equipment and space for prices that save about $20,000 over the Ranger, while the GWM offers initial wow factor with a surprisingly plush interior and more high levels of technology for the cash. In the case of the Ssangyong, it is the only ute to offer a sunroof as well as one of the most cavernous cabins and has the fastest infotainment boot-up time, requiring just three seconds from ignition on to fully functional, while the Cannon has impressive features such as a class-leading 3D manoeuvering system.
Mazda must take line honours for easily the most car-like cabin with a pleasant two-tone upholstery, with particular attention paid to seat design and comfort and an elegant and ergonomic steering wheel covered in
high-quality leather.
Despite an inescapable utilitarian bond, some of our fleet attempt to push the boundaries of comfort and sophistication with some innovative features. Nissan’s Navara has a unique rear central window that is electrically operated from the driver’s seat allowing dog owners to chat with a four-legged friend in the tray, for example. The D-Max has good amounts of space in all interior areas but feels small on the road with excellent visibility, while the LDV’s central information and entertainment screen is the sharpest and one of the most pleasant to navigate in the fleet. We also like the Ranger’s unusual but ergonomic ‘squeeze’ door release handles that allow a more natural hand and arm position when opening the door.
The sheer plastickiness of the Triton GLX and LDV can be forgiven to some degree if they are to be put to hard yakka where the durability could be seen as an advantage over the relative premium feel and comfort of their rivals. Conversely, the initial good impression of the Cannon quickly tarnishes when too many functional and ergonomic failures emerge. Other disappointments include the noticeably cramped HiLux second row as well as its overall dated interior feel, especially when its price is factored into a value proposition.
A slow-to-start infotainment system dragged the Mazda, Isuzu, Toyota and Mitsubishi further down the tech ratings with between 17 and 21 seconds required from ignition on to full functionality.
Finally, observations such as the LDV’s lack of telescopic steering column adjustment, no realistic place for a phone to live in the Navara, and the Triton GLX’s single-zone climate panel, are all examples of omissions that are hard to excuse in today’s modern and competitive market.
Some utes attempt to push the boundaries of comfort and sophistication with innovative features