With the continuing popularity of higher spec Utes I drove two of them last week. The Mazda BT-50 Thunder Ute and the Toyota HiLux Rogue Ute.
Both have little luxuries like heated leather seats for the front occupants, dual zone air-conditioning, apple car play, wireless in the Mazda and electronic roller tonneau covers for the tub.
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The Rogue has marine grade carpet in the tub while the Thunder has a spray on tub protector. . They both have rear difflocks for off road driving and will tow 3500 kg with ease.
The BT-50 Thunder has more safety features while the HiLux Rogue has a little more power and torque.
Both look good and have additions that have been designed in Australia. Both are identical in price at $68,990 plus the usual costs.
When you add to these other Ute such as the upcoming Nissan Pro 4X Warrior, another top spec Ute that has had a lot of local engineering added, Isuzu X Terrain, Ford Ranger FX 4 Max, and others from Mitsubishi, Ssangyong and more, the choice for buyers in the upper end of the Dual Cab 4WD Ute segment has never been better.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. Motoring Minutes have an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. This is more than 750,000 listeners a week.
Motoring Minutes are also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 430,000.