What dual-cab ute should I buy?

The dilemma

Richard recently bought a holiday house and now spends his weekends playing the renovating game. He'd like to replace his 2008 Holden Commodore Sportwagon with a near-new dual-cab ute, thinking it'll be a good way to get a bigger, hardier load space without giving up a back seat. Because his new ride is destined to have his two teenagers in the back now and then, maximising safety is crucial. He'd like a diesel engine and if it managed to not drive like a truck, well, that would be even better.

The budget

Up to $35,000

The shortlist

A $35k budget brings current-generation examples of most serious dual-cab contenders into the frame but not all live up to Richard's criteria.

Volkswagen's Amarok trips up by not offering the head-protecting rear curtain airbags that can be found elsewhere. Toyota's current Hilux suffers from choice restrictions in this budget range due to its freshness and strong resale, with tidy diesel models a tough ask.

Isuzu's D-Max and Holden Colorados in this price range lack the urban sophistication we're looking for. Mazda's BT-50 is outgunned by a mechanical cousin that is fractionally better.

2011-on Ford Ranger double cab pick-up, from $19,500*

This Ford is about as good to drive as dual-cab utes get; its ride is surprisingly bearable, it steers accurately and 3.2-litre versions are gutsy performers.

Its roomy, comfortable cabin and five-star ANCAP safety artillery (including rear curtain airbags) add to its strong daily-driver appeal. It has a competitively sized tray, strong towing credentials (3500kg maximum) and service costs are fixed for life.

But the Ford isn't a benchmark for warranty (three years) or economy in 3.2-litre form. Or value - a 2016 2.2-litre Hi-Rider in base XL trim is possible for this money but if you want a 3.2 or 4x4 model, or a higher trim level, you'll be looking at pre-2015 update stock.

Read Drive's Ford Ranger reviews:

Used-car review: 2011-15 Ford Ranger
Road-test comparison: Dual-cab utes

2015-on Mitsubishi Triton dual cab pick-up, from $24,100*

This Mitsubishi is big on value - 2016 middle-tier GLS 4x4s are possible for this money, and have a reversing camera and other trinkets you'll struggle to get in a Ranger of similar freshness.

It also has a great warranty (five years), five-star ANCAP safety and a respectably comfortable, functional interior. Its 2.4-litre diesel engine - while not a leader for sheer grunt - delivers a good mix of performance, economy and refinement.

But the Triton doesn't have the biggest tray in the class, the best towing credentials (3100kg maximum) or longest fixed-price servicing plan (four years/60,000km). Its ride and handling, while more than decent, aren't up to high standards of the Ranger. Its cabin isn't a benchmark for space, attention to detail or flair.

Read Drive's Mitsubishi Triton reviews:

Road-test comparison: Dual-cab utes
Road-test comparison: Dual-cab utes

2015-on Nissan Navara NP300 dual cab pick-up, from $24,700*

This Nissan's coil-sprung rear suspension gives it a comfortable ride and its 2.3-litre turbodiesel engines are strong and economical.

Its maximum towing capacity is competitive (3500kg), it has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and its cabin has nice touches like a rear seat base that folds up. Middle-tier ST 4x2 models offer the prospect of a reversing camera for this money, and 2016-plated 4x4 models are a possibility.

But slow steering takes the edge off the Navara's handling and its rear end tends to struggle with a heavy load. Its cabin and tray are this group's smallest. While you can have middle-tier trim or 4x4 drivetrain for this money, getting both might be tough. Its warranty cedes to the Mitsubishi's (three years), its fixed-price servicing regime (six years/120,000km) to the Ford's.

Read Drive's Nissan Navara reviews:

Road test: Nissan Navara RX
Road-test comparison: Dual-cab utes

Drive recommends

The Nissan isn't without attractions but it's this group's most compromised dual-cab. With the Mitsubishi giving it a spanking for value as well, its victory run is dashed.

The Ranger is this group's best, most polished package and - cost-no-object - would be an easy choice. In this budget range, though, there are real value question marks to muddy the waters.

The Triton has no such issues. Where the Ford can give you 4x4, a generous trim level or near-new build plate for $35k, it can give you all three.

With Richard saying nothing about wanting to even tow, and its driving and cabin deficiencies well short of being troubling, it sneaks through to take the win.

* Values are estimates provided by Redbook based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.