Utes are continuing to increase in popularity in Australia, and local buyers are increasingly leaning towards pricier, more profitable 4×4 pickup and cab-chassis models.
According to the latest VFACTS new car sales data, a total of 249,762 utes were sold in Australia during 2023, which is an increase of 9.2 per cent from the previous year.
Looking forward to 2024, there are quite a number of new or updated utes that are confirmed to be launching in Australia. The following is a breakdown of each new ute set to arrive this year.
If you would like to read all the new cars arriving in Australia throughout 2024 and beyond, check out our new car calendar.
BYD plug-in hybrid ute – second half of 2024
BYD’s local distributor EVDirect has confirmed its forthcoming and as-yet unnamed ute will be launching in Australia in 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 company’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 will consist of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated with two electric motors for a total system output of 365kW.
MORE: BYD plug-in hybrid ute spied in Australia
Chevrolet Silverado HD – early 2024
The updated Chevrolet Silverado HD is due to arrive locally in early 2024. Local pricing and specifications haven’t been confirmed at this stage.
In the US this update brought more power to the 6.6-litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine, which is the only 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 majority of US-specification variants receiving a 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 new 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.
MORE: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD revealed, confirmed for Australia
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 in the second half of 2024.
On the outside 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 in the US is the Pro Access Tailgate, that’s essentially a swing gate integrated into the regular fold-down tailgate that can open all the way out to 100 degrees.
Inside, the entire 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.
MORE: Updated Ford F-150 revealed, Australian timing confirmed
GWM Shanhai Cannon – expected first quarter of 2024
CarExpert understands the GWM Shanhai Cannon is set to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2024. It had previously been reported to arrive late in 2023.
Slotting above the GWM Ute, with which it shares its platform, the Shanhai Cannon has more upscale appointments plus a range of unique powertrains.
It’s set to offer the first hybrid powertrain in the ute segment in Australia, which features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated with an electric 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.
MORE: GWM’s luxurious ute spied again in Australia
Ineos Quartermaster – first/second quarter of 2024
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup is set to arrive in Australia during 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 in the wheelbase alone.
The Grenadier Quartermaster pickup’s tub measures 1564mm long and 1619mm wide, ensuring it can fit a standard Euro pallet. The Grenadier’s 3500kg braked towing capacity carries over, while payload is rated at 832kg.
Power comes from the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol and diesel engines as 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.
MORE: Ineos starts building its rugged off-roader ute
JAC T9 – February 2024
Australian vehicle importer and distributor BLK Auto announced in December 2022 it would bring the Chinese-built JAC T9 dual-cab ute to Australia.
The turbo-diesel ute was originally set to launch locally in June last year, though this was pushed back to February 2024.
In addition to a previously announced electric variant, now due in June 2024, a hybrid version will follow later in 2024.
The Chinese-made ute will be sold locally at 30 dealers. 50 units will be available initially at the February 2024 launch, with a further 300 examples arriving in March.
MORE: JAC T9: Chinese Toyota HiLux rival spied in Australia
Jeep Gladiator update – third quarter of 2024
Jeep Australia has confirmed an update to the Gladiator ute is due to arrive locally in the third quarter of 2024.
Like the update to the related Wrangler, due here in the second quarter of 2024, the updated Gladiator can be distinguished by its new 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 incorporates contrast stitching. The dash has also been redesigned to accommodate a 12.3-inch touchscreen, up from the current car’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 four wheels via a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
MORE: 2024 Jeep Gladiator facelift borrows heavily from Wrangler
LDV electric ute – 2024
LDV confirmed in September last year it will launch a new-generation electric ute – a production version of the Maxus GST concept – in 2024.
More details will come during the second quarter of 2024, but LDV – or Maxus as it’s known in most markets – wants to offer 600km of range plus off-road ability for the production ute.
The production model will also 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 new electric ute to be more desirable to private buyers.
MORE: Next-generation LDV electric ute locked in for Australia
Mitsubishi Triton – February 2024
A new-generation version of the Mitsubishi Triton is set to arrive locally in February 2024. Cab-chassis models will arrive later in the second half of 2024.
All variants at launch are powered by a 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 capacity, up 400kg on the old model and on par with rivals 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 this is the first generation of Triton to feature a centre airbag and reverse autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
MORE: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton price and specs
Toyota HiLux with 48V Technology – first half of 2024
Toyota Australia has confirmed 48V mild-hybrid technology is coming to the HiLux in the first half of 2024.
The system will combined the existing 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 will be standard on all dual-cab 4×4 SR5 and Rogue models, and optional on the dual-cab 4×4 SR.
Toyota promises an approximately 10 per cent fuel economy improvement for “certain HiLux models” compared to the existing 2.8-litre san electrification, as well as improved drivability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.
MORE: Toyota HiLux going (mild) hybrid for Australia in 2024
Also on the horizon
MORE: All the new cars, utes and SUVs coming to Australia in 2024 and beyond
