The most affordable dual-cab ute to own in 2022

As one of the most diverse new car segments in Australia, buying a dual-cab ute can be a tricky prospect.

With so much choice on the market, as well as wide-ranging differences in capabilities, dual-cab ute buyers have much to weigh up when considering which dual-cab model to pursue.

While big names such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger regularly trade blows at the top of the new car sales charts, there’s far more of a story under the surface that Drive aimed to explore with its latest Dual-Cab Ute Megatest.

This is why we’ve analysed a host of data and information in our latest Megatest, including placing special emphasis on the whole-of-life value equation you’ll be saddled with after fronting up the initial purchase price.

Analysing how much a car will cost you after purchase is an extremely important step in the new car buying process, though it’s one that is often forgotten among the excitement and rush of a purchase.

This ownership costs aspect is particularly pertinent in 2022 when inflation is hitting Australians hard.

Areas such as warranty, service costs, insurance, resale value, fuel use, and roadside assistance coverage have been included in this Megatest, where we made it our mission to focus on how these factors interplay with the overall cost of owning a dual-cab ute over a typical three-year changeover period.

Drive-away prices have been used as our point of comparison – with no options fitted – which are based on delivery in Sydney. We also discovered there are wide-ranging differences in what you’ll pay in insurance. Our insurance quote was based on a 35-year-old male with a garaged car space living in inner Sydney, with a clean driving record.

Resale value, too, is arguably one of the most glossed-over areas of car ownership, but is the single greatest cost you’ll face having bought a brand-new car. Depreciation value will really impact changeover cost when it comes time for the next new car.

With that, here are the three front-running dual-cab utes you should buy if you’ve got value on your mind. These are the top three most affordable dual-cab utes you can buy in 2022.

If you want to see the full results with all eight cars, refer to the table at the bottom of this story or visit our Dual-Cab Ute Megatest.

We’ve long been fans of the Ford Ranger at Drive, and to see this reputation backed up not only in this Megatest, but also in a new-generation car, is promising. While it was one of the most expensive utes on test outright, the Ford Ranger exhibits the best Ownership Value in the segment.

This is due to the Ranger having the cheapest servicing costs over three years, having strong seven-year roadside assistance coverage, and stocking some of the most reassuring resale value performance in the Megatest.

It’s also one of the most frugal fuel-sipping utes on test too. It’s little wonder Australians have long looked to Ford to provide a ute that is equal parts capable and affordable.

In stark comparison to the Ford Ranger that lies at the expensive end of this Megatest, the SsangYong Musso features the most affordable purchase price. But the value doesn’t stop there.

Cheap running costs see the Musso cost buyers only $1125 after 45,000km of servicing, while a generous seven-year warranty rounds out the Musso’s strong Ownership Value play.

Negatives against the Musso suggest it’s not a good option for those keen on flipping after three years – resale stands at just over 70 per cent.

In Australia, the Toyota name is synonymous with value, especially after-sales value, and a third-place finish in this Megatest category reflects that. With a wide dealer network and low servicing costs, the HiLux is a sure bet for dual-cab ute buyers who want to know what they’re getting in for prior to purchase.

Service costs are a low $260 over the first five services (though the intervals are short) and resale value is a segment-best 97 per cent after three years. Unfortunately, the HiLux misses out on any included roadside assistance coverage, but you do get a common five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.