Video: Ute vs light truck showdown
Isuzu NPR Tradepack takes on Toyota HiLux SR to see which makes most sense for work and playWhen it comes to choosing the ultimate all-round workhorse for business or recreation, is a light-duty truck or a dual-cab ute the better option? Whether you need a reliable tow vehicle, a cargo-carrying machine, or a versatile runaround, the decision isn’t always clear-cut.
For many tradies, a dual-cab ute like the Toyota HiLux is the go-to choice, offering a balance of weekday utility and weekend adventure. But what happens when you need to tow a heavy trailer and haul a lot of gear at the same time? Sometimes, a one-tonne ute just doesn’t cut it.
Enter the light-duty truck, such as the Isuzu NPR Tradepack. With superior towing capacity and higher payload ratings, this vehicle offers serious grunt for those heavy-duty jobs — all while being drivable on a standard car licence. But can it match the comfort, safety, and user-friendly features of a dual-cab ute?
To try and find out, we put the Isuzu NPR Tradepack and the Toyota HiLux SR through their paces in a series of real-world tests. From load capacity to towing power, ride and handling, we’ll help you decide which vehicle delivers as the best all-rounder for your needs and budget.
Test vehicles:
Toyota HiLux SR dual-cab ute
Engine/transmission: 150kW/420Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with six-speed auto
Weights: 2115kg (Tare), 3050kg (GVM), 5850kg (GCM), 3500kg (towing)
Length: 5230mm
Price: $56,210 plus on-road costs
Isuzu NPR 45-155 MWB Tradepack single-cab light truck
Engine/transmission: 114kW/419Nm 5.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with six-speed auto
Weights: 3105kg (Tare), 4500kg (GVM), 9000kg (GCM), 4500kg (towing)
Length: 6645mm
Price: $72,381 plus on-road coasts
Related: Isuzu NPR Tradepack 2021 Tow Test
Related: Six things to check before buying a full-size US pick-up truck
Related: Five reasons NOT to buy a ute
This article was first published on trucksales.
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