In the sunburnt country, we Aussies have a special place in our hearts for two particular types of vehicles: the SUV and the Ute. These versatile vehicles dominate our roads, with recent data showing their growing popularity.

As of January 2024, passenger vehicles, which include SUVs, remained the largest vehicle category with a staggering 15.7 million registrations - a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, light commercial vehicles, including our beloved utes, accounted for 4.08 million vehicles, making up 18.8% of the national fleet and showing a robust 3.7% growth.

From worksites to weekend getaways, both vehicles have been part of our motoring landscape for generations. For tradies across the nation, the ute is as essential as a pair of steel-capped boots. But what exactly do these terms mean? Let's break down the definitions and characteristics of SUVs and utes to help you understand these popular vehicle types.

SUV: Sport Utility Vehicle

SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. These vehicles have become increasingly popular over the past few decades, offering a blend of passenger car comfort with the ruggedness of off-road vehicles. SUVs first appeared in the 1930s as military vehicles, later evolving into civilian use. They gained widespread popularity in the 1990s and have since become one of the most sought-after vehicle types worldwide.

What features do SUVs have?

SUVs come in various sizes to suit different needs and generally have the following characteristics which include: 

  • Higher ground clearance
  • Spacious interiors with flexible seating
  • All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options
  • Increased cargo capacity, compared to standard vehicles.
Different types of SUVs

Sport utility vehicles come in different sizes and are suitable for a variety of different occasions:

  • Compact SUVs - are ideal for urban driving with a smaller footprint.
  • Mid-size SUVs -  offer a balance of space and manoeuvrability..
  • Full-size SUVs - provide maximum space and often greater towing capacity.

The Mitsubishi Outlander exemplifies these SUV qualities, offering a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and the versatility to handle both city driving and outdoor adventures with ease.

Ute: Utility Vehicle

'Ute' is short for utility vehicle, a term that originated right here in Australia. For Aussie tradies, the ute is more than just a vehicle - it's a mobile worksite. From chippies to sparkies, plumbers to landscapers, the ute's versatile tray carries tools, materials, and everything needed for a hard day's yakka.

It's not uncommon to see utes kitted out with custom racks, toolboxes, and even mobile workshops, showcasing the ingenuity of Australian tradespeople.

What features do Utes have?

Most modern utes tend to have the following key features which include:

  • Open cargo area or 'tray' behind the passenger cabin.
  • A passenger car-like front end.
  • A robust chassis for carrying heavy loads.
Different types of Utes (cabin configurations)
  • Utility vehicles come in three types of cabin configurations which include:
  • Single cab - with a two-door cabin, driver and passenger seats plus and longer tray
  • Extra cab - with an extended cabin and small rear seats
  • Dual cab - with a four-door cabin and full rear seat behind the driver and front passenger, this type has the smallest cargo area. 

The Mitsubishi Triton is a prime example of a ute that caters to both work and leisure needs. With its robust design, impressive towing capacity, and comfort features, it's equally at home on a construction site or heading out for a weekend camping trip.

Comparing SUVs and Utes

Similarities and differences

While both SUVs and Utes offer versatility, they have distinct differences:

  • SUVs have enclosed bodies with integrated cargo areas, focusing on passenger comfort and off-road capability.
  • Utes have separate passenger cabins and open cargo trays, prioritising load-carrying capacity and towing ability.

Despite these differences, both vehicle types often offer:

  • Four-wheel drive capabilities
  • Can handle a variety of terrains
  • Typically have higher ground clearance than standard passenger cars

 

Family vs Work

SUVs are often used for:

  • Family transport, outdoor adventures, and camping trips, as well as ensuring comfortable long-distance travel.
  • They often offer more passenger space with an enclosed cargo area for weather protection.
  • Often have a greater variety of sizes and luxury options.

Utes, meanwhile, are commonly used as:

  • Work vehicles for tradies in construction, electrical, plumbing, and more.
  • They're also popular for recreational activities like surfing or mountain biking, and for towing boats or caravans.
  • Utes excel in load-carrying capacity, with a separate cargo area that keeps mess away from passengers.

 

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

As Aussies become more environmentally conscious, fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider.

  • SUVs are generally less fuel-efficient due to their size and weight, though newer models incorporate hybrid and electric technologies and some compact SUVs offer improved fuel economy.
  • Utes, on the other hand, are often more fuel-efficient when not fully loaded. Diesel options provide better fuel economy for long-distance driving, and the ute market is evolving with more fuel-efficient engines and even hybrid options.

Choosing Between an SUV and a Ute: which vehicle should you buy?

When deciding between an SUV and a Ute it's important to consider your family size, work requirements, lifestyle needs, as well as typical driving conditions and both types of cars offer unique advantages to suit different lifestyles and needs.

Whether you're after the spacious interior of an Outlander SUV for family road trips or the rugged capability of a Triton ute for your tradie business, understanding these vehicle types will help you make an informed choice for your next vehicle. Whether you're headed for the bush or the building site, there's a vehicle to suit your needs.