Australia’s best-selling utes have been pitted against each other in one of the toughest industry tests for off-road vehicles.
However, not all of those tested made it up the first time.
The video, published on the CarExpert YouTube channel, was filmed on-site at The Springs 4×4 Park – located at The Glen in the Granite Belt of Queensland, south of Warwick.
Within the park is Beer O’Clock Hill, considered one of the toughest off-road hill climbs in the country – allowing for consistent testing back-to-back within the confines of a private property.
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All car companies were invited to participate, with a wide variety of models – from the Mahindra Pik-Up, to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – supplied for testing on the day.
But one of the tipped favourites, the outgoing Toyota HiLux GR Sport, ended up having a mechanical issue while attempting the course.
Though manufacturers were offered the option of fitting off-road tyres – given this is arguably the most popular modification undertaken by owners – the HiLux was one of the few that attempted the hill on stock tyres.
After the main event, the HiLux returned to make a second attempt, though Toyota was unable to provide a new-generation model in time for the event.
Other models included in the comparison were the Ford Ranger Raptor,GWM Cannon,Mitsubishi Triton GSR,Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior,Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series, and the Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Edition.
While many buyers won’t necessarily put their 4×4 vehicles through the kind of difficulties faced at Beer O’Clock Hill, the results provide some insight for those looking for a new ute with proper off-road capabilities.
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