There’s big money in dual-cab 4X4 pickups. In total, 170,000 4X4 pickups were sold here in Shitsville last year. I’ve got a ‘pop quiz’ for you in just a sec, to see how well you really understand the ute market. After that - at the end of this video I will share with you one vital (and potentially lifesaving) tip that a lot of ute buyers overlook - which is potentially a matter of life and death, and which the manufacturer will never tell you. Keep watching for that.

Pop quiz: Of the top 10 utes, I can only identify two with factory fitted transmission coolers. Can you tell me which ones they are? Try this: There are two utes that have 4WD in high range for use on a high-traction surface, with the centre diff unlocked - one is AWD and the other is selectable - you can also use 2WD in high range. Any ideas which two utes I’m talking about?

One ute in the top 10 does not come with low range. At all. One ute has wheel bolts - as opposed to studs - which is a bit of a bastard, trackside, I have to say. One ute is renowned for valve body failures in the transmission - actually, it’s two. Two utes have disc brakes all around. Any ideas?

Only one of the top 10 4X4 utes is actually made in Japan. Any clues? One of the top 10 has not been crash tested since 2011 - but still claims five stars.

The point I’m trying to make here is that there’s a lot of nuanced variation and certainly currently no perfect ute. Some utes are better at one thing and some are better at another, and some are decent all rounders that fail to shine at any one particular thing. (I’m looking at you, Hilux.)

If you want to cut to the chase - my strong recommendation - based on solid objective criteria and lengthy analysis - is the current Triton. Great powertrain. Terrific reliability. Advanced transfer case functionality. Rear diff locker. Unbeatable value, currently. Excellent comfort, good cabin layout and plenty of interior space…

But even here, Triton has an Achilles heel - and that’s all about fundamental load-carrying geometry in the tray. So even my best ute might not be the best ute for you if you’re a - literally - heavy user with big plans for a heavily loaded tray for work or long-haul touring or camping.

I’ve just broken down the top 10 utes in the market in ‘Straya - top 10 4X4 dual cabs by sales, so far this year - and identified every salient feature I know of, which might be a potential ‘don’t buy’ trigger mechanism for you - depending on how you want to use your ute.

My exclusive video and print report on the blog just there, includes around 30 minutes of deep-dive ute market dissection - totally ad-free, and unavailable anywhere else. If you don’t want a ute, that’s probably gunna be the miracle cure for insomnia, right there. But if you are thinking about spending the big bucks, this report could save you from making a $50,000 mistake - or more.

I sincerely hope you will join me over there.