What's the best 4X4 dual cab ute for families and towing in 2021 | Auto Expert John Cadogan

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Today's 'unplugged' video is an attempt to get to the bottom of the best 4X4 dual cab ute for towing and families. I'm answering this question:
"Hi mate, loved reading though all your articles. I'm currently looking to get out of my VW Transporter and into a ute. Work has changed and more towing looks to be in my future, as for the need for more than two seats with extra people on the way. Not looking for anything to really go off-road with, I have a 2002 Prado that I go offroad and up the beach with. Realistically looking for a ute with good towing capacity, safety features and a couple interior niceties. Any help would be grand!" - Mark Edmonds
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[@davids9450]

John, I've been watching your stuff for several years now and I think this was definitely your best! No stupid pontificating about "aluminium shitois" and ... pause ... "down there" etc. Just sensible, rational , straight-forward conversation. Keep it up old chap. Thank you.

[@shahid-irshad]

Agreed.

[@bretleversha]

Oh he sucks when he’s all in a stupid mood!

[@muaddib4868]

In my humbel opinion that was one of your best! It was super informative, balanced, no fluff and no politics. It felt more like a chat with a highly educated and experienced mate than a blog..... thank you !

[@11385djg]

I love when you infuse a flavour of technicalities (language of engineers) on the subject of forces without sounding like a nerd. I can decipher (me being engineer as well) that you are not BS-ing.

[@paulhayward8459]

John, I think it is important you know how much you resonate with us in these difficult times. Your views give us the benefits of sound scientific observation, but also balance and commonsense. Not only that, but the sardonic humour you impart, often leaves me doubled up with laughter. In light of the recent IPCC report on the current state of climate, trends and a pretty bleak outlook for our near time future, I would really enjoy hearing you impart your thoughts, views and observations, particularly how they will affect all of us 'Petrolheads' !! I know it will probably be a very divisive debate, but time appears to be running out fast to enact positive directives. Anyway, many thanks for your channel, one of my absolute favourites !! 👏👏😊😊

[@mcduck5]

Got to say, Im really impressed at how you describe and promote safe working loads with utes, I am in no doubt it has saved lives.

[@billcatopodis9176]

John I enjoy it so much when you are in this calm, logical and hard to fault state. Much better than the comical ironic approach. I do enjoy both but this angle is more comfortable for me. Keep up the great work!

[@francoistheron4904]

Was about to say the same. Really enjoiyed this!

[@jimwithington2271]

Me too.

[@Kiwi_Col]

We got some real world advice on what happens with your new vehicle AFTER you've bought it. Priceless.

[@jonathanliapis8048]

Seams that when he’s talking bout Korean cars he is not being so negative…. Sound bought and sold to me

[@DunateoRom8v37]

@@jonathanliapis8048 Mitso is not Korean. There is that. Maybe Korean cars are more reliable and has better after-sale support. There's that. Maybe John is just pointing out the facts. Maybe you are just a fan boy.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Gotta love the freshly sedated new style of delivery. You're easier to watch in one persona. 😃

[@Samie229]

Toyota 4wd’s praise by JC is a rare treat to watch 😆

[@frankcurulli1244]

Best episode ever! Like everyone else's comments, you've delivered a thoroughly professional and rational presentation. The 2 litre turbo Ranger and 10 speed is not ideal. The 3.2 / 6 speed is a tried and proven tow combination. The Triton can be customized and still be far cheaper than the others. Thanks, Frank

[@sergeantserious3988]

The best video yet John, the format is great. In the workshop having an open chat with a mate.

[@johnedds2327]

You did well John; straightforward and no BS. I don't tow and never will, but I'm spreading your gospel re tow weights to friends and relatives.

[@labourlawact7826]

Excellent advice John. You're spot on with the choices, and especially not exceeding 2,5 tons when towing. Personally I feel like you and ASPW, and don't like towing at all. Greetings from South Africa 😎👍❤

[@peterwilliamson9600]

Far from being mangled, I believe this is one of your best presentations.

[@881Gino]

This is the review I’ve been waiting for. Thanks John.

[@JuLIsHere]

15:58 I did not expect a buyer's guide will be this deep and sophisticated, in a very good way of course. Thank you!

[@stevegibbs7211]

This would without doubt be the best video that I’ve seen of you calm rational sensible easy to listen to and very enjoyable

[@markemes6804]

We bought a Triton and does a great job overall. Been up to the NT and pretty much everything asked of it. Well built solid and cheaper by long shot.

[@cathbp4089]

Hey John, you didn't mangle anything...in fact best video I have watched from you. Cheers!

[@rafaelguetta1139]

It was lovely to get this calm logical delivery. Hope to get more of those.

[@mozworthy]

When you talk normally (instead of trying to be funny), you are absolutely brilliant. This is just my opinion, but if you ditch the smarmy, attempted stand-up comic thing, you are infinitely more watchable. Like I said, my opinion only. I'm probably in the vast minority. Otherwise, absolutely love the content. Keep it up. :)

[@labourlawact7826]

I agree to a certain degree

[@TriNguyen-qq5ul]

I agree

[@marksweet8740]

I agree with half of that cause I that he is a funny bugger at time and he has got the knack to make me laugh out loud which helps a bloody lot these days.

[@ianrichardson3228]

Nothing funny about the serious issues he is addressing! Gotta keep ya sense of humour...

[@Jay0772]

I enjoy both. It's take or leave it really.

[@PGMainey]

John, you have changed in the last few months for the better too. I love the new you and your video format :)

[@kylewhite1556]

Gosh I was prepped ready for another sarcastic episode but found this to be really enjoyable. Hard to argue with your reasoning in this one.

[@ahss6275]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 A fantastic “unscripted video”. Most informative. Factual. Genuine. Effective. Efficient delivery of content. Loved it. Thank you. It helped us make decisions.

[@Ricky-nq7lu]

Yes your correct john as New Zealand just got a wake up call with the lose of 5 youth in a fatal crash in the south island. My heart and respect go out to there parents at this time.

[@sueaddison9958]

Thanks John, that was a great review😊 I'm thinking about getting a 4x4. I had a 4runner in the 80's. It was fabulous. I had it for many years.

[@Deceptive24]

You are a breath of fresh air in an environment full of marketing and PR bs. Glad I found this channel, I thought I was the only one out here going insane once I crunched the numbers.

[@rodbowden9086]

Great clip. Unscripted is good. Very knowledgeable. Just an honest and truthful view of the situation.

[@leggoman1000]

Thoroughly enjoyed the casual format. 👍👍

[@yengsabio5315]

Ditto!

[@snout7294]

I enjoyed this review and the style of delivery. Could i see more like this please. Your view on electric utes is top of my list. Thanks

[@Mish3ab999]

Excellent. I learned something new about the difference between coil springs and leaf springs for variable loads and heavy loads. Thank you.

[@klaatubaradanikto984]

"on lockdown until the end of the month" such an optimist

[@luouns]

You’re a legend bro the more I watch you the more I appreciate you

[@trevorscott4145]

Nicely done John, you covered it all very well. I have to agree with your choices. The Triton would tick most boxes at the moment, concerned though when they become Nissan.

[@Jay0772]

"embrace the best things about the choices you've made" That's a life moto right there.

[@samhaveaguess4284]

Best advice on towing ive ever seen !! I've always thought it can't be safe towing anything that weighs more than the weight of the vehicle towing it !!!

[@cjpett1139]

Thanks John, great info and things to consider when spending the big bucks.👍

[@inglebingle8888]

Top vid there Sir. Telling it as it is. I bought a 2019 BT in 2019, to me it was best value for money apart from the Triton. I ran an L200 as a work pick up back in Blighty a few years ago and so I fancied a change. Keep up the good work.

[@DazzaOnGoogle]

Nailed it with the recommended trailer mass. I have a series 3 navara (sorry - although you are right, it's a bit squishy in the back sometimes). We tow a van that is mostly around that weight (max 2700kg but typically around 2500kg in normal running order), and from a stability perspective, I can't fathom how people tow at GCM. The nav does a good job, not great, but good. we just completed a 7500km trip that included the Ooodnadata track and Merinie loop and it worked well.

[@florencesmith3415]

That was a very informative video, I've never really thought about the real world towing capabilities of utes. I have just purchased a 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Black Edition 4wd to tow my boat and it made me feel good about my decision that you rate it...thanks!😎

[@Kramerthetroll]

Thank you mate! It was the best as usual. Cheers

[@garyquinlan4075]

Many thanks John for the explanation of leaf springs and load. I knew leaf springs were better for weight but not exactly why. Such a clear explanation. Thanks again.

[@nuggetBrahh]

The catch on that is, if you like 4wding the coils will walk all over leaf rears everyday of the week... Put shortly, if you only tow 3-4 time a year and don't go to Max weights I'd argue john is being rather misleading here by saying you'll you'll notice the difference between coils and leaves. I've towed horse floats and boats, both long and short distances on some pretty abhorrent roads, in both coil and leaf sprung vehicles. I'd take the coils hands down, cause for the other 90% of the time when I'm not towing the difference actually is chalk and cheese.

[@dalemcclenahan3396]

One off your best John. Great review and advice. 👍🏻🙂👌🏻

[@mikeyb6737]

John this was a good one. Cheers

[@stuarthancock571]

6 tonne GCM for Ranger, and you hook up, load up and drive it without any training on the same licence you got when you passed your driving test in your older sister's Holden Barina.

[@Jay0772]

It's gonna end well....

[@garynz345]

That was so very watchable, cool, calm and collected!!

[@andrewpink3703]

Great clip as usual John, respect your black and white approach. As an Amarok 580 owner I 100% concur with your thoughts on safety features lacking and I knowingly purchased it around the same time my only offspring got her own wheels and the second row would hardly ever be used. The Amarok replaced a fully optioned Ranger PX2 Wildtrack which had way more tech, safety features and at least another 3 to 4 inches of rear seat legroom over the Rok but unfortunately I was thrown under the bus from Ford with a lemon 6 speed automatic and other quality control issues that were never rectified. Just wanted to make a positive comment regarding the Amarok's primary safety. The combination of constant AWD (to the detriment of tyre wear), great 4 wheel disc brakes, great suspension that was way ahead when they were released and still ok today, wide track and good steering make it the most car like dynamically. And that V6 engine and 8 speed transmission...

[@grace2uau]

Excellent and balanced approach. really enjoyed listening.

[@MC-jf6ic]

You hit that correctly John, about Australians will pay 30 grand for a Hilux with 400,000 kms on the odometer. Australians are not the smartest buyers, thank God you are educating them John.

[@DernRern]

Hahaha I know... its insane isn't it... but I rekon its a "status" thing with young people ..maybe??

[@paulrogers9376]

bloody great vid m8 keep them coming!

[@erikmason3470]

Great video mate, I’m converting my Gu wagon to a ISB4.5 (300hp and 900nm) plenty for what I need with crazy fuel economy. I was going to chop it to a dual cab but to be honest I like the wagon life especially coming from a coil cab gu Ute which I swapped to a 12v 6bt the kettle was getting on my nerves (TD42TI) it’s a reliable engine with factory specs but it doesn’t have enough grunt from factory and with more fuel and boost + all the supporting mods it started living up to its nick name the “kettle” regarding the conversion granted it doesn’t have all the modern technology like second row airbags parts for the patrol are cheap and really available and parts for the Cummins I can get through Cummins South Pacific just provide them my esn (engine serial number) and they got them all and for towing I will be putting airbags inside the rear coils while I do my air lockers. It ticks all my boxes and for a fraction of the cost of a dmax or a mux, granted I don’t have all the same safety features of the modern Isuz. But I have solid axles and parts are cheap. And on a biased opinion I love my patrols and you love my Cummins motors I work on them daily as I work for kenworth

[@boostedbmw]

Hi John. I have been watching your videos for some years now and while I do like to see the Ming Mongs from time to time your delivery can sometimes be a tad annoying. I thoroughly enjoyed this casual format today. Keep up the good work.

[@PhilRable]

For an unscripted presentation, on detail and clarity it was one of your best

[@shanebagnall1979]

Great informative video John, thank you.

[@StuinOzzy]

Good vid John - I have a 2020 Triton GLX+ and love it it but only the up spec model(s) have the Super-select might pay to mention in the future.

[@RogerM88]

Here in Europe would say...to work and resale value, Hilux. To use it as a car, Amarok. Best of both, the L200, with their Super Select gearbox.

[@siviwephillips5823]

John, This is the council of the towers of ATAS complaining about you giving them a hard time. The balance of humour and facts is great. Keep up the Awesomeness and MALS. Greetings from SA

[@johnnumbat9782]

Love the new angle John - I saw the Nissan/Mitsubishi marriage coming well before the Isuzu/Mazda one - what a shame that the ill-fated Navara did not morph into a Triton with its brilliant super select AWD (previous owner of 10 Subarus) - and I suspect the Paj Sport is going to Heaven as well - my pre-DPF 2010 Hilux diesel has been a nice surprise in this carnage-ridden industry of late - John in SA

[@brettknowles3582]

Im all busted up that Holden Colorado didnt make the cut !! thanks John, very informative as always ....

[@ianmansfield8885]

I agree with the guys below..I watch every video you make and the engineering and industry knowledge shines here...little bit of stand up is funny but your true skills are here..probably your best apart from the one on safe cars for young drivers which was gold for parents thinking of buying in your words a shitbox for their kids

[@theotherleft6113]

A well rounded and objective review...without all of the usual Auto Expert waffle

[@renmusar8660]

Unscripted maybe but thoroughly enjoyable and great unbiased advice. Thanks for the great video.

[@jefflahey9202]

LOVE YOUR WORK .STILL LOOKING FOR DINGO PISS CREEK ARR SOME OF LIFE'S PLEASURES KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

[@charleyashkar9195]

Always very informative with a touch of humour

[@shaneitsaname6135]

Great content as always .

[@Brucenycity]

Sponsored by Ryobi now? Well done to you and your brand! Keep up the excellent work.

[@cherylwillett6739]

Great review. Had 4x4 drive die last year. Cut long story short went to dealer large country Town . Went to Toyota Nothing except LDV Ute Nissan didn't even come out and talk us. MISUBISHI Dealer who has also Hyundai and Ford . So we bought a Triton Glx+ only has high and low ratio plus rear difflock ect as per specs of Vehicle. The ute has done nearly 15k Only Problem inter cooler hose connection cracked so had it replaced. It is the most car like drive really happy with Purchase.

[@mvubu6823]

Enjoyed that. Left the hyperbole at dingo piss creek and spoke like a bloke who really knows his stuff. Yesss

[@diamondd2778]

Seriously great advice John!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks, D-squared.

[@DOC19581]

In a previous life, I bred and towed. The breeding was awesome (wrong partner unfortunately-fixed that), and the towing was kind of OK. Only dragged a 1.5 tonne trailer around Oz behind my 80 series turbo-diesel GXL in 1992. Now, I try to fly and use hotels-or at least that's my hope. As an update, the resale value of that GXL was awesome. Paid $54K in 1992. Traded it in and got $54K 2 yrs later. I saw that vehicle in a car yard another 2 yrs down the track and they were still asking $54K for it!

[@TheMidrev]

Great video John. Is it just me or is the video like this one much better? I prefer substance from stagings.

[@mikelou2422]

Another excellent video John thankyou

[@Vibeywibey]

Awesome info mate!

[@Barrysautospares]

Don’t apologise for the unscripted videos, John. I actually find the pace and tone of these types of vids really enjoyable, and from reading the comments section, it would appear that I’m not on my Pat Malone on this.

[@CruiserBrah]

Whole heartedly agree that all these utes are light duty vehicles. I always shake my head when people overload them with a canopy, flog it across the Oodnadatta track and it splits the chassis.

[@harveysingh6139]

Thanks John for the great info you put out there, you done a Video which helped a lot about the Towing. For us this is all new and great to have someone that gives no bullshit advice, that when you take it in you be a prick to not listen…. We took your advice and will be getting a camper trailer around the 2t later down the track, not the 3.5t we thought previously. We test drove all the Dual Cab UTS and found the Toyota small in side, my son 12 years old and 6ft was cramp at the back. The Triton & DMax were the ones we narrowed down to due to space. Looking at the DMax with your mob who I called, saying to get a price and lock so we can get one. Been told we will be having a waiting list on vehicles for a while so get in now? Your thoughts

[@sjjwright]

Hi John. Great video as always. Quick question....do you see a downward vector for the Triton resale if/when (as mentioned in a previous video) it turns into a rebadged Navara? I mean are the current Tritons likely to suffer in resale as they're being discontinued as a Mitsubishi manufactured vehicle?

[@RareSense]

Awesome work John…. Thank you.

[@craigstephenmcdonald9915]

Very well spoken and researched.

[@Pegsy83]

Awesome vid! Thankyou.

[@ddsgardening7437]

This episode should be played on a loop at all caravan retailers, would make the roads for all a much safer environment 🙏🙏

[@sheerluckholmes5468]

Doesn't really matter what he picks as he's more than likely not going to get anything for at least six months and maybe even more than that. Anyone that goes car shopping in todays climate is just being the eternal optimist.

[@billcatopodis9176]

The Triton sold poorly in July Not sure if that is because of the lack of supply or the fall in popularity. If it is the latter you may find a few around to buy at decent price also compared to the others who aren't discounting much.

[@dallass8665]

very much enjoy your videos john I have just done the 3 top 4wd Ute decision to order for my first Ute i need a ute to tow and move stuff around when needed I love Hilux through and through but the wait times are months away and ranger well i tossed between the 3.2l turbo and 2.0l bi turbo but the price was up there so i went triton glxr in grey ordered it this week and they advised me that they wont be made until Dec this year due to covid cases over in Thailand and they are not building ATM I went for triton value for money, warranty and resale at the end should be still good but i will wait and see

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

Solid video mate 🤘💯🙏

[@aydonhuston7789]

This is your best video

[@SpeedSmith]

Nice review, thanks.

[@ronrocheleau6303]

Great video

[@18624100]

Hey john as per previous comments this is one of the best you've done a lot of the other vids turned me off watching . when you give us the straight calm facts its great to watch to the end thanks great info on the towing .

[@evil17]

Good vid John, sounds like pretty good advices to me. I am actually thinking about updating the 2012 Prado & 2013 Hilux, while it is a wait for new, the old is worth more for some stupid reason, so it could be a good time to consider new Toyota’s, yay, and hock the old ones on arrival of new vehicles for a stupid price someone will pay & that should see me out. Cheers

[@fixelanimations7389]

Unscripted! But still well crafted messaging. Well..... your raw honesty keeps me coming back. Love the explanation of accepting the ecosystem of the final vehicle you choose. This really helps my FOMO phobia. I think you'd be surprised how many votes you would get if you considered representing your local electorate. Keep up the excellent journalism in your own unique way!

[@David_Johnson_]

I don't know that any parliament would be ready for John though. But I'm sure question time might be interesting...

[@fixelanimations7389]

@@David_Johnson_ I'd pay to see that! 😆

[@oldbloke204]

Nah good video thanks. Easy to watch and common sense stuff plus a few things I'm sure people didn't know. Strange talking about "depreciation" atm though. Any thoughts on the Ineos Grenadier at all, given it seems to be a "proper" 4wd, and how its components stack up. Just interested to know your thoughts if you have any.

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

great analysis - tip top

[@patricktomkinson4211]

John you're a legend. I want you to talk some sense into my father in-law who has a 2001 land cruiser gxl with 450000kms give or take and now having a number of issues. Trying to talk him into one of these Ute's you've suggested hilux, ranger or triton. My ranger has been doing the job ever since I emailed you for your assistance a few years ago.

[@ricardoviolanti5780]

thank you 4 the advice.

[@michaelsecomb4115]

Dear John, Glad to see you pointing out the tiny payload of the Landscruiser 200, as it is one of the reasons we bought a Land Rover Defender 110 instead, as it has about 4 times the effective payload of the LC. In fact, a comparison shows all Land Rovers have far better towing specifications than the equivalent Toyotas, which must really gripe the Toyota fan boys. Land Rovers also include 160kg of towbar weight in their GVMs. Perhaps you could overcome your dislike of Land Rovers long enough to mention their superior towing abilities. You might save the lives of some Toyota drivers and their families, wobbling around this country grossly overloaded, not realising how close they are to going upside down on the roadside, with potentially fatal consequences. Keeping Toyota drivers safe - yeah! Mike

[@yeahmate94]

Hilux for the win! Worth the premium over others in the long run. Especially with the new power upgrade.

[@johanvandenberg1945]

Loving the content John. Quick question- you briefly touched on the GWM Cannon. Any insight into reliability? Seems like a solid unit.

[@terrystephens1102]

Another excellent presentation. 😃👌👏👏👏

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thank you.

[@ernesttolic6494]

Great explanation.

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

Hi John ... something might come to mind to say ... until then ... thank you for the yt video.

[@campo2309]

Let's get this man to 1M subscribers.. watching from the UK 🇬🇧🇨🇴

[@AutoExpertJC]

Agreed! Let's.