Really depends on the situation at the time,
I have a ute and old man has an suv so they defently both come in handy for different jobs at different times
Printable View
All else being equal I think if prefer an SUV. Really like the look of the Highlander @Shootm posted
Personally I much prefer a ute, as you can throw all sorts of dirty crap on them and not worry, if you want it secure then put a canopy on it. I really don't see the appeal of the highlanders/pajeros etc. Utes are just so practical.
I've got a 2009 Colorado and it is really good on the open road, in another class compared to my old 2WD bounty. 9.5L/100k. Would do everything you need. However I've driven the new model colorados and they're just like driving a car.
I would assume, rightly or wrongly, that the fuel consumption of a petrol 4x4 vehicle, especially towing, would make it more expensive to run than a diesel, even with RUC.
My Rav4 towing a boat at around the same average speed as my 80series landcruiser towing same weight trailer (10kph over limit on flat,as fast as possible uphill) the Rav is cheaper by quite a margin even with lots and lots of full throttle.(I will happily have it flat to the floor at 5500rpm/90-100kph all the way up a hill)
Early Rav4s are not known for economy but I drive mine like I stole it and it is so much cheaper than my 80series its not funny plus I dont have to buy Diesel tax road users.
Valid points all round. Keep them coming :thumbsup:
My Landcruiser is cheaper even with RUCs than my 1.6 Corolla... maybe because I tend to go everywhere at 6000rpm in the 'rolla. I fill up at a self-service diesel pump and it's around half the price per litre compared to 91, and I get about the same L/100km
and a new 2016 Hilux with all the fruity eco stuff only gets like 9.8 L per 100km, Cruiser does around 10.6 highway, 12 around town
Also: get bigger tyres so your odometer reads low and you'll save on RUC!