As we count down to the end of what has been a crazy year, we’re taking a look back at some of your favourite content of 2020.
Here are the top five CarExpert comparisons of 2020 – and it seems you all really liked utes this year.
Isuzu D-Max v Volkswagen Amarok V6
The all-new Isuzu D-Max was clearly the fan favourite of 2020, as it was our top review and it also features in a number of our top comparisons.
One of the first head-to-heads we did with the new-generation Isuzu ute was against the tried and tested Volkswagen Amarok V6 TDI550 Sportline – an ageing competitor, but one still with class-leading performance.
While the VW led in the performance and driveability stakes, the D-Max smashes the Amarok in just about every other area, including technology, safety, comfort and design.
COMPARISON: Isuzu D-Max v Volkswagen Amarok V6
Ford Ranger v Isuzu D-Max v Mazda BT-50 v Toyota HiLux
Australia’s two top-selling vehicles – the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – were challenged by the latest and greatest dual-cab utes in the form of the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50.
Here, all vehicles were tested in high-spec grades though one or two rungs from the top of the range, priced between $55,000 and $60,000 before on-road costs.
We won’t spoil the verdict for you on this one, but we’ll give you a hint – a Japanese brand won.
COMPARISON: Ford Ranger v Isuzu D-Max v Mazda BT-50 v Toyota HiLux dual-cab ute comparison
Mitsubishi Triton GLS v Nissan Navara ST
While the newcomers and top-sellers received much of the fanfare in 2020, there are several other dual-cab ute nameplates selling in significant volumes, and getting significant attention on CarExpert.
Here, we did a back-to-back comparison between two more budget-friendly variants from long-running nameplates in the Triton GLS and Navara ST.
Both models represent decent value for money and are priced between $47,000 and $52,000 before on-road costs, and both are products of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The winner? Read below to find out.
COMPARISON: Mitsubishi Triton GLS v Nissan Navara ST
Ford Escape FWD v Toyota RAV4 GX
The mid-size SUV class has become Australia’s favourite new vehicle segment by some margin, and here we compared the all-new Ford Escape against the established buyer favourite, the Toyota RAV4.
Ford’s new-generation contender continues to be European designed, engineered and built, and brings a healthy level of standard equipment to the table despite its ‘entry-level’ status. The Toyota on the other hand, tested here in base petrol trim, continues to be a safe choice if uninspiring with the non-hybrid drivetrain.
Both vehicles come in at under $40,000 drive-away in as-tested specification, and either way you get a lot of family hauler for your money.
COMPARISON: 2021 Ford Escape FWD v Toyota RAV4 GX
Toyota GR Yaris v Toyota GR Supra: Dragparison
Beyoncé coined the term ‘bootylicious’, and CarExpert introduced the ‘dragparison’.
In one of several straight-line match-ups we’ve done this year, the fifth most popular comparison overall this year was the battle between Toyota’s GR Yaris pocket rocket and its GR Supra sports car flagship.
One is a rally homologation special and the other the product of a performance car joint-venture with BMW, yet both are closely matched on paper in terms of performance.
DRAGPARISON: 2021 Toyota GR Yaris v GR Supra
MORE: Car Comparisons
