Truck vs ute: which is better for business?

So, business is booming, and you need a new vehicle that works hard for your money.

The default choice for tradies today is a dual-cab ute that doubles between a weekday workhorse and weekend wheels. They’re the automotive opposite of a mullet haircut: business at the back and party at the front.

But, if you’re searching for something that is strictly business, a vehicle that will work harder, stronger and smarter all day, every day, then there are much more effective alternatives, such as the latest range of high-tech trucks from Isuzu.

So, let’s take a virtual drive into the showroom and compare the car-licence-friendly Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack in medium-wheelbase configuration with a dual-cab ute, and see how Isuzu will work for you and your business.

First things first, the Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack offers significantly better payload and towing capacities than any conventional dual-cab ute.

Where the latest range of utes tap out with a maximum payload of approximately 1000kg and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of around 3200kg, the medium-wheelbase Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack can easily accommodate a nominal payload up to 1630kg in its heavy-duty aluminium tray, which comes with removable drop sides and rear tailgate as well as ladder racks. This Tradepack model is a part of Isuzu’s pre-bodied ‘Ready to Work’ range of trucks, which represent turnkey solutions for a wide variety of applications.

The Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack also comes standard with a genuine Isuzu 3500kg tow bar (with a genuine 4500kg option also available) and has a maximum towing capacity with a braked trailer of 4500kg. That’s far greater than the maximum 3500kg braked towing capacity on offer with dual-cab utes.

Put simply, you can carry more building materials to the worksite in one go with an Isuzu truck than you can with a dual-cab ute, saving you time and money on each job.

Key to the Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack’s hard-working ability is its heavy-duty powertrain.

Where car makers are being forced to downsize engines in the latest-generation dual-cab utes, making them more stressed when carrying or towing heavy loads, the Isuzu 4HK1-TCN engine in the NPR 45-155 Tradepack is built to effortlessly make light work of a heavy load.

The 5193cc four-cylinder turbo-diesel features high-pressure common rail injection and an electronically controlled variable nozzle turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler to produce 114kW of power at 2600rpm and 419Nm of torque from 1600 to 2600rpm.

The engine is fitted with a cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and Diesel Oxidisation Catalyst (DOC) to meet stringent Euro V emissions regulations and is available with the choice of either a manual or automated six-speed transmission.

What makes the Isuzu 45-155 NPR Tradepack even more appealing is the space it offers in its tray.

A typical dual-cab ute has a tray that measures around 1500 to 1600mm long and around 1450mm to 1650mm wide, usually with wheel arches that intrude into the space and further restrict its load-carrying ability.

You can pack a lot more onto the back of the medium-wheelbase version of the Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack, as its fully flat, uncompromised alloy tray is 4500mm long and over 2050mm wide.

Inside the cabin, there’s seating for three with significantly more head and shoulder room than you would find in a comparable single-cab ute.

Improved vision through the expansive windscreen and an elevated seating position are also pluses.

The Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack isn’t short on creature comforts either, with just about all the mod cons you would find in a dual-cab ute.

The extensive list of standard equipment includes climate-control air-conditioning, dual cup holders and a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen display with the new Android-based Isuzu Co-Pilot operating system, complete with AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices and 32Gb of storage.

Plus, there’s the added comfort of a contoured suspension seat for the driver (you won’t find that in a ute), sturdy cloth interior trim, heated side mirrors and a fully adjustable steering wheel that offers tilt and reach adjustment to create an infinite range of driving positions.

Premium models add even more conveniences that you won’t find in a dual-cab ute, such as the underbody powder-coated lockable storage box and separate 23L water tank with soap dispenser, as well as a foldaway rear access step.

Creating a safe workplace is critical for any business, especially for mobile operations working at different locations.

Just as important is making sure you, your employees and materials get there without any incidents. Which means having a vehicle fleet with the highest levels of safety.

Thankfully, the Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack is a match for any dual-cab ute when it comes to having the latest innovation in high-tech crash avoidance systems.

The truck’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features uses a stereo camera system mounted on the dashboard to read the road ahead of the vehicle and activate functions such as Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning, Distance Warning System, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Movement Warning.

The stereo camera has been positioned with a wide-eyed view ahead of the vehicle and, using accident data, prioritises the detection of low-height objects, pedestrians and cyclists in the low-speed range, providing the driver with an extra set of eyes in busy urban environments. The camera also features the ability to detect objects at night.

The comprehensive ADAS package is built on top of fundamental elements of active safety such as anti-lock brakes, anti-skid regulator and, of course, electronic stability control, as well as passive systems like a robust cabin with dual airbags that has been engineered to meet the United Nations’ ECE-R29 crash safety regulations, exceeding any local requirements.

There’s also a reversing camera that works in low light conditions, plus a microphone to hear what is going on behind you at a busy worksite.

As for how the Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack drives – well, it has been designed and engineered for a single purpose: to work hard.

As such, it’s not compromised by pretending to be a weekend toy, while it offers numerous benefits over a dual-cab ute around the worksite.

The leaf-spring suspension with double-acting shock absorbers and stabiliser bars is designed primarily for load carrying but will also ensure the Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack remains comfortable, surefooted and stable at all times, whether it is carrying a full load or not.

The Isuzu NPR 45-155 Tradepack also has a four-wheel disc brake set-up, which is not common among dual-cab utes. Plus, the driver has an auxiliary exhaust brake for additional stopping power when hauling a heavy payload, saving wear and tear on the brakes and creating a safe, controlled operating environment.

And, despite its ability to carry more, with as low as a 10.2m kerb-to-kerb turning circle (depending on model), the Isuzu can easily get you out of tight situations.

On top of all that, Isuzu tailors the ownership experience to make life fuss-free for business operators.

For starters, all Isuzu NPR variants are available with a choice of 4500kg or 5500kg GVM ratings, with the former allowing drivers to operate the vehicle on a standard car licence. Knowing the uprate capability, this little NPR is designed to easily carry over 2300kg of payload, with all the components engineering accordingly.

And these trucks are covered by a six-year/250,000km warranty with unlimited hours, and three years/unlimited kilometres on body equipment, plus six years of 24/7 roadside assistance.

Owners can also choose from a selection of a servicing options. The basic Essentials package covers the prescribed scheduled maintenance while the Essentials Plus plan takes care of the cost of consumables.

The Total option, meanwhile, includes all work on the engine, transmission, and driveline.

Isuzu can even arrange after-hours servicing, glass replacement, fuel cards and for the vehicle to be collected and returned at each service.

Now, that’s taking care of business.

Get more information on the Isuzu truck range and what it can do for you.