Which dual-cab ute has the biggest tray?

More and more dual-cab utes are earning their keep doubling up as family haulers and workhorses – and in both cases, the cargo area, payload, towing capacities and practicality are key considerations.

So, we’ve taken a closer look at the load areas of some of the most popular dual-cab utes to see how they stack up.

A deeper tray can carry more, yet it can make items harder to reach. A step on the side or rear makes loading and unloading easier. A lockable roller cover adds security, but encroaches on space. The more load security hooks, the easier it is to tie down the load. The space between the wheel arches also plays a big part in what you can and can’t stuff into the tub.

Note that all the utes discussed here are 4x4 dual-cab versions with traditional ute-style tubs. And while some manufacturers have published dimensions taken along the floor of the load space as well as the top, we’ve calculated the volume based on the smaller measure. If you have a crate that sits higher than the walls of the tub, you’ll probably want to know that it can fit with the tailgate closed.

We’ve ranked these vehicles according to approximate load volume for the biggest variant (where a range is given), based on maximum length, width and tub wall height, but the finer details are always important.

Consider, for example, that if you are shifting a load of inflated balloons – like the Ranger-driving woman in a TV commercial for a certain insurance company – the importance of volume will, ahem, outweigh payload. But if you’re planning a heist of gold bullion, payload will matter more than volume.

Just a thought to bear in mind when you’re researching what to purchase for your new ute.

Tray length: 1525-1840mm
Tray width: 1510mm
Tray depth: 530mm
Between arches: 1131mm
Approx volume: 1.47 cubic metres (Mega Tub) or 1.21 cubic metres for standard wheelbase
Payload: 800-1040kg (model dependent)
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

With improved towing capacity and added active safety and infotainment enhancements in 2025, the LDV T60 Max continues to offer two wheelbase lengths – with a regular tub or the giant extended-wheelbase Mega Tub, which allows motorbikes to stand upright in the back.

The range starts with the T60 Max Pro, with the importer also offering a slightly better-equipped T60 Max Luxe and the sporty flagship variant, the T60 Max Plus. Both Luxe and Plus variants are available with the Mega Tub.

Those requiring a decent payload will need the Pro variant (1040kg) with its heavy-duty suspension, although all models come with a spray-in tub liner and four tie-down points. The Mega Tub variant of the T60 Max Plus offers a payload of 800kg, which is 70kg less than the standard wheelbase variant.

Tray length: 1300-1600mm
Tray width: 1570mm
Tray depth: 570mm
Between arches: 1100mm
Approx volume: 1.43 cubic metres (1.16 for short-wheelbase models)
Payload: 783-1003kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

The KGM Musso (formerly the SsangYong Musso) offers a variety of length and payload options, but at the pointy end of the range, the Korean brand’s 4x4 dual-cab goes right to the top of the class.

All ELX, Advance and Ultimate models of the Musso come as standard with 783kg of payload, but ticking the long-wheelbase (XLV) option on the latter two not only gives an extra 300mm of tray length but another 90kg of payload (873kg).

This goes a step further with the base ELX, which switches from coil to a leaf-spring rear end, lifting payload to 1003kg, a full tonne of carrying capacity.

The importer offers a wide range of factory accessories for the Musso, from rubber tray mats to roller shutters and towing kits, but all are extra-cost options.

Tray length: 1512-1573mm
Tray width: 1572-1600mm
Tray depth: 540-543mm
Between arches: 1186mm
Approx volume: 1.36 cubic metres (Tasman SX+, X-Line or X-Pro) or 1.28 (Tasman S and SX)
Payload: 1013-1027kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

The Kia Tasman may not be everyone’s aesthetic ideal, but the latest one-tonne ute to join the fray in Australia makes up for its looks in other ways.

Every variant is rated above an old-fashioned tonne for payload, and the Tasman can match the very best of the segment for braked towing capacity. There’s a fair margin too, between the GCM (6000kg), GVM (3200) and kerb weight (2237kg) for the Tasman X-Pro, the flagship of the range.

The tub is lined, while it also incorporates lighting and side rails with two anchorage points for every variant priced above the Tasman SX.

Tray length: 1544mm
Tray width: 1555mm
Tray depth: 529mm
Between arches: 1224mm
Approx volume: 1.27 cubic metres
Payload: 784-967kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

Unsurprisingly, the Volkswagen Amarok’s tray dimensions are almost identical to those of its donor car, the Ford Ranger, although the Amarok is quoted to be a little wider. The GCM for all Amarok variants exceeds 6000kg, providing plenty of leeway when towing.

The range is powered by a single-turbo diesel four-cylinder (Core), a bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder (Life and Style variants), a diesel V6 (Style, PanAmericana and Aventura) and a turbo-petrol four-cylinder option for the Aventura. A six-speed automatic is reserved for the base-grade Amarok Core; all other variants drive through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

All Amarok utes come with six tie-down points and LED lighting for the tray. Style and Aventura models come with a 12V power source and plastic liner, while the PanAmericana gets a spray-in liner and the Aventura has a powered roller tonneau.

Tray length: 1555mm
Tray width: 1545mm
Tray depth: 526mm
Between arches: 1135mm
Approx volume: 1.26 cubic metres
Payload: 1034-1093kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

A much fresher design than most of its rivals in the 4x4 dual-cab sub-segment, the MV generation of Mitsubishi Triton also rates a carrying capacity to shame most of its rivals.

The larger tray has four tie-down points across the range as well as a rear bumper step. There’s no tub liner of any kind in any variant, but the Triton is the payload king.

All models are legally permitted to carry more than 1000kg over and above their kerb weight, and there’s a generous payload in reserve, even if towing 3500kg behind a Triton GSR, the heaviest variant in the range.

Tray length: 1520mm
Tray width: 1520mm
Tray depth: 540mm
Between arches: 1146mm
Approx volume: 1.24 cubic metres
Payload: 875-995kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3200-3500kg (braked)

Substantively upgraded for 2025, and boasting braked towing capacity to rival its competitors, the GWM Cannon range now comprises Premium, Lux, Ultra, Vanta and XSR variants. All models feature an easy up/down tailgate with damping and lift assistance, something more expensive utes could learn from.

There’s also a handy stepladder that folds out of the tailgate for easier access to the tray.

All GWM Cannon variants other than the XSR and Premium are quoted with the same 2230kg kerb weight. As expected, the XSR weighs more (2330kg) and the entry-level Premium weighs less (2140kg). GWM has set the payload at 995kg to appeal to the novated leasing market for all models except the XSR flagship (875kg). It might be worth a trip to the weighbridge to ensure you’re not overloading the vehicle.

Tray length: 1570mm
Tray width: 1645mm
Tray depth: 481mm
Between arches: 1105mm
Approx volume: 1.24 cubic metres
Payload: 764-1015kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

Nearing the end of its model life, the Toyota HiLux is still selling strongly in 2025. Built in Thailand, along with many of its chief competitors, the HiLux offers reasonable value from a brand that is rarely faulted.

A powered cargo cover is standard on the Toyota HiLux Rogue, while the SR5 has a rear bumper step. A tub liner is an added-cost option, although the Rogue model has a marine-grade carpet liner.

The HiLux SR5, Rogue and GR Sport come standard with a tow bar, but only the Rogue and GR Sport include the tongue and wiring harness.

A word of warning for would-be buyers: the HiLux’s relatively low GCM (5850kg) means its payload could be reduced to half the notional figure if you are towing near its maximum 3500kg.

Tray length: 1464-1547mm
Tray width: 1520-1584mm
Tray depth: 525-529mm
Between arches: 1217-1224mm
Approx volume: 1.22 cubic metres
Payload: 911-1018kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked), 2500kg (Raptor, braked)

Plug-in hybrid variants of the Ford Ranger are now available from Ford dealers, and while the tub dimensions vary from the conventional variants in the range, the volume is only marginally reduced to 1.21 cubic metres.

As a rule of thumb, lower-priced variants of Ford’s Ranger deliver larger load volumes and payloads. The varying lengths and widths cited by Ford are based on measuring along the floor or at the top of the box. And that difference might just be enough to squeeze in a couple of lengths of timber on an angle, without needing the tailgate lowered.

The Ford Ranger XL and XLS variants have a ruler marked on the tailgate, which is very handy for measuring items on the job – and fish as well – and all Ranger models have tailgate cup holders.

A built-in rear bumper sidestep is standard on the XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum, while the latter two also come with a powered/lockable cargo cover and pro-trailer back-up assist.

The Platinum and Wildtrak X score a flexible rack system as standard (optional on other variants), which is ideal for carrying ladders, surfboards or lengths of timber, while drop-in tub liners come with the XLT, Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum.

While the Raptor is limited to a GCM of 5370kg, all other variants are rated for 6200kg at least, and up to 6400kg for the diesel V6 variants or 6580kg for the Stormtrak and Wildtrak plug-ins.

Tray length: 1571mm
Tray width: 1530mm
Tray depth: 490mm
Between arches: 1120mm
Approx volume: 1.18 cubic metres
Payload: 924-1085kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

The Mazda BT-50 shares its platform with the Isuzu D-MAX, so it’s hardly surprising that the Mazda’s vital stats closely match the Isuzu’s. In fact, the GCM is identical to the D-MAX at 6000kg, but kerb weights between the models do differ, so their payloads are not the same.

The Mazda’s tray is a double-wall construction with four rope hooks on all but the SP model, which makes do with two.

Both the SP and the Thunder come with a roller tonneau cover, but only the BT-50 Thunder’s is powered, while only these two models have a tub liner as standard, too.

Tray length: 1520mm
Tray width: 1500mm
Tray depth: 517mm
Between arches: 1224mm
Approx volume: 1.18 cubic metres
Payload: 790kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 2500kg (braked)

Relatively new to Australia, and only available in one variant, the BYD Shark 6 provides low-cost ownership from its capable plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Unusual in this segment, the Shark 6 combines independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. This is one commercial vehicle that’s also well-equipped, with a lot of safety equipment and plenty of comfort and convenience features too.

It struggles, however, in the daily drudgery of hauling loads. While the Shark 6 will accommodate an Aussie pallet between the wheel arches, the total load volume places it about mid-field against its rivals. And then there’s the payload and towing capacity, both of which fall well behind the peers.

But not everyone needs to haul a whole tonne of gear. There is a market for the Shark 6 and given it’s literally providing 80 per cent of what buyers want from a conventional ute, and about 110 per cent of what buyers expect from any sub-$60K vehicle, BYD can expect to sell its plug-in ute in respectable numbers.

Tray length: 1570mm
Tray width: 1530mm
Tray depth: 490mm
Between arches: 1122mm
Approx volume: 1.17 cubic metres
Payload: 930-1145kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3000kg (SX, braked), 3500kg (3.0-litre variants, braked)

Four tie-downs are standard in all Isuzu D-MAX models except the X-Terrain, which has two.

All have a double-wall for the cargo box ute and tailgate assist, but a tub liner is a cost option unless you go for the LS-U, LS-U+ or X-Terrain.

Like the HiLux, if you’re towing near maximum capacity, care must be taken not to exceed the GCM, but you do have another 150kg of wiggle room.

Except for three variants in the range, the D-MAX will cart payloads exceeding one tonne. If the payload is ultimately more important than GCM, the entry-level D-MAX SX is the vehicle for you.

And there is reportedly a new 2.2-litre engine on the way to replace the existing 1.9-litre unit at entry level. Even with the 1.9-litre powerplant, an extra hundred kilos of payload are on offer, but at the cost of half a tonne of towing capacity, along with the extra performance of the 3.0-litre engine and the added equipment of the upmarket variants.

Tray length: 1500mm
Tray width: 1520mm
Tray depth: 500mm
Between arches: 1100mm
Approx volume: 1.14 cubic metres
Payload: 685-821kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

Another newcomer to the market, the GWM Cannon Alpha has all the bases covered for the eco-observant off-roading tradie. Buyers can choose from three different powertrain options: turbo-diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Uniquely, the Cannon Alpha in the Ultra trim level offers a two-way tailgate which can lower in one piece, just like other utes, or it can open in a horizontal split, essentially barn doors for a ute.

The tub features a spray-on lining, reducing the prospect of water seeping underneath and rusting out the steel chassis.

Unfortunately, the plug-in versions of the Cannon Alpha are light on for payload. And even the entry-level turbo-diesel won’t set hearts aflutter with a payload of just 821kg. But the Cannon Alpha will pull a trailer weighing up to 3500kg, to its credit.

Tray length: 1520mm
Tray width: 1590mm
Tray depth: 470mm
Between arches: 1175mm
Approx volume: 1.13 cubic metres
Payload: 1045kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3200kg (braked)

JAC is a well-established Chinese brand that is just beginning to find its feet in Australia following last year’s introduction of the T9 model.

Available in one powertrain variant and two trim levels, the Jac T9 has a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel sitting under the bonnet, driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system. A plug-in variant, the T9 Hunter will join the local range shortly.

For the present, the T9 range kicks off with the T9 Oasis, and the T9 Haven is the flagship, offering front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, privacy glass and an electrochromatic mirror among other extras the basic variant doesn’t get.

Capable of taking a standard Aussie pallet between the wheel arches, the T9 has also hit its mark for payload, exceeding 1000kg. There’s a spray-on liner and four tie-down points in the rear. The towing capacity of 3200kg falls short of the 3500kg figure that many buyers want, however.

On the plus side, the importer touts the Jac T9 as Australia’s safest ute. ANCAP has awarded the T9 a five-star safety rating. And the T9 is well equipped and priced very competitively too.

Tray length: 1469-1509mm
Tray width: 1490-1560mm
Tray depth: 519mm
Between arches: 1134mm
Approx volume: 1.13 cubic metres
Payload: 952-1126kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)

Like Toyota’s venerable HiLux, the current Nissan Navara is expected to be replaced in Australia sometime next year by a new vehicle based on Mitsubishi’s Triton.

In the meantime, the D23 generation of Navara will soldier on, attempting to hold back the rising tide of new utilities from previously unknown Chinese brands.

What the Navara presently brings to market is a known-quantity factor and a competent product that has improved over time, although not in all ways. The Nissan Navara’s tray area is pretty basic, for instance, until you get to the ST-X variant, at which point you score a tow bar, tub liner and Nissan’s clever sliding tie-down point system.

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