Ute vs Light Truck: Which One’s the Better Workhorse for Your Business?

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Deciding on a ute or truck for business can be a headache for any small business owner. After all, your vehicle isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it’s part of your livelihood. It needs to carry your tools, tow your equipment, and handle whatever the job throws at it. But which is the better fit: a ute or a light truck?

Both have their strengths, and the right choice depends on how you work day to day. We’ll break it down so you can make an informed decision and get the best vehicle for your business.

How Much Can It Carry?

The first question to ask yourself is: what are you actually hauling?

A ute is a solid choice if you’re mainly carrying tools, small materials, or job site essentials. Most dual-cab utes can handle around 1,000kg in the tray, which is plenty for many tradies. However, tray space is limited—usually about 1,500mm to 1,600mm long—and wheel arches can eat into the usable space, limiting how much you can actually carry.

A light truck, on the other hand, is built to carry much more. Many light-duty trucks offer a payload capacity of over 1,600kg and come with a flat, uninterrupted tray that’s over 4,500mm long. If you regularly haul bulky materials, heavy loads, or need to transport everything in one go, a truck will make your life easier.

Verdict: If you’re carrying heavier loads or oversized materials, a light truck wins hands down. But if your payload is within a ute’s limit, it’ll do just fine.

Which One Tows More?

Towing is another big factor for many small business owners, especially if you’re hauling trailers, machinery, or additional materials.

Most dual-cab utes come with a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, which is enough for a decent-sized trailer, heavy tools, or equipment. For many tradies, this is all they’ll ever need.

However, light trucks can often tow up to 4,500kg braked, giving you extra flexibility if you need to move larger loads. If you regularly tow heavy machinery or large trailers, the extra capacity could save you from running into weight limitations.

Verdict: If you occasionally tow heavy loads, a ute is up to the job. But if towing is a daily part of your work, a truck’s higher capacity could be a game-changer.

Storage and Security

Keeping your tools and equipment secure is a big consideration—especially if you’re leaving them in your vehicle overnight or working in different locations.

With a ute, security depends on what you add. Many tradies invest in lockable toolboxes, canopies, or under-tray storage, but that’s an extra cost and something to think about when setting up your vehicle.

A light truck, however, often comes with built-in storage options, like underbody toolboxes, lockable compartments, and a completely enclosed cabin. That means better security for your tools without needing aftermarket accessories.

Verdict: A truck gives you built-in security, while a ute requires some add-ons. If tool security is a priority, the truck wins this round.

Which One’s Easier to Drive?

If you’re working in city areas, navigating tight streets, or squeezing into job sites, how your vehicle handles is a big deal.

Utes drive just like a regular car, making them easy to park, quick to turn, and perfect if your work takes you into built-up areas. Plus, they double as a personal vehicle, which makes them a more flexible option.

Light trucks sit higher and have a wider turning circle, which can make parking and manoeuvring trickier, especially in tight spaces. That said, many light trucks are designed with surprisingly tight turning radiuses and great visibility, so they’re not as cumbersome as you might think.

If you’re working in tight spaces or need a personal-use vehicle, go for a ute. If size isn’t an issue and your priority is load capacity, a truck won’t let you down.

Comfort for Long Days on the Road

Let’s be honest—if you’re spending hours behind the wheel, you want a comfortable ride.

Most utes have modern, car-like interiors, with comfortable seats, touchscreen infotainment, climate control, and even heated seats in some models. They’re designed for everyday use, making them great for long drives or mixed personal and work use.

Light trucks, while built for business, offer a higher driving position and better visibility, which can reduce driver fatigue. Many also come with suspension seats, which absorb road vibrations and make long hours behind the wheel much easier on your body.

If you’re after a smooth, everyday drive, a ute is the way to go. But if you’re in your vehicle all day, every day, a truck’s better seating and visibility might make a big difference.

Safety: Which One’s More Secure on the Road?

Both utes and trucks come with great safety features, but they cater to different needs.

Most utes have 5-star ANCAP safety ratings, airbags, and features like lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring. They’re designed to be as safe as any modern car.

Light trucks, however, are built for heavy-duty work, meaning they often come with advanced emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, and better visibility from the higher driving position. If you’re hauling heavy materials regularly, those extra safety features could be a big advantage.

If general safety and passenger protection are your priorities, a ute is a great choice. If you’re carrying heavy loads and need extra safety features, a truck has the edge.

Running Costs: Which One is More Affordable Long-Term?

Beyond the purchase price, you need to factor in fuel, servicing, and maintenance costs.

Utes tend to be more fuel-efficient, have lower servicing costs, and are cheaper to insure. They’re also more common, so parts and repairs are generally more affordable.

Light trucks are built for tougher work, which means they can handle heavy loads better over time. However, they also cost more to maintain, use more fuel, and often require more expensive servicing.

If keeping costs down is key, a ute will be the more affordable option. A truck makes sense if you need the extra strength and longevity.

So, Which One is Right for You?

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a quick guide to help you make your decision:

Choose a ute if:

You need a mix of work and personal use
You want better fuel efficiency and lower costs
You’re carrying under 1,000kg and towing up to 3,500kg

Choose a light truck if:

You need to haul heavy materials or transport large loads daily
You want built-in security and storage
You’re towing more than 3,500kg regularly

Finance Your Ute or Truck with Credit One

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to how you’ll use your vehicle day to day. If you need something versatile for both work and personal life, a ute is a solid option. But if your priority is maximising load space, towing power, and durability, a light truck is the better investment.

Whatever you choose, we can help. At Credit One, we have helped thousands of small business owners just like you secure get off the ground. With a range of truck finance options available, including chattel mortgages, finance leases, and unsecured business loans, we make it easy to secure finance that suits your budget and business goals. We can also help you with private truck sale loans and truck dealer finance so no matter where you find the truck you need, we’ve got you covered. Try our truck loan calculator to see what kind of payments you can expect.