As any tradie will know, having the right vehicle is crucial for efficiency and reliability on the job. When working in the trades, you can’t muck around with a car that’s any less than heavy-duty; you need something reliable, rugged, and fuss-free. To  find a car equally as tough as you, check out our list of the best tradie vehicles available in 2024

Ford Ranger

Known up and down the country as car park criminals and tailgate terrors, the Ford Ranger has earned itself a bad reputation with the public, but not with tradies! As the top-selling ute in New Zealand in 2023, the Ranger reigns supreme as the best tradie vehicle heading into 2024. 

One of the Ranger’s strengths is that you can customise it according to your preference. It is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 options with two engine choices. The 2.0L Bi-Turbo engine produces 154kW power and 500Nm torque, while the top-of-the-range Raptor comes with a 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo engine, which delivers 292kW power and 583Nm torque. 

The Ranger is rugged, strong, and great for towing a trailer or toy. Oh, and did we mention it’s damn good-looking for a workhorse? 

Volkswagen Amarok

Tougher than a grizzly bear but with enough creature comforts to keep everyone happy, the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the best vehicles available for tradies in New Zealand. Its V6 engine is impressive, consistently delivering a strong performance while also being efficient to run, which is always a plus. Another feature tradies love is the largest-in-class tray capable of handling a euro pallet sideways. 

But it’s not all work and no play with the Amarok! The ride is comfortable and quiet, so you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth ride for many years to come. The cabin is spacious, and the car-like driving experience makes it a great choice for the work week and weekend. k. 

Toyota Hilux

 If you’re a tradesman looking for a reliable and practical vehicle that is stylish and can be used for work and leisure, the Toyota Hilux might be your perfect match. It’s a great option that ticks all the right boxes, so it’s not surprising it was the second most popular ute in NZ last year behind the Ranger. 

As expected with any vehicle with the Toyota badge, the engine is incredibly reliable. It will offer years of loyal service, no matter how far you are with it. The rear offers ample room to store tools and equipment if you opt for a canopy. You can also customise the space with drawers and shelves to help keep things organised. 

Another benefit of this legendary reliability is that it holds its resale value better than most, so whether you’re selling to upgrade or in the market for a second-hand tradie vehicle, you can get your money’s worth with a Hilux. 

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is only getting better with age and continues to be one of the best vehicles for tradies on the market. The biggest standout for the Navara in a crowded field is its combination of high power and low fuel use, which makes for a brisk performance. In terms of grunt, it’s not too shabby either, with a powerful twin-turbo engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. 

If you’re looking for something a little more compact than some of the bigger boys on this list, the Navara is your answer. Its smaller cabin and overall footprint make it much more practical for parking and navigating tight spots on-site or in the city. 

Toyota HiAce

While utes get most of the spotlight when talking about tradie vehicles, vans such as the Toyota HiAce can fly under the radar a bit. The HiAce has remained the most popular tradie van in New Zealand for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Known for their nonsense performance and unmatched practicality, the HiAce has become a tradie’s best friend.   

With more space in the back and an easy-access sliding door, grabbing tools and materials is much easier in a HiAce. You can even go a step further and add shelving or storage units for ultimate organisation. 

Find Your Perfect Workhorse with Portage Cars

When the workdays are long and hard, the right car can make them that little bit easier. While these are our thoughts on the best tradie vehicles on the market, there’s plenty more to choose from. Whether you’re looking for vans for sale or a classic ute, Portage Cars has something for you. Check out our range online today.