The Ford Ranger continues to stamp its authority on the 4×4 market, with the all-new model topping the 4×4 charts in March 2023.

Ford sent a total of 3877 new 4×4 models out of its showrooms in March 2023, once again leaving the ageing Hilux 4×4 in its dust, with a total of 3480 Toyota Hilux 4×4 models sold. Still, the Hilux remains the best-selling model when combining 4×2 and 4×4 models.

The sales figures for March 2023 paint a very different picture than for the same month last year thanks to the next-gen Ranger, with sales jumping from 2743 in March 2022 to 3877 in March 2023 – a hike of 41.3 per cent. In contrast, Hilux 4×4 sales dived from 4911 in March 2022 to 3480 in March 2023 – a decline of 29.1 per cent. A new Hilux model will surely turn these numbers on their head, though.

As it sits, the Ranger 4×4 has outsold the Hilux 4×4 by a total of 2508 units on the year-to-date charts, with the ever-consistent D-MAX rounding out the podium. Capping off a strong start to 2023 for Isuzu, the MU-X is now the most popular large SUV in Australia, coming in ahead of the Prado, Everest and 300 Series on the sales charts.

Top 10 best-selling 4x4s in Australia: year-to-date

Top 10 best-selling 4x4s in Australia: March 2023

In a sign of the current squeeze on the cost of living, the budget utes continue to sell well so far in 2023. On the year-to-date charts, the GWM Ute has sold a total of 2571 4×4 units (an increase of 495.1 per cent on March 2022), and the LDV T60 has shifted a total of 2247 4×4 models (an increase of 176.7 per cent on March 2022).

Overall VFACTs summary

Despite a total of 22,012 Light Commercial Vehicles selling in March 2023 – the highest monthly tally so far this year – it’s a 9.0 per cent decrease compared to March 2022 (24,194 sales).

This is reflected in the year-to-date charts, which is down 7.6 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022 (59,308 vs 64,162). In contrast, SUV sales have increased, up 5.2% in March and 9.4% YTD. Breaking it down further, and the 4×4 pick-up/cab-chassis market is down 5.2 per cent for the month, and 5.1 per cent YTD.

Despite this, the top three best sellers for March were all utes (4×2 and 4×4 models combined): the as-mentioned Hilux, Ranger and D-MAX. This dominance may create future issues with the inevitable shift to electrification, according to FCAI Chief Executive, Tony Weber.

“It is notable that there are no passenger sedans in the ten top selling vehicles for March,” he said. “The consumer preference for utes and SUVs is an important factor to consider as we journey to a zero-emission light vehicle fleet because these vehicles are more difficult and expensive to electrify.

“If we want more zero and low emission vehicles on our roads, then we must provide the necessary recharging infrastructure and move to implement an ambitious yet achievable fuel efficiency standard which will encourage manufacturers to allocate more of the limited supply to Australia.”