Which dual-cab ute has the best infotainment in 2022?

When it comes to infotainment, dual-cab owners have long been treated as second-class citizens, with small screens and pretty basic functionality. For vehicles that cost as much as they do, we reckon ute buyers have been short-changed.

But, with dual-cabs increasingly pressed into service as something other than a workaday conveyance or off-road warrior, manufacturers have needed to up the ante in terms of technology on offer.

And largely, they’ve responded, although some better than others.

From large, portrait-style displays that provide the same functionality as found in traditional passenger cars, to wireless connectivity and charging, digital radio and satellite navigation included as standard, the infotainment found in some dual-cab utes of today is greatly improved.

Still, while some makers have received the memo and reacted to the winds of change, others have languished when it comes to infotainment functionality. Nothing highlights this gulf more than assembling eight of the most popular ‘lifestyle’ dual-cabs for our 2022 Dual-cab Ute Mega Test, where we tested the vast array of infotainment systems on offer.

We swiped and we pinched, we tethered and we paired, we charged and we set our destination to far-flung places, or at least to the wilds of outer western Sydney, to determine how each dual-cab stacks up when it comes to keeping you and the family connected and entertained on the road.

After our extensive testing, three (actually four) dual-cabs stood taller than the rest when it came to in-car entertainment and information functionality.

The Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max twins under the skin share the same infotainment set-up with a 9.0-inch screen with okay resolution and graphics, but certainly not ground-breaking.

Isuzu provided the infotainment, and we can’t help but think that maybe Mazda’s superior Mazda Connect set-up across the co-developed models would have been the better bet.

Satellite navigation is standard, as are wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Wireless Apple CarPlay did take a little longer than acceptable to connect across both models.

The sat-nav works well enough, but its graphical interface looks decidedly aftermarket.

The pair clawed back some points for their excellent rear-view camera image quality, although a lack of forward-facing and 360-degree view hurt the twins’ scoring.

Two USB-A points (one in front and one in the second row) are barely adequate in these connected times.

And a small 4.2-inch driver's information display packs some punch in terms of information and data delivery, although it is starting to look a little light in the face of larger, more configurable data-rich displays.

The Navara’s 8.0-inch touchscreen responds nicely to touch and swipe inputs, and provides a simple yet effective and intuitive menu structure.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are satellite navigation and digital radio, and all work as intended.

The Navara’s shortcut buttons make for an easy user experience, the menu structure intuitive and easy to follow.

Rear-view and 360-degree cameras aren’t the last word in image clarity but certainly better than some in the segment. No forward-facing camera, however, cost it points.

There are four USB points, three in the front row, including a single newer USB-C alongside the older USB-A plugs. A single USB-A can be found in the second row, while two 12V plugs, both in the front row, provide even more charging options.

A small but serviceable TFT digital driver's display is nestled between analogue dials and provides a decent range of trip and driving data.

The new Ranger has steamrolled the dual-cab segment, raising the bar in almost every area and metric. And that includes infotainment.

A large 12-inch touchscreen, orientated portrait style, looks fresh and contemporary, while quality graphics make for a pleasing user experience, although a lack of shortcut buttons cost it some points in the final judgment.

The front- and rear-view cameras project clear images onto the screen, and easily the best in class in terms of clarity.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are satellite navigation and digital radio, although connecting CarPlay wirelessly did prove a little glitchy on occasion.

A total of five USB points (two USB-A and two UBS-C, one of each front and rear, plus an additional dash cam power USB-A located in the mirror housing) are augmented by two 12V plugs.

The 8.0-inch digital driver's display is equally as rich with driving data and configurable to taste.

While not perfect, the Ranger’s infotainment set-up showcases a seismic shift in what dual-cab buyers can expect in the segment. It will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond.

To find out how the rest of the bunch fared, be sure to check out our comprehensive rundown of Australia's best dual-cab ute in 2022.