Van vs ute – choosing the right one for you
When you’re looking for a vehicle to get the job done right, most people get stumped between choosing a van vs ute.
Of course, there are pros and cons to both types of vehicles and while we’ll outline the differences between a van and ute in this article, if you need customised advice, get in touch with our team today.
What is a van?
A van is a type of automotive or road vehicle that is often used to transport goods and/or people. There are a wide variety of vans on the market and they range in sizes, as well as models and designs.
The significant attribute of a van for the purposes of this blog is that the storage facility of the van is fully enclosed within the vehicle itself.
What is a ute?
A ute, or utility vehicle, is another type of road automobile that can be used to transport both items and people. Like vans, utes come in various styles and sizes.
Unlike vans, however, utes have an open tray (or tonneau) located behind the passenger compartment for storing items or transporting contents.
Renting and buying a van
Safety
In recent years, vans have become significantly safer for both the driver and passengers and the contents. Improvements in safety standard, design and manufacturing means that there are plenty of options of safety-rated vans available.
One point to consider though is that because the cargo being stored or transported is directly behind the passenger seat, some vans will need an added structure to keep anything from sliding dangerously forward in the case of a sudden break or accident.
Being completely enclosed and lockable means that when it comes to safety with utes vs vans, your items are much safer and more secure from opportunistic thieves.
Storage
The cavernous internal storage and loading space of vans means that there’s plenty of utility for transporting goods and items. Lockable and securable, even adding in custom shelving or storage units can be affordable and easy.
One limit to using vans for transporting goods is that you are limited by the height and depth of the actual van.
Features
Some additional features to consider with a van is that loading items doesn’t require any lifting past waist height, unlike a ute. On the flip side, due to the fact that the van is limited in terms of structural customisability, you’re unlikely to be able to carry more than three passengers.
Renting and buying a ute
Safety
Most utes nowadays have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and recent developments in their design and production means that they offer secure and reliable safety features.
With its unprotected and unenclosed rear storage tray, however, your items won’t be secured unless you modify it with a lockable storage box, canopy or other fixture.
Storage
Utes offer tremendous storage ability as the tray offers not just great width and length but also a higher loading height capacity compared to vans.
On the flip side, customising the ute can be more expensive, especially if you want to protect your gear and equipment from either weather and/or thieves.
Features
Utes are often preferred due to the relative comfort, aesthetics and customisabiliy in style and modification over vans. It is important to bear in mind that utes can be more costly to tailor depending on the model and size chosen.
Van vs ute – which is better?
Ultimately, when it comes to vans vs utes the better option will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and requirements. If you would like personalised advice based on your needs or just want to check out our fleet of utes and vans, the Andy’s Auto Rentals team is always here to help.
