Types of Utes

Us Kiwis love a ute. Whether you need a workhorse for the job site or a reliable ride to hit the beach or get into the bush when the weekend comes, there’s a ute that fits the bill. But not all utes are built the same, so how do you know which one suits your needs best? Let’s break down the different types of utes and the benefits of each, so you can make the right decision the next time you upgrade.

Single Cab Utes: Built for the Job

If you need maximum tray space and aren’t fussed about carrying passengers, a single cab ute is your best bet. These utes have two doors and room for just the driver and front passenger, leaving plenty of space for tools, equipment, or materials in the tray. These are the classic workhorses—perfect if your ute is all about getting the job done.

Best for: Tradies, farmers, and anyone hauling big loads.
Downside: No back seats—so not ideal if you need to carry extra passengers.

Extra Cab Utes: A Bit More Versatile

Also known as a super cab, space cab, or king cab, these utes sit between single and dual cabs - sort of like a one-and-a-half cab. They still have two doors but offer a little extra space behind the front seats—often with fold-down jump seats or extra storage. If you need more flexibility and the ability to squeeze the kids in on short trips without losing too much tray space, an extra cab is a solid middle ground option.

Best for: Those who mostly carry cargo but need occasional passenger space.
Downside: Rear seats are small, making them better for gear than people.

Double Cab Utes: The Best of Both Worlds

With four doors and seating for up to five, double cab utes (also referred to as dual cab utes) are the most popular choice for those who need a balance of work and lifestyle. While the tray is shorter than a single or extra cab, you get plenty of room for passengers, making them a great all-purpose vehicle for families, tradies, and adventurers alike. If you need your ute to handle work duties and family life, a double cab is a no-brainer.

Best for: Everyday practicality—work during the week, play on the weekend.
Downside: Less tray space compared to single or extra cabs.

Flat Deck Utes: Built for Heavy Lifting

Flat deck utes are all about load space. Instead of a moulded tub, they have an open flat deck tray—often with removable or drop-down sides—making it easy to load and unload heavy or awkwardly shaped gear. Flat deck utes can come in single, double or extra cab configurations, but due to buyers' preference for load capacity, you'll usually find them in a single cab. Farmers and tradies love them for their sheer practicality, and for those who need serious load-carrying ability, a flat deck is hard to beat, and has the advantage of being able to be loaded from three sides, rather than just the back.

Best for: Carrying oversized loads, tools, and equipment.
Downside: Cargo is exposed unless fitted with a canopy.

Wellside Utes: Secure & Stylish

Wellside utes (also called tub utes) are the de-facto type that comes to mind when most people think of a ute, and have a factory-fitted, moulded tray with fixed sides. As is the case with a flat deck, a wellside ute can come in a single, double or extra cab configuration. They’re a great all-rounder, offering good weather protection and plenty of accessory options, from hard lids to soft tonneau covers. If you want a ute that looks sleek while still handling everyday tasks, a wellside is a great choice.

Best for: A mix of work and lifestyle with added security.
Downside: Less flexible for oversized loads compared to a flat deck.

Looking For a Ute? Start Your Search With Only Cars NZ

Choosing a ute all comes down to what you need most—maximum tray space, extra passenger room, or a mix of both. Single cabs are the ultimate workhorses, extra cabs add flexibility, and double cabs are ideal for family-friendly practicality. Flat decks offer the most cargo space, while wellside utes provide extra security for your gear.

Remember, utes are utility vehicles first and passenger vehicles second; once you've figured out what you need to use it for, you can start thinking about additional things like fuel economy and the number of passenger seats.

If you're in the market for a ute, check out our range of utes for sale, including new utes and used utes. With an ever-expanding dealer network and hundreds of private sellers listing every day, choose Only Cars when it comes time to sell your car or buy a car online.