PHEV Ute Test-Drive Checklist: What to Try Before Buying

Agree on the test before leaving

Confirm the grade, tyre setup, fitted accessories and battery state. A fully charged vehicle on an easy route and a low-battery vehicle carrying accessories can feel different. Note those details when comparing two demonstrations. Ask permission to use a route with a mix of local streets, an ordinary higher-speed section and a suitable parking area.

Bring the people and items that affect the decision: a regular passenger, child restraints if applicable, and a few representative bags. Keep the test legal and within the dealer’s conditions. You do not need an acceleration launch or a difficult off-road section to learn whether the ute works for you.

What to assess on the road

Three Hunter-specific questions worth asking

First, try the grade you expect to buy. X’s 360-degree camera is a reason to compare it for frequent tight parking, but it should not stand in for a Pro demonstration if Pro is your intended purchase. Look at the camera image in the conditions where you normally park, rather than judging only the screen size.

Second, ask for a stationary explanation of the power modes and the charging display. Third, ask how any optional equipment will appear on the delivered vehicle. Check the delivered Pro equipment against the written order. Confirm differential-lock equipment by grade rather than assuming the demonstrator represents the whole range.

Use a small scorecard you can compare later

Give each of five personal criteria a score from one to five: driving control, passenger fit, parking, controls and charging practicality. Add one sentence explaining each score. This is your own suitability record, not an AutoScore360 rating or a comparison of crash safety.

Write down one clear strength, one unresolved question and the total quoted price before leaving. That helps separate an enjoyable demonstration from the actual buying decision. A feature you notice on every trip may justify an upgrade; an impressive specification that you rarely use may not.

Finish with a practical demonstration

• Ask to see the charge-port release, connector locking and the correct unplugging sequence.
• Check where the supplied cables fit and which charging equipment is included.
• Ask to see the approved V2L setup if mobile power matters to you.
• Request the service schedule and an itemised quote for the same grade.

Compare the completed notes before choosing a grade. Do not deliberately trigger AEB, lane intervention or other emergency systems on public roads; ask for an explanation of their operation and limitations instead.