Holden Ute
| Company type | Vehicle model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden Utility (VG), Holden Commodore utility models (VP, VR, VS) |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Successor | None |
| Headquarters | Australia , Australia |
| Products | Coupe utility vehicles |
| Parent | Holden (General Motors) |
The Holden Ute—also referred to as the Holden Commodore Ute—is a coupe utility vehicle manufactured by Holden, the Australian branch of General Motors, between 2000 and 2017. Before this period, Holden sold Commodore-based utility vehicles under names such as the Holden Utility (VG) and Holden Commodore utility models (VP, VR, VS), with the term “Holden Ute” also utilized in official promotions. In Australian vernacular, "ute" is a widely recognized abbreviation for utility vehicles. The high-performance variant, the HSV Maloo, was developed by Holden’s performance division, HSV. From 2003 to 2007, Holden expanded the lineup with a lengthened four-door, five-seat model called the Holden Crewman, alongside a cab-chassis version named the Holden One Tonner available from 2003 until 2005.
The Ute based on the VX Commodore debuted featuring a locally manufactured 3.8-litre Ecotec V6 engine, complemented by an optional 5.7-litre Generation III V8. In 2006, this V8 was upgraded to a 6.0-litre Generation 4 V8, which was later refined to the L98 specification. The original V6 engine was replaced in 2004 by a 3.6-litre Alloytec unit.
Holden had planned to introduce the Australian-assembled Ute to the US market as the Pontiac G8 ST in 2009 alongside the four-door G8 sedan. However, these plans were canceled in January 2009 during a comprehensive company review following the 2008 financial crisis. Despite this cancellation, exports of the G8 sedan continued uninterrupted. Internationally, the Ute was marketed as the Chevrolet Lumina SS in South Africa from 2006/2007 and in Middle Eastern markets from 2009/2010. This made it the first full-size Chevrolet coupe utility since the discontinuation of the Chevrolet El Camino in 1987—although it was never officially sold in the United States.
First generation
The initial Holden Ute model, designated as the Holden 50-2106, was derived from the Holden 48-215 platform.
Second generation
This generation updated the original 50-2106 design and was based on FE through EK Holden sedans, continuing to use the sedan body as its foundation.
Third generation
Improvements during this phase included maintaining a full-length floorpan while adopting a longer wheelbase from the station wagon variant.
Fourth generation
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Fifth generation
The HQ through WB series represented a comprehensive body redesign by replacing the station wagon’s extended rear floorpan with a shorter design limited to just the front row. This generation also introduced the Holden One Tonner cab-chassis model. Notably, HQ utes are unique among 'Muscle era' Holden utes for being officially approved to house a 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet Small Block V8 engine without requiring engineering certification, making them especially sought after. Nevertheless, these vehicles are subject to restrictions for P-Plate drivers in regions such as Victoria, due to power-to-weight ratio regulations.
VU
The VU Ute succeeded the Holden VS Utility and arrived three years after the launch of the Holden VT Commodore sedan, coinciding with the release of the Holden VX Commodore series. It shares its wheelbase with both the VT Commodore station wagon and WH Statesman/Caprice, extended by . The interior design aligns closely with that of the Commodore, incorporating VX updates alongside exterior restyling.
- Base: Modeled after Commodore Executive specifications; equipped with either a 3.8L Ecotec V6 (offered with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission) or a 5.7L Generation 3 V8 (available with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic).
- S: Based on Commodore 'S'; powered by a 3.8L Ecotec V6 (transmission options include a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual).
- SS: Derived from Commodore SS but without side-impact airbags; fitted with a 5.7L Generation 3 V8 engine (transmission choices are a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic).
A minor update known as VU Series II was introduced alongside the VX Series II models.
In October 2001, Holden commemorated its 50th anniversary by releasing a limited "SS Fifty" edition consisting of only 500 units. This special edition featured a black paint finish paired with partial leather upholstery highlighted by "hyper yellow" accents, a chrome sports bar, distinctive engine cover, leather-wrapped controls, and an instrument cluster color-matched to complement sports seat bolsters.
The VU lineup was eventually replaced by the VY series in September 2002.
VY
The 2002 VY series represented the first significant redesign of Holden's Ute lineup, showcasing a more defined front fascia and an interior design inspired by European aesthetics, consistent with updates to the sedan and wagon models. The existing three trim levels—Ute, S, and SS—continued to be offered with upgraded features.
A notable development in the VY range was the 2003 introduction of two new variants: the revival of the One Tonner cab-chassis utility after an 18-year hiatus, and Holden's inaugural four-door utility, the Crewman. The Crewman featured a longer wheelbase measuring 3206 mm compared to the Ute's 2939 mm, paired with a shorter tray length of 1463 mm versus 2193 mm. In December 2003, Holden expanded the lineup with the all-wheel-drive Crewman Cross 8, equipped with a 225 kW V8 engine, off-road styling cues, and increased ground clearance.
These new models contributed to accelerated sales growth, marking the first significant expansion of Holden's Ute range since 1990. The One Tonner was available in two trims—base and S—while both the Ute and Crewman maintained three trim levels:
- Base: Based on the Commodore Executive, powered by a 3.8-litre 152 kW Ecotec V6 engine, offered with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission
- S: Derived from the Commodore S, sharing the same V6 engine options
- SS: Modeled after the Commodore SS, featuring a 5.7-litre 235 kW Gen.3 V8 engine coupled with a choice of a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox
Crewman variants mirrored the Ute trims and received an enhanced Gen.3 V8 powertrain by Series 2. The Cross 8 was exclusively fitted with the upgraded V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. For One Tonner and Crewman models equipped with V6 engines, only automatic transmissions were offered.
The VY series was succeeded by the introduction of the VZ lineup in August 2004.
VZ
The concluding iteration of Holden's VT platform was the VZ series, launched in August 2004. The most significant advancement was the debut of the new Alloytec V6 engine family, replacing the Ecotec V6 that had been in use since 1995. While sedans offered both versions of the Alloytec V6, Ute models came standard with the smaller Alloytec 175 engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional upgraded four-speed automatic. The One Tonner and Crewman maintained their respective trim structures:
- Base: Commodore Executive-based with a 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine – available with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic
- S: Initially based on Commodore SV6 featuring a 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 – six-speed manual or four-speed automatic; rebranded as SV6 in August 2006 with increased power output and an optional five-speed automatic
- SS: Based on Commodore SS (excluding side-impact airbags on cab-chassis variants), equipped with either a 5.7-litre Generation 3 V8 or a new 6.0-litre Generation 4 'L98' V8 – transmissions included six-speed manual or four-speed automatic
Crewman variants expanded to include both Cross 8 and the newly introduced Cross 6, which was a V6-powered version of the Cross 8.
One Tonner trims were offered as follows:
- Base: Based on Commodore Executive, powered by either a 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 or a 5.7-litre Generation 3 V8 – available with manual or automatic transmissions
- S: Derived from Commodore SV6 but without fog lights; shared engine options with Base
- Cross 6: All-wheel-drive One Tonner fitted with a 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 – only available with a four-speed automatic
- SVZ: SV6-based model featuring leather upholstery, paddle shifters, Monaro CV8 alloy wheels; powered by a 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 – equipped with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual
Production of the One Tonner concluded in December 2005 to prepare for the forthcoming VE Commodore launch.
The Ute range remained consistent until January 2006 when Holden introduced new L76 Generation 4 V8 engines to comply with Australia's Euro III emissions regulations effective from January 1, 2006. These updated engines delivered increased power compared to their predecessors but did not include features such as Displacement on Demand or variable valve timing found in US-market equivalents. Meanwhile, emissions tuning caused the Alloytec 175 engine to experience a reduction in output.
Sales of VZ Utes and Wagons continued even after VE sedans were released. By December 2006, due to weak market demand, Crewman and all-wheel-drive ute variants were discontinued, ending production of the One Tonner once again. The VZ Utes were ultimately replaced by the eighth-generation VE Ute range in September 2007.
VE
In 2007, Holden introduced the VE Ute lineup, derived from the VE Commodore, aiming to capture the expanding segment of utes favored as lifestyle vehicles rather than purely utilitarian.
- Omega: Entry-level model equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating and . The manual Omega variant featured a High-Output 3.6-litre V6 delivering and until the mid-2009 revision.
- SV6: A sportier V6 ute powered initially by a High-Output 3.6-litre V6 producing and , later enhanced to and .
- SS: V8-powered model fitted with a 6-litre V8 producing and .
- SS-V: Premium trim of the SS, utilizing the same 6-litre V8 engine output.
- SS-V Redline (Series II): A performance-focused edition equipped with Brembo braking system, 19-inch alloy wheels, FE3 Super Sports Suspension, and a tyre inflation kit.
Unlike earlier generations, this series did not include double-cab, cab-chassis, or all-wheel-drive variants.
VF
The VF Ute, part of the VF series, introduced refreshed styling and updated features while maintaining much of the VE’s rear design. Production ended in 2017 following the shutdown of Holden's manufacturing operations in Australia. Afterward, Holden replaced it with the imported Holden Colorado until the brand was discontinued in 2020.
Holden Special Vehicles
Since 1992, Holden’s performance arm, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), has produced a high-performance ute variant known as the Maloo.