Development of the once humble pickup has created a huge market for a vehicle that can meet the needs of businesses and the adventuresome aspirations of private buyers alike.

On farms, 4×4 traction, a “chuck-it-in” load space, big towing capacity and seating for up to five people make the pickup a capable and versatile option that also fits the bill for many country-dwelling and working folk such as vets and machinery dealers.

All told, just over 53,000 pickups were purchased in the UK in 2019; last year, as with all types of road vehicle, sales were down to 35,700.

According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ford’s Ranger accounted for just over one-third of those as the country’s sixth most popular light commercial vehicle up to 6t.

For buyers wanting to look beyond the Ranger’s comprehensive line-up – which this year is expanded with the availability of a two-seat chassis-cab model to mount an alternative body – the choice is narrowing.

Mercedes-Benz has already ended its brief presence with the X-Class and its pickup partner Nissan is exiting, having pretty much run down UK stocks of the Navara.

And having only launched the latest L200 pickup last year, Mitsubishi has announced its planned departure from all European markets. On a positive note, Mitsubishi’s UK distributor, Colt Car Company, has been acquired by an established player in the pickup sector to maintain parts and service back-up for existing L200 users.

See also: Off-road vehicle four-wheel drive systems explained

Isuzu

Meanwhile, Isuzu has upped the ante with a new D-Max range that flaunts more ambitious styling, has a nicer interior with more tech available on high-spec models, and a quieter drive.

The model line-up is broadly similar to before and the powertrain continues to comprise a 1.9-litre four-cylinder with 164hp coupled to six-speed manual or auto transmission and with a locking rear differential for maximum traction now standard.

Isuzu D-Max © Isuzu

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi’s L200 line-up has regained a Barbarian-spec model and the Barbarian Plus, which essentially has a hard-top as standard.

Mitsubishi L200 © Mitsubishi

SsangYong

SsangYong’s Musso continues unchanged in regular and Rhino long-wheelbase form  but a new model is said to be on the way.

Toyota

Toyota has given the Hilux a fillip by offering a 2.8-litre engine of 204hp output as an alternative for Invincible-spec models to the standard 150hp 2.4-litre motor.

There is also the new Invincible X with satnav, leather seats and other niceties, and the “performance” AT35 is now exclusively powered by the larger engine coupled to an auto transmission.

A more mundane addition to the line-up is a chassis-cab primed for the addition of a specialist body; there are Extra – two-plus-two – and Double cab versions; and Toyota still offers fixed-dropside and tipper-dropside alternatives to the regular steel rear bodywork.

Shropshire Quads’ Suzuki Jimny

Also featuring in this year’s Ultimate Guide is Suzuki in the form of Shropshire Quads’ pick-up conversion of the diminutive Jimny 4×4.

This is available for current and previous Jimny generations, depending upon whether the buyer wants new or used – see the Commercial SUVs buyer’s guide for new model details and prices.

Suzuki Jimny © Suzuki