Adventure Reviews

Billed as the luxury version of the long-lived Japanese ute series out of Thailand, the Toyota HiLux Rogue 4x4 consequently is aimed at lifestyle-orientated buyers rather than those wanting a workhorse.

Available as a variant since the late 1970s, the Toyota HiLux SR5 4x4 is the mid-grade model in the ninth-gen ute line-up, and the least-expensive for consumers seeking a lifestyle-orientated ute rather than just a hard-working workhorse.With no 4x2s on the horizon, three SR5 Double cab 4x4 models have landed from launch, kicking off with the pick-up manual from $63,990 (all prices are before on-road costs), Cab-chassis 48V auto from $64,490 and Double Cab pick-up 48V auto from $65,990.Unlike the Workmate and SR, the SR5 forsakes the workhorse heavy-duty suspension for a HiLux series-first soft suspension tune specifically developed to address ongoing criticism of noise, vibration and harshness in older versions. That said, braked trailer towing capacity remains at 3500kg.The target market is likely to lap that up, along with the SR5’s fancier LED lighting, 12.3-inch instrumentation display, privacy glass, electric park brake, heated seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloys, standard towbar, multi-terrain monitor and emergency driving stop system that safely stops the vehicle if the driver becomes incapacitated. There’s also a 'Premium Pack' that adds powered seats, leather trim and premium audio.Of course, the SR5 also scores the usual items like keyless entry and push-button start, bolstered front seats, a surround-view monitor, voice command, smartphone charger, four USB-C ports, rear-seat armrests, a 300-watt inverter, side steps, a locking tailgate, tyre-pressure monitors, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, sat-nav, damped tailgate on pick-up, side-step entry into the tub, connected services for emergency callouts, up to eight airbags where possible including a front-centre airbag, and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) technologies like AEB, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning.Under the bonnet is Toyota’s (1GD-FTV) 2.8-litre common-rail twin-cam four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, delivering 150kW of power, and either 420Nm of torque in the six-speed manual version or 500Nm in the six-speed automatic.SR5 48V autos use Toyota’s 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, courtesy of an 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor generator and small lithium-ion battery combo, for smoother and faster stop/start performance, while also helping to cut fuel consumption.The 0-100km/h sprint-time is about 11 seconds while top speed is 176km/h.The 4x4 set-up is a part-time system with high- and low-ratio off-road gearing, a rear differential lock, downhill-assist control and multi-terrain mode. Note that across the whole HiLux range, 4x2s have a 2900kg braked trailer towing capacity with 4x4s at 3500kg.Finally, the SR5’s official combined-average fuel consumption figures are 7.1 litres per 100km (for a carbon dioxide rating of 187g/km) for the manual and 7.4L/100km for the auto (equalling 196g/km of CO2 emissions). Over 1000km between refills of the 80-litre fuel tank is possible.

The Toyota HiLux SR is the one-up-from-base model in the ninth-gen ute line-up.

The Toyota HiLux Workmate is the entry-level version of the long-lived Japanese ute series.

Can you teach an old dog new tricks? The Toyota HiLux has undergone an big facelift inside and out for 2026 for a fresh look. But it's underneath where the most welcome changes occur, with new comfort-biased suspension from SR5 grades and up, to improve the previous hard ride. And even the carryover heavy-duty suspension is nicer. Yes, the HiLux is still old and cramped, but it's palpably better.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Touring petrol is here. The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed – replete with hybrid versions aplenty – but the petrol-only variants are still well and truly in the race for buyers' attention. The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

The SsangYong Musso has had a solid reputation as a value-for-money ute since its introduction in the early 2000s. But while it's attracted fans as a workhorse, it's never achieved the sales success of the Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger. Following SsangYong’s rebrand to KGM, the updated Musso continues as the hero dual-cab and it's being touted as an affordable alternative to the more popular utes.

KGM – formerly SsangYong – has revised its seven-seat Rexton large SUV range for 2026, with some minor changes throughout the Australian line-up. The mid-spec Advance (formerly the Adventure) is equipped with high and low-range 4WD, an auto-locking rear diff and 3.5-tonne towing capacity. Is it set to challenge the likes of GWM Tank 500, Mahindra Scorpio and LDV D90? Or even the Ford Everest?

Excitement about the finally-here Kia Tasman hit fever-pitch a long time ago and that hasn't abated. And for good reasons: The Tasman is a body-on-frame 4WD with a ladder chassis, off-road drive modes, rear diff lock and an exterior that draws admiring glances or annoyed glares. Is its top-spec X-Pro a serious competitor for the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak or the Toyota HiLux GR Sport?

Are you not entertained by Jeep's updated brute of a ute?