Adventure Reviews

Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 13 Feb 2025

The D-Max Blade, a collaboration between Isuzu and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, was developed locally as a hardcore four-wheel drive. It has 3mm steel bash plates, Aussie-tuned and lifted suspension, light truck construction all-terrain tyres and Blade-specific design enhancements. But, without extra power and torque, is the Blade actually worth $15,000 more than the LS-U+ on which it's based?

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Mazda BT-50 2025 review - Australian first drive

By Stephen Ottley · 12 Feb 2025

The Mazda BT-50 is the under-rated star of the Japanese brand's line-up. Often overshadowed by its SUV siblings, the 'black sheep' of the Mazda family is actually one of its best-sellers.It has been updated for 2025, with a fresh look to try and attract more ute buyers who prefer a tough-looking truck. We put it through its paces on- and off-road to see how this new model stacks up.

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Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2025 review: Altitude

By Marcus Craft · 08 Feb 2025

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (aka the 250 Series) is big news: it's larger than previous versions of the Prado and it is now able to tow the industry standard 3500kg rather than the 3000kg the previous generation is limited to.It also looks a lot different to the softer style of Prados past. But does being bolder and bigger make it better?

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Lexus GX550 2025 review: Overtrail - Off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 03 Jan 2025

The all-new 2025 Lexus GX line-up is here and the off-road hero of the range is the Overtrail.This big luxury 4WD wagon is based on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series platform, has a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, off-road driver modes, a locking rear diff and, on paper at least, it seems like the ultimate adventure machine.But is it as good in the rough stuff as it's hyped up to be?

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Ford Ranger 2025 review: Raptor - Off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 21 Dec 2024

The realm of high-end, high-performance utes is an increasingly competitive slice of the new vehicle market. The latest Ford Ranger Raptor to enter the arena has a V6 engine, an upgraded suspension set-up and drive modes aimed at further bolstering its growing reputation as a built-for-purpose adventure machine.But does the Raptor have serious potential as a touring 4WD?

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Toyota Tundra 2025 review: Limited

By John Law · 12 Dec 2024

The fourth and final piece of the full-size, US-sourced pick-up puzzle has slotted into place in the shape of the Toyota Tundra Limited. We've spent a week behind the wheel to see if its brawn, capacity and equipment justifies a solid price tag.

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Volkswagen Amarok 2025 review: 10 Deserts Edition - Off-road test

By James Cleary · 28 Nov 2024

Volkswagen Australia used its Amarok dual-cab ute to set a new record for crossing Australia's 10 deserts... in one go. And a limited run of 300 '10 Deserts Edition' examples has been commissioned to celebrate. We've driven it on-road and over some challenging off-highway trails to find out if the value and dynamic ability equation adds up.

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Ford F-150 2025 review: Lariat LWB

By Marcus Craft · 25 Nov 2024

If you're in the market to buy a US ute like the Ram, Chevrolet Silverado or even the upcoming Toyota Tundra, then the F-150 seems like it should be right up there in terms of what you consider.And a top-spec Ford F-150 Lariat long wheelbase is well-engineered, well-equipped and purpose-built for towing and touring, so it should be a spot-on fit at the top of your shopping list. Right?

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Toyota Prado 2025 review - Australian first drive

By John Law · 21 Nov 2024

If you happen to be Australia, then this is the biggest new car launch of 2024. It's the Toyota LandCruiser Prado 250 Series and it has seriously big shoes to fill. Capable off-road, comfortable on-road and able to lug a 3500kg load while keeping a family friendly price tag. How does it stack up? Jump in to find out.

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Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Australian first drive

By Byron Mathioudakis · 01 Nov 2024

With the help of engineering firm Walkinshaw, the Isuzu D-Max Blade gatecrashes the Australian-developed, off-road dual-cab ute shindig, as defined by the Ford Ranger Raptor and Nissan Navara Warrior. Aimed at the latter rather than the former, it may miss out on extra grunt, but gains improved on- and off-road capabilities, thanks to extensive engineering upgrades. Is it the best D-Max ever?

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