Four-wheel drives are a major part of Australia's motoring DNA. It's little wonder then that the segment is one of our most competitive.
It's set to grow even more so in 2025, with old familiar favourites receiving much needed upgrades, alongside some brand new models that are set to shake things up for the segment.
Best 4WDs arriving in 2025
01. GWM Tank 300 – Q1 2025
GWM's off-road focused Tank 300 is adding diesel grunt in the first quarter of 2025.
It will join the petrol and hybrid versions in its local line-up.
The Tank 300 diesel will use a 2.4-litre unit to make 135kW/480Nm. The rest of the vehicle remains unchanged and buyers can expect diff-locks and eye-catching Jeep Wrangler-like styling.
02. Mercedes-AMG G63 – Q1 2025
Mercedes Benz's luxury off-roader will add a 48V mild-hybrid system to its powerful twin-turbo V8 once it arrives in the first quarter of 2025.
It adds some mild cosmetic changes too, including a refreshed grille and front bumper, which, combined with revised A-pillars and a low-profile rooftop spoiler, will deliver more aerodynamic prowess.
Mercedes has also reconfigured the G63's off-road capability with retuned suspension and additional off-road driving modes.
Mercedes-Benz G63
03. Haval H7 – Q2
Haval's rugged new SUV, known as the 'Big Dog' in China, will adopt hybrid power when it arrives in Australia in the second quarter of 2025.
It's expected to carry a 110kW petrol engine combined with a 130kW electric motor to deliver 179kW to all four wheels.
Inside it will come equipped with Haval's new 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver's cluster, which will be paired with premium interior materials.
04. GMC Yukon Denali — May 2025
Local performance tuner Walkinshaw will be in charge of remanufacturing this super-sized luxury SUV into right-hand drive once it arrives in Melbourne from the US in the first half of 2025.
It will sport a monster 6.2-litre V8 that is capable of delivering 313kW/624Nm to all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission. It has the highest braked towing capacity of any SUV on sale in Australia today at 3628kg.
The price is as extreme as its size, starting at $174,990 (before on-road costs).
05. Isuzu MU-X – 2025
The facelifted version of Isuzu's popular SUV was revealed in Thailand back in June, with the Japanese automaker expected to launched the rejuvenated model down under in early 2025.
It will score some welcome interior and exterior upgrades, such as a revamped front grille, a flashy rear light strip and some sleek new body panelling.
There's also a new 9.0-inch touchscreen, which is Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible, alongside a 7.0-inch semi-digital dash.
A new version of the 1.9-litre engine has been shown off, but Australia is off the cards for the moment.
Isuzu MU-X
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
06. Ford Everest Tremor - Q1
The SUV version of the Ranger Tremor will arrive in the first quarter of 2025, sporting the same 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 powertrain as the standard Everest, which is capable of delivering 184kW/600Nm to all four wheels.
It will add a completely reconfigured suspension set up with the new springs and position sensitive Bilstein dampers with external reservoirs. A one-inch lift will also offer more ground clearance, while there's also a rock crawl mode made exclusive to the Everest Tremor.
Visually, it adds a blacked-out honeycomb grille, auxiliary LED lamps, a steel bash plate, heavy-duty side steps and signature Tremor badging in orange.
Ford Everest
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
07. Other new models coming in 2025
Want to know what other new models are due in 2025? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
-Best hybrid cars arriving in 2025
-Best utes and vans arriving in 2025
-Best electric cars arriving in 2025
-The best new cars coming in 2025: Hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, sports cars and people movers