SUV News

Hyundai has created a new entry grade to its popular large family SUV, meaning the entry price for three rows of seating is now much lower.The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite joins the pricey Calligraphy as a new base grade with the full eight-seat capability.Priced from $76,500 before on-roads, the Palisade Elite is $13,400 cheaper than the eight-seat version of the Calligraphy, a significant saving for those who need the space but aren’t bothered by luxe features.A different front grille, a set of five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, black detailing and a choice of six colours differentiate the Elite from the Calligraphy, while inside the standard kit isn’t lacking.The twin 12.3-inch screens, one multimedia touchscreen and one driver display, are still present. There’s a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, a combination of leather and cloth upholstery, tri-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.The Calligraphy’s seven-seat option isn’t available, nor is the sunroof, but the Elite uses the same hybrid drivetrain which allows for interior V2L capability.The engine is the brand’s 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, sending 245kW and 460Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.Hyundai’s full suite of safety features (which the brand calls Smartsense) is also standard on the Elite, with ADAS tech like adaptive cruise, highway assist, lane keep and a driver monitoring system.The Hyundai Smart Key system for owners’ smartphones is also still available on the base Elite.The Palisade Elite is available to order now, with deliveries commencing in March.

Nissan’s Pathfinder large SUV will return to its 4x4 roots after years as a more plush family-oriented model, as part of a new-generation overhaul before the end of the decade.Industry publication Automotive News has reported sources familiar with the program have claimed the Pathfinder nameplate will be split in two, with an updated version of the current car co-existing with a new version, which will return to a more hardcore ladder-frame chassis.The Pathfinder nameplate has a history of dipping in and out of ladder-frame construction, with the first-generation version in 1985 being body-on-frame, the second-generation in 1995 being monocoque, then returning to a ladder frame shared with the Navara in 2004 for the third-generation.Since then, the fourth and current fifth-generation vehicles have been on a monocoque chassis, positioned as the brand’s three-row rival to the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.According to the Automotive News report, the upcoming ladder-frame Pathfinder will share its underpinnings with the revived US-market Xterra off-roader and next-generation Frontier ute, both of which are expected to feature a petrol V6 engine to go with their 4x4 hardware.The updated monocoque Pathfinder and its ladder-frame alternative are expected to launch around 2029 as a two-prong large SUV offering from the brand.As this plan seems specifically targeted at reviving Nissan’s ailing fortunes in the US, it raises questions of the future of the Pathfinder nameplate for Australia.Two competing factors may affect it. Firstly, current US policy to stimulate vehicle exports has forced Nissan to consider exporting currently left-hand-drive only vehicles from America to Japan, which would necessitate right-hand-drive conversion, and therefore make them theoretically available to Australia, too.On the other hand, Australia’s recently-implemented New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which closes the vice on high-emitting engines (like a petrol V6) under threat of fines, would seem to rule out or limit the appeal of importing US models with V6 engines, such as the Pathfinder or US-market Frontier.The second factor is Nissan’s increasing Chinese presence. Its joint-ventures are producing models that could be essential additions to its line-up locally, both from an emissions and sales potential stand-point. The company’s Australian division has expressed interest in the Chinese-built Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute as part of a similar two-prong ute strategy, with the Chinese model serving as a BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha rival, and the Mitsubishi Triton-based version serving as a traditional diesel workhorse.The US-built Pathfinder has struggled for sales in Australia against stiff competition.While it was up 40 per cent year-on-year by the end of 2025, it amassed just 732 units which pales in comparison to rivals like the Toyota Kluger (8098 units), Mazda CX-80 (3851 units), Kia Sorento (8745 units) and Hyundai Santa Fe (6264 units).Nissan’s Australian sales dropped 21.6 per cent over the course of 2025 as buyers turn to more keenly priced and largely hybrid-powered competitors as well as more affordable new arrivals from China.The Australian situation is not unique and Nissan has promised a wide-ranging turn-around strategy dubbed Re:Nissan, which involves leaning more heavily into its Chinese and US manufacturing, renegotiatiating its alliance with Renault, reorienting its entire model line-up and closing underperforming factories.

Renault’s budget subsidiary brand, Dacia, has confirmed it is launching hybrid all-wheel drive versions of the Duster and Bigster in the UK.This therefore means that right-hand drive versions of the Duster and Bigster will exist with this new hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain and theoretically makes it closer to an Australian launch.However, for now it’s unclear whether this will ever actually happen.Renault launched the Duster in Australia last year under its namesake brand and it’s currently offered with two-wheel drive automatic and all-wheel drive manual powertrains.The Bigster hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, nor its Renault-based counterpart for global markets which is called the Boreal.To date this new hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain for the Duster and Bigster was only confirmed for markets in mainland Europe with a petrol and LPG bi-fuel set-up. It appears the UK-spec models will only have a petrol tank.As a base this new powertrain uses the familiar 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid electrification that drives the front wheels, but adds an independent electric motor on the rear axle. Total system outputs are 113kW, which is 17kW more than the standard version.The petrol engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, whereas the rear-mounted electric motor has a two-speed transmission.The electric motor is fed by a 0.84kWh lithium-ion battery pack which allows the Duster and Bigster to travel short distances on electric power alone.Dacia also offers a regular hybrid powertrain for the Duster and Bigster which has a four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to dual electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery, as well as an automatic transmission that includes four gears for the petrol engine and two for the electric motors. It is front-wheel drive only, however.Renault has previously disclosed it plans to launch six new or refreshed models over the next 18 months in Australia.“Now that’s one on average every three months, or one once a quarter,” said Renault Australia Managing Director Glen Sealey back in September 2025.Beyond the Scenic E-Tech and updated MY26 Trafic that are already confirmed for Australia, it’s unclear what these other new or updated Renault models will be for our market.“When we look at those six new models to come, there’s a bit of water under the bridge, there’s currency, there’s regulatory changes, there’s tariff changes rolling around the place,” said Sealey.“What I can say … they may vary between now and then.”

The new Suzuki Vitara hybrid has been priced in Australia, as it looks to take on popular competitors in the compact SUV segment.

China’s Leapmotor has detailed more on the forthcoming A10 small electric SUV ahead of its imminent launch in the domestic market.

Specifications for the GWM Tank 300 plug-in hybrid off-roader have just been released, with the SUV joining as a new rugged rival. 

Tesla looks set to soon introduce a new, stretched version of the top-selling Model Y electric SUV in Australia with three rows of seating.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.It confirms that examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42) , X3 (G01) , X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) have been impacted and said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation,” the notice said. The department added, “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models are included, although for reference, close to 65,000 vehicles across those BMW model groups were sold in Australia during the recall period.The department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675 or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. 

What is the cheapest new small SUV in Australia? We know, but you should, too, if you’re looking for a little SUV that won’t cost you big dollars.By small, we mean a step up from the very tiny light SUVs such as a Hyundai Venue but not as big as a mid-sized SUV like a Toyota RAV 4.So without any more delay, these are the top 3 most affordable small SUVs in Australia right now.The Chery Tiggo 4 is the most affordable small SUV in Australia at the time of publishing at a driveaway price of $23,990 for the entry grade Urban. And just to stress, drive-away pricing means on-road costs like stamp duty, registration, dealer delivery and compulsory third part are all paid.The Tiggo 4 Urban has been tested by CarsGuide’s reviewers who found it surprisingly spacious, well equipped for the money and also fuel efficient.Drawbacks of the Urban include it not being as good value as other Chery models and it also being not very memorable to drive.Powering the Tiggo 4 Vibe is a 1.5-litre petrol engine in front-wheel drive.Standard features on the Urban include a 10.25-inch media screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and cloth seats.There are five seats and a 470 litre boot - measured to the roof.The Tiggo 4 scored the maximum five stars for its ANCAP safety test in 2023. MG has earned its place in Aussie driveways with vehicles that continually improve and the new ZS is a good example of that constant refinement while staying incredibly affordable. In this case the entry-grade ZS Vibe is $25,888 drive-away. CarsGuide reviewers said the ZS in the Vibe grade was spacious, good value, and had a refined and stylish look.A 1.5-litre petrol engine drives the front wheels, but reviewers felt the engine was underpowered.Standard features include a 10.25-inch media screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air-conditioning and fabric seats. There are five seats and a 443-litre boot.ANCAP gave the ZS the maximum five-star rating for safety in 2025.The third most affordable small SUV in Australia is the super popular GWM Haval Jolion in the Premium grade, which wears a list price (not drive-away like the others here) of $26,990.CarsGuide reviewers called out its roominess, good looks and low ownership costs.Despite the name, Premium is the entry grade and standard features include keyless entry, a 10.25-inch touch screen and air-conditioning. Reviewers also said the driving experience was let down by an underwhelming engine and annoying safety alerts.A 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine drives the front wheels.There are five seats on board and the boot is quite small at 337-litres.ANCAP awarded the Jolion the maximum five-star safety rating in 2022.

The new-generation Toyota Fortuner SUV has been spotted in Thailand undergoing testing, WapCar reports.However, this new-generation version is not slated to make its way to Australia, with the brand discontinuing the name locally. Production on the current Fortuner model will cease some time in 2026, with the model being pulled from sale soon after that. "Of course, Fortuner has been a great product for us over the years and found a relatively small but enthusiastic customer base,” former Toyota Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley previously told CarsGuide.“But with production ending next year and customer preferences shifting in Australia, we made the decision to discontinue the Fortuner.”The Fortuner looked to capitalise on the similar success of the Ford Everest, which is based on the Ranger ute, but it failed to make the same impression.It shares many of its parts, including a ladder-frame chassis with the strong-selling HiLux ute, and was also powered by the same turbodiesel engine. The Fortuner managed less than 3500 sales in 2025, compared to the more than 26,000 of the Everest for the same 12-month period.It starts from $53,775, before on-road costs in Australia, which is more affordable than the base model of the Everest.From the spy pictures, the Fortuner looks to have kept the same overall design, with some potential minor tweaks to the front and rear styling, but it is hard to tell because the car is camouflaged. Little is known about the new Fortuner’s set-up, but like its predecessor, it is expected to feature the same ladder frame and diesel engine. The rigid chassis and torque-heavy diesel engine in the Fortuner gives it greater off-roading potential than many of its monocoque-based rivals.Its HiLux-familiar specifications have led to speculation the Fortuner may also be offered with an all-electric set-up, following the first-ever electric edition of the ute being confirmed late last year. It shapes up as a rival for the soon-to-be returning Mitsubishi Pajero, which has also been spied several times as it nears launch in 2026.The new-generation Fortuner is expected to be unveiled in the middle of this year ahead of its global launch, expect more information closer to that time.