SUV News

Chinese brand's big Aussie bet: 2026 Zeekr 7X just the beginning with bonkers 1030kW plug-in hybrid 9X, Lynk & Co 08 and Zeekr 8X all on cards as brand puts a target on Tesla and Toyota
By Andrew Chesterton · 22 Sep 2025
Zeekr has outlined its bold ambitions for Australia, confirming a string of new models and the launch of the Lynk & Co brand, the latter of which will likely be wrapped under the Zeekr umbrella.
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Toughened-up 2026 Toyota Fortuner that could finally take down Ford Everest is coming - but will Toyota Australia even launch it?
By Andrew Chesterton · 21 Sep 2025
A Toyota Fortuner that could reverse the model's underwhelming sales performance and finally take the fight to the Ford Everest is coming soon – but is Toyota in Australia preparing to axe the model just as its about to come good?
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These cars are the best! I love driving a 4WD and you should try it too, whether it's a 2026 Toyota Prado, Nissan Patrol or Ford Ranger, it's great fun | Opinion
By Marcus Craft · 20 Sep 2025
Money pit or not, Aussies spend big on 4x4s because it's simply a fun activity for a diverse community.
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Flagship electric car axed in major market: 2026 Nissan Ariya discontinued in US as Trump’s tariffs crunch this Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and XPeng G6 rival
By Jack Quick · 19 Sep 2025
Although it’s only just arrived in Australia, Nissan will axe the Ariya electric SUV in the US.As reported by Automotive News, the Japanese carmaker will pause US-bound production of its Tesla Model Y rival for the 2026 model year.“This decision enables the company to reallocate resources and optimize its EV portfolio as the automotive landscape continues to evolve,” said Nissan in a statement to Automotive News.An unnamed person with knowledge of the decision told Automotive News the Trump administration’s 15 per cent import tariff has hurt the profitability of this Japanese-made electric vehicle (EV) in the US.Federal $7500 EV tax credits are also set to expire in the US at the end of September, with EV demand anticipated to fall after this.It hasn’t helped that US sales of the Ariya have been slow ever since its introduction in 2022. There have been plenty of price discounts and incentives to get buyers over the line.Nissan Senior Director for EV strategy and transformation Trisha Jung told Automotive News the US market is currently undergoing a shift.“When you look at what’s going on between incentives and the value that the vehicle is bringing brandwise, and economically long term, the fact is has a different valuation today than it did before,” said Jung to Automotive News.“We have a major shift in the demand curve, so we’ve got to understand what that means in terms of customer demand, volume, price point.“We just need to make sure we have a setup that’s sustainable for the company, the dealers and the consumer.”At this stage it’s unclear whether the Ariya will ever return to the US market.However, Nissan could reportedly be pausing Ariya sales to redirect resources for the launch of the forthcoming, new-generation Leaf electric crossover. It’s due to launch in the US later this year.Battery shortages could limit supply of the new, Japanese-made Leaf for the US. An unnamed person told Automotive News that initial allocation for the US will be limited to 500 units per month.As noted above, the Nissan Ariya is only launching in Australia now despite being offered in other markets for three years. It was originally revealed in 2020.There are four variants on offer with pricing starting from $55,840 before on-roads and extending to $71,840 before on-roads.At this stage the new-generation Leaf is set to launch locally in the Japanese 2026 financial year (April 2026 to March 2027).
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Big brand’s small SUV goes electric! Next-generation 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross revealed with new look and long-range battery to battle BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3
By Chris Thompson · 18 Sep 2025
Mitsubishi has revealed a new electric car with a familiar name — Eclipse Cross — though this big step forward for the model comes thanks to another brand.
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