SUV News

In what seems to be an obvious end-game as part of its team-up with Leapmotor, Stellantis could be set to lean on its Chinese partner for hybrid technology to bolster its other brands in Europe.Ultimately, according to a new report from Autocar, this will mean the range extender hybrid tech from Leapmotor’s C10 and B10 will be deployed in at least Peugeots and Fiats.Autocar quotes Leapmotor’s international CEO Tianshu Xin as saying the company is “exploring the possibilities” to use range extender hybrid tech in other Stellantis brands, as part of the group finding “synergies by using each other's technology.”The international boss also earmarked future platform sharing as the direction in which the partnership was moving.Stelllantis, which was born from a merger between the America-focused Fiat Chrysler and Euro-focused PSA Group, has had a disparate array of products built for an array of different markets on a range of platforms which didn’t start out with a lot of commonality between them.The brands under the group include Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall.While this initially made it challenging for the group, it has gradually begun to rationalize its platforms into a handful to be used across its global range. For passenger cars this includes the 'STLA' small, medium, and large architecture, 4x4s and utes ride on the SLTA Frame platform.Leapmotor, which is 19.99 per cent owned by Stellantis, uses a separate 'LEAP' architecture for its vehicles, developed separately from Stellantis in China. Leapmotor is now also building cars in EuropeMr Xin’s comments on future platform sharing seems to indicate there could be future cars from European brands on the LEAP platform, or future Leapmotor cars underpinned by an STLA platform.Either way, Leapmotor’s range-extender hybrid technology solves a problem for Stellantis in rolling out a consistent range of hybrids in emissions-sensitive markets, or potentially even for the American market where EVs are floundering thanks to the removal of incentives.For Australia, it could lead to a range of appealing range-extender hybrids wearing a wider array of badges, whether they are Fiats, Peugeots or even Jeeps.Jeep in particular is embattled in Australia, down a whopping 33.3 per cent until the end of 2025, moving just 1585 units for the year. Its range of products has been cut down significantly, with the brand discontinuing the new-generation (and significantly more expensive) Grand Cherokee after a slow sales run.This strips its range down to just the Wrangler off-roader and its related Gladiator ute, as well as the Euro-sourced Avenger electric compact SUV and outgoing previous-generation Compass mid-sizer.Peugeot is also embattled in Australia, having taken a 28.8 per cent sales hit over the course of 2025. It moved just 1350 units for the year, as it faces stiff competition from rivals new and old.Even Leapmotor’s fledgling effort in the Australian market has struggled to find traction. The brand offered the mid-size C10 in both EV and range-extender hybrid forms, and yet managed to sell 644 new vehicles over the course of the year.In comparison, its most direct rival, Geely and its EX-5 and Starray EM-i hybrid spin-off, moved over 5000 units in the same period.Next for Leapmotor’s Australian efforts is its B10 small SUV, initially in electric and later hybrid form. Internationally, the brand has also debuted the C16 large SUV and A10 crossover in China, as well as the B05 Golf-sized hatchback in Europe.

Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants of the Tesla Model Y will now feature a larger central vertical touchscreen as part of a mild upgrade for 2026.The 16.0-inch touchscreen used to only be available on the Model Y's top-spec Performance variant.The change has not bumped up the price for the Model Y.The entry-level rear-wheel drive Model Y remains a price competitive option in the EV space, starting from $58,900, before on-road costs.It is slightly more than the BYD Sealion 7 starting at $54,990 and Kia EV5 at $56,770. Meanwhile, the mid-spec long-range Model Y starts at $68,900.The previous touchscreen in those Model Ys measured at 15.4 inches, smaller than a comparative Sealion 7 at 15.6-inches.Kia’s EV5 has a digital display spanning across the dashboard. It comprises dual 12.3-inch digital driver and central touchscreen displays, along with a 5.0-inch climate control screen. The other change on the Model Y RWD and AWD long-range is both are now fitted with a dark headliner, replacing the light grey headliner.RWD and AWD long-range variants of the Model Y are built in China, with the Performance version is built in Germany. The Model Y was the best-selling electric car in Australia in 2025, with more than 22,000 sales across the year, receiving the nameplate's first major update early in the year. Its strong sales performance last year was boosted by a late flurry, including a bumper September with nearly 4000 units sold - one of the best of any car on sale in that period. 

Mazda has pushed back its in-house EV plans to 2029 as it focuses development of its incoming in-house hybrid drivetrain, according to a new report.Mazda had planned to launch its next-generation Japanese-developed electric car in 2027, but had pushed back to 2028 and now 2029. According to industry source Automotive News this is because hybrid demand is booming in the US, while electric vehicle incentives are being removed.The outlet quoted Mazda’s CEO Masahiro Moro as saying the brand expects EV sales now to only account for 25 per cent or less of its global sales due to changing market forces, particularly in the US.This revises Mazda’s original expectations of 25 - 40 per cent of global volume to be fully electric by 2030.However, while a significant portion of the brand's sales remain in North America and Japan, a significant portion remains in markets like Europe and Australia. Australia is the third largest market by volume for Mazda globally, after the US and Japan, forcing the brand to adapt to our conditions.This means sourcing more low emissions vehicles in the interim to comply with our Euro-inspired New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). This recently-introduced regulation tightens the vice on carbon emissions based on manufacturer’s vehicle sales, under threat of fines for every unit sold which pushes them over a pre-defined CO2 limit.Mazda is one of the most exposed brands in Australia currently. It offers only a limited array of hybrid models, with the majority of its sales still being pure combustion vehicles, like the ever-popular CX-5.A next-generation CX-5 is due, although it will continue on with a petrol engine until the hybrid variant launches in 2027. Unlike the hybrid Mazda CX-50 available in America, which borrows its hybrid tech from Toyota, the new CX-5 will use an in-house Mazda-developed hybrid system the brand calls SkyActiv-Z.In the interim, Mazda has confirmed it will sell the China-built fully electric 6e sedan and CX-6e, both are platform-shares with Changan’s Deepal brand. The brand has earmarked even more models to potentially spawn from this tie-up.Potentially this could include a Mazda take on Deepal’s S09 over-five-meter-long large SUV, or a small SUV based on the more compact S05, which would sit beneath the CX-6e to compete with the likes of MG’s S5.In another potential blow to Mazda in Australia, there are also fresh reports out of Japan that its two entry-level models, the Mazda 2 and CX-3, will cease production over the course of 2026.While these two cars are the oldest models in Mazda’s line-up, they continue to sell well in Australia thanks to regular updates. The removal of these accessible models plus the delay on a hybrid CX-5 could see Mazda tumble down the sales charts in 2026, making the roll-out of its Chinese-built models ever more important. However, Japanese media are also reporting a small car successor is due based on the Vision-X compact car shown at Tokyo Motor Show in 2025. The model will reportedly be built in Thailand as part of a push by Mazda to make the country a new export hub. Again, if this model does come to Australia, it could be as far out as 2028, making Mazda’s short term outlook for 2026 and 2027 more challenging.Mazda has told CarsGuide in 2024 its order of priorities are the new CX-5, its hybrid version, and then “small architecture cars.”Stay tuned for more on Mazda’s plans for 2026 as it faces a rapidly changing new car market. In particular it will need to fend off an aggressive new model strategy from an ambitious BYD, which is plotting a top-three market position by the end of the year.

What could soon be Australia's toughest 4WD SUV has been spotted testing in Victoria, with the upcoming Mitsubishi Pajero captured from every angle by one eagle-eyed fan.It means the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol – not to mention the Denza B5 and B8 – will soon have some serious competition to contend with, the new Patrol expected to launch globally in December 2026.That means the Australian launch will likely occur in early 2027, giving Mitsubishi a serious player in the towing and off-road space.These latest images – captured by Facebook user David Breedon – show a 4WD registered to Mitsubishi wearing heavy camouflage and testing in Victoria with Victorian plates. Keen to protect the secrecy of its newest vehicle, Mitsubishi staff covered the SUV with a car cover once photos began being taken, but not before several images captured the Pajero in all of its camouflaged glory.The Pajero was previously photographed, by CarsGuide's very own Jack Quick, in Beaufort, Victoria, about two hours west of Melbourne.Australia is a popular hot-weather testing ground for auto manufacturers, but it's also possible, given the vehicle's importance in our market, it is here for local testing and tuning.These images tie in with official announcements and teasers from Mitsubishi that a new "cross-country" SUV will launch this year, followed by a teaser video of a shadowy 4WD driving.The brand is yet to confirm details of the new model, but international reporting points to it borrowing the Mitsubishi Triton's ladder-frame platform. It might also score the ute's 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and eight-speed automatic, though some reports point to a plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain also being under development. All should become clear soon enough, with the Mitsubishi Pajero almost certain to go into production in December this year.

Skoda has confirmed the name of its upcoming large electric SUV, which will rival the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.The 2026 Skoda Peaq, a seven-seat SUV that will bring the brand’s Vision 7S concept to production, is due to make its debut in the middle of this year.Its name is one of the only things confirmed about it, with the Czech brand saying the name “highlights the position of the upcoming fully electric seven-seater at the top of Skoda’s model range”.Aside from some of its likely design and the rough size of the Peaq, not much is confirmed aside from that Skoda will continue to focus on “space, practicality and comfort”.The Vision 7S was revealed back in 2022. The brand has a slightly different design language and was looking at a future it suspected would be more electric than it has turned out to be.Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing said the Peaq will be a continuation of the brand’s Vision 7S concept, which was an entry into “new territory for Škoda”.“Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity,” said Jahn.“Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. “Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level.”

GWM has teased its upcoming flagship SUV, which, at well over five meters long, will be one of the largest vehicles in its line-up.It’s a three-row SUV to compete in the same size-bracket as the Hyundai Palisade or Kia EV9, and appears to show a boxier and more refined design language.The SUV seems most likely to live either under the Haval SUV brand or the Wey premium brand, which is yet to debut in Australia.The incoming vehicle will be the debut product for the brand’s next-generation platform, dubbed GWM One.This platform is designed to support internal combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell power. It also has the flexibility to be single-axle or all-wheel drive and support several different form factors.The platform will also support an 800-volt architecture, with the new SUV using a 2.0-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid set-up, according to presentation slides shown by GWM at an event in China. Its electric motor looks to have a peak output of 270kW.The brand also said it will achieve up to 363km in fully electric mode, or up to 1393km in combined mode, according to the more lenient WLTC cycle. In addition, it will consume 6.3L/100km when the battery is drained, and is said to sprint from 0-100km/h in as low as 4.4 seconds.Of the other powertrains this platform will support, the brand said it would even be launching both a plugless hybrid and a diesel hybrid, which is a not-often explored technology.Diesel hybrid tech seems to be a new direction some Chinese manufacturers are investigating, with Chery’s upcoming dual-cab ute also plotting a diesel hybrid variant for superior off-road and heavy duty performance as well as low emissions and fuel consumption.Other features of the platform include more “AI-enabled” software features, which reportedly take in various powertrain, chassis, and driver assistance data to optimise vehicle performance.In addition the brand is plotting its future product range on this platform to have a high level of parts commonality for a higher parts commonality and lower assembly cost.GWM is on a winning streak locally, after fighting its way to the top of the pile of local Chinese brands. In 2025, it placed seventh on the charts of Australia’s favourite automakers, placing behind Mitsubishi. In 2026 it will face a tough challenge from BYD, which placed just behind it last year, in eighth position.To hold its position GWM will be launching its Wey premium brand with its Wey 80 people mover, opening the door to its range of premium plug-in hybrids available overseas. It will also update and expand on its range of Ora electric vehicles, and don’t be surprised to see deeper upgrades across its Haval range of SUVs, too.In addition, the brand has made no secret of its plans to top out its Tank range with something like the Tank 700 PHEV, although it might not be until an update is due in 2027.GWM's flagship SUV offering looks to face tough competition with its rivals, with BYD plotting a similar range-topper, and Zeekr has also already revealed its luxurious hybrid 9X.

We just got a closer look at BYD’s latest products.

BYD premium brand Denza says its B5 and B8 rugged SUVs will take the fight to the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, the LC300 and the Nissan Patrol, insisting the Chinese brand has the best technology and powertrains in the world.Asked if Denza was capable of taking on the 4WD household names in Australia, the company's local Chief Operating Officer, Mark Harland replied simply: "I know we can"."It's going to be one customer at a time," he says. "My confidence comes from doing extensive driving of the cars – the B5 and B8."We know we deliver on the luxury. We know we deliver on off-road capability. And the best technology in the world is coming out of China right now, right?"So the things that I know that are important to Australians, we deliver on that."The B5 (from $74,990) and B8 (from $91,000) both occupy an interesting space, in which they will target both mainstream players (Toyota and Nissan), as well as premium offerings, like from Lexus.And that, Mr Harland says, only increases Denza's opportunity Down Under, with the executive suggesting "there are a lot of brands that we can have a crack at"."I also see the market opportunity because at that price point, I think it's just a matter of getting on people's radars and getting them in for a drive," he says."I think that's what's going to be the determining factor, and our powertrain. No one else really has that powertrain. So that's the market opportunity."We've got luxury, we've got the tech, and we've got a powertrain that no one else is really delivering on right now."

BYD’s latest and most expensive model is here.The brand has announced pricing and specifications for its new Sealion 8 three-row plug-in hybrid SUV. It starts from $56,990, before on-road costs, for the entry-level front-wheel drive variant, with all-wheel drive pricing starting at $63,990 and $70,990, depending on trim level.This sees the Sealion 8 come in as a cheaper alternative to rivals such as the Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander three-row plug-in variants. The Chery Tiggo 8 remains the budget option of the segment, starting from $45,990, drive-away.The Sealion 8 comes with two engine choices.The FWD variant is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine paired with a single electric motor, producing 205kW and 315Nm.It has a 19kWh LFP battery, which offers an all-electric driving range of 103km, according to the NEDC testing cycle (generally more optimistic than the WLTP scale). AWD variants of the Sealion 8 feature a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors, producing a combined 359kW and 675Nm. This dual-motor set-up means the car can sprint from 0-100km in 4.9 seconds.There is a 35.6kWh battery with a driving range of 152km (NEDC). Fuel consumption when the battery is drained is 5.3L/100km for the FWD and 6.3L for the AWD.Standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital driver display and 15.6-inch central touchscreen as well as 10-speaker audio.The Premium grade adds a 26-inch head-up display, a 21-speaker high-quality audio system and more. BYD has already unveiled an updated version of the Sealion 8 in China, but Australia will have to wait a while for it.The Sealion 8 is available for pre-order now. 2026 BYD Sealion 8 pricing Australia2026 BYD Sealion 8 engine and efficiency  2026 BYD Sealion 8 standard featuresWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay15.6-inch central touchscreen10-speaker audio system50W wireless phone chargerHeated and ventilated front seatsSynthetic leather upholsteryElectrically operated trunk doorRain-sensing wipersPanoramic sunroofKeyless entry and start10.25-inch digital driver display21-inch alloy wheelsPremium grade adds:Massage and memory front seatsElectrically operated front leg restsPremium leather upholsteryMassaging second-row seatsHeated and ventilated second-row seats21-speaker premium soundFront footwell atmosphere lightingWelcome light sequence26-inch head-up display 2026 BYD Sealion 8 safetyThe BYD Sealion 8 has not been crash tested. Nine airbags360-degree camera viewFront and rear parking sensorsAdaptive cruise controlTraffic sign recognitionAuto emergency brakingLane keep assistBlind spot monitoringLane departure assistForward collision warningRear collision warning 2026 BYD Sealion 8 dimensions 2026 BYD Sealion 8 warrantyThe BYD Sealion 8 comes with a six-year/150,000km warranty and an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery. 

Premium medium-sized SUVs are a small but consistently popular segment of the new-car market, and it’s easy to understand why.While providing an aspirational mix of luxury, performance and technology, they’re still spacious, practical, versatile and – perhaps most importantly – relatively accessible SUVs.Basically, they’re the sporty family friendly reward purchase for people who’ve earned it –which means they have a lot to live up to.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 mid-size SUV model ranges from the sub-$130K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Nearly four years late to Australia, the Q4 e-tron is available in elegant SUV wagon and racier SUV coupe body-styles that are both pleasingly spacious and practical.And despite leveraging a shared dedicated-EV architecture with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the interior quality, layout and presentation are on-brand, matching the slick and easy driving experience, with a lovely balance of speed, agility, control and comfort.But the lack of full single-pedal braking and spare wheel are disappointing, while the 55 twin-motor/AWD’s prices are too high.Still, the Q4 e-tron is smart, stylish and sophisticated. And the 45 is all the Audi SUV EV you need.The third generation of Audi’s popular Q5 steps up in several ways, including in price, size and tech, adopting new mild-hybrid assistance for the petrol and diesel choices as well as a PHEV option.Chunkier than before, the Mexican-made medium-sized SUV sits on an evolved architecture. With the same wheelbase as before, it isn’t as roomy as its increased length suggests, whilst the screen-heavy dash looks modern but lacks physical buttons for too many vehicle functions.On the other hand, the boot is big, all powertrains deliver on performance, refinement and efficiency, whilst the handling and ride qualities have improved noticeable from before.Not class-leading, then, but certainly now highly competitive.BMW’s renaissance continues, following on after the excellent X5 and X1, with the fourth-gen X3, sharpening its reputation as the driver’s choice among mid-sized SUVs.Larger yet lower than ever, with ample space, the futuristic, tech-heavy interior is artfully executed, while there’s more equipment as standard nowadays.It’s mild-hybrid xDrive AWD all-round for the punchy inline petrol and diesel engines, along with a PHEV AWD providing ample muscle as well as impressive economy.As you’d hope, the chassis dynamics are first class, with an immersive and flowing driving experience that’s second to none.Expensive options, divisive styling, a fiddly transmission selector and no spare don’t overshadow a brilliantly executed luxury/performance SUV.Another VW Group EV, Spanish brand Cupra’s take on the Audi Q4 e-tron effortlessly melds style and attitude, elevating the genre in the process.With point-and-squirt acceleration, sharp steering and immersive handling – and all without ruining ride comfort – Tavascan is the keen driver’s delight. You can thank the sober German engineering underneath.The interior is spacious for its compact proportions, the ergonomics are fine and the front seats are brilliant, but the scaly-looking dash texture seems cheap, the lack of a spare wheel jars and, being sourced from China, we expect more standard equipment in the base Endurance.Still, there’s personality aplenty in this unique EV SUV and we’re here for it.Challenger brand Genesis’ take on the BMW X3, the GV70’s styling has the visual swagger of a Bentley, while providing a comfortable and functional cabin experience.The Series II facelift brings sweeping improvements, especially to refinement and tech updates, with lots more equipment, upping the lush Korean luxury SUV’s value quotient.Neither petrol engine is a slouch, but the V6’s considerable performance better suits the commanding roadholding and aggressive aesthetics more, while the GV70 Electrified EV’s effortless, isolated pace make it a peaceful retreat. Too bad the former is thirsty and the latter lacks a spare.Whichever you choose, Genesis’ mid-sized SUV is highly enjoyable – and better than you might think.One of this decade’s greats, the Ioniq 5 has been a breathtaking symbol of Hyundai’s tremendous engineering ambition, creating an EV benchmark that’s still yet to be equalled for the money.Yes, prices are creeping up, but the 5’s ability to deliver elevated performance, efficiency, driving athleticism, refinement and pleasure shade rival efforts.And that’s not even taking in the timeless design, vast cabin, thoughtfully presented ergonomics and exceptional practicality.We wish it included a spare wheel and some of the interior plastics look more Aldi than Audi, but otherwise there’s so much that’s radiant about the Ioniq 5. It remains a modern motoring masterpiece. And that’s before even considering the supersonic 5 N that out-Porsches any Macan.The second-gen NX cracks the German mid-sized luxury SUV code that its underwhelming predecessor could not, without abandoning hard-won advantages like exquisite quality and reliability.Basing it on the enduring fifth-gen RAV4 ensures a robust and refined platform, along with affordable hybrid tech access.Yet the NX transcends those with its unique design, sumptuous interior, great seats and ample practicality. The base turbo is rapid, the hybrids are efficient and the PHEV flagship powerful, while the steering, handling and ride qualities are also up to brand expectations.Inevitably, a spare wheel isn’t offered and the PHEV’s electric-only range pales against Chinese alternatives, but the NX provides luxury without the risk.A step forward in quality, ride comfort and refinement over the patchy previous model, the second-gen GLC from 2022 has remained Mercedes-Benz’s best-seller for sound reasons.Along with advanced technologies, a sturdy cabin, top-shelf safety and family-orientated practicality, the GLC provides the luxury of choice – from an attainable 200, through to indecently-quick AMG versions. The newly released PHEV is on the money for buyers seeking efficiency. And the GLC Coupe boasts a sleeker silhouette.The model’s sheer ubiquity may put some people off, options can be very expensive, servicing isn’t cheap, the stop/start tech can be annoying and most models are not exciting to drive, but there’s solid engineering behind the GLC.Devised before the global EV sales slowdown, the second-gen Macan was meant to be a bold, electric-only statement of intent, with Porsche’s formidable engineering expertise delivering a breakthrough experience.Though almost identical at first glance, everything changes, including the body structure and alluring double-screen interior presentation.But it is the 800-volt architecture (shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron) that moves the game on, providing tremendous steering, handling and ride-comfort attributes, along with a powertrain ranging from a brisk (and very on-brand) rear-mounted electric motor opener to the twin-motor AWD missiles.The Macan II’s driver-focused tactility, alacrity and control rewrite the rulebooks. Mission accomplished, then, but we wish it wasn’t so expensive.Launched in 2017, the second-gen XC60 proved to be a compelling premium contender, with lovely proportions, a gorgeous interior, stellar seats and state-of-the-art Volvo safety.An advanced platform provided a sophisticated base, adding to the luxury aspirations of the Swedish family SUV, and enhanced by progressive powertrains, including a rorty PHEV. The XC60 II was ahead of its time.Which explains why the 2025 facelift is so minor – a more-contemporary nose, updated multimedia and fresh trim are the main changes.But the driving experience feels as dated compared to the leading BMW X3 as the styling. Which is classic Volvo: evolve over time. The beloved 240 of the ‘70s lived nearly 20 years and XC60 II could be next!