SUV News

Toyota has finally spilled on why its new models are copping price increases around the world, with one executive suggesting the brand "can't compete" with China at the entry-point of the market, and so is instead moving into a more premium space.The news came from South Africa specifically, where executives were questioned as to why the new RAV4 Hybrid is more expensive than the model it replaces. The reason, says Toyota South Africa Motors senior public relations manager Riaan Esterhuysen, is China."We intentionally moved it into a more premium space. It occupies or plays in the higher part of the segment now, and that is intentional," he told BizCommunity."We can't compete with the emerging Chinese brands directly on an entry-level price point. They have changed that market. They have shaped the market or changed the shape of the market by driving customers down to a lower and mid-tier of the segment or taking used car buyers and upselling them."Toyota in Australia hasn't mentioned China in the positioning of the refreshed RAV4 range in our market, instead pointing to an increase in value, but the prices have also increased here markedly.The entry-level to the range, the GX, climbed $3730 to $45,990, while the Cruiser grade has increased by up to $5930, to $60,340. The new-to-market RAV4 PHEV sets a new price ceiling for the model, at $66,340 for the GR Sport.Whatever the reason in Australia, the price shift hasn't hurt sales, with the RAV4 the country's best-selling vehicle in July, with a total 5564 deliveries – and 40 per cent belonged to the RAV4 PHEV.It marks something of a bounce back after a comparatively slow start to the year for Toyota in Australia. But it has previously told CarsGuide that supply constraints, not competition from China and elsewhere, was to blame.A new RAV4 and a new HiLux launched at around the same time, and the brand says it has been fighting for more supply to meet demand."Our biggest downfall this year has actually been our supply at the start, because we knew last year that we were coming into this year with a Q1 into Q2 shortfall, because we were launching the RAV4 later than we had liked," John Pappas, Toyota's Vice President, National Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, told CarsGuide."So now the fact that we've been able to secure more production from the global allocation, particularly on hybrids and bZs and other vehicle lines, including Hilux, it's great because that enables us to shorten lead times for customers."

GAC launched in Australia late last year, but the brand’s local progress has largely been kept under wraps.Its July sales results appeared in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' VFacts sales data for the first time.GAC shifted 1008 units between its four models in Australia.A spokesperson for GAC Australia told CarsGuide the brand is making steady progress in Australia.“We are satisfied with our progress since launching in the Australian market,” they said.“Our strategy has focused on building a strong foundation through the expansion of our dealer network and the establishment of the GAC brand locally.“We are confident that our activities and product initiatives during the second half of the year will further strengthen our sales performance.”GAC said in November it was aiming for a spot in the top 10 best-selling brands in Australia by the end of 2028.Here is how it has fared so far.The budget-focused GAC Emzoom is the brand’s best-selling model, with 422 units in July. The Emzoom is a petrol-powered small SUV and is the cheapest GAC available, offered in a single variant starting from $25,590, before on-road costs.It tackles the increasingly important budget SUV segment, competing with the Chery Tiggo 4 ($23,990) and MG ZS ($22,990).It still has plenty of work to do to catch up to those two rivals that feature at the top of the segment's standings.The Emzoom’s success could pose an emissions rules challenge for GAC, leaving the brand exposed to fines. The Aion V electric mid-size SUV is GAC’s second-best selling model in Australia, with 373 sales in July.Starting from $42,990, it has a similar price tag to the Geely EX5 ($41,990), but has not experienced the same surging sales.The Aion UT budget-focused electric hatch is the slowest seller of GAC's car-based vehicles, achieving 148 units sold in July. GAC Aion UT is priced from $31,990 (drive-away) until September 2026, but managed less than half the sales of segment-leading BYD Dolphin ($29,990, before on-road costs).The Aion UT is an important model for GAC, with the budget EV space proving popular in light of high fuel prices and stringent emissions rules. The M8 plug-in hybrid people-mover has unsurprisingly shifted the fewest examples for GAC at 65. The luxury-pitched MPV, starting from $76,590, has a limited buyer base in a segment dominated by the diesel- and hybrid-powered Kia Carnival ($56,540). It has outsold electric competitors the Denza D9 ($95,990) and Zeekr 009 ($115,990), representing a cheaper electrified alternative in the people mover space. GAC hinted at new products coming in the second half of the year, with the brand likely to make announcements in the coming weeks. It has already confirmed a cheaper Aion UT variant is on the way to better rival the BYD Dolphin and incoming Geely EX2 ($26,490). We expect this to be priced below the $30,000 mark when it gets here in late 2026.GAC aims to have more than 10 models on sale in Australia by 2030, so it could introduce as many as four new cars next year.There are two large electric SUVs due in the next 12 months, but confirmed details on them remain scarce.The luxury-pitched Aion Hyptec HT could potentially be one of these models as it is GAC's only fully-electric large SUV on sale.An even bigger, potentially three-row, SUV is expected to also arrive next year. GAC is planning to introduce a hybrid or electric ute before the end of the decade.

Mitsubishi will soon reveal its new Pajero off-road SUV, but there is a whole family of Pajero models coming.The Japanese carmaker first announced this intention as part of its ‘Mid-Long Term Vision’ presentation in May 2026. All three Pajero models were teased with their boxy, upright silhouettes revealed.Broadening the Pajero nameplate follows a similar ethos to what Toyota is currently doing with the LandCruiser. There is the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series, the iconic LandCruiser 70 Series, the LandCruiser Prado and now the smaller LandCruiser FJ. Even more LandCruisers are planned in the future, including an electric one.Mitsubishi has historically offered many versions of the Pajero to supplement the full-size version.Up until recently it offered the Pajero Sport/Challenger as a Thai-produced SUV counterpart to the Triton ute. There has also been the Pajero Mini kei car, as well as the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO small SUVs.As reported by Nikkei Asia, the second Pajero model will be a mid-size model to rival the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, or possibly the new FJ LandCruiser.Sales are reportedly due to begin in Japan around late 2028 or early 2029. It’s unclear if it will be exported to other countries yet, but mid-size SUVs are incredibly popular in Australia.This mid-size Pajero will reportedly be manufactured in Japan and be built on a dedicated platform, while sharing componentry with the Outlander. It’s unclear if this means it’ll be built on a more rugged ladder-frame or road-going monocoque platform.It will reportedly be differentiated from its rivals by offering electronically controlled four-wheel drive. There will also reportedly be a hybrid powertrain.Tougher exterior styling is expected to differentiate it from the Outlander.Mitsubishi has teased a third Pajero model is in the pipeline and it will reportedly be a compact version that may slot into kei car regulations in Japan.If this is the case, this means the compact Pajero will need to be no longer than 3400mm, no wider than 1480mm and no taller than 2000mm. It must also have an engine no larger than 660cc that can produce up to 47kW.This compact Pajero will reportedly be produced in Japan and be a key rival to the likes of the Suzuki Jimny, among others.It won’t be the first Mitsubishi model to also spawn a kei-car version. The Japanese carmaker currently offers the Delica Mini as a smaller companion to the Delica D:5, plus it historically offered the Pajero Mini from 1994 to 2012.It’s unlikely this compact Pajero will be offered in other markets outside of Japan. Mitsubishi has previously explored introducing kei car-sized vehicles in Australia but found the required engineering work to pass local design and safety regulations would make them too costly.The new, full-size Mitsubishi Pajero is reportedly set to be unveiled on September 2 and will be on sale in Australia before the end of 2026. This comes roughly five years after the previous model was discontinued locally.Unlike previous Pajeros, this new model will be produced in Thailand and adopt its ladder-frame chassis from the Triton ute. This is more like the previous Pajero Sport/Challenger as the Pajero has historically been its own model.It’s expected the new Pajero will share a version of the 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with the current Triton.However, recent investment in Mitsubishi’s Thai manufacturing facility hinted that a hybrid version of both could be fast-tracked.

XPeng has revealed more details about its new luxury family SUV destined for Australia.The XPeng G9L is a large five-seater SUV about to go on sale in China.It is a long-wheel base variant of the existing G9 that has been available in China for a few years since 2022.Measuring at 5120mm long, 1999mm wide and 1795mm tall, with a 3100mm wheelbase, the G9L is slightly longer than the Kia EV9 electric three-row SUV ($97,000, before on-road costs).However, it will be a more direct rival to the incoming Zeekr 8X when it arrives in Australia.The car will launch in China with both fully-electric and range-extender set-ups in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor.Range-extender variants have a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to power the battery, producing 110kW.The single electric motor in the range-extender makes 210kW, with the AWD adding an extra 160kW motor like the EV.The G9L EV comes in six separate variants for the Chinese market.They are equipped with either a lithium-iron-phosphate or nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, with a total driving range of up to 805km, according to generous CLTC standards.Electric-only driving range in the range-extender variant can be as much as 350km (WLTC).The car also rides on a 800-volt platform for super fast charging, meaning it can add 450km of range in only nine minutes, according to the brand.XPeng’s former distributor TrueEV said the G9L was due to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year.The factory-backed operation has not provided a specific updated timeline for the car’s launch, but it will be within the next six months as part of five new or updated models from the brand.The car was spied in camouflage in Melbourne last month, but whether this was testing ahead of its global launch or something more specific to Australia is unclear.We can expect more details on the G9L’s future in Australia before the end of the year.

Nissan has teased yet another Chinese-built SUV as part of its tie-up with Dongfeng, which could serve as a cut-price replacement for the Ariya.Dubbed the NX7, Nissan shared a single teaser image of the new model on its Chinese social media channels ahead of its reveal.In line with the naming practices used on cars in China, the NX7 will serve as a mid-size SUV, a segment below the five-meter long NX8 which has just hit the market overseas.While no details of the car are available yet, the shadowy teaser shows a car with similar design traits to the NX8, with split light clusters, a filled-in front panel and an illuminated Nissan badge. Its lower light fittings are distinct from the strip-style lights featured in the NX8’s design, while traditional wing mirrors and a Lidar cluster on the roof also feature.If it follows in the footsteps of the NX8, expect the NX7 to be offered with both a purely electric (EV) and range-extender (REEV) hybrid option.The NX7 will build on the success of Nissan’s Dongfeng joint venture, which has thus far produced the Frontier Pro PHEV ute as a BYD Shark 6 rival (expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia), as well as the N6 and N7 sedans, which join the NX8 as important wins for Nissan as it experiences a shrinking footprint elsewhere in the world.While the company had a head start in the electrification space with the pioneering Leaf hatchback, it has struggled to remain competitive since the rise of Tesla and cut-price Chinese alternatives.To that end, under the leadership of relatively new CEO Ivan Espinosa, Nissan has stated it will lean more heavily into its successful Chinese joint venture to leverage ‘China Speed’ product development for the global market.The NX7 is the next in what the company said will be 10 new Chinese models to be revealed by 2027. To our count, the brand is up to five new models, or seven if you include the recently updated combustion models from the joint venture, the Teana sedan and Pathfinder large SUV.Locally, the NX7 could be more price competitive than the car which Nissan already offers in this mid-size space, the Ariya.Starting from $55,840, before on-roads, the Ariya goes head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900), BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990) and Toyota bZ4X (from $55,990), although all of those rivals offer a longer driving range in their most basic forms.This leaves Nissan without a car to compete at the entry level of the mid-size SUV space, with the likes of the Geely EX5, GAC Aion V, and Leapmotor C10, all from the mid-$40k mark.It would also open the door to Nissan offering a REEV model to compete with the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 at a competitive price.Nissan has been approached for comment on the new model’s chances for an Australian launch. While the company has alluded to exporting the Frontier Pro PHEV and NX8 to Australia in the past, it is yet to confirm timing for the models.

Mitsubishi has at last confirmed a critical chassis detail for its incoming next-generation Pajero, with the off-road icon readying for its return to take on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Y63 Nissan Patrol.The brand has revealed the new Pajero will ride on a ute-like ladder-frame chassis – rather than adopt a monocoque platform like its third- and fourth-generation predecessors – seemingly confirming the Triton's chassis as the underpinnings for the reborn icon.In a post to its dedicated Pajero page in Japan, the brand wrote that the model will "lead you to your destination in any environment" courtesy of the "addition of S-AWC to the strong ladder-frame structure".S-AWC is Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control – its name for its AWD system which combines torque vectoring, torque distribution and four-wheel braking. In vehicles like the Outlander PHEV, the system also deploys electric motors at each axle to control the functionality.It is not to be confused with the Triton's Super Select II 4WD system, which will presumably also feature.September 2 firms as the reveal date for the new Pajero, suggesting we're getting very close to the final mysteries being solved.One remaining question is what will be powering it. Given its ute-based chassis the likelihood of Triton power seems likely, meaning it will deploy the same 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 150kW and 470Nm."In the development of the new Pajero, we aimed to inherit and evolve the (capability) and comfort that successive Pajeros have been about," Takaaki Matsumoto, the new Pajero's Chief Vehicle Engineer, has said about the project."This is the embodiment of Pajero, which developed the 4WD, which was for working cars until now, as an all-round 4WD that anyone can run comfortably on any road. On top of that, we worked together to make a big jump in how to make this Mitsubishi Motors' flagship."Stay tuned as more information comes to light about Mitsubishi's highly anticipated new 4WD.

The extent of Mazda’s transforming business has been made evident in its latest quarterly financial report which details global sales up until March of 2026.Key takeaways from the report include Mazda pinning much of its future global growth on the launch of its Chinese-built electric duo of the Mazda 6e liftback and CX-6e SUV, with the incoming next-generation CX-3 also predicted to be a big driver for markets like South East Asia and Australia in 2027.The brand also noted strong demand for the plugless hybrid CX-50 in North America. While this model isn’t headed to Australia, it bodes well for the future CX-5 hybrid which is due in Australia in 2028.The company spent minimal time on the results for its large platform vehicles (CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90) which were previously a big investment for Mazda in moving to a semi-premium price space, debuting a new rear-drive architecture and family of inline-six engines.The CX-70 and CX-90 were both down significantly in the North American market they were expressly designed for.The company said the CX-60, however, had been performing notably well in Australia, up 13 per cent year-on-year, against the backdrop of a 22 per cent decline year-on-year.Mazda’s global operation described Australia as a “tough environment” citing strong demand for “low-priced battery EVs and HEVs amid rising fuel prices,” alluding to cut-price Chinese rivals leaping up the sales charts.Again, the company called out the 6e and CX-6e as a particular vector for “expanding sales” in Australia as models which meet “market demand and environmental regulations.”Australia has long been one of Mazda’s strongest markets globally, although our market’s influence looks to be waning as the Japanese brand’s share shrinks in the face of said “tough” conditions.For the first quarter of 2026, which this global report details, Mazda’s sales in Australia amounted to 19,000 units, down 22 per cent, while the brand’s sales in China were headed in the opposite direction, up one per cent to 18,000 units year-on-year.Meanwhile in Europe, which also depends on electric sales of the Chinese-built electric models, sales were up significantly to 43,000 units, more than doubling the brand’s tally in Australia over the same time period.With Mazda’s China operation soon to overtake Australia, and its European operation in significant growth, the company may shift its priorities away from our market as it senses growth to be had elsewhere.The USA, which is Mazda’s largest market, is also up but largely due to the domestically built CX-50 hybrid which does heavy lifting in dodging a challenging tariff environment and coming with an in-demand plugless hybrid drivetrain.After the launch of the CX-6e in Australia imminently which is priced from a competitive $53,990, before on-road costs, Mazda will bridge the gap to the long-awaited CX-5 hybrid with the next-generation CX-3 small SUV.The company reiterated in its financial results that CX-3 production will begin in Thailand before the end of the year and will go on sale in markets like Australia in early 2027.As to Mazda’s larger models, the brand acknowledged the need to put them back on track if it wants to replicate the success of models like the CX-7 and CX-9 which they replaced at a more premium price-point.The company’s North American CFO said the large SUV situation is “not acceptable” in comments reported by industry source Automotive News, adding deeper upgrades would be on the way to make the CX-70 and CX-90 specifically more competitive.Details on what these upgrades may include or when they might arrive for the Japan-built pair are yet to be confirmed.Locally, the CX-60 is down 7.0 per cent year-on-year according to more recent local VFACTs numbers, with Mazda introducing price tweaks and a new base G25 four-cylinder variant to the range in order to increase its appeal.The CX-80, the smaller of the two three-row options in the range is also performing decently after a significant price cut earlier this year, while the CX-70 and CX-90 are also languishing in our sales charts despite also receiving price adjustments.

Australians are still buying cars in greater quantity than ever before, despite tough economic conditions.The new vehicle market recorded its strongest ever July result off the back of the same feat in June. Toyota has had a resurgent month up against its Chinese challengers BYD and Chery, led by its new-generation RAV4 SUV. Electric car sales are also showing no signs of slowing down in Australia, accounting for more than one-in-five cars sold. Chinese brands are becoming a staple high up the sales charts in Australia, with many budget-focused models continuing to drive sales. Toyota achieved 20,409 registrations for July, more than double what BYD managed.The Japanese juggernaut has taken out the top-two spots for July with its RAV4 family SUV and HiLux ute.The RAV4 has shot up the sale charts to take out pole position, with 5564 units, wrestling back against early supply issues plaguing the new version of the hugely popular family model. Plug-in hybrid variants of the RAV4 have received some serious attention from buyers, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the SUV's total sales.Toyota's HiLux ute was not far behind, boasting 4721 units and overtaking the Ford Ranger (4042) in July. The brand also experienced its best month in 2026 for its Land Cruiser Prado and 300 Series 4WDs.Fully-electric cars represented more than one-fifth of all sales in July, with rising fuel prices continuing to influence buyer choices.The Tesla Model Y registered another month as the best-selling EV in Australia, with 4644 units in July between its five- (2215) and six-seater (2429) variants according to EV Council data. BYD’s Sealion 7 mid-size SUV was another strong performer, with 2548 examples sold last month, keeping its tag as the brand’s best-selling model for another month.The Geely EX5 (2034) made another appearance in the top 10 best sellers, followed by the Zeekr 7X (1892). The Chery Tiggo 4 (2156) small SUV has continued its run as one of the best-selling small SUVs, holding off competition from the Hyundai Kona (2096) and Mazda CX-5 (1836).BYD held onto second position in the overall sales standings for July (7857), despite a noticeable drop-off from June. In addition to the Sealion 7, its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute registered another confident registration figure, with 1216 units, along with the Atto 2 small SUV (1214).Chery, Geely, GWM and MG all made the top 10 best-selling brands for the month.

Nissan has finally shared when its highly anticipated seventh-generation (Y63) Patrol will hit Australian shores.The brand confirmed the new 4WD will arrive in the first quarter of 2027 with the order books opening before the end of August.It is the first new Patrol since the long-serving Y62 debuted globally in 2010, before arriving in Australia in 2013.Headlining the changes for the new-generation SUV is the move to a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, which replaces the renowned but thirsty 5.6-litre V8 in the outgoing Y62.Producing 317kW/700Nm though, the new powertrain makes the Y63 the most powerful Patrol yet (with an additional 19kW/140Nm compared to the V8) and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.Nissan confirmed the new-generation Patrol will have air suspension on some variants for the first time, which will have benefits both in its raised clearance for off-road ability, and a lowered height for entry and egress. The brand also says the suspension can automatically lower the vehicle at highway speeds for better fuel economy.Inside there are new features including dual 14.3-inch screens for the multimedia and digital instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display for the first time.It will be backed by a new 12-speaker, 600W, Klipsch-branded audio systemThere's also a new ‘Biometric Cooling’ feature, which Nissan says automatically adjusts the climate system by detecting passenger temperatures, and so-called ‘Zero Gravity’ reclining massage seats for both the front and rear positions.The incoming Nissan Patrol is built on a new platform and is bigger in almost every dimension, measuring 35mm longer and 35mm wider, with the same height, bringing total dimensions to 5205mm long, 2030mm wide, and 1955mm tall.Updates on the Y63 Patrol come shortly after Nissan confirmed last call on the outgoing V8 model. Japanese production is set to end this month.Australia will be one of the first right-hand drive markets to score the new Y63 Patrol. It launched in left-hand drive markets in 2024.The impending launch of this right-hand drive Y63 Patrol has even resulted in pre-production versions being spotted by CarsGuide in Melbourne.The Y63 Patrol will not only have to do battle with its historic rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser (now available with a plugless hybrid system), and the hotly-anticipated next-generation Pajero, but it will also have to face newcomers like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B8.On top of that, the emerging 4WD enthusiast trend in China has seen an explosion of new plug-in hybrid options headed for this space, including from GAC and Geely.There is no word yet on Nissan’s ongoing tie-up with Premcar, which has seen the new Navara get Australian-specific suspension, and the outgoing Y62 Patrol get a halo off-road focused Warrior variant.Expect to learn more about the 2027 Y63 Nissan Patrol closer to its launch date in early 2027.

Audi's incoming budget-friendly EV is getting closer.The Audi A2 e-tron is an electric compact SUV scheduled to launch in Europe by November.It could be the brand’s cheapest EV on sale to date. The A2 e-tron will provide competition for other small electric rivals, the recently-launched Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and the Volvo EX-30.Audi is eager for its new model to follow in the efficient footsteps of its previous A2 practical hatchback.The A2 powered by a 1.2 turbo-diesel engine, offering a sensational 3.0L/100km fuel efficiency. The Audi A2 e-tron will be powered by a single electric motor, with three different power outputs.The base car produces 140kW, while up-spec models make 170kW/350Nm or 240kW/545Nm. Audi claims the A2 e-tron will be its most efficient model on sale.It has a preliminary energy rating of 12.8kWh/100km, according to WLTP standards.This means its 61kWh battery should provide a total driving range of up to 476km - a strong figure compared to other small car rivals. Audi says an improved drag coefficient of 0.24 has boosted energy efficiency by 0.9kWh/100km. The car can DC fast charge at 105kW, so a 10 to 80 per cent fill-up takes 26 minutes. It also offers bi-directional charging, meaning it can power external devices and act as a home power supply. There is no official word on the A2 e-tron launching in Australia. It could complement Audi’s Australian lineup as a more affordable EV offering, but it might be subject to hefty shipping costs from Europe. The A2 e-tron’s Europe by November launch date places any potential Australian introduction in 2027.Audi Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the local branch is interested in the car, and when it might launch Down Under.