SUV News

Big, burly dual-cab utes are the flavour of the month, but this new generation of rugged workhorses could spawn a 4WD battle royale.The Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X have largeky had the ute-based SUV market to themselves since Toyota axed the Fortuner late in 2025, but that could soon change.BYD's Denza has just launched its Shark 6-based B5 off-roader Down Under, which is ready to shake-up the Japanese establishment.It likely won't be the only Chinese brand to enter the fray.Chinese maker Chery is one of the latest makers to confirm a dual-cab ute, with its currently unnamed workhorse due to arrive later this year.For now codenamed — KP31 — the ute uses a revolutionary diesel plug-in hybrid set-up, which consists of  a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with an electric motor or two and a sizeable battery.There is a chance it could spawn an SUV version down the line, according to Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris.“It would be amazing if we could get an SUV on that platform,” said Harris.“It’s not something that’s been spoken about or in the plans now, but at the rate things change and develop, you never say never.”For now Chery’s focus is on making sure the ute is a success before they forge ahead with any spin-offs.“I believe Chery has one chance to prove that we can build and deliver a highly capable ute,” said Harris.“And so to do that, it needs towing capability, payload capability, all-terrain capability. Particularly all-terrain capability, you know, you get people towing caravans on the beach. You really do need the torque and power delivery that a diesel gives you down low to be able to do those things.”“I think we need to prove, and I am very confident that Chery can prove with KP31, that we’ve got some credibility in that space and can deliver a competent and capable vehicle,” Harris said.Chery's Korean rival Kia is also believed to be working on an SUV version of its Tasman ute.It is unlikely the SUV will appear before the vehicle’s facelift, which is believed to be 2028-2029.Kia Australia’s GM of Product Planning Roland Rivero previously told CarsGuide the focus for now was on the ute."Globally, we've got to make Tasman a success first and foremost," Rivero says."Once it is, and we're confident it will be, then we can look at growing variants and look at the ability to turn around an SUV."As you might have heard at the launch from our engineers, it's not difficult because the platform is already there. We're not starting from the ground up but we've got to get it right for the ute first and foremost."

The Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series hardly requires an introduction. It’s an iconic model in the Japanese carmaker’s catalogue of vehicles and has stood the test of time.Dating back to 1984, the LandCruiser 70 Series (LC70) is now more than 40 years old, firmly making it the oldest new car still on sale in Australia.This calls into question, how long can Toyota feasibly still produce and sell new versions of this heavy-duty icon?At this stage Toyota has given no indication of if or when it intends to end production of the LC70. It’s still produced in Japan, Portugal and Venezuela.It’s also still very popular in many markets, including Australia, Africa and the Middle East.Demand has been so high in Australia that there have been numerous order pauses. One is still outstanding for the 70 Series GXL Wagon automatic variant that was first enforced from July 2025.In order to keep production going many changes have had to be made. In addition to the aforementioned vehicle category change in Australia, the LC70 will soon gain AdBlue exhaust additive fluid Down Under, making it Euro 6 emission regulations compliant.This was added to the Japanese-spec model upon its reintroduction in the domestic market in 2023, which coincided with the latest facelift.Even if production of the LC70 does eventually stop, these vehicles are known for their reliability and widespread parts availability. This means even if production stops, LC70s will likely be on the road for decades to come, especially in rural and remote areas where they’re most popular, provided diesel is still available.The LC70 first arrived Down Under in 1985, and this workhorse version of the LandCruiser has remained on sale while three plusher versions of this iconic off-roader have come and gone.In fact, the LC70 is still sold in the same showrooms as the luxurious and much more technologically advanced LandCruiser 300 Series.Over the years the LC70 has been available globally with a wide array of body styles across different wheelbase lengths. There are wagon SUVs, as well as utes and the iconic troop carrier, among others.A number of different powertrains have also been offered, ranging from four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to turbocharged V8s.Only one powertrain is offered in Australia - a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, known as the 1GD-FTV, which dates back to 2015 and is shared with the previous-generation HiLux.It produces 150kW and 500Nm when mated with a six-speed automatic transmission or 150kW/450Nm when mated with the five-speed manual transmission.The LC70 has received countless updates and upgrades over the years. Highlights include the wider front track to fit larger engines, more active and passive safety technology, a number of facelifts, as well as a vehicle category change in Australia with a slight gross vehicle mass (GVM) increase to allow it to remain on sale without major changes, among others.The LC70 even comes with modern perks like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now, as well as standard air-conditioning. Despite this, it’s still a car that dates back to the 1980s and in some versions still has manually operated side windows and manually adjustable side mirrors. But all good things must come to an end, but when Toyota might call time on the LC70 is a mystery for now.

Electric vehicle sales are booming in Australia as international and domestic factors contribute to substantial EV uptake. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) data for the first quarter of 2026 reveals EV sales are up 40 per cent compared to this time last year. In the first quarter of this year, Tesla and Polestar have sold nearly 8000 units between them, which is also a sizable increase on 2025 numbers. This number is likely to be even higher, with only Tesla and Polestar reporting to the EVC, meaning much of the ever-increasing range of electric cars are not part of this latest data set. Official data for April from VFACTS will be released next week.This includes strong selling EV models such as the Zeekr 7X, which has had a flying start to life in Australia, along with many electric BYD models. Tesla accumulated 3485 sales for March 2026, more than 600 extra units compared to March 2025. The Model Y SUV continues to be the brand’s most popular model, with 2818 units shifted in March 2026, more than 1000 up on the same time last year. Tesla will soon introduce a six-seater version of its best-seller called the Model Y L, which will arrive in the coming weeks. The Model 3 sedan has not had the same positive sales result as its SUV sibling, with a 40 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. Polestar has also not experienced the same sales increase, with its Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 experiencing sharp drop-offs, while Polestar 4 sales improved slightly. This latest data comes at a time when rising fuel prices are sending demand for EVs skyrocketing.EVC Chief Executive Julie Delvecchio said this latest data indicates an acceleration of the EV shift for Australia. “Volatile global oil markets are changing the conversation. Australians aren't asking whether EVs are the future anymore. They're asking which one they can get their hands on, and when,” Delvecchio said. This electric sale acceleration is also being brought on by the government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which is placing pressure on brands to electrify their line-ups or face fines. Major brands have already started hiking prices on petrol units, while introducing new EV models to offset the potential impacts of the emissions-based scheme.

Skoda has given the world a better look at its largest model ahead of its launch in mid-2026, revealing its overall shape and conforming some specifications for the EV.The aptly named (though Skoda remains insistent on finishing SUV model names with a ‘q’) 2026 Skoda Peaq, placed at the top of the brand’s line-up, has been photographed in the classic camo-wrap pre-launch guise as the brand confirms the electric car’s drivetrain and dimension details.It's a a seven-seat electric SUV that will bring the brand’s Vision 7S concept, revealed in 2022, to production. It will also bring another much-needed option to the large electric SUV space which is currently mainly served by the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.The Peaq is set to boast more than 600km of range in its upper variants, while charging from 10-80 per cent will take less than 29 minutes in all variants, the brand says.Three versions of the Peaq have been confirmed, a base model ‘60’ with a 63kWh battery and 460km+ of EV range, while two more variants (90 and 90x) get 91kWh batteries and 600km+ of range.The biggest difference between the three is power delivery - the 60 and 90 variants are both rear-wheel drive, while the top-spec 90x is all-wheel drive. Outputs are 150kW, 210kW and 220kW respectively.None are fast, though. The quickest is the 90x thanks to AWD and it manages 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds.This is likely down to weight. The Peaq is similar in size to the Skoda Kodiaq but a little larger in key dimensions, being 116mm longer, 5mm taller, gaining 174mm between the wheels and in turn an extra 25 litres of boot space compared to the Kodiaq.All up, the Peaq is 4874mm long and 1664mm tall with a 2965mm wheelbase and a huge 935L of boot space as a five-seater. Skoda hasn’t confirmed a width yet, for some reason.Inside, a 13-inch vertical multimedia touchscreen and a 10-inch driver display headline the tech, while an Android-based operating system runs “native Škoda apps and third‑party services”. Augmented‑­reality head‑up display, a digital mobile key, a Sonos sound system and dual phone chargers are also confirmed.The Skoda Peaq is expected to land in Australia in early 2027.

Zeekr’s new model roll-out for 2026 and 2027 has kicked off with a refreshed version of its X small SUV.The X arrived in 2024, but didn’t make as much of an impact as Zeekr perhaps hoped, with buyers looking for a more mid-sized rival to the Tesla Model Y, which has since eventuated with the arrival of the 7X.Now though, Zeekr has made key improvements to the X range to help bolster its chances in an extremely competitive luxury small SUV space.Still starting under $50,000 for the base rear-drive version, the X scores a range of upgrades including new heated first and second row seats, refreshed steerin gwheel controls, and a 13-speaker Yamaha surround sound system.In addition, the range has been updated to include the latest version of the brand’s active safety suite, which includes five cameras, five radars and 12 ultra-sonic sensors, which also allows the car to be able to auto-park.Aesthetically the new X isn’t much of a facelift from the outside, but it does score an overhauled interior, with a new and more luxurious bridge-style console replacing the floating console from the outgoing car.The biggest improvement to the base rear-drive variant is the upgrade to Zeekr’s signature “Golden Battery”, which allows up to 230kW DC fast charging and reduces the quoted 10 - 80 per cent charge time to just 18 minutes.Meanwhile the top-spec all-wheel drive version of the car scores message functions for the front seats, and an onboard fridge. It is also able to be chosen in a new Khaki Green Matte and Onyx Black colour schemes, with new 20-inch wheel designs and the option to add automatic doors.The all-wheel drive variant carries over its previous battery, meaning it has a lower DC fast charge speed of 150kW allowing a 10 - 80 per cent charge in a less impressive 30 minutes.Both cars also score a 50kW boost to their electric motors with what is claimed to be best-in-class acceleration figures of 5.6 seconds for the rear-drive version, or 3.7 seconds for the all-wheel drive version.Zeekr will look to capitalise on its incoming product portfolio to boost its sales in Australia. Thus far the new 7X mid-sizer has more than doubled the brand’s footprint in our market, and the next new model could be the much-hyped 8X plug-in hybrid luxury large SUV which just launched in China.The brand has also earmarked the 7GT Euro-style wagon, possibly as soon as the end of this year, with the 9X flagship SUV due in 2027.As for the existing line-up, the 009 people mover will see the addition of its flagship variant in China, dubbed the 009 Grand, as a fully electric rival to the top-spec Lexus LM. It scores just four seats with a VIP-transport-style rear seat and huge entertainment screen mounted on a bulkhead between the front and rear seating positions.Stay tuned for more on Zeekr’s refreshed line-up later in the year, and for the international debut of the 8X at the Beijing Motor Show in late April.

Land Rover’s Freelander is back, not as an SUV, but as a standalone brand in a joint venture with China's Chery.The first model from the new partnership was revealed overnight in China ahead of its debut at the upcoming Beijing motor show.The first model has been called the Concept 97, in recognition of the year the original Freelander was introduced by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).The Concept 97 draws on the Land Rover design identity with its blocky, tall and sophisticated styling while the original Freelander's unique triangular rear three-quarter window is revived again on the new model.The interior also has a familiar look sharing design elements and materials with Land Rover models, but new features we haven’t seen before from the brand include a curved display the full length of the dashboard.There are some features on the large six seater SUV, which won’t make it into production, including the rear-hinged side doors and the most likely the open-plan lounge-like setting in the second row, too.  JLR is already in a partnership with Chery in China; the joint venture sees the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport produced and the JLR-Chery plant in Changsu. When the Concept 97 goes into production it will also be manufactured at the Changsu factory and be produced as a pure EV and hybrid. The Discovery Sport and Evoque will be discontinued to make way for the Freelander model range.Freelander CEO Wei Lan told British publication Autocar at the Concept 97’s preview in China that while the Concept 97 would go into production and be sold initially in China, the plan was to then debut the vehicle markets around the world."International variants are currently in intensive development and shall, after launch in China, make their distinguished entry into the world's foremost markets," Lan told Autocar. "From its very first day of existence, every Freelander product is conceived and calibrated for the diverse demands of markets across the world. We are not exporting a Chinese car to the world but we are building a world car, for the world, from the very beginning."  The Concept 97 is built on Chery’s T1X platform, which also underpins the Tiggo 8 and will support EV, hybrid and range extender variants with 800V battery architecture.The range extender battery has been developed with CATL and features what it calls a world first "Freevoy Range-Extended Hybrid Battery" design allowing the range extender version to be charged at 360kW.The range extender battery has been designed with off-road use in mind and comes with underbody protection and a thermal coating to keep it cool.JLR-Chery plans to have the first Frelander model go into production and on sale  by  mid-2026 before being launched globally. JLR-Chery will then embark on an ambitious growth plan, which it says will see the introduction of a new Freelander model every six months. Will the new range of Freelanders make it to Australia? Nothing has been confirmed but Chery's executives haves been open to bringing more sub-brands into the country.Earlier this year Chery Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris has said there is more room for additional sub-brands in Australia.“Why not?” Harris told CarsGuide.“Chery is the brand where you never say never.”

Cheaper Mazdas are here to stay.The 2 hatchback and its CX-3 little SUV spin-off have both had a stay of execution in Australia. Mazda has confirmed availability of the current generations will continue well into next year, giving the Japanese brand continuing presence in the lower-end of the new-car market.This is despite recent reports stating that the CX-3 and 2 will be phased out this year in Japan, with production of the latter ceasing last month in favour of higher-profit vehicles at the Hofu plant.Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi said production out of Thailand will continue as it has with both models for most of their long lives, with consistent supply guaranteed for out market into 2027.“The current Mazda2 and CX-3 are here to stay, even though there are some articles out there suggesting otherwise,” he told CarsGuide.“It is depending on region, but in Australia, both those vehicles will stay because the Thailand production facility is still continuing. So even though they are to be discontinued in Japan, they will (still) get to us. (Production) continues.“I'm not sure about what happens in Japan. But for Australia, we source both those cars out of Thailand, from our factory in Thailand, and we will continue to do so.”The 2 Evolve automatic from $27,290 (all prices are before on-road costs) in both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan guises, is currently the cheapest new Mazda in Australia, while the CX-3 Pure 2WD auto starts from $30,670.In March, 2026, the average Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a new Mazda vehicle in this country was about $56,740.With the 2 and CX-3 released in Australia back in 2014 and 2015 respectively, they remain two of the oldest models on sale today.Small specification updates and some safety upgrades along the way, as well as a minor facelift for each late last decade, are about the extent of any meaningful changes, while both models have maintained their original petrol engine choices the entire time.Bhindi also refuted speculation that newer rules surrounding Australian Design Rule and ANCAP crash-test requirements are forcing Mazda Australia’s hand in discontinuing these models.“No, we will have (2 and CX-3) all this year and all of next year,” he reiterated.“(They) comply with the ADR. And as long as they are (still) being manufactured in right-hand drive, we will have them.”Last year, Mazda shifted 4346 2s, coming in at second place behind the MG3 at 8350 sales, to command nearly 23 per cent of total light-car volume against the latter’s 44 per cent. And while that was a 19 per cent decline over the year before, it was ahead of the total segment fall of nearly 28 per cent.More impressively, the CX-3 led the Light SUV class convincingly, with 15,429 registrations for a 29 per cent market share.While that was down 16.4 per cent in a segment that fell by only five per cent, the Mazda managed to stay ahead of the far-newer, second-placed Toyota Yaris Cross’ 10,928-unit tally (for a 20.5 per cent share), which was actually up by 33 per cent year-on-year.With that sort of growth potential, it is clear that Mazda Australia wants to keep a strong presence in the light SUV corner.Watch this space.

GWM’s halo Tank model, the 700, has been updated and relaunched in China, with pricing revealed and a new version of the brand’s hybrid system debuting.The 2026 GWM Tank 700 Hi4-Z launched at a price equivalent to A$92,000 for the large SUV, joining a more expensive Tank 700 Hi4-Z variant and a top-of-the-range Hi4-T variant.The new hybrid system is more simple but allows for more battery space, a 59kWh battery granting a claimed 190km range under comparatively realistic WLTP testing, while the Hi4-T variant (at equivalent to A$108,800) manages only a claimed 90km.The key difference between drivetrains is the Hi4-T features a mechanical link between the engine and rear wheels, making it more suitable for off-roading. It is the same system used in the GWM Cannon Alpha sold in Australia.The Hi4-Z system doesn’t have the mechanical link, instead featuring an independent rear electric motor, more similar to the Denza B5. The Hi4-T is still powered by a 3.0-litre V6 in the Tank 700 for almost 400kW, while the 2.0-litre turbo and electric motors in the Hi4-Z total more than 600kW according to reports from CarNewsChina. GWM's punchy V6 petrol engine is yet to be made available in Australia.Power aside, the Hi4-T system retains its ability to tow a claimed 3500kg braked, while the new Hi4-Z system is down to 2500kg.This may not prove relevant to the Australian market, however, though CarsGuide understands GWM has previously shown interest in getting the Tank 700 to Australia.When asked for the brand’s current position on the Tank 700, a spokesperson told CarsGuide it’s under consideration, but couldn’t confirm plans.“For the ANZ market, we are not currently in a position to share further detail on future plans for this vehicle, with our product team continuing to assess its potential fit within the broader local portfolio,” a GWM spokesperson told CarsGuide.

There is a new key detail of the soon-launching Toyota RAV4 hybrid, with fuel efficiency figures of the SUV now public.The car offers a combined fuel efficiency of 4.5L/100km for the front-wheel drive variant (4.6L/100km on all-wheel drive), which is better than the outgoing front-wheel drive model at 4.7L/100km and 4.8L/100km for the all-wheel drive.This increases the RAV4’s fuel efficiency lead over hybrid models of the Hyundai Tucson (4.8L/100km) and Kia Sportage (5.3L/100km).Urban fuel consumption sits at 4.2L/100km, while extra urban fuel consumption is at 4.7L/100km. The all-wheel drive’s figures are 0.2L/100km higher than the front-wheel drive. The new generation of the Toyota RAV4 is still being eagerly awaited in Australia, with the brand already running out of stock on the previous model. This has caused a substantial downturn in sales for the Australian branch to the tune of 25 per cent year-on-year up to March 2026.  The new RAV4 will roll out into Australian showrooms this year with hybrid variants too far away and plug-in variants coming in the third quarter. All variants will feature a 2.5-litre petrol engine, and come in front-wheel and all-wheel drive choices. The hybrid produces 143kW, while the plug-in hybrid boosts power to 227kW. It will start from $45,990 (before on-road costs) when it lands in Australia within the next few weeks. This means it will be more expensive than the cheapest Tucson and Sportage hybrid models. The RAV4 is a key contributor to Toyota’s sales as their biggest seller, which is more than the HiLux ute and roughly twice as many as the Prado large SUV. Toyota will continue to add more electrified models to its lineup this year, including an electric version HiLux ute. 

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated range of its GLE SUV.The car has received upgrades to performance and interior design for the latest edition of Mercedes’ high-end SUV. The current GLE on sale in Australia starts from $144,900 (before on-road costs), and is one of the brand’s best-selling models, outselling the C-Class sedan. Its range currently only consists of petrol and diesel, meaning it is likely a PHEV will join the Aussie lineup next. It appears the brand has cut the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine from the lineup, in favour of more electrified options. This will likely result in a substantial price jump for the new cheapest variant of the lineup, the GLE 350d, which was not on sale in Australia previously. There is a revamped six-cylinder petrol engine, which has been refined to add further torque at 560Nm, with a new plug-in hybrid variant spawning out of the engine.The range-topping GLE 580 comes with a juiced up V8 engine, producing 395kW and 750Nm. Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the new GLE will hit Australian showrooms some time in 2027. It is a rival to other luxury large SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. The Q7 and XC90 sit at the cheaper end of the luxury scale, while the X5 is about $5000 cheaper than the current Mercedes (before on-road costs). On the inside, there is a panoramic digital display across the dashboard, which comprises three 12.3-inch screens. There are also updates for the AMG performance variants of the GLE, which come with petrol and plug-in hybrid set-ups. The PHEV variant offers an increased output of 430kW and 750Nm, which can shift the car from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.