Ute News

LDV's flagship workhorse might be set to get more lifestyle-oriented variants in the future, with new versions of the Terron 9 ute launching in China. Known as the Maxus Star X over in China, these domestic market versions add the option of a factory canopy and all terrain tyres, as well as the fold-down bulkhead which in Australia is only available on the Terron 9's MG U9 sister car. Meanwhile the Australian version of the Terron 9 is offered primarily in more work-oriented versions, shipping with road tyres and more basic trim levels. These latest versions of the Terron 9 is focused on adventuring capability over workhorse credentials. The ute’s cargo box connects directly through to the cabin, so when fitted with a canopy, it can be used for sleeping and camping generally. It has a mobile bed mode where the rear seats fold down to create a flat space for a double bed. There is a fishing edition of the car, with rod holders, tackle gear organisation and dedicated wet-storage compartments. The space can also be used for an increased storage space of 3000L. It continues to feature a rugged off-roading system, with front- and rear-locking differentials as well as an off-road expert mode and steep descent control.  The Terron 9 continues to have an imposing look from the outside, with a large ‘T’-shaped headlight design and rectangular front grille, boasting small metallic segments across it. The ute rides on 18-inch wheels as standard.  Inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen, with convenience features like keyless entry and start. It continues to be powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, making 165kW and 520Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s unclear whether these variants of the LDV Terron 9 will make their way into Aussie showrooms. CarsGuide has contacted LDV Australia for comment to see if there are new variants planned to be sold here. The Chinese-market Terron 9 starts from 185,800 yuan, which is roughly $39,900, but prices rise up to 263,000 yuan, or $55,000. The Terron 9 is currently available in Australia from $50,674, drive-away until September 30, 2026. Buyers could expect this new variant to be closer to the $60,000 mark locally to account for importing and other associated costs, especially considering its higher level of inclusions. The e-Terron 9 electric ute is still on the cards for Australia as the brand continues to work with the factory to bring it into the country. The closely-related MG U9 electric ute was recently priced in Australia, which could suggest LDV’s version isn’t too far away. 

Two Chinese carmakers have come under fire in Australia for alleged lax cyber security measures and questions over privacy, following investigations from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).  Technology in EVs bring an increased risk of surveillance and privacy breaches and potential hacking, with Four Corners showing how easy it was to allegedly hack a BYD Shark 6. BYD has now responded to the ABC's claims, stating the footage does not conclusively show its vehicles are open to hacking without first gaining physical access to the vehicle. "The footage from the Four Corners report does not provide conclusive evidence that a remote attack vulnerability exists without physical access to the vehicle. Once unrestricted physical access to the vehicle is established the need for passwords diminishes," a spokesperson said. An ABC investigation uncovered that BYD’s privacy policy said data could be collected "in connection with suspected illegal or improper activities" and that this could be done through "surveillance activities". This broad policy gave BYD significant powers to gather data on owners, and how it could disclose information. The carmaker has since removed all references to China and mentions of surveillance. A spokesperson for BYD Australia told CarsGuide privacy policy changes were not made due to the ABC's investigation. "Any inference that the policy was updated in response to the Four Corners investigation is strenuously denied," they said. The company's high-tech credentials mean its vehicles feature lots of camera and other monitoring equipment primarily to improve safety, combined with over-the-air connectivity technology.  BYD cars use a driver monitoring system that includes a camera pointed towards the driver to detect any drowsiness or a lack of attention.  These systems generate substantial amounts of information about those in the car, what they do and the conversations they have.  The Chinese government recently released a raft of new rules to tighten how its carmakers operate in overseas markets. Carmakers are now required to take necessary measures to ensure any data-processing, including collection, use and cross-border transfers must comply with applicable laws.  They must also adhere to personal information protection regulations and safeguard consumer privacy.  This move is designed to improve buyer trust in overseas markets, but there remains concerns about its application.  Australia’s privacy rules allow for data to be transferred to China, so theoretically owner data could be at risk.  BYD’s new policy states in the event of personal data transfers to other countries, it will comply with data protection laws regarding cross-border transfers.  "We haven't and would not transfer any data of Australians to the Chinese authorities," it said.  Companies must still cooperate with authorities when required under national Chinese security rules.  A spokesperson for BYD Australia said the brand cannot be compelled to provide owner information because Australian law governs its operations.  The ABC also published an article on cybersecurity concerns for new EVs.  Cybersecurity expert Dan Hreszczuk was able to remotely access some of a BYD Shark 6’s functions without even needing a password.  Hreszczuk said he unpicked the software programs controlling different functions, and could blast music over the speakers, remotely switch the car’s lights on and off, and operate the wipers, among other things.  “It’s a little bit scary how open … the BYD Shark is to a hacker,” Hreszczuk told the ABC.  A spokesperson for BYD Australia told CarsGuide it was working through its own investigation, and is querying claims made by the ABC. "We are taking full and immediate action in reviewing alleged claims and will respond in detail once we have completed our investigation," they said. They said BYD conducts its own simulated cyberattack testing to assess the effectiveness of protections and identify vulnerabilities. "In current versions of our infotainment system, third-part apps cannot be installed by users, which helps prevent unauthorised software and potential vulnerabilities being installed on the vehicle," they said. It’s not just BYD making headlines over its in-cabin surveillance. Leapmotor cars feature lots of cameras to provide increased vision and safety for owners, in line with many Chinese EVs. The ABC has reported some Leapmotor models use cameras removed from federal government buildings over surveillance concerns. The cameras in question are made by Dahua Technology, and in 2023, many were removed from federal buildings and defence sites. CarsGuide has contacted Leapmotor Australia for comment to find out which models have Dahua cameras installed in them. Leapmotor currently sells its B10 and C10 fully-electric or hybrid range-extender SUVs, and its B05 hatchback in Australia. It will soon introduce the smaller budget-focused B03X designed to rival some of the most affordable EVs on sale in Australia.

Land Rover has revealed its toughest vehicles yet. The company has unveiled three new versions of its Wolf Series for the UK Ministry of Defence. The three versions of the 2026 Land Rover Defender include a Tactical Mobility Vehicle (TMV), Mono‑Tactical Mobility Vehicle (M‑TMV) and a Utility Vehicle (UV) according to JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). They’re all built on the Defender’s platform, and were shown off at the brand’s Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire last week. The news that JLR and Stellantis are working on a ute model, possibly to be badged as a Defender, coincides with the Wolf Series II reveal. The Land Rover Wolf name has been used since the mid-1990s for Defender-based military vehicles built by the British brand for use in service all over the world. After “more than 62,000 tests” the Defender Wolf Series II vehicles are the first to be badged as such in the current generation of Defender. The intention of the showcase is for JLR’s newly minted Defender Defence Division to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle tender, as well as for the brand to offer the Wolf Series II for sale to NATO defence organisations. As a vehicle intended for Military service, JLR hasn’t published the exact specifications of the Defender Wolf Series II. What has been published is that the new trio is built on the brand’s “purpose‑engineered D7x architecture” and uses British-made engines. They’re likely modified versions of a JLR diesel engine. Defender Managing Director Patrick McGillycuddy said about as much as the brand is likely to divulge about the vehicles. “Defender Wolf Series II is exceptionally robust and versatile,” McGillycuddy said. “Its D7x monocoque construction enables us to adapt the platform to the wide range of roles and operational requirements demanded by military organisations. “It is a modern successor to the world‑famous Defender Wolf and Land Rovers that have served the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years.  “Designed and engineered in Britain, with an engine built in Wolverhampton, Defender Wolf Series II also delivers sovereign capability.”

Hyundai’s Australian arm expressed cautious optimism about the company’s range of new ladder-frame 4WD products, despite the announcement at the brand’s recent investor day that they would be designed and built in the USA. Speaking to CarsGuide at the launch of the Palisade XRT Pro, Hyundai Australia General Manager of Product Planning Jonathan Lam said he wasn’t concerned about the CEO’s announcement for what could be a key new product for the brand. “The way we typically approach it is that we don’t worry too much about sourcing first, we worry about the product first," he said. “What head office does is they look at, okay, what does Australia want, what does Europe want, what does America want and so on. “They put all of that together and take a look. Where do the major markets have overlaps? If we distil one product into two or three projects or even a singular project that’s flexible enough to adapt to these markets around the world, then what would that look like? “Then, based on where the project is going they decide where it should be built in our many factories around the world. “So sourcing isn’t the be all and end all of it, it’s almost really the last step. “Think of it from a different perspective. Even in our current portfolio, there are cars that are built in multiple plants all across the world. So say, Santa Fe, we take it from the Korean plant, but they also manufacture them in America so just because it’s out in public that a certain model might be being designed and manufactured in America, doesn’t mean that it’s automatically off-limits for the rest of the world.” The upcoming family of ladder-frame products from Hyundai has been teased by the Boulder and Crater 4WD concepts. The new frame architecture they use will sit above the brand’s current matrix of H platform city cars (Venue, Inster), K platform small cars (Kona, i30), N platform mid-sizers (Tucson, Santa Fe), and e-GMP platform EVs (Ioniq 3 to Ioniq 9). The company’s global President and CEO Jose Munoz said recently the upcoming frame family, which is also expected to spawn a ute, will account for 50 per cent of the company’s growth aspirations until 2030. The new 4WDs are all expected to use new range-extender hybrid powertrains. The first implementation of this system will be on the updated Santa Fe early next year. While Lam couldn’t comment further on the future 4WD products for Australia, including what they might be or when we might see them, General Manager for Corporate Communications, Bill Thomas, added that Australia in particular gets a helping hand from South Korea. “Over the years, I’m always surprised by the high level of support we get from head office. In theory we’re such a small percentage of global volume, but the level of support we get is always higher.” On the topic of sourcing for Hyundai, when asked if the brand was more open to more vehicles manufactured in China, like the recently launched Elexio mid-size EV, Lam said many factories around the world still had potential to serve right-hand-drive cars to Australia. “We’re not averse to sourcing cars from other countries outside of just South Korea. It’s a big proportion of our current sourcing, but we’re open to sourcing cars from China, Czech Republic, Türkiye. “What’s more important is whether the product is right for our market and whether there’s a financial case to be made for it.” While Hyundai Australia has been lucky to secure some right-hand-drive exclusives, like the first-generation Palisade and the second-generation Veloster hatchback, it has also been forced to make some tough decisions. Recently, this included culling the well-received i30 hatchback from the line-up, as the cost of sourcing the latest version from Europe, where it is built, became prohibitively expensive. Now stripped down to only the go-fast N hatch and sedan range sourced from South Korea, this looks set to continue into the future, with the next-generation sedan already having been spied testing in Australia. Next for Hyundai will be the introduction of the Ioniq 3 electric crossover, next-generation i30 Sedan, and next-generation Tucson mid-sizer, all of which are expected in Australia in the first half of 2027.

GWM Australia has confirmed the pricing and specifications of its new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab ute. Thanks to a limited-time offer that allows $2000 off that runs out on October 31, 2026, the 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T line-up starts at $47,990 drive-away for ABN holders or $48,990 drive-away for private buyers. This undercuts the likes of the JAC Hunter PHEV and BYD Shark 6, making it Australia's cheapest PHEV ute. The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV has differing pricing for ABN holders and private buyers. The line-up is priced as follows: All prices are drive-away In lieu of the $2000 promotional drive-away bonus, customers can instead choose to receive a $2000 fuel card. The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s paired with an electric motor for total system outputs of 310kW and 750Nm. The electric motor is fed by a 33.1kWh battery that allows for up to 115km of NEDC-claimed electric range. Adding the 75-litre fuel tank, the overall claimed range is 1037km. This battery pack allows for DC fast-charging at rates up to 110kW, meaning a 30 to 80 per cent charge can take as little as 18 minutes. There is a nine-speed hybrid transmission with drive sent through a torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system. There’s also an electronic rear differential lock as standard. Despite the big battery, the Cannon Hi4-T PHEV still offers a 3500kg braked towing capacity. Payload is 835kg, gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 3420kg and the gross combined mass (GCM) is 6400kg. The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV comes in two trim levels, Lux and Ultra. The Lux come standard with the following: 18-inch black alloy wheels Full-size steel spare wheel Exterior black pack LED headlights Rear privacy glass 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Six-speaker sound system Electric park brake Wireless phone charger Synthetic leather upholstery Six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat Four-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat The Ultra adds the following: Electronic sunroof Interior ambient lighting Footwell lamp USB for dashcam Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Heated steering wheel Leather-accented upholstery Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat Four-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat Heated and ventilated front seats While the regular diesel-powered versions of the GWM Cannon have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the Hi4-T PHEV versions haven’t been tested yet and remain unrated for now. The following safety equipment is standard: Seven airbags, including centre airbag Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Blind-spot monitoring Rear cross-traffic alert Lane-keep assist Adaptive cruise control Driver attention monitoring Reversing camera Rear parking sensors Stepping up to the Ultra brings the following: Surround-view camera Front parking sensors

Aussie buyers will soon have a new fully-electric ute to choose from. The MG U9 EV will be the latest in a limited, but expanding set of electric utes in Australia. Prices for the MG U9 EV will start at $78,990 (before on-road costs). Its main competition will be the KGM Musso EV and the low-volume targeted Toyota HiLux BEV. The Musso EV is about $20,000 cheaper than the U9 EV, and the HiLux BEV is in the same ballpark. The U9 EV joins its diesel sibling that has been available in Australia since September 2025. The MG U9 is powered by two electric motors, making 325kW and 700Nm. This is substantially more performance than the Musso EV (152kW/339Nm) and the HiLux BEV (144kW/468Nm). It has the industry standard 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 685kg payload. It’s equipped with a sizeable 102kWh battery that offers a driving range of 430km, besting the HiLux BEV (240km), both according to WLTP standards. DC charging at 115kW from 20 to 80 per cent takes 42 minutes. The car has all-wheel drive and a four-wheel electric air suspension system. The U9 EV can charge and power external devices directly using its vehicle-to-load system. Its external outlet operates at 6.6kW, with three 2.2kW outlets available in the cabin.  Elsewhere inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen as well as a wireless phone charger. The ute has an eight-speaker JBL audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Front seats are wrapped in leather and are heated, while the driver seat is ventilated and has massage functionality. The U9 EV's technology includes a 360-degree camera and hands-free automatic tailgate. The U9 EV will be shown in the metal for one of the first times on September 18, 2026 at the Everything Electric event in Sydney as it edges closer to an official launch. Australia will be the first market to launch the U9 EV globally, which is expected to happen before the end of 2026 or early 2027. Pricing will be revealed closer to U9 EV’s arrival, but it will need to be competitive with the KGM Musso EV ($60,000, drive-away) and the Toyota HiLux BEV ($74,990, before on-road costs). Buyers can expect it to be more expensive than the diesel variant that starts from $52,990, drive-away. 

Australian V8 vans rejoice, Ram has confirmed the V8 Hemi-powered 2500 Warlock for Australia. This follows the brand locking in the 6.2-litre supercharged V8-powered 1500 TRX last month. The 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol finds its way into the off-road focused 2500 Warlock, which will sit alongside the diesel-powered 2500 Heavy Duty. Ram said deliveries of the 2500 Warlock will commence in October. Ram Australia boss Jeff Barber said Australian customers were screaming for the V8 Hemi to come back, and it would complement the diesel-powered Heavy Duty utes perfectly. “We had also been exploring the option of an off-road inspired Ram 2500 Heavy Duty model for some time, so the Warlock was the perfect opportunity to bring the Hemi V8 back and deliver customers a broader choice. “So when we were assessing the suitability of the Warlock for our market, we decided to go all in and bring the HEMI V8 back with it,” he said. The naturally-aspirated 6.4-litre V8 makes 306kW and 582Nm, and is matched to an eight-speed auto with high and low gearing. The 2500 Warlock can tow up to 6700kg, but will need a 'goose neck' accessory and air brakes to manage the load that big. It is rated to tow 3500kg with a 50mm tow ball and 4500kg with a bigger 70mm tow ball. The 2500 Warlock has a payload of up to 1275kg and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4495kg. The 2500 Warlock has a 117-litre fuel tank. Ram isn’t required to provide a fuel use figure, because the vehicle’s GVM exceeds 3500kg exempting it from Australian Design Rules requiring fuel use testing. Overseas reports put it at between 15 and 20 litres per 100km, but if you are concerned about fuel use this probably isn’t the vehicle for you. The 2500 Warlock kicks off at $157,950, before on-road costs, which is about $15,000 cheaper than the diesel-powered 2500. It is also about $10,000 cheaper than the diesel-powered Chevrolet Silverado 2500. It has plenty of standard kit, including: Black front fascia and headlight surrounds Black front and rear bumpers Black fender flares Black side steps Black mirror scalps Warlock decals 20-inch alloys wheels (up from 18-inch on Laramie) All-terrain tyres (285/60/20) versus highway terrain tyres on Laramie Bilstein off-road shock absorbers Coil spring rear suspension LED headlights Spray-in bedliner 12-inch multimedia screen Six-seats (centre console when middle front seat not in use) Ram Australia only covers its vehicles with a three year/100,000km warranty, which is well below the industry average of five years./unlimited km. Service intervals are every 12 months or 12,000km, whichever comes first. The 2500 is a big unit and underground carparks will be a nightmare, with it measuring 6066mm long, 2220 wide (excluding mirrors), 2043mm tall and wheelbase of 3785mm. Ram said it has a turning circle of 14.6 metres and kerb weight of 3220kg. It has a healthy approach and departure angles of 22.9 and 25.8 degrees, respectively. The ramp over angle is 22 degrees.

BYD is recalling 32,009 examples of its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab ute in Australia due to the potential abnormal wear of the spare wheel assembly. This recall affects BYD Shark 6 examples produced between August 29, 2024 and June 15, 2026. BYD has clarified that this recall doesn’t relate to all Shark 6 examples and only certain examples. “For involved vehicles, BYD has identified that in certain circumstances incorrect installation of the spare wheel, incorrect positioning of the spare wheel tray or insufficient fastening torque may cause abnormal wear of the spare wheel support cable,” said BYD Australia in its recall notice. “Continued movement and friction during vehicle operation may cause the cable to fail, resulting in spare wheel detachment. “This may create a hazard to other road users and potentially cause serious injury or death.” If you own an affected vehicle, BYD will replace the spare wheel lifter assembly with an updated design, free of charge. BYD estimates that this fix will take around 30 minutes, but this depends on the dealer’s work schedule. BYD Australia is urging Shark 6 owners that are affected by this recall to remove the spare wheel from their vehicle if they wish to continue driving it. The company will contact affected Shark 6 owners and provide details regarding the recall. It urges owners to keep their contact information up to date. This notification will come via an email, but customers with the BYD app may also receive a notification there. From here you will be prompted to contact your BYD dealer as soon as possible. If you have further questions, you can contact BYD Customer Care on 1800 888 298 from Monday to Friday 9:30am-5:30pm AEST.

A new exciting ute could be in the works.  Jaguar Land Rover and Stellantis are exploring the potential of introducing a Defender-branded full-size pick-up in the United States, according to The Times.  The pair announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2026 “to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development” in the US.  JLR confirmed it would pursue a range of new products under the Defender brand specifically designed for the US market.  The MoU includes product and technology development, with a Defender-badged ute potentially the first new car of this partnership.  JLR’s partnership with Stellantis shows the iconic brand wants to take the US market seriously.  Its Defender SUV is a popular seller in the US, but it’s subject to heavy import tariffs, limiting profitability for Land Rover in a key market.  JLR wants to prioritise the US market to capitalise on rising luxury car demand and the brand's growing popularity there.  “Our aspiration in the coming years is to grow our US business to the size of the entire JLR business as it exists today,” JLR CEO PB Balaji said in a June 2026 statement. Full-size pick-ups are some of the most popular cars on sale in North America, so this model could be a huge hit if it gets off the ground. Plans are still at an early stage for the JLR Stellantis ute, but they are expected to be finalised before the end of 2026.  The ute is likely to be built in the United States to avoid the high import tariffs. There is no confirmation on whether the new ute will use the Land Rover Defender’s existing D7x architecture or a specific ute platform from Stellantis’ Jeep or Ram.  The current Defender rides on a car-based monocoque chassis that is not used on any ute models, but it features a rigid structure like on traditional ladder frame 4WD set-ups.  Jeep and Ram have more ready-made ute chassis options, with the Ram 1500’s DT platform or the Jeep Wrangler’s JL platform a streamlined fit.  Any Australian prospects are a long way down the line for this ute.  It will be initially targeted at the US market, so it will only be built in left-hand drive, reducing its chances of going on sale Down Under.  Key full-size pick-up trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 are remanufactured in Australia to be right-hand drive.  The Stellantis-built Ram 1500 also undergoes this remanufacturing process, meaning this new ute model could follow a similar path. 

There will soon be a Toyota HiLux for everyone. The Japanese brand has revealed details of its new hydrogen-powered HiLux, which will join the diesel and battery electric versions already on sale. The new Toyota HiLux hydrogen fuel-cell ute will go on sale in Europe in 2028. Toyota Australia has previously confirmed to CarsGuide the hydrogen HiLux will go on sale in Australia the same year. Toyota Europe claims the new hydrogen HiLux, dubbed HiLux FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), will have a targeted driving range of 400km and be able to tow 2500kg.  Toyota will fine tune the hydrogen HiLux at next year's Dakar Rally, where the company will race a vehicle based on the gas-powered ute. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are another form of electric vehicle.  Instead of using a battery with stored energy to power electric motors, they convert hydrogen into electricity to power the motors. Hydrogen is stored in a pressurised tank and is mixed with air, and then is pumped into the fuel cell, where a chemical reaction occurs that creates electricity and water. The electricity is stored in a small battery, which powers the electric motors that drive the wheels. The water is expelled out the tailpipe. Toyota is working on a new fuel cell to fit to trucks that would deliver the same grunt as a diesel motor. Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and fuel-cell vehicles don’t require an enormous battery that are made up of critical minerals. In theory this makes them cheaper. Hydrogen is extremely energy intensive to isolate, which means unless you use green energy it is not very clean, despite the lack of tailpipe emissions. There is barely any infrastructure for hydrogen cars to fill up in Australia, which means an entire network needs to be created. But they can be refilled in about five minutes, which is much quicker than a battery electric vehicle can recharge. Hydrogen is often seen as the answer to heavy vehicles rather than passenger cars. An electric semi-trailer would require an enormous battery to allow it to haul its load, but FCEV tech is seen as the answer because it is lighter and can be refilled faster. It would be easier to install hydrogen refuelling infrastructure along major highways, ports and industrial areas than roll out an urban network.