Adventure

An old 4WD rivalry is about to be re-ignited. Mitsubishi is preparing a new off-road focused four-wheel drive, which is likely to be a replacement for the discontinued Pajero.

The onslaught of new challenger brands and models coming to the Aussie new-car market is not slowing down. And this five-seat range-extender EV 4WD, the Deepal G318, is on the cards for local launch. CarsGuide had the opportunity to take a preview drive.

The new-generation Mitsubishi Triton range marks the biggest change for the model in a long time: a new bi-turbo engine (150kW/470Nm), new chassis and suspension, overhauled design (with a longer wheelbase), and increased towing capacity, among a raft of changes.The new mid-grade GLX-R sports a few extras beyond what the lower-spec vehicles get - most importantly, Super Select 4WD-II.

Isuzu’s updated 2025 MU-X range has a new flagship, the X-Terrain. To separate it from the rest of the range it comes with a range of unique black elements, including its 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, the horizontal bars on the grille, fog light surrounds and fender flares.It also gets a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, red ambient lighting and leather-accented trim with red and grey contrasting stitching. The X-Terrain is also exclusively available in Slate Grey metallic paint.The MU-X X-Terrain is only available with the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 (no 4x2 option). The X-Terrain is priced from $74,400 (plus on-road costs), but Isuzu is offering a very appealing drive-away price from launch at $73,990.

The entry to the updated Isuzu MU-X range remains the LS-M variant, which leads on value but still comes with meaningful choices for buyers.The biggest choice is the powertrain, with buyers able to pick between the 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel or the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, with the former available only with 4x2 but the bigger engine can be 4x2 or 4x4.For 2025 the LS-M gets some new equipment, including updated cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch digital display on the instrument panel, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as USB-C ports and bi-LED headlights.The LS-M begins the range with a $46,990 drive-away deal from launch for the 1.9L 4x2 (list price is $48,400 plus on-road costs. The 3.0-litre 4x2 LS-M starts from $50,400 (plus on-road costs) and 3.0L 4x4 starts at $56,400 (plus on-road costs).

The Ford Everest is the Blue Oval's most popular SUV and for 2025 the range has been expanded. The new Everest Tremor has arrived to take on the latest Toyota Prado in what should be an epic battle of family-friendly off-roaders.We hit the bush in the Everest Tremor to find out if it's tough enough to worry Toyota.

The Isuzu MU-X LS-U sits in the middle of the range and arguably offers the best value as well as the most choice.It is available with a choice of the 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with 4x4, or the 3.0-litre four-cylinder with 4x2 or 4x4. The smaller engine makes 110kW/350Nm and the bigger punches out 140kW/450Nm.Some of the most noticeable enhancements for 2025 include new 12-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a new leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano black interior trims, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display panel, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, USB-C ports, LED fog lights and tyre pressure monitoring.The LS-U 1.9-litre 4x4 is priced from $61,400 (plus on-road cost), the 3.0L 4x2 from $57,400 (plus on-road cost) and the 3.0L 4x4 $63,400 (plus on-road cost).

The Toyota LandCruiser Prado will add a new five-seat version of its popular GXL trim level, allowing the second-cheapest model in the lineup to maximise its boot space.

The Toyota Fortuner has been available in Australia for a decade but has never got anywhere near hitting the sales heights of the HiLux on which it's based.With a new Fortuner possibly due in the not-too-distant future, it's worth revisiting the seven-seat Fortuner to see how this ageing 4WD wagon stands up against in a realm dominated by fresher, more sophisticated rivals.

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T is the brand’s rival to the Ford Everest Tremor 4WD, sitting just below the flagship X-Terrain.The LS-T is only available with the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, but it can be had as a 4x2.Key equipment for the LS-T includes a new 360-degree surround-view camera system, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented upholstery, black headlining, white ambient lighting and black elements on the front bumper, grille and rear bumper.The MU-X LS-T is priced from $65,400 (plus on-road costs) for the 4x2 and from $71,400 (plus on-road costs) for the 4x4. However, at the time of launch, Isuzu Australia is offering a drive-away deal of $69,990 for the 4x4 model.