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In 2026, there are a number of intriguing new models designed and engineered expressly for North America that we think would resonate with Australians.While some are certainly flash and expensive, all are exceptional in some special way.We identify our favourites, and reveal why we’re denied them. Let’s go.The latest Toyota HiLux is… better than before.An appreciable improvement over the previous model launched in 2015, it evolves the series in key safety, comfort and multimedia areas.But the HiLux is far from the best, being a rehash of a much-older design compared to the leading Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Kia Tasman.Which is where the US-market Tacoma steps in… and up.However, though it uses the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform related to the latest LandCruiser 300 Series and Prado 250 SUV ranges, it is currently a left-hand-drive-only (LHD) proposition, made in Mexico chiefly for North America, so out of bounds for us.But – as Toyota Motor Company Australia’s (TMCA) departing sales boss Sean Hanley recently revealed to CarsGuide ­– Tacoma is high on the local wishlist, as part of a broader ute strategy that would also include HiLux.“They could live side by side,” he said. “And I think that's the diversity of the requirement of that particular segment and its customers. (Tacoma) would be a more high-end vehicle.“I think that there's a market for that vehicle in the right configuration alongside HiLux.”This one-two ute approach would please both traditionalists and provide a more-effective, premium-positioned weapon against larger, stronger competition.But, it won’t happen in 2026, as the local team appears to await an evolved Tacoma (or similar) that’s said to be in the pipeline for global markets, with more-suitable engine options for Australians than the existing 2.4-litre turbo and turbo-hybrid petrol-powered choices. And possibly cheaper sourcing than from America.If you’re a Toyota fan and the latest HiLux doesn’t quite do it for you, the right Tacoma cannot come soon enough.Oh, and while you're at it, can TMCA also release the US-market retro-style round-light Prado 250 to Oz, please?Five years after storming North America, the Maverick continues to sell better than ever, with over 155,000 units shifted in the US alone last year.Made in Mexico, the ute that looks like it was designed by Ikea isn’t the first of its type. But where the Ford differs from other car-based monocoque-bodied dual-cab utes is in its perfect proportions: it seems consumers love the compact yet confident pick-up look.Yet that’s not the only reason why we reckon the Maverick would win over Australians. A sub-$40K asking price, for starters, would help, given the cheapest new Ford passenger vehicle, the base Everest, costs nearly $60K. And the petrol-hybrid powertrain would woo more than a few would-be BYD Shark 6 buyers.So, why can’t we buy one here? The official reasons are no right-hand drive (RHD) production and a lack of production capacity keeping up with demand, though the fear of stealing sales from Ranger must surely also factor in. Yep, the fear of cannibalism from within is real at Ford.With timeless styling, a sumptuous cabin for seven, alluring luxury and the option of up to four electric motors, the R1S is an American flagship SUV EV that seamlessly blends performance, opulence, practicality and desirability.And while a massive battery pack ensures outstanding range, the Rivian’s off-road prowess makes this a reinvented Range Rover for today.The bad news is that RHD seems unlikely. While many top-end full-sized SUV EVs miss the mark for consumers, the R1S provides a most-compelling alternative. It even helped achieve a “most loved brand” accolade from Consumer Reports in 2024, highlighting this newcomer’s immense achievement.We’ve already spotted R1S’s related electric ute sibling at Ford’s Australian headquarters, presumably undergoing competition evaluation, suggesting the Ranger may eventually follow suit. But that’s another story.It also speaks volumes about how esteemed this 600km-plus luxury pick-up is. Classy, capable and high quality, it seems to embody the polar opposite of a Tesla Cybertruck. And we’re here for that.But the only RHD Rivian coming will be this year’s smaller, all-new R2 SUV, but that’s only currently confirmed for the UK.You’d think the R1T would be a no-brainer in ute-obsessed Australia. Pity.Unlike every other Charger since 1966, today’s eighth iteration breaks from the traditional American muscle-car formula.Built on an albeit heavily-modified premium platform also underpinning a number of larger Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Maserati models within the Stellantis portfolio, the sleek, evocative body offers three-door and five-door liftback styles, rather than the expected two-door coupe or fastback designs associated with so-called pony cars.With no V8 Hemi in sight, today’s Charger spec consists of twin-motor and triple-motor all-wheel drive EV choices, or a 3.0-litre twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol engine dubbed ‘Six Pack’. Fans of Australia’s legendary Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T E49 of 1971 would know exactly what that entails.But inevitably we miss out again. Yes, Autogroup International does offer a remanufactured RHD version for an undisclosed premium, but we imagine it would be far-more expensive than the $85K-plus Ford Mustang GT.The Lucid Air represents the pinnacle of American luxury sedan development.Exquisitely designed, beautifully packaged, blisteringly fast and incredibly efficient even by EV standards, this ultra-high-tech alternative to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class pushes flagship-sedan boundaries with the no-compromise vision of a company determined to succeed against near-insurmountable odds.More romantically-inclined automotive historians might liken the Air as kin to ambitious but doomed heroes like the 1937 Cord 810, early Lincoln Continentals and even the Tucker 48 Torpedo, but the sheer competence and abilities of the Lucid mean this is a Tesla Model S smasher for the head as well as the heart. Except, not for Australians.

Mazda has raised the prices of its CX-5 and CX-3 SUVs, among other models as part of increases across the range for 2026. Mazda’s two most popular models have seen price hikes, with the CX-5 up $500, now starting from $37,240, while the smaller CX-3 has gone up $300 to $30,670.The CX-3 remains marginally cheaper than the rivalling Toyota Yaris Cross. It is worth noting the CX-3 is petrol-only, while the Yaris Cross is hybrid-exclusive.The CX-5 is also still cheaper than many of its competitors, such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. While many Mazda models remain available at a more affordable price point, there are limited hybrid options across the range, with rivals adding alternatives regularly. A new-generation CX-5 will launch in 2026, although it will launch with a combustion engine, with a hybrid drivetrain arriving later to better compete with the Tucson, Sportage and Toyota RAV4 all of which have strong-selling hybrid variants.Most Mazda models have increased by $300, such as on the Mazda2 and Mazda3 passenger cars, which now start from $28,190 and $31,310 (before on-road costs), respectively. The BT-50 ute is another to experience an increase, up $500 to $38,400, meaning it is now more than $2000 more than the closely-related Isuzu Ute D-Max at $36,200. The MX-5 two-door sports car now costs $500 more at $42,140, while the CX-30, costs $300 more, starting from $34,360.The CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 are all up $500 for 2026.Some models have had more substantial increases, with the CX-90 large SUV up $650, with a starting price of $69,300. A spokesperson for Mazda Australia said these price increases are a reflection of impacts from market changes, raw materials, production costs and currency fluctuations.The latest pricing data also revealed the Mazda 6 sedan has been cut from the range, as the China-sourced 6e gears up to enter the fray as its electric replacement. A CX-6e electric SUV on the same platform is also scheduled for a 2026 arrival.Toyota has also introduced similar price increases across some of its popular models, such as on the Prado SUV and LandCruiser 4x4.

On the cusp of five years since the Holden brand disappeared from the Australian new car landscape, a sixth-generation version of what would have been a key part of the Aussie icon’s 2026 line-up has been unveiled in Europe.The Holden Astra, a localised version of its then Opel Astra corporate GM cousin, was in local showrooms when the Lion Brand was finally shuttered in 2021.Now a sleek, all-new Opel Astra has gone on sale in Europe with pure-electric, hybrid and diesel options offered.Designed, developed and built at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the newcomer is available as a five-door hatch and Sports Tourer wagon, claimed to boast upgraded tech, improved comfort and a more distinctive appearance, all with pricing unchanged.Opel said the design of the new car’s nose has been influenced by its Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept shown at last year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, as have new 17- and 18-inch alloy rim designs finished in ‘Kontur White’ and ‘Klover Green’.A premium visual touch is an illuminated Opel Blitz (German for lightning) emblem as a centrepiece of the brand’s signature single-module front-end design while ‘Intelli-Lux HD’ headlights are claimed to comprise 50,000 LED elements.Interior highlights include a sweeping media and driver information screen display and ‘Intelli-Seats’ featuring a centre recess to reduce pressure on the tailbone. Powertrain options include the 115kW Astra Electric with a 58kWh battery delivering a claimed range of up to 454km (WLTP) and V2L functionality. A 107kW petrol-electric hybrid variant and a 96kW 1.5-litre diesel are also available. Pricing for the Opel Astra Electric hatch starts at €37,990 (~$63,900) with the hybrid at €32,990 (~$55,500).A shining star for current owner, Stellantis, Opel became profitable soon after its acquisition by the PSA Group (now Stellantis) in 2017, turning around close to two decades of losses under General Motors. Who knows what might have been if the Holden journey had continued?

Toyota Australia has increased the asking price of a number of its popular SUV models.From January 1, 2026, the Toyota C-HR, LandCruiser Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series all received price hikes of up to $1500, depending on the model and variant.“Toyota is committed to keeping price increases to a minimum. These changes came into effect recently due to increased costs and inflationary pressures both here and overseas,” said a Toyota Australia spokesperson.The 2026 Toyota C-HR is now priced from $46,940 before on-road costs to $58,890 before on-road costs. Pricing for the entire line-up is $1500.The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is now priced from $73,200 before on-road costs to $100,690 before on-road costs. Pricing is up $700 across the line-up.The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series $99,340 before on-road costs to $147,160 before on-road costs. Pricing is up $1000 across the line-up.Pricing tables for all three Toyota models are at the bottom of this story.This is the first time the current-generation Prado has received a price rise in Australia since it was introduced in late 2024.Since it first launched, Toyota introduced a five-seat version of the popular GXL mid-spec variant following criticism of the compromised boot space of the seven-seat versions.The Prado was also the third best-selling Toyota model in Australia during 2025, behind only the popular HiLux and RAV4.While the existing LandCruiser 300 Series with its 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine almost already reaches $150,000 before on-road costs, it’s expected to surpass this with the forthcoming 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol ‘Performance Hybrid’ GR Sport and Sahara ZX trims.While the first-generation Toyota C-HR was a sales success, sales of the current second-generation which was introduced in 2024 have been notably softer.During 2025 a total of 2892 examples were sold which is up 2.3 per cent year-on-year. However over the same period Toyota also sold 12,686 examples of the similarly sized Corolla Cross.This is likely due to the fact the current C-HR is much more expensive than it was. It’s now sourced from Turkey instead of Japan and as a result incurs a five per cent import tariff.2026 Toyota C-HR pricing:2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado pricing:2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series pricing:

Details of BYD’s next-generation charging hardware have leaked in China, according to reports.The upcoming stations form part of the brand’s strategy to roll out megawatt-level charging for its range of cars in the near future.The second-generation megawatt charging stations reportedly will be able to support speeds of up to 1500kW and a maximum voltage of 1000, indicating BYD is future-proofing its new charging hardware for cars that don’t exist yet.Currently the fastest charging cars in Australia use an 800-volt electrical architecture, with the Zeekr 7X capable of charging at up to a claimed 420kW.At the claimed maximum speed, Zeekr says the 7X should be able to charge from 10 - 80 per cent in 13 minutes. Other vehicles with 800-volt architectures, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9, are capable of speeds of up to 350kW for theoretically sub-20 minute charging times.Very few chargers in Australia are capable of supporting such speeds. Most chargers supporting 800-volt are limited to 350kW, and the fastest public charging station in the country are a set of 400kW ABB chargers at an Ampol AmpCharge site in Sydney.In previous conversations with charge provider Evie Networks, one major limiting factor for providing ultra-fast charging in Australia is the amount of power available to individual sites. Often the sheer input to support even 350kW is not available.In China, where power is both affordable and plentiful, charging ‘rest stops’ with tens of ultra-fast DC chargers are common. The largest site is in Shenzhen which has 258 DC fast chargers.In 2025, China reached a milestone of 20 million charging plugs, with BYD planning to deploy 15,000 MW-level chargers by 2027.These second-generation chargers look set to supersede the original 1MW chargers, which the brand announced to some fanfare in early 2025. At the time BYD said the 1MW chargers could add up to 400km of driving range to its Han L and Tang L EVs in just five minutes.BYD’s charging foray is in support of its range of fast-charge capable EVs, which will no doubt expand beyond the Han L and Tang L in the future.Currently a version of the Tang L is about to become available in Australia, badged the Sealion 8, although it is only sold as a three-row seven-seat plug-in hybrid compared to the EV version sold in China.BYD does not currently offer charging hardware in the Australian market.Tesla is one of the biggest players in the charging hardware game , and in China Tesla now offers its V4 pylons capable of outputting up to 500kW.Meanwhile for BYD locally it would be unsurprising to see the brand launch 1MW capable vehicles, such as an EV version of the Sealion 8 eventually, as part of its strategy to be a top-three automaker by the end of 2026 and beyond.

​​Tesla has today announced a name change for its Model 3 and Model Y in Australia, introducing the "Premium" moniker, while also confirming the cheaper stripped-back Standard models offered overseas would not be coming to Australia.

Chinese brand LDV has slashed the price of its D90 seven-seat family SUV.The range now kicks off at $39,990 drive-away for the two-wheel-drive Mode grade, which is a saving of about $4000.That new entry price undercuts newer Chinese rivals such as the MG QS ($46,990 drive-away), but it is pipped to the post by the Chery Tiggo 8 ($38,990 drive-away).It is also significantly cheaper than big name rivals such as the Kia Sorento ($51,630 before on-road costs) and Toyota Kluger Hybrid ($62,410 before on-road costs).Other off-road-focussed cut-price rivals like the Mahindra Scorpio (from $48,990 drive-away) and KGM Rexton (from $52,000) are also pricier.The rest of the D90 remains priced the same, with the better equipped two-wheel-drive Executive grade priced at $47,884 drive-away and the range-topping 4WD Executive variant costing $51,568. ABN holders can shave about $2500 off the price of those two.All models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that makes 184kW and 410Nm. It is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.LDV claims it has a braked towing capacity of up to 3000kg.All D90s get a heavy dose of interior tech and active driver aids. This includes dual 12.3-inch displays - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - and rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and auto emergency braking.LDV covers its vehicles in Australia with a seven year/200,000km warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package is included.The D90 requires its first service at six months/5000km with the following intervals stretching to 12 months/10,000km.2026 LDV D90 price

China’s GWM has detailed pricing for the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its Tank 300 body-on-frame SUV ahead of it arriving at local dealers from March 2026.The 2026 GWM Tank 300 Hi4-T line-up starts at $55,990 drive-away for the entry-level Lux trim and extends to $59,990 drive-away for the top-spec Ultra trim.GWM claims this is a “limited-time special launch offer” and after February 28 pricing will rise $2000 if the offer isn’t extended.For now however the Lux PHEV is priced the exact same as the Ultra Hybrid, and the Ultra PHEV is the new flagship trim in the entire Tank 300 line-up.Powering the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an 120kW electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission, bringing total system outputs to 300kW and 750Nm. This is 45kW and 102Nm more than the existing Tank 300 Hybrid.For context, the Nissan Patrol with its 5.6-litre V8 engine produces 2kW and 190Nm less than the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV.A key part of the electric motor being integrated into the automatic transmission is it allows for the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV to retain a mechanical four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case. There’s also both front and rear locking differentials, as well as a number of off-road terrain settings.Like the rest of the Tank 300 line-up, the PHEV versions have a 3000kg braked towing capacity. It’s unclear what the payload capacity is just yet.Additionally GWM claims the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV can do up to 115km of electric range, according to lenient NEDC testing, thanks to its 37.1kWh battery pack.It’s capable of being fast-charged at rates up to 50kW, allowing for a 30 to 80 per cent charge in 24 minutes.There’s also vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability at rates up to 6kW, allowing you to power external devices and appliances.Full specifications are set to be detailed close to the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV’s local launch.The addition of this new PHEV powertrain brings the number of engines the Tank 300 is now offered in to a total of four: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, 2.0-litre hybrid and a 2.0-litre PHEV.It’s unclear how long GWM will continue to offer all four of these powertrains in the Tank 300. When it launched the PHEV option in the Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute it discontinued the hybrid powertrain.Historically the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine has been the best-selling powertrain in the Tank 300. It’s unclear how this will change with the introduction of the PHEV.“With the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV, we’re continuing to expand our cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology providing genuine off-road strength, all at a highly competitive price point,” said GWM Australia and New Zealand COO John Kett. “As demonstrated across our other PHEV variants, we remain committed to delivering vehicles where customers can benefit from strong EV-only range, fast charging, V2L and true mechanical 4×4 capability.“As the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) are likely to change the Australian automotive landscape like never before, GWM stands ready to deliver more technology for less.”

Reports have emerged that Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX is considering a merger with one of the billionaire’s other major companies ahead of going public on the stock market.A tie-up between SpaceX and one of xAI or Tesla, all headed up by the contentious billionaire, is on the cards according to Reuters, with SpaceX expected to hit the stock market valued at as much as US$1.5t (A$2.16t).While reports suggest insiders are leaning towards a merger between SpaceX and xAI, both being private companies while Tesla is public, there’s talk that Tesla will eventually join the mega-company that is being touted as ‘Elon Inc’.Tesla being more closely associated with Musk’s other brands isn't out of the ordinary, the allegedly forthcoming Tesla Roadster has been touted as a “Tesla/SpaceX collab” according to Musk, while Tesla and SpaceX do business in the battery space for the rocket company’s storage needs.Tesla also ‘loaned’ a series of employees to Twitter (now X) to help with coding shortly after the former Trump ally bought the social media network.Merging Tesla and SpaceX presents more complexities than xAI and SpaceX, according to experts Reuters spoke to. Aside from the public/private company factor, Tesla investors might see the merger as “dilutive” to their focus on Tesla.“Combining all or part of his empire into Tesla would involve a number of complexities,” John Streur told Reuters. Streur is a Senior Managing Partner at Boston Common Asset Management. “If the valuations are extremely high it will be viewed as dilutive to Tesla shareholders.”While it’s all up in the air at the moment for Tesla, the effects it might have on the brand's products can be seen in the aforementioned ways the companies already work together - more AI integration into Tesla’s cars including autonomous features, plus the potential for more experimentation with SpaceX contributions to the brand’s features.The future of Tesla as a car brand is generally changing slowly already, with Musk touting Tesla’s robots and discontinuing the Model X SUV and Model S sedan, the latter being instrumental early in Tesla’s rise to EV dominance.It was announced in late January that the factory in California where the Model S and X were built would be converted into a production line for Tesla's Optimus robots.The loss of S and X won’t greatly impact the brand’s bottom line, though, as its Model 3 and Model Y reportedly accounted for 97 per cent of the brand’s 2025 global sales.

Ford's potential tie-up with hyped Chinese brand reportedly denied.