Off road

Mitsubishi is close to bringing back its legendary four-wheel drive. The Japanese brand has confirmed its new large off-roader  — likely called Pajero — will be revealed this year, with an Australian launch also tipped for 2026. The latest mail from Japan’s Best Car magazine, which is known for its well-placed sources in the Japanese car industry, reveals the new Pajero will have a three-grade line-up. It is likely the Pajero will borrow the same model grade names from the Triton, which it shares its underpinnings with. This means the base and mid-tier versions are likely to be the GLX and either GLS or GSR. Best Car believes the range-topper will take on the Exceed name in a throwback to past generations of Pajero. Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed any details about the Pajero, including its name, except that the big rig will debut this year. Camouflaged versions have been spotted testing in Australia, including by CarsGuide earlier this year in Western Victoria. Mitsubishi's President Keisuke Kishiura told US outlet Automotive News, "the Pajero is a cross-country SUV that combines fully-fledged off-road capability with the ease of handling and comfort of a passenger car". “We plan to launch the new cross-country SUV within the year.” It is believed to be based on the Triton platform, which means a proper ladder frame that would give it genuine off-road ability. It'll need some fancy adaptable suspension to give it proper on-road manners compared to the Triton. Expect it to use a version of 2.4-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine, but it could make more than the 150kW and 470Nm in the Australian-specification Triton. The camouflaged vehicles give us a clue at what the new Pajero will look like, with big blocky styling similar to the new Nissan Patrol. There appears to be a large grille with vertical tiered headlights and bonnet bulges. There is no tailgate-mounted spare wheel, which could be added later or it is likely located beneath the vehicle.

GWM says it is bowing to public pressure by putting the Tank 400 back on the table for consideration in Australia. The larger, chunkier and more aggressive version of the popular Tank 300 had been sidelined for Australia since making its debut at the 2021 Shanghai Auto before hitting global markets as a 2023 model, but consistent requests have led to the rethink. We understand that a $60,000-to-$70,000 price tag is the target, thanks to premium positioning, and it's likely to include GWM’s new efficiency-focused Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system. That powertrain in 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol guise paired with a rear-mounted electric motor and 59kWh battery can offer a claimed EV-only range of 200km and more than 1000km combined in some related GWM models. There is also the more 4x4-orientated Hi4-T PHEV, with extra driven differentials and other off-road-biased tech, giving the 400 a wide breadth of capability. The brand’s vaunted new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel hybrid system is also expected to feature at some point, as the Hi4 hybrid grades, though nothing has been announced. However, the Tank 400 you see in these pictures will not be the version Australians might be able to buy, given a major makeover is in the pipeline for sometime next year, meaning that we won’t likely see the SUV before 2028 at the earliest. “We’re definitely considering the 400 now,” according to a GWM spokesperson, speaking to CarsGuide at the China Auto Show in Beijing last week, adding that the company will gauge Australian consumer reaction to the media coverage from the event. “We’ll see how our dealers and customers react to it.” To that end, journalists were invited to sample the current model under extremely heavy and very limited supervision at GWM’s new proving ground in Hebei near the company’s headquarters in Baoding. So, what is the 400 and how does it fit into the Tank hierarchy? Based on the body-on-frame platform as found underneath the Tank 300 and 500, as well as their respective Cannon and Cannon Alpha ute counterparts, the 400 is most closely aligned with the 300. However, it is more than 100mm longer in body and wheelbase, as well as 30mm wider overall. Consequently, the five-seater body is considerably larger in those dimensions as well, bringing a big increase in passenger space as well as cargo capacity compared to the donor 4WD. If given the green light, GWM hopes to pitch the 400 against other premium 4WDs with some off-road capability, like the Denza B5 and Land Rover Defender.

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Denza, BYD's premium sub-brand, has brought its plush B5 PHEV to Australia. The top-spec B5 Leopard is a luxury body-on-frame 4WD wagon with five seats, 16 drive modes, a low-range gear-set on the rear axle, and front and rear diff locks. It has a packed standard features list, a premium-style interior, about 100km of electric-only driving range, and real off-road adventure potential.

More than a quarter of a century since the Land Rover Freelander was pensioned off, the SUV nameplate has returned with the Freelander 8, a rugged SUV developed by both Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The first of six SUVs to be launched in the next five years as part of the Anglo-Sino partnership, the new Freelander 8 has already been confirmed for right-hand-drive markets, opening the door to Australian sales. Sold under the new Freelander sub-brand, Freelander 8 sales will initially begin in China as soon as late this year, before export sales kick off later. Created to be an all-electric mid-to-large six-seat SUV rival for the Toyota Kluger, the Freelander 8 comes with powerful 800-volt electrics for ultra-fast DC charging. Later on, the Freelander 8 will adopt both a range-extender hybrid (REEV), as well as the plug-in hybrids more commonly found in Europe. Freelander has confirmed that the REEV will bag CATL's latest Freevoy battery, which is capable of 6C charging, that translates into rapid DC peak charging speeds of 360kW. Ensuring it is as capable as any other Land Rover, the Freelander 8 features an electronic limited-slip differential, which is combined with a virtual central locking differential, plus a height-adjustable dual-chamber air suspension. Following on from the well-received Freelander Concept 97, the 8 borrows plenty visual cues from both the old Freelander and current Defender. While the Freelander 8 was styled by the British 4x4 brand, plenty of its advanced new tech has been sourced from its Chinese partner, including its curved screen that stretches from pillar-to-pillar. A large central floating infotainment is present, as well as a limited number of physical switches and a large rotary dial. Coming with a 2+2+2 seating configuration, the second row gets a pair of zero-gravity seats for a limo-like level of comfort. Fresh tech includes extra-bright 8000-pixel projection headlamps, and Huawei's latest-gen 896-LiDAR that helps the Freelander SUV support the tech giant's new Qiankun ADS 4.1 driver assistance system, which provides Level 2+ driverless tech. The same advanced autonomous driving aids are also thought to help boost the Freelander 8's capability off-road, offering up to nine terrain modes. When it lands in Europe, the Freelander 8 has been engineered to achieve the full five stars for protection in EuroNCAP crash tests, which bodes well for a decent showing in future evaluations by ANCAP. Built at a Chery-Land Rover plant in Changshu, close to Shanghai, the Freelander does without both Chery or Land Rover badging and will operate as an independent brand that is completely separate from Chery, Exeed, Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas, Luxeed or the iCaur (iCar). It's not yet known, when launched in markets like Europe or Australia, if the Freelander will be rebadged and sold through Land Rover dealers.

Two new Nissan plug-in hybrids have been unveiled at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing, one with an off-road bent and the other destined for the city. The Nissan Urban SUV PHEV Concept is fairly self-explanatory, but it’s the Terrano PHEV Concept that is sure to draw interest from Nissan fans. Both are due to be put into production within a year, with the Terrano “intended for selected global markets”. The Terrano nameplate will be familiar to many as the predecessor to the Nissan Pathfinder and SUV sibling to the Navara, and this new concept seems to have similar intentions. As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, the Terrano departs from its roots, seemingly as an SUV sibling to the new Nissan Frontier Pro. No concrete details have been confirmed aside from its PHEV status and its exterior design, but chances are it’ll have something like the Frontier Pro’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor, together good for “over 300kW of power and up to 800Nm”. Nissan says the “Terrano builds on Nissan's off-road heritage while addressing the dual needs of outdoor adventure and urban commuting”. True to this, Nissan’s concept for the SUV sits on particularly rugged off-road tyres and features roof racks with a side ladder, chunky side-steps, and a big spare tyre on the rear. Given Nissan Australia’s seemingly receptive approach to the Frontier Pro, the Terrano is a chance for the future. The Urban SUV PHEV Concept is, however, seemingly a China-only proposition at the moment, with the brand saying it’s “designed for young Chinese customers”. “Its design draws from philosophies of the NX8 and Nissan’s future SUV lineup, blending advanced electrification technology with urban daily driving performance.” There’s less indication for the details on this one, but Nissan says it also intends to launch “three additional NEV models in China within a year” as well as sending other new Chinese-built models like the N7 sedan and NX8 SUV to global markets. “China plays two distinct and important roles as Nissan’s three lead markets, alongside Japan and the United States,” says the brand in a statement. “First, China serves as a strong domestic market, delivering clear and compelling value for Chinese customers. Second, it functions as a global innovation and export hub, leveraging China’s innovation and speed to develop competitive technologies and products globally.”

BYD's off-roader and SUV brand FangChengBao, whose vehicles are badged Denza in Australia, has broken its own ‘off-roaders and SUVs’ mould with the unveiling of a collection of striking new models on the opening day of this year’s Beijing motor show. The Formula X Coupe, a low-set, carbon-tubbed, aero-influenced sports car with strong hints of Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren around its exterior. The minimalist cockpit-style interior seats two with scissor doors a tip of the hat to Lamborghini. Production launch is scheduled for 2027. Alongside the X Coupe, the performance-focused Formula Jaguar S is offered in sedan and GT shooting brake, while the larger SL sedan leans more into a luxury specification. All three measure more than 5.0 metres end-to-end with a wheelbase in excess of 3.0m. Provisional timing for the Formula Jaguar S’s Chinese domestic market launch is the third quarter of this year. And then, the Formula Leopard S is a sleek, fastback-style sedan featuring partially-concealed door handles and dramatic 21-inch rims. Also at the show is the Denza Z, a sleek pure-electric 2+2 GT to be offered in hardtop, convertible and ‘track’ form. With combined output exceeding 745kW (1000hp) and claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in under two seconds it is scheduled to make its dynamic debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed this July. With design development led by former Alfa, Audi and Lamborghini styling guru Wolfgang Egger, the Denza Z features steer-by-wire, magnetic adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive. In launching the car, Denza has pledged a Nürburgring lap record campaign with a time possibly already recorded given prototypes were spotted testing at the famous German circuit regularly in 2025.

China is coming for some of the world’s best off-roaders. GAC, which just launched in Australia, has whipped the covers off its new Yue 7 four-wheel drive. The 4WD was previously teased with the codenamed T75 prototype. It is a plug-in hybrid, which puts it on a collision course with new arrivals such as BYD’s Denza B5, as well as conventional diesel-powered favourites such as the Toyota Prado. Its styling resembles several well known 4WDs, with shades of Land Rover’s Defender, the new Toyota Prado and some newer Chinese options just as the Chery iCaur V27 and Jetour T2. It has a blocky, masculine style with chunky all-terrain tyres, a tailgate-mounted spare tyre as well as roof racks and other off-road accessories. Pixel-like headlights give off strong Hyundai Santa Fe vibes and flared wheel arches add to its muscular appearance. It also shows roof-mounted lidar hardware, which points to advanced safety and self driving features. Only the exterior was showcased at the show, with full details to be revealed closer to its third quarter launch. It is expected to use the same plug-in hybrid set-up as the E8 people mover, which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor to make 274kW and 630Nm. This is matched to a circa-25kWh battery that can deliver an electric driving range of about 100km. It is believed this 4WD will spawn a ute, which would come to Australia. The ute is due in 2027 and the company’s local CEO Kevin Shu previously said it was likely we’d learn more about it at the Beijing show.

Ford Australia has recalled the F-150 full-size pick-up due to a software fault that could prevent a trailer’s brakes from operating while towing. The notice issued by Ford on April 22, 2026, at vehiclerecalls.gov.au  lists the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of the affected 6832 F-150 trucks made between 2021-2026. According to the statement, the fault is software related and involves the Trailer Module. “Due to a software defect, the Trailer Module (TRM) may lose communication with the vehicle when a trailer is connected. This can result in a loss of trailer braking performance and the turn signal lights not operating as intended,” the notice reads. “A loss of trailer control whilst driving and/or signal lights not operating as intended, may increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users." Owners will be contacted by Ford Australia in writing requesting they contact an authorised Ford dealer to have the fault rectified with a free software update. This is the latest in a series of recalls which have plagued Ford’s F-150, with the previous recall being for a fire risk due to fuel vapours.

Ford Australia has released a new special edition variant of its popular Everest SUV. The brand is reintroducing its Wildtrak nameplate, with only 1000 units to be made available, starting from $79,990 (before on-road costs). This means it is the same price as the Tremor grade of the car, and roughly $4000 less than the range-topping Platinum example. 2026 Ford Everest pricing Australia   Ford cut the Wildtrak grade from the lineup as part of its 2026 model year update, which also saw the phasing out of the four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine.  The Everest has continued its strong run at the top of the large SUV category, still sitting ahead of the closely-following Toyota Prado.  It also takes on the likes of the Isuzu-Ute MU-X and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The Everest has slipped out of the overall top 10 best-selling cars, according to data from March sales, with smaller and cheaper SUVs such as the Nissan X-Trail and Chery Tiggo 4 taking its place. The Wildtrak variant has been given a range of features inside and out to distinguish it from the rest of the lineup.  It has an H-bar front bumper and a gloss black grille with orange elements. It also sits on 20-inch alloy wheels, which are predominantly black with orange inserts.  The 20-inch wheels can be substituted to 18-inch units free-of-charge to improve the car’s rugged capabilities. On the inside, there are leather-accented seats, with orange stitching and ‘Wildtrak’ lettering.  It also gets a panoramic roof and ambient lighting, along with a power-folding third row.  The Wildtrak Everest gets the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 184kW and 600Nm. It also comes with a full-time four-wheel drive system. The car can be optioned with premium paint for $750 and a towing pack for $2500.  Production on the 1000 units will begin next month.