Off road

A more-adventure-ready version of the new Mazda CX-5 could be in the pipeline for Australia and the rest of the world. Inspired by a special edition package for the North American-market CX-50 mid-sized SUV called the Meridian Edition, it could lead to a CX-5 with a beefier stance, greater clearances, chunkier wheels and extra protective cladding, among other modifications. According to Mazda's Program Manager, Koichiro Yamaguchi, the company is waiting to see whether buyers demand a more off-road edition of the latest CX-5 before taking the plunge. “We don’t have such offerings currently, but we would like to monitor customer feedback very carefully,” he revealed to the Australian media late last month. “Because (today's latest) CX-5 is more for daily life. So, we will listen to feedback from the market.” While more off-road-style versions of popular medium-sized SUVs have yet to take off in Australia, they are proliferating in North America and elsewhere, thanks to models such as the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek Edition and Hyundai Tucson XRT. Probably the closest we have to that in Australia right now is the Subaru Outback Wilderness, which arrived with the completely redesigned seventh-generation range back in February. A Forester Wilderness grade is expected later this year or during 2027. Mazda's General Manager for Global Sales and Marketing, Manabu Osuga, went into more detail about Mazda’s plans, stating that while the arrival of off-road-themed rivals has not been lost on him, an accessories package based on the CX-50 Meridian may be the way forward for CX-5. “Sure, that's on our radar,” he admitted to CarsGuide. “You know about the CX-50, how we are doing it in the US market. We, at MMC headquarters, developed (such a car), but as an accessories package… and we call that the Meridian package… with an outdoorsy design. “So, where we are going is that, with this CX-5, we are launching this car to begin with as a collaboration with individual markets to expand the range to really fulfil consumer needs, with accessories, though. “We might be able to do (standalone models like Meridian Edition). We will think about it, but first we will do that from the accessory program.” Osuga-san added that the company can lean on its experienced partners to upgrade or evolve the CX-5, in a similar way that BMW utilises M Division. These include Mazda Engineering and Technology Company (Mazda E&T) that has modified vehicles since 1979 for welfare/wheelchair-access, emergency vehicles and specialised work applications. There’s also Mazda Spirit Racing, the 2021 successor to the famous Mazdaspeed sub-brand that focuses on motorsports, driver development and specialised production vehicles. “We also have our subsidiary company, Mazda E&T, for modifications,” Osuga explained. “We don't have that global (as yet)… and there is Mazda Spirit Racing. We are using the Mazda E&T engineering and the technology that has specific manufacturing (capabilities)… and we can use that line to make modifications like Mercedes AMG or M for BMW. “We are trying to make that Mazda E&T company with a capability to bring to the next phase. So, there are possibilities there, but at this moment that they're not specific plans.” Whichever direction Mazda heads, it is clear that the product planners are watching how the Wilderness, Woodland, Rock Creek Edition and XRT grades perform before going for an off-road-biased version of the CX-5. And North America’s CX-50 Meridian Edition is the closest thing we currently have to go by. Badger your Mazda dealer if this is what you want to see in any future CX-5.

Is Chery about to out-name the BYD Shark 6 ute? It's possible, given a mystery trademark has now appeared that would give the brand a literal shark-eating dual-cab. Chery has trademarked the name "Orca" in Australia, and the trademark specifically references "SUVs; sport utility vehicles ; sports utility vehicles ; pick-up trucks; pick-up truck caps; trucks; commercial vehicles". The orca, or killer whale, is also the only known predator of the great white shark, suggesting some naming gamesmanship could be at play here, given BYD has named its sales-storming ute the Shark 6. But there is one complicating factor – Chery has asked the Australian public to help name its first ute, with more than 20,000 entries received and a shortlist soon to be announced. “We knew Aussies would have a strong view on what makes a great ute, and the response to this competition has absolutely reflected that," said Lucas Harris, Chery Australia's COO. "To receive this many entries is a tremendous result, but just as importantly, entrants took the brief seriously and explained why their name belonged on the ute, making the shortlisting process both exciting and difficult." The catch is that while the Orca name has been accepted as of March 18, 2026, the application was first lodged in June 2025, which suggests it was an early name option for the ute, before the public competition was opened. Still, if Orca has been suggested, and it makes the shortlist, Chery could have a Shark-hunting diesel dual-cab ute on the cards. When it arrives in Q4 this year, Chery's ute promises to be a game-changer in terms of powertrain, given it pairs a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with an electric motor or two and a battery to deliver the country's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute. The brand is promising a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, a 1000kg payload, and proper off-road kit like diff locks. “I believe Chery has one chance to prove that we can build and deliver a highly capable ute,” Mr Harris has told CarsGuide. “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.”

The Mahindra Scorpio now comes as one variant: the Z8L+. This 4WD wagon has seven seats, a stack of standard features, a low-range transfer case, an automatic rear diff lock and its price-tag – at just under $50 grand – won’t give your accountant a migraine. But no mechanical changes mean no more power and torque than before.

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.

My 2010 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, after three or four hours of driving (and not towing anything), won't shift above fourth gear.

I’ve discovered that if I stop, turn the engine off, lock and unlock the car, start it up, put it into S mode with my foot on brake and shift from first to sixth, holding in each gear for 5 seconds, and then drive off, it will change above fourth gear. But, once you drop below fourth again, you have to reset it again.

I’m sure it’s a heat issue. The vehicle also spasmodically goes into limp home mode.

How do I replace the coolant temperature sensor in my 2008 Ford Ranger TDCi and where do I find it?

The new 2026 Nissan Navara is based almost entirely on the Mitsubishi Triton, but with altered suspension from Australian firm Premcar. The top-of-the-range Nissan Navara (until the Warrior arrives) is the $68,418 Pro-4X with more design changes, all-terrain tyres, a black sports bar and roof rails, contrast stitching and specific seats with Pro-4X styling. It also includes basics like an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen across the range with digital radio as well as (wired) Android Auto and (wireless) Apple CarPlay, plus things like heated front seats and a power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate and a wireless phone charger are all included, plus a centre limited-slip differential and drive modes more compatible with off-roading. There’s a 150kW/470Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels or all four depending on 4WD settings. From the Navara’s 75L diesel tank, a claimed 7.7L/100km is used on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle. Hypothetically, if you manage to get close to Nissan’s claimed consumption, you should be able to get more than 900km out of a single tank.  The Navara has a tub capable of easily fitting a Euro pallet, according to Nissan’s specs, but with its distance of 1135mm between wheel arches, it won’t fit an Aussie pallet. The tub is almost square, at 1555mm long and 1545mm wide, and 525mm tall.  The new Navara inherits the Triton’s maximum five-star ANCAP rating, which was tested in 2024, thanks to eight airbags and a list of safety kit including a surround-view camera, forward collision warning and AEB, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring and traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors and trailer sway control. Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km warranty is fantastic but applies only if you service with Nissan. It’s five years with no kilometre limit otherwise. There’s five years' of flat-price servicing at $499 per visit, every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Roadside assist is also free for a decade if you service with Nissan, or a year otherwise.

Fuel prices are skyrocketing right now in Australia and Ford is looking for a way to capitalise on selling more of its low-emission vehicles. The Blue Oval is offering a wide range of drive-away pricing offers across its Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, as well as the Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit electric vehicles (EVs). All are valid until June 30. 2025 model year (MY25) examples of the Ranger PHEV now start at $62,000 drive-away for the XLT trim and extend to $73,000 drive-away for the flagship Stormtrak. The Ranger PHEV usually starts at $71,990 before on-road costs for the XLT and extends to $86,990 before on-road costs for the Stormtrak. The Blue Oval is also offering drive-away pricing offers across the F-150 line-up, as well as on certain Everest and Tourneo models. A table with the full drive-away pricing offers currently available is at the bottom of this story. Ford is also offering an additional $1000 discount on Ranger, Ranger PHEV and Ranger Super Duty models for farming businesses that are registered as Primary Producers. This is valid until June 30. Lastly, Ford is throwing in a $4000 fuel card to select Ranger variants and Everest Trend models that are MY26 and older to help ease the high cost of diesel currently. This is until stock sells out. “These initiatives are designed to help our customers, from small business owners to families, get through this challenging financial period,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO Fadi Mawal. “Ford vehicles offer incredible capability, performance and long-term value for money and we don’t want anyone to miss out on getting the best car for their needs because of short-term pain at the pump. “By offering the most fuel-efficient Ranger ever built at a fantastic drive away price, along with an immediate $4000 cashflow injection for ICE customers via a fuel card, we are ensuring that Ford doesn’t just offer great vehicles, but a total ownership solution. We’ve sharpened our pencils to ensure we’ve got our customers’ backs.”

The Nissan Navara ST-X starts from $63,177, before on-road costs, and adds a fair bit over the basics like an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen across the range with digital radio as well as (wired) Android Auto and (wireless) Apple CarPlay. Better suspension, 18-inch alloys, leather-accented and heated front seats and a power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate and a wireless phone charger are all included, plus a centre limited-slip differential, drive modes more compatible with off-roading. A 150kW/470Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine under the bonnet is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels or all four depending on 4WD settings. The 7.7L/100km consumption claim from Nissan, paired with the Navara’s 75L diesel tank, means you should be able to drive more than 900km theoretically.  The distance of 1135mm between wheel arches in the tub means it won’t fit an Australian pallet, but a Euro one will fit fine. The overall tub is 1555mm long, 1545mm wide, and 525mm tall. The new Navara inherits the Triton’s maximum five-star ANCAP rating, which was tested in 2024, thanks to eight airbags and a list of safety kit including a surround-view camera, forward collision warning and AEB, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring and traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors and trailer sway control. Nissan’s 10-year/300,000km warranty is fantastic but applies only if you service with Nissan. It’s five years with no kilometre limit otherwise. There’s five years' of flat-price servicing at $499 per visit, every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.   Roadside assist is also free for a decade if you service with Nissan, or a year otherwise.

The demise of the diesel ute is approaching. The walls are closing in on the conventional ute as diesel fuel prices soar and the federal government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) starts to bite, signalling the days of the diesel ute might be numbered. The ute is the last refuge for diesel engines in the Australian car industry, with most brands already shifting to petrol, hybrid and electric in other segments. Electrified utes have been gathering momentum in recent years as they look to take the place of traditional diesel power. Here is a list of those which could take diesel's ute crown. BYD Shark 6 PHEV The Shark 6 has already proven its threat to the diesel ute since it went on sale in late 2024, seeing surging sales. Its sharp price tag at $57,900 (before on-road costs) makes it a cheaper option as a plug-in hybrid ute, and it is competitive with some diesel utes. The Shark 6 uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up, meaning it is far cheaper to run than its diesel rivals (so long as you keep the battery charged). It also packs 321kW and 650Nm, despite modest towing and carrying capacity. It has made a solid impression in its time in Australia, being BYD’s best-selling car in 2025 - form it has carried into this year. Chery KP31 diesel PHEV Australia will be one of the first markets to see the KP31 when it launches Down Under this year. Technically, the codenamed KP31 is still a diesel, but it does come with plug-in hybrid assistance, and there is a petrol plug-in coming in 2027. Diesel adds a different flavour to the PHEV game in Australia, with it overcoming the lugging and carrying limitations of petrol PHEV models such as the Shark 6. While there is no official news on the power output of the 2.5-litre turbo-charged engine and electric motor, Chery has confirmed it will have a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 1000kg payload. There will also be multiple locking differentials for rugged off-road ability, which is something missing from the Shark 6. GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and GWM Cannon PHEV GWM will be the only brand to have two plug-in hybrid utes on sale in Australia by the end of this year. It already has the Cannon Alpha PHEV on sale, with a starting price of $61,490 drive-away. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol set-up produces 300kW and 750Nm. The smaller Cannon PHEV recently revealed in China is not too far away, and will offer the brand a cheaper alternative to the larger and more premium Alpha. While the Cannon PHEV keeps a 3500kg towing capacity, its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor only produces 185kW. Ford Ranger PHEV The best-selling Ford Ranger received a plug-in variant in the middle of 2025 in Australia, and starts from $71,990 (before on-road costs). The 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up pumps out 207kW and 697Nm, with maximum payload of 973kg depending on the variant. It has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg. Its hefty comparative price tag means diesel sales still far outweigh their electrified sibling. KGM Musso EV The KGM Musso EV is one of the only new electric utes on sale in Australia, with a drive-away price of $60,000. It comes in two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, producing up to 266kW and 630Nm. Its 81kWh battery offers a maximum all-electric driving range of 380km, with 10-80 per cent fast charging taking 36 minutes. It only comes with a payload of 905kg and a braked towing capacity of 1800kg. Toyota HiLux BEV An electric version of the HiLux is a highly-anticipated new model of Toyota’s lineup, with potential to build on the success of the diesel HiLux in a new electrified era. Initial numbers don't paint a pretty picture. It has a provisional 2000kg braked towing capacity, less than the 3500kg on diesel alternatives, including the HiLux. It also only has a payload of 715kg. The other potential drawback on the electric HiLux is that it has a driving range of just 240km from its 59kWh battery, according to WLTP testing. Expect to see the HiLux BEV in Australia soon. MG U9 EV The U9 electric ute has just been approved for sale in Australia and will hit showrooms in the near future. It comes with a total system output of 325kW from a dual motor set-up and offers 430km of driving range (WLTP), from its 102kWh battery. It also has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, so it will be in line with its key diesel rivals. Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV The Frontier Pro is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid and like many on this list is built in China, and there is strong potential for it to soon be available in Australia. It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 300kW and 800Nm, and is also expected to have a 3500kg braked towing capacity.