Off road

Five years after the Middle Eastern market, Australia’s 2024 Nissan Patrol update brings a new dash fascia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Except that the new 10.1-inch screen doesn’t sit above the dash as seen in other markets, because Nissan Australia has worked with local company Directed Technologies to effectively carry out an especially neat head unit replacement. There are a few other upgrades, too, including a digital rear-view mirror, wireless charging pad, DAB+ radio, front seat cool box (new to Ti) and both USB-A and USB-C charge ports. The price increase over the MY23 model is $3000 for all trims, including Warrior.Worth noting is that the Ti-L’s 13-speaker Bose sound system has been downsized to a six-speaker Infinity set-up for the MY24 Patrol. Other cabin changes are limited to a storage cubby in place of the MY23’s Patrol’s 8.0-inch non-touch display for the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series rival.For those keen to explore the outback in the MY24 Patrol, the new multimedia system comes pre-installed with Hema maps, a trusted navigation software with detailed information. A month’s subscription is free, with ongoing pricing to be paid to Hema by the owner.  Aside from that, the Y62 Patrol is largely unchanged with its 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 petrol, seven-speed automatic and full-time 4WD system enabling tried-and-true off-road capability and a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.The Ti-based Premcar-fettled Warrior builds on this with bespoke suspension, wheel and tyre upgrade, snorkel, bi-modal exhaust and tough-looking body protection. Despite its 13-year (global, 11-year Australian) vintage, the Y62 Patrol’s sales record was set in September 2023. A turbo V6-powered ‘Y63’ Patrol is expected to debut in 2025 based on the Infiniti QX60. 2024 Nissan Patrol pricing before on-road costs 

The end of the LandCruiser 70 Series' diesel V8 engine could cost Toyota Australia a fortune, with the brand holding in excess of 2000 (in fact, far more than that) orders for its off-road icon – with customers it now needs to convert to a four-cylinder engine or risk losing entirely.

The Tank 500 Ultra is the flagship model in the entire GWM range for now.

No mid-life facelift just yet, the Outback soldier on with a few choice changes and $1K price bump.

Nissan has added a new varianty to its range, with “adventure” focused additions and an upgraded set of multimedia displays.

The latest 70 Series line-up has shown that Toyota is not completely ignoring customer feedback – introducing a HiLux 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and Aisin six-speed automatic transmission choice to the range – but is the time right for another hardcore 4WD ute to knock the 70 off its perch? Something like the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, perhaps?

There are plenty of notable new 4WD releases this year – including the all-new Mitsubishi Triton (already here), revised Isuzu D-Max and MU-X (coming soon), the Lexus GX and even a petrol-electric BYD ute, to name a few – but in this yarn I’m throwing the spotlight on three 4WDs that I reckon will shake up the market.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, a small ute built for the American market, has been updated for 2025 with a tougher variant that would be right at home on Aussie roads.

There are four grades in the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton range, with the GSR the flagship. From launch, it's only available as a dual-cab pick-up with a 4x4 drivetrain for $63,840 plus on-road costs.

The much anticipated Y63 Nissan Patrol has been revealed - well pretty much - with its upmarket twin - the Infinit QX80 - breaking cover giving us our best look at what to expect