Towing

The right-hand-drive Toyota Tundra has at last been put on sale in Australia, with Toyota in Japan signing off Walkinshaw's remanufacturing efforts and approving the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 rival for sale in our market.

Chinese car giant SAIC has revealed an electric dual-cab ute with a generous 102kWh battery, a 317kW twin-motor AWD set-up and claimed 3500kg braked towing capacity.

GWM is preparing to introduce two new plug-in hybrid models to take on some of the most popular names in the Australian car market.

Nissan revealed the 2026 Patrol in LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport-baiting Pro-4X trim in the United States this week. The Pro-4X is the first of its name in the 'Y63' Patrol line-up but is the same variant name that forms the basis of Premcar and Nissan Australia’s Navara Warrior ute. In the States, the Pro-4X can be identified by a tough-looking body kit, standard 275/60R20 all-terrain tyres and a metal skid plate to improve off-road capability. Changes under the skin include an electronically controlled locking rear differential as well as air suspension that can raise up to 55mm over the standard ride height. It’s said to give 245mm ground clearance, approach angle of 33 degrees and 25.4 degree departure angle.The Pro-4X also gets eight modes, including Tow, Rock, Mud-Rut and more, influencing the response of the engine, gearbox, differentials and air suspension. It is the perfect jumping off point for Australian-based Premcar to once again work its magic on a global Nissan product. Speaking to CarsGuide back in June, Premcar Partner and Engineering Director Bernie Quinn promised he knew nothing about the Y63 Patrol but that is keen to get stuck into a program. “I not only hope so, I expect so,” Quinn said of Premcar’s continued involvement in producing more capable, Aussie-friendly versions of Nissan’s off-road products. “This has worked for everyone. The counter to that is, if we get it wrong the whole thing can fall apart. We’re doing everything that’s within our control to make as successful as possible, so that we keep on doing them,” Quinn added. Some of the differences between the current Patrol Ti and Aussie-modded Warrior include a 50mm body lift for 323mm ground clearance, re-engineered suspension, underbody protection, bespoke 18-inch cast alloy wheels and bellowing side-exist bi-model exhaust. There are shades of Patrol Warrior in the Y63 Pro-4X’s exterior, with ‘Lava Red’ paint highlighting functional tow hooks, ‘D-pillar’ accent and lettering on the wheel caps. There’s more black too, including the mirror caps, roof rails, grille and fender flares. Aside from the Pro-4X model, the new Patrol is an even better starting point with the fresh underpinnings boosting torsional rigidity by 25 per cent and lateral stiffness by 57 per cent.The body is 35mm wider and longer, further boosting grip and stability, while the new Patrol also features electronic power steering and a quicker steering ratio. Using a slightly detuned version  of the Infiniti QX80’s engine, the Patrol’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 pushes its 317kW and 700Nm through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Patrol’s V6 has featured — albeit in a slightly different state — in sports cars such as the GT-R and Z and should be easier to screw a few extra kilowatts from than the current Patrol’s naturally-aspirated V8.In the States, the Armada is certified to tow up to 3800kg (8500lbs) which bodes well for a Toyota LandCruiser and Ford Everest-matching 3500kg when the Patrol arrives in Australia. There are massive changes inside, too, with huge twin 14.3-inch screens running Google automotive software and much classier appointments. Pricing will, naturally, climb with the Middle East’s luxury Range Rover-targeting top spec lists at around A$160,000. With all the technology, bigger footprint, stronger chassis and punchier powertrain, though, it’s hard to imagine the Y63 was ever going to match the current Ti-L’s $100,600 price. Unfortunately for us, right-hand drive will not kick off for another two years, a similar story to when the Y62 patrol launched in Australia. For now, the venerable Y62 V8 will continue to be produced for our market. Expect the first Australian Y63 deliveries to land in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a Warrior version — if it is happening — to follow later. 

The current generation Toyota HiLux ute is perilously close to its tenth birthday and Toyota has moved to freshen up its appeal with a mild hybrid version of the SR5 grade. Does it make a difference and is it enough to change you mind about that Ford Ranger you've had your eye on?

How far will a 2024 Kia EV9 tow 2500kg between full charges with normal careful light acceleration?

The Toyota LandCruiser FJ might be all-new, but it seems there will be something important that's familiar about the tiny but tough 4WD, according to recent international reports.

Mazda’s rugged BT-50 isn’t going to be a victim of the federal government’s new emissions regulations. Mazda Australia’s marketing boss Alastair Doak said the BT-50 will absolutely be part of the company’s future despite the spectre of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) looming over the industry.

The Toyota Tundra testing and validation program is finally nearing completion, with the final vehicles in the 280-strong testing fleet now on their way to customers as approval to properly sell the model in Australia finally looms.

When you rate the power outputs of Hybrid vehicles you quote the combined ICE/electric NM, kw and max. tow weight. As a large caravan owner I find these false references as you don't break it down to how long the battery boost will last and the ICE motors ability to continue to tow 3.5 tonne. My diesel SUV has 570 NM all the time to tow my 3.1 tonne van.