Utes

Renault's new hybrid ute will be built in India to satisfy right-hand drive - opening an avenue for an Australian launch.

Some surprises this month as the D-Max's 1.9-litre turbo diesel four punches above its weight in terms of load-lugging and composure under pressure, not to mention fuel economy.

Is this the hotly-rumoured Toyota Stout? One of the most wildly-anticipated new models has finally been revealed in Japan today, in the form of the Toyota EPU Concept.EPU?

Korea has given us our best hint yet at just what to expect from the 2024 Kia Tasman, with the brand's design chief Karim Habib telling media the diesel dual-cab will borrow from Kia's electric vehicles in the styling department.So far we have seen the Ki

Toyota has temporarily stopped taking orders for its hybrid Camry sedan, with wait times for the electrified versions of its veteran model “remaining above two years”.

Nissan has confirmed that it can deliver several of its most popular models to buyers within a few weeks, while even the highly-anticipated Y62 Patrol Warrior could be in customer hands before Christmas – but only if they are ordered now.

Chinese brand BYD might have taken Australia’s EV space by storm with models like the Atto 3 and incoming Dolphin and Seal, but it now has its eye set on our booming ute market, promising its incoming dual-cab will be a benchmark-setting vehicle.

Toyota Australia has today confirmed specifics surrounding its updated LandCruiser 70 Series, with the tough off-roader’s new four-cylinder turbo-diesel to commence from $75,600, before on-road costs.The brand has also confirmed the pricing structure for the V8-powered 70 Series, but has told CarsGuide that orders for that model are yet to reopen, with no timeframe available for when new customers might be able to secure an eight-cylinder LandCruiser.The big news surrounds the 70 Series’ smaller engine, complete with automatic transmission for the first time, with the LandCruiser now available with Toyota’s 1GD four-cylinder 2.8-litre turbo-diesel (from the HiLux), paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.Toyota says changes have been made to the engine and gearbox to better suit the tough requirements of the 70 Series, including improved cooling and reliability through increasing the diameter of the cooling fan and adding an isolation crank pulley to reduce load on the engine’s serpentine belt. There’s also a new oil pan, strainer and oil level sensor, an underbody transmission guard, and a new balance shaft that improves noise, vibration and harshness.For the gearbox, a “power/haul” mode is designed to optimise the 3.5t towing capacity, while the breather hose has been raised to a height of 900mm for water crossings.“For generations the LandCruiser 70 Series has provided support for countless Australians in the toughest conditions the country has to offer, thanks to its rugged durability, strong towing and unparalleled off-road performance,” says Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley.“Introducing the new automatic transmission, four-cylinder powertrain to the LandCruiser 70 Series range will broaden its appeal even further, making it more accessible to a wider cross-section of customers than ever before.“Along with the upgrades to safety, convenience and styling, there has never been a better time to own a LandCruiser 70 Series.”2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series pricingIt also, for the first time in a long time, looks new, too, with a heritage-style makeover that adds circular LED headlamps, a black mesh grille and dark grey alloy wheels and overfenders. Inside, there’s a new 6.7-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a second 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display in front of the driver.New safety equipment includes Downhill Assist Control, Road Sign Assist and Lane Departure Alert.Orders for the four-cylinder 70 Series are now open, but the books remain closed for V8 shoppers.

With the automotive industry well down the path to the all-electric future, workhorses like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are sure to follow, but what is the best powertrain technology for utes?

Isuzu Ute is working on an all-electric pick-up, likely the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux-rivalling D-Max ute, that could make its way to Australia in the next few years.