Toyota Raize Reviews

Toyota fires a cheeky shot across the bow of BYD.

Toyota is getting ready to flick the switch on its new baby RAV4.The current Toyota Corolla Cross launched in 2020 and is getting near the end of the usual eight-year life cycle for a vehicle.Details are scarce but there are some breadcrumbs to follow that help give some clues about the new Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos rival.Japanese outlet Best Car, which is known for its sources within Toyota, has claimed a new Corolla Cross SUV will be here soon.Dubbed "Baby RAV4" by Best Car, the new Corolla Cross will take inspiration from the best in the business.It’s still early days, but here’s what to expect from the new compact family hauler.What will power the new Toyota Corolla Cross?We can look at the new Toyota RAV4 and HiLux to get an idea of what Toyota is thinking.No carmaker is investing in an all-new platform for internal combustion engine cars, with the majority of resources being poured into electric cars. So it is likely to use the same TNGA-C platform.So expect an evolution of the current model rather than a revolution, much like the new RAV4 and HiLux, which effectively use the same underpinnings but have been substantially refreshed inside and out.This means a retention of the tried and tested 2.0-litre hybrid setup, which currently makes 146kW but it could be slightly de-powered to reduce emissions in a similar vein to the new RAV4. Fuel use should mimic the current version's 4.2-4.4L/100km.A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version would make sense, and the company has recent form to back it up.Toyota is adding PHEV power to the RAV4 later this year, and the TNGA-C platform already supports plug-in power with the Prius.There should be front- and all-wheel-drive options.What will the new Toyota Corolla Cross look like?Toyota has just given the Corolla Cross a refresh, but expect that look to be ousted for a more familiar look.Best Car has dubbed the new model a “Baby RAV4” for good reason.They predict it will have the same C-shaped LED headlight and daytime running light styling and grille treatment along with other exterior design elements as the new RAV4.A flagship GR Sport variant, with sportier looks, is a likely starter.It will be slightly longer and wider than before, but a touch shorter at 4650mm long, 1850mm wide and 1600mm high, according to reports. Expect a slightly longer wheelbase - the distance between front and rear axles - which will translate to a roomier cabin.Best Car has whipped up some digital renders to give us a good idea of what it’ll look like when it arrives.Inside it should maintain classic Toyota design, with a mix of screens and physical controls, improved materials and storage options.How much will the new Toyota Corolla Cost?Progress isn’t free.It is likely it will follow the same path as other new Toyota models, which charge customers a few thousand more for the privilege of the new model compared to the past one.So expect a starting price of about $40,000 (before on-road costs).When will the new Toyota Corolla Cross arrive?The average model life for a new car is eight years.The Corolla Cross went into production in 2020, which puts the new model’s arrival date at sometime in 2028.Expect a debut around the same time as the 2027 Tokyo motor show.It had been a solid seller in Australia, so expect it to launch here early in its lifecycle, unlike the current version that was held back until late 2022.

Yet another about face on a new electric vehicle program has come courtesy of Toyota’s decision to discontinue development of the Lexus LF-ZC sedan.Unveiling the LF-ZC Concept in 2023 Lexus positioned it as “a symbol of Lexus' electrification journey, characterized by its sleek proportions, low center of gravity, spacious cabin, and an emotionally charged design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics.”But three years later the automotive world has changed thanks to a slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.At the same time, a combination of political factors including high US import tariffs and President Donald Trump's elimination of tax incentives for EV purchases, as well as the European Union’s revision of its ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 have also thrown a big spanner in the EV development works.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Subaru, have also shelved multiple EV model programs. Volume Lexus LF-ZC production was scheduled to begin late this year at Toyota’s Tahara plant south-east of Nagoya, using large section ‘gigacasting’ techniques to split the vehicle’s alloy body into front, centre and rear sections for reduced complexity and cost as well as lighter weight and increased rigidity.Recently postponed to mid-2027, Nikkei Asia has reported Lexus will now discontinue development, to “instead focus on developing SUVs and other vehicles amid a global slump in EV sales.” Despite the cancellation Toyota and Lexus will continue research and development into gigacasting and battery technology as the LF-ZC was set to feature “advanced high-performance batteries made with a prismatic structure engineered to achieve approximately twice the range of conventional BEVs through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction.” A “compact powertrain” also helped deliver an ultra-low Cd (Coefficient of drag) value of approximately 0.20 for the car.

Not all utes are created equal, with some better suited to the city and some destined for the wild, but all are suited to a life of hard work.A monocoque chassis based ute, which uses the same underpinnings as an SUV or sedan, delivers more responsive and comfortable driving dynamics and can carry a load, but aren't suited to heavy off-roading. The iconic Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore utes are prime examples.A ladder framed ute, which underpins the utes of choices these days such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, are better suited to off-roading and hard work, but can be a chore to drive around town.These utes have become the predominant ute on sale in Australia, but over in the US conventional car/SUV-based utes are thriving.Ford has shown just how popular these vehicles can be with its Maverick SUV and it has got other brands dreaming up competitors.Australia could be the perfect target market for these lifestyle-focused vehicles. They also open the door to more electric or hybrid options.KGM's electric Musso is one example of a monocoque ute already here, but let's look at some of the ones that could be on the way next.Ford MaverickThe Maverick has proved so successful in the US, it even outsells the bigger Ranger ute, which has dominated the Aussie sales charts for years.It sits on the same platform as Ford’s Escape SUV, which left Aussie showrooms a few years ago. It is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and hybrid set-up, producing 142kW, while there is also a slightly more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine option.There remains limited prospects of the Maverick’s arrival in Australia, with its huge popularity causing a backlog of orders, meaning there is insufficient supply to launch it globally.Toyota RAV4-based uteToyota has been plotting to introduce a monocoque-based ute for some time, but new details have just been revealed about what shape the ute could take. It was recently confirmed that it would be based on the RAV4, which is one of the best-selling small SUVs in Australia. “But for the compact truck? Definitely, we have such demand,” Toyota’s North American Chief Executive Officer Tetsuo Ogawa said in a recent overseas interview.“A RAV4-based pickup is an opportunity for us, and the dealers are waiting.“Maybe they say we need today or tomorrow, but it takes time.”As has been the case with this ute, it appears to be a matter of timing for Toyota, but regardless the launch of a potential monocoque ute for the brand remains several years away.  Chery T1TP ConceptMomentum for a monocoque ute from Chery has gathered steam since the brand unveiled its P1TP concept late last year. While there are no official details on how the ute will look, or what will power it, when it launches, we know the local Australian division of Chery is eager to bring it onboard. “There have been some type approval documents and that sort of thing that people have found, which has the monocoque chassis P1TP ute,” Chery Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris told CarsGuide. “It is absolutely something we are interested in. I think there is an interesting market for that.”Any launch of this ute will come after the arrival of the much-anticipated diesel plug-in hybrid ‘KP31’ coming later this year, before a petrol PHEV variant next year. BYD monocoque uteBYD’s monocoque ute is further along the line than many of its rivals, with it already being spotted in spy shots just last month. It is expected to use a plug-in hybrid set-up, but differing from the one on the game-changing Shark 6 ute, which has been a resounding success in Australia so far. The PHEV set-up is not going to be the same one as on the Shark 6, but it is anticipated to mirror the Sealion 6 mid-size SUV.The global branch of BYD previously poured cold water on the prospects of a smaller ute Down Under to sit under the Shark 6, but its success might have changed minds.The Shark 6 is built on a ladder frame, so this ‘Baby Shark’ could compliment nicely especially if it could get in ahead of approaching rivals.  Ram RampageRam has confirmed production and timings for a compact pick-up, rumoured to ride on a monocoque chassis. It is expected to be based on the Rampage currently on sale in South America, coming petrol and diesel variants. There is no official news on whether this ute would ever be on the cards for Australia, but we know the local branch is keen on adding a ute to its portfolio. Geely RadarGeely is another Chinese with a monocoque ute, and its already on sale in New Zealand, but don't expect to see it Australia any time soon.The ute is available with plug-in hybrid and fully-electric set-ups, producing up to 315kW.Geely Australia Chief Executive Officer Alex Gu recently told CarsGuide while the brand will introduce a ute Down Under, the Radar was not the solution.“So Geely, we fully study the customer demand, and provide exactly or even beyond what the customer is expecting of them otherwise," Gu said“For the ute, just like Ranger or HiLux or Shark 6, these have a different character, so we must benchmark those ‘star’ models."

Sedans used to be the staple of many brands in Australia, from the Holden Commodore to the Toyota Camry, but the SUV boom has seen numbers drop off significantly.Ten years ago, in 2016, the Toyota Camry was the fifth best-selling car in Australia, followed by the Commodore sedan in sixth.Fast forward to 2025, Toyota's sedan was the 35th best-selling car in the country, and the Commodore was nowhere to be seen.In 2026 there have been less than 10,000 mid-size sedan sales in Australia so far compared to mid-size SUVs, where almost 100,000 have already been sold. The Camry is still the dominant player in the sedan-only segment, owning nearly 70 per cent, but it looks like China’s next battleground in Australia will be a shot at shaking its dominance.BYD has led the way in this respect and it already has a fully-electric Seal and the just-launched plug-in hybrid Seal 6 on the market.The Seal in particular made some successful inroads into the sedan space. It accounts for the majority of sales outside of the Camry and the Tesla Model 3.The brand is not stopping there, with a larger Seal 7 plug-in hybrid sedan now approved for sale in Australia.MG is another brand focussing on sedans, having already brought in its MG5 a few years ago and the MG7 in 2026, both to middling levels of success so far.It’s not just BYD and MG that are getting in on the sedan act, however, with Geely confirming its Emgrand sedan next year initially in plug-in hybrid form, but possibly also plugless at a later date.Additionally the China-built Tesla Model 3 remains one of the best-selling EVs in the country.There are also 'legacy' brands pinning their hopes on a strong-selling sedan. Mazda recently launched its fully-electric 6e sedan, which is based on the Deepal L07 (not yet sold in Australia) - another China-made model. The 6e is a crucial model for Mazda as it looks to turn around extensive fines incurred under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) due to its predominantly petrol-powered range.The electric 6e saw its initiative pre-order allocation run out very quickly, starting from $49,990 (before on-road costs), highlighting early signs of it achieving its potential.Korean brands Kia and Hyundai have also seen solid sales from its hatch/sedan models, with the K4 and i30 plugging along with a decent amount of registrations, which will be bolstered thanks to the arrival of desirable plugless hybrid versions of both.As usual, price is a key factor where Chinese sedans are providing an enticing alternative, bucking the trend of sedans becoming more expensive as buyers focus on SUVs.While the Mazda 2 is the most affordable sedan on sale at just $28,490, it is the sought-after hybrid tech luring buyers to newer options.The plug-in hybrid Seal 6, for example, starts from $34,990, which is $5000 more affordable than the plug-less hybrid-only Camry, and it is both larger and offers genuine EV range over the barely more affordable Hyundai i30 plugless hybrid (from $33,250). It will no doubt be a similar story for Geely's Emgrand EM-i which is set to launch in 2027.While SUVs remain the biggest seller in Australia, this new wave of affordable and electrified sedans could see the once bustling segment reignited.The question remains whether this array of new options will just fragment a shrinking part of the market, or whether buyers are now looking for something different from the SUV trend.

A little peek behind the CarsGuide curtain. At least once a week the whole team gets together to talk about cars. Well, it’s actually to shape the week’s news lists, but it’s also because, unsurprisingly, we all like to get together to talk about cars.Anyway, a recent one of these catch-ups occurred not long after the Beijing show. Now full disclosure, I wasn’t at what might well be the most important show on the calendar these days (but I was in China at the same time, just somewhere else and with another brand, another sign of the significance of that market).Those who were there tell me much the same thing — not only were they shocked by the number of brands, and the number of vehicles unveiled, they were equally surprised at how many of the legacy brands were displaying Chinese-built models.The vehicles in question wore familiar badging, but were also unfamiliar, in that they were mostly produced in partnership with homegrown Chinese brands, sometimes with the latter doing most of the heavy lifting.Or to paraphrase a colleague in the aforementioned car chat, some don’t really look and feel like they belong to the manufacturer on their badge. They look like they’re Chinese cars in fancy dress, or like Aldi groceries — close, but not quite right.There are now lots of legacy brands drawing down on Chinese partnerships to produce cars. Mazda with its 6e and CX-6e (produced with Changan Automobiles). Nissan with a whole bunch of stuff, including the Frontier Pro (produced with Dongfeng). Honda, which has pushed back its in-house EV ambitions to draw on Chinese-developed models instead. Toyota with the bZ7 (developed with GAC), VW with the 9X (produced with SAIC).And to be fair, I’m yet to see, sit in or drive any of them. Some of these cars are destined for Australia, some aren’t. But it does beg the question – what truly makes a manufacturer’s car their car. Is it the badge? The design? The technology? The dynamics? All of the above?And the bigger question is, can legacy brands really hang on to all of the things that make them special if they’re not just built in China, but built in partnership with Chinese brands?Just last week I wrote that legacy brands partnering with China could be a long-term masterstroke, pairing decades of engineering know-how with China’s high-speed, low-cost manufacturing expertise could give traditional marques a real boost. But then two things happened this week that made me ask another question. The first was a chat with VW Australia, and specifically its very knowledgeable Head of Passenger Cars, who told me that the driving dynamics and engineering of its vehicles are what sets them apart from the often-cheaper Chinese competition. And the second was that CarsGuide car chat.And both got me wondering about the impossible choices being faced by some legacy brands in this more-hostile-than-ever environment. Do nothing and face possible oblivion, or dial up their Chinese partnerships for global markets and risk losing their identity.People paid lots more than me will be tasked with answering that. After all, I just like to chat about cars.

GAC is unique among Chinese brands in Australia because it could offer the one thing that has helped Toyota maintain its stranglehold over our market.It is Toyota’s hybrid system, thanks to its long-standing partnership with Toyota in China.Known for its mechanical simplicity, smooth driving characteristics, comparatively low unit cost and its ability to slash fuel bills in half. Toyota’s hybrid drive is the gift that keeps on giving for the Japanese giant, which now more than ever is leaning on the tech as Australia’s new emissions laws close in.New-to-Australia GAC has ambitious plans to poach buyers from across the spectrum, including from Toyota.The company’s Chief Technical Officer Masato Katsumata, who used to be a senior executive at Toyota, explained why it’s unlikely you’ll see a Toyota-powered GAC any time soon, though.“As you know, we have our own HEV system, and also the Toyota system, which we offer in the Chinese domestic market," said Katsumata.“But this depends on our product planning and what we decide for Australia. If we want it, headquarters will supply it.“The typical Chinese manufacturer’s strength is speed.“At a Japanese manufacturer, you might say ‘we want a big SUV with a hybrid system’, and that might take two years or something. But we can do the same thing inside of a year.“But then, it comes down to the business case. In this case, we have to think about where our inflow customer is coming from.“If that customer is coming from Toyota, should we be fighting with Toyota on HEVs? Or, we have a good plug-in hybrid or battery electric - these might be stronger than using Toyota’s hybrid system.“So then we can shift the customer through to PHEV or BEV instead. This is a good weapon for us to take the fight to Toyota,” he said.Katsumata added there were additional factors GAC had to consider when it comes to sourcing Toyota’s system, even if customers may be familiar with the technology and it would further align GAC with its messaging about bringing famous Toyota quality to a Chinese brand.“I don’t think we need ,” he said.He suggested it may be too expensive, and add more than the usual $2500-$3000 Toyota charges for its hybrids compared to pure pertol variants.There were supply considerations, which could affect the brand’s ability to bring cars to market with the usual speed Chinese brands are known for.“If I were Toyota - before I supply my THS system to other brands, I’d like to be fully utilising it in terms of volume.”“Today in the European market and America, the THS system sells in volume and it’s increasing every year. So they may choose to focus on their own brand.”“So we’d have to negotiate with them, if we were to get the THS system for other markets.”Katsumata instead stressed the idea that the brand’s own scalable DHT hybrid system - more similar to systems used by other Chinese brands - would be a better fit, as it’s both more affordable and immediately available.Katsumata and GAC’s local CEO Kevin Shu suggested the tech would be better suited to products that haven’t arrived in Australia yet. This include the possibility of a “larger SUV”, like the five-seat Toyota Kluger-sized GS8, which is available in ICE as well as plugless hybrid forms overseas.Shu mentioned other products open to the brand in Australia include the slightly smaller five-seat S7 and its larger flagship S9 three-row big brother, which both use an in-house GAC plug-in hybrid system.At least one of these would add to the brand’s existing line-up of aggressively priced combustion and plug-in models, including the Emzoom combustion small SUV, Aion V electric mid-sizer, M8 plug-in people mover and the recently-launched Aion UT electric hatchback.Further into the future, the brand is also plotting an entry into the ute segment with a brand-new ground-up offering in 2027.

It is that time of the year again when car brands target a last flurry of sales before the end of the financial year. These deals often tell a story of what stock brands need to move, and in a time when electric vehicle sales are more important than ever there are some strong deals on show. Here is a look at some of the best ones going around in 2026.Kia is offering discounts across many of its models, with the most noticeable one being for its struggling Tasman ute. The range-topping X-Pro Tasman now starts from $64,990 (drive-away), equating to a more than $10,000 discount on before on-road costs pricing. The deal is available until the 30 June 2026. Kia’s strong-selling EV3 and EV5 have also picked up sizeable drive-away discounts ending 30 June 2026. The EV3 is available from $46,990 (drive-away), which equates to free on-road costs, as well as a further small discount.The EV5 has received an even more substantial discount, starting from $49,990 (drive-away), with it previously available from $56,770, before on-road costs. Hyundai has also put out some standout deals, especially on its electric range. But you'll need to move fast, with the offer ending on May 31, 2026.The brand’s Kona Electric range all have substantial discounts, with a starting price of $45,990 (drive-away).The recently-launched Elexio SUV is available from $57,990 (drive-away), with it previously on sale from $58,990, before on-road costs. The Ioniq 5 is another of Hyundai’s models being offered with a noticeable discount, starting from $71,990 (drive-away) until 31 May 2026. MG is currently offering discounts across its range to conclude the financial year, with all deals running until 30 June, 2026. One of the biggest deals offered by the brand is a $6000 cashback offer on plug-in hybrid variants of its mid-size HS SUV.Petrol and plug-less hybrids examples are available with a $3000 cashback offer, which is also available on the QS large SUV and the U9 ute. Additionally, these $3000 cashback deals include five years of free servicing on the vehicles. There are also minor conditional discounts on the ZS small SUV and MG3 hatch currently. BYD is offering $3000 cashback on several of its models in Australia for vehicles delivered by 30 June 2026. The Premium variant of the popular Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute gets the deal, and is now available from $54,900 (before on-road costs). Both variants of the Sealion 5 PHEV mid-size SUV, are also eligible, meaning it starts from $30,990 (before on-road costs). The Sealion 6 and Sealion 8 PHEV SUVs are available with the $3000 cashback offer. Chery is another brand to get in on the end of financial year deals. Its Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid large SUV has discounts of $5000, now starting from $34,990 (drive-away). The hugely popular Tiggo 4 small hybrid SUV and Tiggo 8 plug-in hybrid large SUV are being offered with a $2000 factory bonus discount. Offers run until 30 June 2026.Ford has substantially reduced the price of its plug-in hybrid Ranger lineup, with it now starting from $62,000 (drive-away) down from $71,990 (before on-road costs) until 30 June 2026. This price cut brings it closer to the price of the rival BYD Shark 6, which retails from $57,900 (before on-road costs).Some variants of the diesel Ranger are also being offered with sharp drive-away deals. Toyota’s full-size Tundra hybrid ute has received a more than $10,000 discount for models from 2025 as part of a deal to remove on-road costs and add a cashback offer. This means the ute is now available from $145,990 (drive-away). The offer lasts until June 30 2026. 

Toyota’s GR Yaris hot hatch is about to receive some performance enhancements in Australia.It will launch next month, with a spokesperson for Toyota Australia confirming there will be no price change for the new GR Yaris.The car will continue to start from $55,490 (before on-road costs).It will now have a smaller steering wheel diameter of 360mm, down from 365mm. This smaller steering wheel has been designed to offer a more comfortable grasp for the driver when cornering. Steering has been given a further tune courtesy of an expanded operating range for electric assistance. There will also now be steering wheel-mounted switches positioned separately, with illumination to aid visibility and use under race conditions. The range-topping GTS will ride on new high-performance Bridgestone Potenza Race tires as part of the upgrades. There have been some minor design tweaks for the car to give it a sharper look. Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas said these minor upgrades were designed to provide the marginal improvements needed for racing success. “When you’re racing, improvements are measured in tenths of seconds and these upgrades to the GR Yaris are designed to deliver the sort of performance enhancements that can make a difference,” Pappas said.The upgrades were inspired by Toyota’s recent success at the World Rally Championship. It will continue to be a rival to the Hyundai i20 N and the Volkswagen Polo GTI Down Under.All GR Yaris variants use a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 221kW and 400Nm. Toyota’s hot hatch could be about to undergo a serious change before the end of the decade.There have been rumours of a new hybrid set-up coming to GR Yaris in 2028 similar to recently-announced performance grades of the LandCruiser 300 4WD.The brand did not confirm whether such a variant was in the works, but its potential announcement could coincide with the arrival of the new all-electric Yaris coming in 2028.

Toyota has just unveiled a game-changing upgrade to its HiLux ute, which puts the Ford Ranger Super Duty in its sights. A factory-fitted GVM upgrade priced from $4000 will now be available on some HiLux models.It will boost payload by 372kg to 435kg, increasing the ute's maximum possible payload to roughly 1525kg. While the Ranger Super Duty maintains a superior payload of 1982kg, this upgrade brings Toyota's best-selling ute into closer competition.The towing capacity remains at 3500kg, while the Super Duty can handle 4500kg.This upgrade will only be available on select 4x4 grades of the HiLux, which are the WorkMate double cab-chassis, WorkMate double-cab pick-up, SR Extra cab-chassis, SR double cab-chassis, SR double-cab pick-up and SR5 double-cab pick-up.This means the minimum starting price for a GVM-upgraded HiLux is $56,490 (before on-road costs), substantially cheaper than the Super Duty at $80,000-plus. Longer monotube rear shock absorbers are fitted as part of the Hilux's GVM upgrade, increasing ride height by up to 10mm.GVM upgrades also usually involve beefing up other suspension elements to support greater load-bearing capacity. Axle capacities for the upgrades have increased by 100kg on the front and 280kg on the rear, giving the ute greater sturdiness. These modified HiLux models will maintain Toyota's five-year manufacturer warranty after the upgrades have been carried out, unlike some aftermarket alternatives. The GVM upgrade uses genuine Toyota parts, as opposed to external ones, such as on the Ford Ranger with 4WD brand ARB. The brand said the tune has been developed by the local Toyota Australia branch. Existing HiLux models and those which are already on order will not be eligible for the warranty-backed upgrade, with it being a factory-installed option.These HiLux models will still have the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW and 500Nm. The upgrade will be available from August of this year.