4X4 Australia

The Falken Wildpeak RT01 (↗) is a rugged-terrain tyre that sits between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain. It’s aimed at drivers who need more capability than a standard AT offers but don’t want the noise, wear and compromise of a full muddie.

It slots between the Wildpeak AT4W and MT in Falken’s range and is aimed at touring 4WDs, loaded utes and caravanning setups that regularly split time between highway driving and rough tracks.

It’s the sort of tyre that makes sense for the owner towing a caravan up the Stuart Highway, spending days on corrugated outback roads before peeling off onto rocky station tracks or muddy campsites. An AT might start to feel out of its depth, while a mud-terrain can become tiresome over thousands of kilometres of bitumen. The RT01 is designed to bridge that gap.

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Rather than leaning heavily into off-road aggression or on-road comfort, the RT01 focuses on durability under load and added traction on loose surfaces, while still remaining usable on long highway runs. It suits towing, corrugated outback roads and mixed touring use where sealed and unsealed conditions regularly overlap.

Construction varies by size, but the intent is consistent: More casing strength than an all-terrain, better road manners than a mud-terrain, and a load focus suited to heavier vehicles. Some sizes feature Falken’s DURASPEC 3-ply sidewall construction shared with the Wildpeak MT, while others use a 2-ply setup. All versions are LT-rated and built for towing and load-carrying rather than comfort.

Key design features

Hybrid rugged-terrain tread layout

The RT01 (↗) uses a more aggressive tread than a standard all-terrain, with larger voids and more open shoulder blocks. This improves bite on gravel, dirt, and mud without going to the extreme spacing of a mud-terrain. The trade-off is increased tread noise compared to an AT, particularly on coarse-chip roads.

DURASPEC 3-ply sidewall (select sizes)

Heavier-spec sizes use Falken’s DURASPEC 3-ply sidewall construction with a 2-ply turn-up, bringing mud-terrain-style casing strength into the rugged-terrain category. This improves resistance to cuts, rock damage, and impact at lower pressures. Other sizes use a standard 2-ply sidewall, so protection levels vary by fitment.

Tectonic tread blocks with load support

The centre tread is designed for stability under load. The blocks are supported to reduce movement under weight, which helps when towing or running heavy touring setups. This becomes more noticeable as vehicle load increases.

Open shoulder and mud-clearing layout

The outer blocks are widely spaced and angled to help shed mud, gravel, and debris. This reduces packing in softer terrain and improves edge bite when aired down or running uneven ground.

Chip- and tear-resistant compound

The compound is tuned for mixed-surface use, with resistance to damage from corrugations, gravel, and heat over long-distance driving. It prioritises durability over comfort.

LT construction across the range

All RT01 sizes are Light Truck construction, with load ratings suited to utes, wagons, and towing applications. Fitments cover common Australian 4WD platforms, including dual-cab utes and large wagons, as well as higher-load and GVM-upgraded builds.

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Construction and behaviour

The RT01’s strength lies more in its casing than its tread design.

Compared to a standard all-terrain, the key upgrade is sidewall protection. Select sizes use a 3-ply construction that improves resistance to rock damage and impacts in rough terrain.

The shoulder blocks are open and relatively square-edged. This helps traction in mud and loose gravel, particularly at lower pressures, but it also makes the tyre more noticeable on sealed roads.

In the centre, the tread is more tightly packed. This improves stability under load, especially when towing or carrying weight. The tread blocks are internally supported to reduce movement, which becomes more noticeable as vehicle load increases.

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On-road and off-road behaviour

On the road, the RT01 sits between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain.

It is not as quiet or refined as a standard AT, with noticeable tread noise on coarse-chip surfaces that increases with speed. In return, it feels more composed under load than most AT tyres, particularly on towing setups where rear stability matters.

Off-road is where it becomes more relevant. The open shoulder design and block spacing help it clear mud and loose gravel rather than pack up, while still offering enough edge bite for rocky climbs and uneven tracks. It does not rely on deep voids like a mud-terrain, but it is clearly more capable than a standard all-terrain in broken terrain.

Sidewall strength is a defining factor in rough conditions. In LT and 3-ply DURASPEC equipped sizes, it offers noticeably more resistance to cuts and impacts than a typical AT, particularly on sharp rock and corrugations. At lower pressures, the shoulder blocks maintain their shape reasonably well, which helps traction and stability on uneven ground.

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • More capable off-road than a standard all-terrain
  • Strong sidewall construction in selected sizes
  • Stable under load, especially for towing
  • Works across mixed on-road and off-road use
  • Strong braking performance in independent testing compared to similar rugged-terrain tyres

Cons

  • Noisier than an all-terrain
  • Heavier than standard AT tyres
  • Not all sizes get the 3-ply sidewall
  • Less refined on-road than comfort-focused AT tyres

Where it sits in the market

The RT01 competes with tyres such as the Nitto Ridge Grappler, Toyo Open Country RT, Yokohama Geolandar X-AT, and Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek.

Its strengths are casing durability in LT/DURASPEC sizes and braking performance noted in independent testing. Where it falls behind some rivals is range depth, with competitors offering broader sizing in certain platforms. It is less suited to drivers prioritising quiet road manners or mostly urban use. It makes most sense for:

The RT01 (↗) sits between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain rather than replacing either.

It is aimed at drivers who are putting more load, distance and rough-road use into their vehicles than a standard all-terrain is built for, but still need something that behaves on the highway.

FAQs: Rugged-terrain tyres explained

What exactly is a rugged-terrain tyre?

Think of an RT tyre as the middle ground between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain. It gives you more sidewall protection, a more aggressive tread pattern and better performance in loose conditions than a typical AT, without committing to the extra noise and compromises that come with running an MT every day.

Should I choose an RT over an all-terrain?

That depends on how you use your 4WD. If most of your driving is commuting, country roads and the occasional camping trip, a good AT is usually enough. But if you’re regularly towing, carrying touring weight, running corrugations or finding the limits of an AT on tougher tracks, an RT starts to make a lot of sense.

Are rugged-terrain tyres good for towing?

They generally are. Most RTs use LT construction and are designed with heavier vehicles in mind. The stiffer casing and stronger construction can provide a more stable feel when towing caravans, camper trailers or carrying a fully loaded touring setup. The trade-off is a firmer ride when the vehicle is unladen.

Do RT tyres wear out quickly?

Not if they’re looked after. Tyre life comes down to factors such as inflation pressures, wheel alignments, rotations and how the vehicle is used. A heavily loaded ute towing around Australia will wear tyres differently to a lightly driven weekend wagon. Modern RT compounds are far more durable than aggressive tyres of the past, but they still won’t match a highway tyre for outright longevity.

Are rugged-terrain tyres noisy?

Compared to an AT, yes. Compared to a mud-terrain, not usually. Most RTs produce a noticeable hum on coarse-chip country roads, but the level of noise varies between brands and tread designs. For many owners, it’s an acceptable trade-off for the extra off-road capability.

Can you air down RT tyres off-road?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to improve traction and ride quality off-road. Lower pressures help the tyre conform to rocks, lengthen the footprint in sand and smooth out corrugations. The right pressure depends on the terrain, vehicle weight and tyre construction, but airing back up before returning to bitumen is essential.

What’s the real difference between AT, RT and MT tyres?

Are rugged-terrain tyres worth it?

If your 4WD spends most of its life in suburban traffic, probably not. But if you’re towing a van around the country, carrying a full touring setup or regularly heading into rougher country where an AT is starting to feel like a compromise, an RT can be the sweet spot. They’re not the answer for everyone, but for plenty of Australian 4WD owners, they’re the tyre that bridges the gap.

MORE Read more at Falken Tyres

Is your 4×4 set up for the tracks you really want to tackle?

Whether you’re chasing tougher touring gear, better clearance, or just smarter storage, the right upgrades can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up the latest aftermarket gear hitting the Aussie market this month. If you’re planning your next trip or just looking to get more out of your rig, these are the products worth checking out! 👇

JUMP AHEAD

Retract Canopy Systems (RCS)

This versatile canopy system suits standard dual-cab utes and full-size American pickups. The remote-controlled retracting canopy locks securely when closed and opens to provide full access to your tub. Its modular T-slot rail system supports roof bars, 4×4 mounts and other accessories, while built-in LED lighting and a front window improve functionality. RCS adapts to a wide range of setups, with options such as security cages, recovery board mounts and automated mid-gates in development. 🔧 View product details

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GME XRS Connect value packs

These Australian-made all-in-one communication kits for off-road adventures are designed for clear, reliable UHF CB radio communication. Each pack pairs GME’s latest radios with high-performance antennas and is tailored to different travel styles: Outback Pack (XRS-335COB) for remote, off-grid touring; Touring Pack (XRS-335CTP) for everyday touring; and 4X4 Pack (XRS-375C4P) for heavy-duty use in demanding conditions and commercial applications.

All packs feature Bluetooth, GPS, noise reduction, customisable controls and smartphone integration via GME’s XRS Connect for smarter, connected communication on the road. 🔧 View product details

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Lovells Fusion Upgrade for Ranger Raptor

Aussie brand Lovells has introduced its Fusion Upgrade for the next-gen Ford Ranger Raptor, aimed at increasing load-carrying capability while retaining the factory FOX Live Valve dampers. The system integrates Lovells-developed, locally manufactured coil springs with the OEM suspension, maintaining the vehicle’s ride quality, handling precision and high-speed off-road performance.

Designed around real-world use cases such as accessories, touring setups and trade loads, the upgrade provides a compliant, tested and certified pathway to higher payload capacity without replacing key factory components. It raises GVM from 3130kg to 3550kg and GCM from 5370kg to 5900kg, while also increasing front axle capacity from 1520kg to 1650kg and rear axle capacity from 1700kg to 1900kg. GCM upgrade availability may vary by state for post-registration vehicles.🔧 View product details

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MORE Terrain Tamer Suspension Seats tested on a Simpson Desert crossing

AAA Suspension Ford Ranger Super Duty Xtra Leaf kit

AAA Suspension has developed its XTra Leaf Assist kit specifically for the Ford Ranger Super Duty, designed to address constant rear-end sag in vehicles that regularly carry heavy loads. Rather than a universal solution, the kit adds an additional leaf to each side of the factory spring pack, increasing load support while retaining compatibility with standard components.

Engineered as a fit-at-home or workshop-install solution, the kit includes two XTra leaves, longer centre bolts, nylon silencer pads and factory-style spacer blocks. It delivers a +220kg constant load increase, making it suited to vehicles with trays, canopies or permanent payloads. The system is not intended as a lift kit, instead restoring ride height on heavily loaded vehicles while maintaining factory ride characteristics under load. 🔧 View product details

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Projecta Intelli-Grid GEN III

Projecta has launched its Intelli-Grid GEN III 12-volt power management system, combining charging, power distribution and monitoring into a single platform based around the PM535 and PM635 power management units. The system adds in-built DC-DC charging and allows inverter/charger integration, with further expandability via additional DC-DC or solar charging.

The PM535 provides 30A AC, 30A DC-DC and 30A MPPT solar charging, while the PM635 increases output with 45A DC-DC, 45A MPPT solar and a 60A AC charger. Both automatically select input sources and support lithium or lead-acid batteries with adaptive charging profiles.

GEN III enables control of up to 15 load outputs, offers display options in 3-, 4-, 7- and 10-inch sizes, supports Projecta inverter/chargers up to 3000W and includes smartphone monitoring via the Intelli-Grid app. It is available in four core kits and is backed by a five-year warranty.🔧 View product details

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Bluetti FridgePower

Bluetti has launched its FridgePower system on Kickstarter. While aimed at household refrigeration, it is also positioned for off-grid use where compact backup power is required. The plug-and-play system is designed to keep a fridge running during outages or remote travel, with 2016Wh capacity and 1800W output.

Bluetti claims up to 21.6 hours of fridge runtime and a 4W AC idle draw, with a 3600W surge rating for compressor starts. Capacity can scale to 8064Wh using three expansion batteries, extending runtime to around four days. It uses LiFePO₄ cells rated for more than 4000 cycles and includes a 10ms UPS switchover for seamless power transitions.

At 75mm thick, with flat or vertical mounting options, it is designed for tight installs. It also includes app-based control, multiple operating modes and optional display integration.🔧 View product details

LightForce Beast 190 driving light

The LightForce BEAST 190 is a slimline driving light designed for modern bullbar fitment, with an 80mm profile focused on improved airflow and reduced sensor obstruction. It features an IP69K water-tight housing, protecting against dust, high-pressure steam and submersion to 1.5m. The unit is chemically resistant, including resistance to petrol, brake fluid and paint solvents.

Designed for extreme environments, it operates continuously from -40°C to 85°C, withstands spikes up to 125°C and features electronics rated for 200,000 power cycles. It also uses a UV- and solar-resistant lens.

The light carries IK16 impact resistance, MIL-STD-810H vibration and shock compliance and is tested against high-force impact scenarios. It is rated for 10,000 hours of continuous operation, with LEDs rated to 50,000 hours, and carries ROHS compliance along with RCM and FTC approvals for AU/NZ and USA markets. 🔧 View product details

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Utemaster GearForce Hard Lid

The Utemaster GearForce Hard Lid is a simple, heavy-duty ute tub solution backed by almost two decades of design and manufacturing experience. It uses a 5052-grade aluminium lid skin with a black powdercoat finish, supported by aluminium extrusion side rails and bracing built as a single rigid structure. The system is designed without loose bolts or rivets in the main frame for long-term stability.

Functionally, it uses gas struts for assisted opening and allows tailgate access while the lid is closed. Security is integrated via tailgate-based central locking, with no exposed locks. It is rated to 200kg dynamic and 400kg static load capacity.

The lid is designed for quick removal and refit via a quick-release system, enabling full tub access when required. Weather protection is handled through front and rear sealing, including a front seal designed to shed water away from the tub. It comes standard in black and is backed by a three-year warranty, with crossbars available as an optional accessory.🔧 View product details

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Tuff Terrain Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (5 sensor)

The Tuff Terrain Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a five-sensor kit that provides real-time monitoring of tyre pressure and temperature across all five tyres, including the spare. It uses five pre-paired sensors for quick setup and displays live data on a full-colour LCD screen, showing pressure in PSI or bar and temperature in °C or °F.

The system provides instant alerts for slow leaks, fast leaks and over-temperature conditions to help improve safety, handling and tyre wear management. The display is powered by built-in solar charging or USB-C and includes a secure dash mount with anti-slip mat.

Sensors are rated up to 200psi for standard and heavy-duty applications. The kit includes the display unit, five sensors, USB-C cable, mounting mat, locking spanners and instructions, with an optional range booster available. It is backed by a two-year limited warranty.🔧 View product details

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Pedders GVM upgrade for 2026 HiLux

Pedders has introduced a full range of GVM+ Upgrade Kits for the ninth-gen HiLux. Developed specifically for the current HiLux platform, the kits are available in 3220kg, 3500kg, 3620kg and 3800kg (4X4 only) GVM ratings. Pedders is first to market with a GVM upgrade in the NB category (GVM >3500kg) for this model, expanding its range of ADR-compliant GVM solutions in Australia.

The kits are engineered as complete vehicle systems rather than standalone components, designed to maintain ride comfort, stability, braking performance and predictable handling under load. Each GVM+ kit is Federal Government-approved and compliant with Australian Design Rules, allowing legal increases in carrying capacity while maintaining safe vehicle dynamics. 🔧 View product details

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MSA 4X4 integrated table solutions

MSA 4X4 has expanded its camp kitchen solutions with integrated table systems designed for fridge slide setups, improving bench space and campsite functionality. For existing MSA 4X4 Drop Slide or Straight Slide owners, the Clip-On Table with Cutlery Roll provides a lightweight 304-grade stainless steel prep surface that attaches to the slide. It packs away flat and includes a 12-piece cutlery set in a compact roll.

For new builds, the MSA 4X4 Drop Slide and POWER SLIDE with Tables feature a built-in pull-out stainless steel bench integrated into the slide base, providing immediate prep space when the fridge is lowered. Both systems are engineered for tough conditions, featuring heavy-duty gas struts, a lock-in/lock-out safety system and a lifetime guarantee. 🔧 View product details

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Custom Lithium Next Generation Ultra Slim XL lithium battery

The Ultra Slim XL Lithium Battery from Custom Lithium is a compact, lightweight energy storage system designed for off-grid use, built to deliver reliable power for appliances such as induction cookers, fridges and tools. It features an ultra-slim design for tight installation spaces and is built in Brisbane using A-grade automotive LiFePO4 cells in a lightweight aluminium enclosure.

The battery includes a high-current BMS with a modified Heltech system and active balancer, providing protection against overheating, over-discharge and low-temperature cut-off. It is individually bench tested, offers a high discharge rate and is backed by a seven-year warranty. 🔧 View product details

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MORE 4X4 Australia’s project vehicles

The Ford Ranger Raptor is the most dynamic, high-performance ute on the market by a country mile.

It’s fast, it’s fun and it’s capable, so it ticks the boxes for many users, many of whom might not normally be interested in a 4×4 ute. This makes the Ranger Raptor a shining light in a field of boring beige work utes. But that’s not to say that you can’t make a good thing better.

74Weld (↗) is a California-based engineering company producing portal axle boxes for a range of off-road vehicles including Trophy Trucks, Ultra4 buggies and road-going 4x4s from Toyota, Jeep and Ford.

The Ford portals came out of the Ford Performance Ultra4 program that includes King of the Hammers race week, so these are made for the toughest off-road conditions. This partnership led to the company producing portal boxes for the current-model Ford Bronco which, of course, rides on the same T6 platform as our Ranger and Everest models.

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Ultimate Offroad (↗) is a 4×4 business with a couple of facilities in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs. They work on all things 4×4 and off-road but are known for their big builds on US pick-up trucks. When Ben from Ultimate saw the 74Weld portal products for the T6 Fords and 250 Series Toyotas, he knew there’d be interest in them here in Australia.

Ultimate Offroad caused a stir at the 2025 Melbourne 4×4 Show when the team rolled in with its 250 Series Prado riding on 74Weld portals and 37-inch tyres. The monster Prado was the star of the show!

The Prado was a standout but it wasn’t ready for the road in Australia. In the months since then, Ben and his team have been busy building and testing the vehicles, working with the relevant authorities and departments, and jumping through hoops to get the portal conversion tested, certified and approved for Aussie roads.

As part of the process, they built this Ranger Raptor on 74Weld portals and it has become the first vehicle to get Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) approval here in Australia. And they were kind enough to let us take it out for a day in the forest to try it out.

JUMP AHEAD

Inside the 74Weld portal conversion 

The key advantage of using portal axles over, say, a traditional suspension lift is that it allows you to raise the vehicle and increase ground clearance without resorting to tall, ungainly springs and the handling effects they have.

In fact, you can retain the factory-standard suspension on a 4×4 with portals and still enjoy the added height and clearance. When your starting point is the Ranger Raptor with its excellent Fox Racing Live Valve dampers, being able to retain them is a huge bonus.

The portal boxes raise the axle over the centreline of the wheels and hence the vehicle by 100mm. The Raptor kit is approved to run on 35-inch tyres, so you’re looking at around 150mm of increased height and, importantly, ground clearance over standard, but while retaining the standard suspension. The portal boxes are a bolt-on addition and don’t require any serious modifications, cutting or alterations to the base vehicle.

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Inside the boxes are four gears that allow the axles to turn in the right direction, and they give an 82 per cent reduction at the hub, meaning you don’t need to change final-drive gears when running tall tyres. This also reduces a lot of the stresses on components like axles and CV joints from running bigger tyres, and eliminates any loss of performance that comes with taller tyres. As mentioned, the Raptor portal kit in Australia is approved to ride on 35-inch tyres, but the 250 Series Toyota kit will be approved for 35s and 37s – giddy-up!

If you’re worried about the strength of the portal components, just remember that these same parts are serving duty in the world’s toughest rock pit at King of the Hammers and, while the buggies might be lighter than your road-going Raptor, some of those buggies are running V8 engines and pushing 40-inch tyres.

The team at 74Weld has been having a lot of fun taking IFS Toyotas like the Tacoma and 4Runner along some of America’s toughest tracks that were previously the exclusive domain of big-tyred, live-axle Jeeps and Broncos, showing just what a portal-equipped IFS 4×4 can do.

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Ultimate Offroad has made some changes to the suspension as part of its development and approval. These include 25mm spacers on the front struts to level the vehicle out and revised rear springs that allow the portal-equipped Raptor a GVM increase to 3510kg, up from the standard 3150kg you get from Ford.

The only component missing from this Raptor was the 74Weld billet-alloy upper control arms, which will be part of the package sold in Australia. They will look sweet behind the beautifully made billet-alloy uprights that are part of the 74Weld package.

Another feature of this vehicle is the 74Weld-specific Method Race Wheels. These forged-alloy wheels feature Method’s innovative Bead Grip technology and are made with a positive offset specifically to suit the wider wheel track of the portal conversion. As mentioned, 35-inch Nittos are fitted on this Raptor. The portal axles are also set up to take a central tyre inflation system, which is another product to come from 74Weld in the future.

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Driving the portal-equipped Ranger Raptor 

It was a cold and wet Melbourne day when we picked up the 74Weld Raptor from Ultimate Offroad (↗), hardly ideal for photography, so we were thankful for its bright orange hue to contrast a gloomy day.

Getting into the vehicle required a little extra effort due to the height but once inside it was all regular Ford Ranger fare. The only real difference was the view over the bonnet to the road from the elevated cockpit. Through roundabouts and on to the highway the vehicle felt like any other Raptor not running the standard BFG tyres. This vehicle had 35-inch Nittos fitted and they are a bit noisier than the BFGs, but overall the experience was very familiar.

On rougher backroads I could feel the stiffer rear springs, again feeling like a modified vehicle, and they took away much of the Raptor’s compliance and soft ride. That’s the price you pay for the higher payload but otherwise the rear steered and drove like a regular Ranger Raptor – and that’s a good thing! It was still a fun rig to punt on the forest tracks, with that familiar Raptor ‘Brap’ echoing through the valleys, and plenty of sure-footed grip on the road.

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Ultimate Offroad will offer a softer rear spring for the conversion if that is what the owner is looking for. Other options include 74Weld billet upper and lower arms for the rear. There was no hint of the extra height or wobbly springs that you might get with a suspension-only lift. It was stable and compliant no matter what we threw at it.

We switched the transfer case to 4×4 Auto on the gravel road and it all worked as normal, and then locked high range once we peeled off to the muddy tracks. The ruts in these bog holes are deep but the clearance afforded by the tyres and portals made light work of them, with no scraping on the high crowns. Into the pit and we were into low range, all working just as Ford intended.

Again, the extra ground clearance afforded by the portals allowed us to crawl up and down the rocks with ease and not worry about clearance. The Raptor’s front and rear locking diffs still work as usual, providing loads of grip, although the wet rock meant we had to pick our lines.

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Final verdict: Portal-equipped Ranger Raptor

The 74Weld portal axle conversion (↗) on the Ranger Raptor takes what was already the leading vehicle in its segment and raises it up, both literally and figuratively.

It gives the donor vehicle considerable extra ground clearance, which you can’t get enough of in an off-road vehicle, without the compromises that come with a tall suspension lift. The downside, and there is one, is the cost of the conversion. Drive-in/drive-out owners will be looking at close to $55,000 for the portal conversion, but this includes the four portal boxes, billet uprights and UCAs for the front end, five 74Weld/Method Race Wheels shod in 35-inch Nitto tyres, upgraded brake rotors and ADR-approved brake lines, front strut levelling spacers, a 3510kg GVM upgrade, and a fully engineered and approved package ready for you to hit the tracks.

It’s not cheap but there’s a lot of beautiful mechanical hardware in there and it all works! Approval is via SSM and Ultimate Offroad has state approval for post-registration installs in Victoria. We look forward to seeing the Prado and more portal-converted rides from Ultimate Offroad soon.

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Key portal-specific specs and features

MORE Ranger news and reviews!

We’ve all got that one mate whose idea of trip preparation extends to “She’ll be right, I’ll chuck some fresh oil and a filter at it and call it good.”

This is usually hours before you’re due to leave on an adventure like the Canning Stock Route or a week in the High Country or anywhere with a lot of kilometres between you and the nearest mechanical workshop. You want to tell him he’s nuts. You want to call him an idiot. But the thing is, he’s not wrong, or at least not exactly. Keeping quality oil and filters up to the demands of your vehicle is rules 1, 2 and 3 for making your engine last.

That’s why when Penrite (↗), who have long been one of the premiere oil mobs in the country, told us it was bringing its own oil filters to market we thought we’d better check them out to see if they were up to the job of handling what Aussie 4WDers could throw at them.

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Cheap vs quality oil filters: Does it really matter?

I know what you’re thinking. “Oil filters are oil filters, they’re all the same,” but there’s actually a bunch of engineering and hard-won knowledge that goes into these things, and choosing the wrong one can cost you upwards of thirty-grand on a new engine.

Don’t believe me? A few years back, a customer showed up to a workshop I was at saying his fairly new 100 Series LandCruiser (upon reflection it may have been more than a few years ago) was running sluggishly. One thing led to another and before you know it the rocker cover was off and the thickest, greasiest, nastiest sludge this side of a Menai mud hole was discovered.

The cause: A distinct lack of servicing and using the cheapest possible oil and filters. Long story short, deeper inspection showed that his engine was cooked and was duly consigned to the big 4WD park in the sky.

The takeaway: Don’t scrimp on your fluids and filters if you want your engine to last. And that goes doubly for modern common-rail diesels that are as highly-strung as a soprano violin.

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Why oil filters matter more when you’re 4WDing

Here’s the thing. The above example was an urban-driven vehicle that was able to limp in to a fully-kitted workshop.

The Australian bush is not nearly as forgiving and generally doesn’t come with the convenience of a mechanic and their tools to solve your problems. If something let’s go, you’re largely on your own.

They’re generally inexpensive so people think they hold little value, but their job is one of the most important in the entire engine bay. This is where Penrite (↗) has brought its expertise to the game. Not only does the filter do what it says on the box, it’s designed for use in harsh environments. You know, the places us 4WDers like to spend as much time as possible in.

What’s inside a quality oil filter?

Starting at the base of the filter, there’s a 4mm steel plate that’s tougher than Tyson-in-his-prime and there to stop your filter from bursting over ten billion Cape York corrugations.

From there they’ve fitted a silicone (as opposed to a cheaper rubber) anti-drain-back valve which keeps oil in the filter with the engine off to minimise damage on start-up.

Ever been to Tassie in winter? It’s the kind of cold that makes your ancestors shiver and your engine oil turn into thick sludge, which is why Penrite (↗) have included an internal pressure relief valve (PRV) that allows oil to bypass the filter if it becomes blocked or the oil is too thick to push through. A cheaply-made blocked filter can be a good way to starve the moving parts of lubrication, but not in this case.

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Then there’s Penrite’s glass fibre and resin filter element blend which they reckon offers over 98% filtration efficiency at 20 microns. In case you don’t wear a white coat and swan around a laboratory for a living, that’s pretty darn excellent and just the thing you want when barrelling through the bulldust along the Darling River Run.

The perforated steel centre tube keeps the oil flowing under pressure and prevents the element from collapsing, while the thickened end caps hold the media in shape and a carbon and manganese-heavy spring steel guide keeps everything centred. Just the thing for bombing over the Simpson Desert dunes at speed without a worry.

Oh, and my pick for the best thing about the Penrite filters? The 19mm hex nut on the spin-on housings. No more shaving your knuckles and giving yourself carpal tunnel on the driveway while cursing the last guy who definitely secured the last filter in place with a rattle gun and a lot of anger at his father.

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So, are quality oil filters worth it?

Look, nobody is saying an oil filter will save your engine from destruction.

There are simply too many variables for that to be true. But what we are saying is that having a high quality filter in place has to be the cheapest insurance money can buy. Plus, a good oil filter can save your engine from an early death from lubrication-based damage. On top of that, a filter that’s been designed from the ground up to handle the rigours of Aussie wheeling has to be one of the best first steps towards bulletproofing your rig against the terrain, the conditions and just plain old bad luck.

Your mate may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’s onto something with his “fresh fluids and filters” thing.

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Oil filter FAQs

Are premium oil filters worth it?

For a vehicle you plan to keep and drive hard, yes. A quality filter uses tougher materials and more efficient media, and it is about the cheapest insurance against lubrication damage you can buy.

What does an anti-drain-back valve do?

It keeps oil inside the filter when the engine is off, so the engine is not running dry for the first few seconds of a cold start, which is when most wear happens. Penrite uses a silicone one for better heat resistance.

What does a pressure relief valve (PRV) do in an oil filter?

It lets oil bypass the filter media if the media blocks up or the oil is too cold and thick to flow through, so the engine keeps getting oil. Unfiltered oil beats no oil.

Is 98% filtration efficiency at 20 microns good?

Yes. Penrite quotes that figure for its synthetic blend media, meaning it traps the large majority of particles down to 20 microns, far smaller than the eye can see.

What size socket fits the Penrite oil filter?

Penrite’s spin-on filters (↗) have a built-in 19mm hex nut on top, so a standard 19mm spanner or socket removes them without a cup wrench.

MORE Find out more about Penrite’s range of oil filters

The BLUETTI FridgePower (↗) doesn’t just back up a fridge, it keeps it running for around 21 hours on a single charge, and can stretch that to two days with one expansion battery. Add three, and you’re looking at up to four days of runtime depending on load.

That kind of performance defines what the system is really about. The Bluetti FridgePower (↗) is built around a single priority: Keeping refrigeration alive when the grid goes down. It is not a general-purpose power station. Instead, it is a focused backup system designed specifically around fridges and essential household appliances, and that intent shapes everything from its design to how it operates in practice.

The base unit runs a 2016 Wh LiFePO₄ battery paired with 1800W of continuous output and 3600W of surge capacity, enough to handle compressor startup spikes without issue. Idle draw is rated at just 4W AC, helping minimise wasted energy when the system is on standby. When the grid drops, it switches over in 10ms, fast enough to keep connected devices running without interruption.

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The physical design is one of its strongest advantages. At just 75mm thick, the FridgePower (↗) sits flush against a wall or tucks neatly into tight utility spaces, but its usefulness extends beyond the home. In a touring setup, it can also be mounted or carried in the back of a ute or SUV without eating into valuable load space, making it a practical option for extended trips or remote travel. Bluetti claims compatibility with 99 percent of fridge types, and installation is a claimed 10-minute DIY process. The result is a unit that blends into both home and vehicle setups.

Where things become less flexible is portability. The base unit weighs 19.7kg, which is manageable but not something you would want to move regularly. Each BlueCell 200 expansion battery adds roughly 20kg. In base form it can still be transported if needed, but once expanded to three batteries it effectively becomes a semi-permanent installation. The trade-off is runtime, with full configurations shifting the system from short-term backup into multi-day outage coverage depending on load.

Charging options include 1440W AC input, 1000W solar input, and a combined 2200W mode. Fast charging can take the system to 80 per cent in around an hour, with an alternator charging option also planned. The LiFePO₄ cells are rated for more than 4000 charge cycles, with 80 per cent capacity retention claimed after 10 years of use. Smart features are handled through the Bluetti app and an optional magnetic display, covering battery level, load draw, power flow, and maintenance prompts. Integration with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant is also supported.

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We connected the unit to a hot plate to feed the crew to see how it would fare as a portable power solution, and it handled this ancillary use without issue, which gives a practical sense of the headroom available beyond its core role. More importantly, it proved genuinely simple to live with in practice. Setup is straightforward, with a plug-and-play style installation that gets it running quickly without needing any technical tuning. 

Once in use, monitoring is equally easy, with key information such as battery level, load draw and power flow clearly visible through the app or optional display at a glance. Operation is largely hands-off, with the system managing switching and power delivery automatically. 

The Kickstarter campaign has officially ended, but the FridgePower remains available through a “Late Pledge” period until June 16 (↗). Pricing is a touch higher than the original early-bird offers (US$899, or roughly AU$1300), but it is still the most affordable way to buy a FridgePower before wider release. 

For Australian customers, Kickstarter (↗) remains the only purchasing channel until June 16. After that, FridgePower will not be available through BLUETTI’s website or retail channels for some time.

MORE BLUETTI FridgePower now live on Kickstarter

The Isuzu D-MAX has built a strong following among Australian 4×4 enthusiasts on the back of a straightforward formula built on a capable diesel drivetrain, a solid platform for modification, and a reputation for reliability that holds up in remote conditions.

The builds collected here reflect the breadth of what D-MAX owners are doing with the platform. Some are simple and purposeful with a lift, some protection and the essentials for weekend touring. Others carry comprehensive setups built around extended travel, with integrated power systems, expedition-ready storage and the full suite of recovery and communication gear needed to spend weeks away from sealed roads.

What connects them is a practical outlook. These rigs are built to go places: Alpine tracks in Victoria, desert routes through South Australia and the Northern Territory, coastal sand and everything in between. The D-MAX has proven adaptable enough to suit all of it, and the builds on this page show how owners have matched their modifications to the country they want to explore.

SUBMIT YOUR HILUX BUILD

Want to see your HiLux build here? Jump on over to the 4X4 Australia Facebook page and show us your rig!

2018 Isuzu D-MAX LS-M

Submitted by David Williams

David Williams’ LS-M is a lightly but purposefully built tourer, already ticking off two bucket-list destinations.

The D-MAX runs a two-inch suspension lift, snorkel, second fuel filter catch can, UHF radio, diff breathers, and a Rhino-Rack roof platform. The setup is practical and trail-ready without overcomplicating the platform. K’gari and the Oodnadatta Track are already in the logbook.

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2022 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Steven Fenech

Steven Fenech’s D-MAX has been put to work across some of Victoria’s most demanding terrain, and the spec list is growing to match.

The build runs 33-inch tyres, a front locker, snorkel and airbox, and long-travel shocks, with more modifications in progress. The Victorian High Country, Border Track, Big Desert, Mt Disappointment, Tallarook, Toolangi, Kinglake West, Mount Terrible and Matlock have all been crossed off the list.

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2016 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Mark Staley

Mark Staley keeps the build simple but sorted, with more in the pipeline for this north-east Victoria local.

The D-MAX runs an EFS suspension lift with matching wheels and tyres, a bull bar and a light bar. An exhaust and snorkel are planned as the next steps. Based close to Alpine National Park, Mark recently made the run to K’gari for a change of scenery, and the shot in front of the Maheno shipwreck sums it up.

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2013 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Johnny Washbay Williams

Johnny Washbay Williams’ Canberra-based D-MAX is a properly sorted rig covering everything from local trails to serious towing and remote touring.

The build sits on a two-inch lift on 33-inch tyres with a GVM upgrade and a front locker. The 2.4-litre five-speed manual has been dyno-tuned for reliable output on the road and off it. Recovery is covered by a Kings winch up front, with spotties for night driving. The canopy runs a budget 12V setup with solar, keeping the fridge cold on fishing trips. A K’gari run is on the radar, and the rig is ready for it.

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Isuzu D-MAX LS-U

Submitted by Terry May

Terry May’s crew-cab LS-U is a well-accessorised tourer that has already worked its way through three South Australian destinations.

The build runs a Runva winch up front, Maxxis AT812 all-terrain tyres, a Safari snorkel, Ironman 4×4 recovery points, Custom Offroad underbody protection, and a two-inch Tough Dog suspension upgrade. Goolwa Beach, Eagle View 4×4 Track and Deep Creek National Park in South Australia are all in the logbook.

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Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Luke Vigh

Luke Vigh built this D-MAX as a family touring rig, and a well-considered system of tray, van and accessories means they can set up camp and still use the ute to explore.

The tray is a PCOR unit carrying an ARB Baserack, ARB twin air compressor, and ARB long-range tank. Out front is an AFN bull bar; lighting comes from a Stedi light bar. The rig sits on 33×12.5 KM3 tyres with EGR flares, a Munji steering rack drop and wheel alignment brace kit, Dobinsons adjustable remote reservoir shocks, and a Blackhawk Ultimate adjustable UCA for the suspension setup. A Hayman Reese X-Bar, rear airbags by Airbag Man and a Fabulous Fab snorkel and airbox round out the practical side, while communications are handled by a GME XRS.

Luke and the family tow a Lotus Off Grid camper. The strategy is to unhitch at camp and take the ute exploring, a setup they have tested across the Great Ocean Road, Yorke Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, Murray River and the Newcastle area, with a Gold Coast trip currently underway.

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2017 Isuzu D-MAX LS-M

Submitted by Rhys Kretschmer

Rhys Kretschmer’s LS-M is a fully self-sufficient tourer with a strong accessory list and a long destinations wishlist to work through.

The build runs ARB bar work, a Warn winch, Lightforce spotlights, a GME XRS, Safari snorkel, ARB canopy, MSA 4×4 drawers, an ARB 60-litre fridge, a 120-amp dual-battery system with 170W solar panel, two-inch OME suspension, and a Darche 270 awning. Bendleby Ranges has been the proving ground so far, with most of the tracks there done and dusted.

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2023 Isuzu D-MAX

Submitted by Stephen Gurman

Stephen Gurman’s 2023 D-MAX is a comprehensively built tourer stacked with gear across every category.

The body carries a Trojan tray and canopy, a Rhino-Rack Pioneer 6 Platform on the roof, a TJM Airtec snorkel, and TJM Outback bull bar, side steps and rails. Lighting comes from Lightforce HTX spotlights and a 40-inch light bar mounted under the roof rack. Suspension is Outback Armour, rolling on Toyo AT3 tyres. Recovery is handled by a Runva 11XP winch.

Internally, a TJM twin compressor and five-litre air tank are hidden in the rear quarter toolbox. Camp comfort comes from a Darche 270 freestanding awning, a Ridgeback Highrize RTT, a 50-litre Dometic fridge, a Travel Buddy oven, a Slide-It Solutions tilt slide, and Black Duck 4Elements seat covers. Communications are covered by a Uniden XTRAK 80 UHF.

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MORE D-MAX news and reviews!

Anyone who’s spent time touring in a Suzuki Jimny knows just how quickly space disappears. Recovery gear, camping equipment, cooking gear and everyday essentials all compete for room in a compact cabin, and before long, the little Suzuki starts to feel cluttered.

That’s why clever storage and touring accessories matter so much in the Jimny world. It’s not just adding more gear; it’s about using the available space more efficiently without piling unnecessary weight onto an already compact platform. That’s the design strategy behind the AIR Drop Down Table from Get Good Gear (↗). Purpose-built for the JB74 Jimny, the AIR table focuses on being light and simple for real-world touring, instead of packing in over-complicated gimmicks.

After spending time with the setup across beach runs, corrugated access tracks and general weekend touring duties, it’s easy to see why this minimalist rear-door accessory is gaining attention among Jimny owners chasing a cleaner and smarter camping setup.

AIR Table quick specs

Shop the AIR Drop Down Table

Why lightweight matters in a Jimny

One of the biggest talking points with the AIR table (↗) is the weight.

At just 4.5kg, Get Good Gear says the AIR is one of the lightest drop-down tables currently available for the Jimny platform. A point that matters more than some people might think.

Anyone building a touring-focused Jimny quickly learns that every kilogram counts. Add drawers, recovery gear, roof racks, larger tyres, and camping equipment, and the GVM climbs fast. Heavy accessories mounted to the rear door can also affect long-term wear on the hinges and rear door strut mounts.

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Rather than going down the traditional steel route, Get Good Gear (↗) has opted for a 2.5mm aluminium construction paired with stainless hinges and hardware. The result is a table that feels properly solid in use without adding unnecessary bulk to the back of the vehicle. Importantly, it doesn’t feel flimsy or compromised simply because it’s lightweight.

During testing, the table remained stable during meal prep, coffee stops, and campsite duties, while the aluminium construction kept overall weight under control, something many Jimny owners will immediately appreciate.

Designed for beach runs and harsh touring

The choice of corrosion-resistant aluminium also makes plenty of sense for Australian touring conditions.

Unlike steel setups that can eventually show corrosion where coatings become chipped or scratched, the aluminium construction naturally resists rust. Combined with stainless hardware throughout, the AIR table is king on beach runs, coastal touring, or wet-weather camping where salt and moisture can quickly punish poorly protected accessories.

That corrosion resistance also helps reinforce the product’s practical philosophy. This isn’t an accessory built purely to look good in photos, it’s designed to handle regular touring use without becoming a maintenance headache later down the track. For plenty of Jimny owners, especially those cruising the beach or heading away for a weekend in the bush, that simplicity is a genuine advantage.

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Simple design that actually works

One of the more refreshing things about the AIR table is that it doesn’t try too hard.

Rather than packing the setup with unnecessary mechanisms or overly complicated folding systems, Get Good Gear (↗) has deliberately kept the design straightforward and functional. There are minimal moving parts, operation is simple, and the whole setup feels intentionally uncomplicated. That’s something experienced tourers tend to appreciate.

Complex accessories might look impressive, but more moving parts can also mean more rattles, more wear, and more potential failures as the kilometres start adding up. The AIR table (↗) instead sticks to the basics: easy access, practical usability, and straightforward operation. It’s a good reminder that not every touring accessory needs to reinvent the wheel.

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Straightforward installation and fitment

Installation is refreshingly simple.

The AIR table (↗) mounts neatly to the Jimny’s rear door using factory holes from the standard plastic trim. Fitment can be completed with basic tools in a relatively short amount of time. Once installed, the table folds away neatly without heavily intruding into the rear cargo area, an important consideration in a vehicle where every bit of space matters.

The minimalist design also helps reduce unnecessary bulk on the rear door, which suits the lightweight touring philosophy many Jimny owners aim for.

“We often get asked if the table will hit the factory plastic tool well. We are one of the few designs on the market that does not require the factory well to be modified or removed” – Get Good Gear

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A rear table you’ll actually use

Out in the real world, the AIR table (↗) quickly becomes one of those accessories you end up using more often than expected.

Whether it’s making coffee during a roadside stop, prepping lunch at camp, organising recovery gear, or simply creating extra workspace at the rear of the Jimny, the 5-minute setup adds useful functionality in an instant, making your time on the track that little more enjoyable.

The rear table can become an instant must-have from cooking your main meals to a quick snack or just keeping the wine and cheese board out of the sand while enjoying the sunset.

Another advantage is how naturally the setup suits the Jimny itself. The compact dimensions and minimalist design feel properly matched to the little Suzuki’s lightweight touring ethos, rather than trying to force oversized touring solutions onto a smaller platform.

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Who this setup suits

A gateway into smarter Jimny setups

What also stands out is how neatly the AIR table (↗) fits into the broader idea of modular Suzuki Jimny touring setups and lightweight JB74 Jimny rear storage systems.

For owners after a simple, lightweight solution, the AIR works perfectly well as a standalone solution. But it also acts as a natural entry point into more comprehensive rear-door storage and organisation systems. Complementing the entire Get Good Gear range (↗). For those wanting a more capable touring rig over time, the full system can be easily built in stages. That flexibility is part of the appeal.

Some owners will want the simplest possible setup with minimal added weight, while others may eventually lean toward more integrated storage, M.O.L.L.E mounting, and expanded touring organisation systems as their builds evolve. The AIR table feels like it knows the Jimny audience well.

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The verdict

The Get Good Gear AIR Drop Down Table (↗) succeeds because it focuses on the simple things that actually matter to Jimny owners: Low weight, corrosion resistance, simplicity, and practical touring usability.

It doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or over-engineered complexity. Instead, it delivers a clean, lightweight and thoughtfully designed solution that genuinely improves day-to-day campsite and touring functionality. Owners chasing heavily integrated rear-door storage systems may still prefer larger or more feature-packed alternatives, but for lightweight touring simplicity, the AIR table strikes a very smart balance.

For Jimny owners looking to maximise usability without compromising the vehicle’s lightweight character, the AIR table makes a strong case for itself.

Shop the AIR Drop Down Table

For many Australians, buying a 4WD unlocks the potential to tour the country, not just handle school runs and grocery trips.

Trips to Cape York, the Kimberley or the islands of SE Queensland are a big part of the appeal, built around getting off the beaten track. However, new research from insurer Club 4X4 suggests those plans are increasingly being delayed or scaled back by cost-of-living pressures.

The Australia Unlocked Report found that 94 per cent of 4WD, SUV and ute owners are primarily using their vehicles for everyday duties, with many Australians spending upwards of $100,000 on vehicles built for the bush but ultimately using them for daily commuting, from school drop-offs to grocery runs and sitting in peak-hour traffic.

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That is not because interest in road trips has faded. Nearly eight in 10 respondents said they would take their dream road trip within the next 12 months if financial pressures were removed, while more than a quarter said they would head off within three months. Cost remains the key barrier. Almost seven in 10 owners cited fuel prices and broader living expenses as the main reason they had scaled back travel plans, while nearly two-thirds said they had taken fewer road trips over the past year.

The findings help explain why many capable and often expensive adventure vehicles spend more time in suburban driveways than on remote tracks. The average Australian household now spends around $23,500 a year on vehicle-related costs, including close to $3000 on fuel, according to the report. For those planning a lap of Australia, Club 4X4 estimates fuel alone now costs more than $3000.

The impact is not evenly spread across the country. Queensland recorded some of the highest levels of inactivity, with more than one in five 4WD owners saying they had not taken a single road trip in the past 12 months.

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Western Australia reported the highest cancellation rate nationally, with 17 per cent of owners saying they had cancelled all road trips, and one in four not taking any trips at all. Fuel costs were also the top barrier in WA at 37 per cent.

Victorian owners were also pulling back, with 67 per cent saying they had taken fewer road trips over the past year, and one in six reporting they had cancelled trips entirely. While South Australia stood out as the most resilient state, with 21 per cent of owners saying they had not reduced their road travel at all.

Younger Australians are also shifting travel patterns. One in five under-30s said they had taken more overseas holidays than domestic trips because it was cheaper, compared with 11 per cent across all respondents.

Despite this, demand for domestic road trips remains strong. The Great Ocean Road was the nation’s top bucket-list drive, nominated by 31 per cent of respondents, followed by an East Coast coastal road trip (23 per cent) and a lap of Tasmania (22 per cent). The Red Centre and Uluru (16 per cent), Coral Coast (15 per cent), Flinders Ranges and SA outback (13 per cent), Kimberley (12 per cent), Victorian High Country (12 per cent), K’gari (11 per cent) and Cape York (11 per cent) rounded out the list.

To coincide with the findings, Club 4X4 has launched its Mod Grant competition (↗), offering one winner $30,000 worth of ARB accessories. Other prizes include fuel vouchers and vouchers to use at BIG4 Parks around the country.

“We’re doing this to help give Aussies an added boost, so they can begin their next adventure sooner,” said Tony Mitchell, Club 4×4 CEO. “For some it’s a lift kit. For others, it’s the fuel. Whatever the barrier, we want to help more Australians actually use these vehicles the way they were intended.” 

Australia Unlocked by the numbers

The Australia Unlocked Report was conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Club 4X4 in May 2026, surveying a nationally representative sample of 1009 Australian 4WD, SUV and ute owners.

MORE Club 4X4 has launched its Mod Grant competition

BYD believes it can become the world’s largest automaker by scale within five years, driven by rapid export growth, vertical integration and continued investment in battery, charging and driver-assistance technologies.

As reported by CarNewsChina (↗), chairman Wang Chuanfu framed the target as part of a long-term strategy to expand international sales while strengthening the company’s position across both domestic and overseas markets.

Overseas growth is being supported by localisation efforts and tighter logistics control. In Australia, BYD’s dedicated car carrier Zhengzhou, part of its expanding shipping fleet, moves vehicles directly from China to local ports on its own schedule, helping match supply with rising demand as exports scale.

The company is also leveraging a large connected-vehicle fleet to generate driving data at scale, feeding development of its driver-assistance systems. This sits alongside ongoing investment in software and chip development. Vertical integration across batteries, power systems and software remains central to its cost-efficiency and global expansion strategy, with fast-charging and battery technology key to its roadmap.

BYD has evolved from a small domestic player into a global heavyweight in just five years, with sales rising from roughly 190,000 vehicles in 2020 to more than 4.6 million in 2025. That reflects a sharp early growth phase, including triple-digit increases in 2021 and 2022, followed by more moderate gains as volumes scaled in later years.

The trend points to a shift from hyper-growth to sustained expansion as BYD pushes deeper into global markets. In Australia, sales rose 155 per cent year-on-year in May 2026.

MORE Shark news and reviews!

Walk into a ute showroom in the last fortnight of June and you can feel the maths happening in real time.

The salesperson wants the deal signed before the books shut. The buyer wants a number their accountant will nod at. Between them sits a Ranger, a HiLux or a D-MAX wearing a drive-away price a fair bit sharper than it looked back in March.

In 2026 there is more reason than usual to be in that room. Diesel is at record prices, a clutch of big nameplates are mid model-change, and the newer brands are knocking five figures off stickers to buy their way onto driveways. Kia has just cut up to $13,000 off the Tasman. Ford has taken almost $15,000 off parts of the Ranger Hybrid range. The deals are the real thing. So are the traps, and the biggest one is the tax story almost everybody gets wrong.

JUMP AHEAD

Before you sign: the EOFY ute tax reality in 60 seconds

Sort this out before you fall for a discount, because the most repeated EOFY tip is simply wrong.

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Ford Ranger

Ford is leaning on fuel cards and big cuts to the Hybrid range rather than touching the core diesel sticker. The Ranger is still the best-selling vehicle in the country, though its 4×4 sales slipped 7.4 per cent over the first four months of 2026 as rivals piled in. Ford’s EOFY headline is a $5000 fuel card on selected models, a direct answer to record diesel prices and arguably worth more to a high-kilometre tradie than a token discount.

On top of that, Ford has taken up to almost $15,000 off the new Ranger Hybrid range, with the XLT Hybrid now from around $62,000 drive-away and the Ranger Sport Hybrid (PHEV) from around $66,000 drive-away. The Wildtrak Hybrid sold out as fuel prices climbed and returns for the MY26.5 update at about $70,000 drive-away in the September quarter. There is run-out value on existing diesel stock, too.

For a high-kilometre operator, the fuel card or the Hybrid is the smart choice right now. For the cheapest Ranger, hunt the run-out diesel sitting in the yard.

Finance offer (↗)

Ford is offering competitive EOFY finance across selected Ranger (and Everest) models. Ranger Platinum and Ranger Raptor buyers can access a 6.99% p.a. finance offer for approved ABN holders, while selected Everest and Mustang variants are available with a 5.92% p.a. interest rate and 6.99% p.a. comparison rate.

Fuel card offer (↗)

Ford is throwing in prepaid fuel cards worth up to $5000 across selected Ranger and Everest variants. MY26 and earlier models score up to $5000, while selected MY26.5 variants receive up to $4000.

MY26.5 Ranger driveaway offer (↗)

Ford’s updated MY26.5 Ranger range is available with driveaway deals including the Ranger Wolftrak V6 4×4 Double Cab from $73,000 driveaway.

Toyota HiLux

Toyota almost never blinks on HiLux pricing, so your leverage is at dealer level on stock that is already run-out. The HiLux is the one nameplate where you should temper your expectations. Demand has always been strong enough that Toyota seldom runs aggressive factory drive-away campaigns, and that has not changed.

The diesel 4×4 range opens around $57,990 before on-road costs for the SR and tops out near $71,990 for the Rogue and Rugged X, now with a 48-volt mild-hybrid in the mix. The new electric HiLux BEV lands from $74,990 before on-roads and is squarely aimed at fleets and mine sites.

The wrinkle worth knowing: an all-new HiLux on a fresh platform is due late 2026 or early 2027, which makes current stock effectively run-out. An in-stock HiLux gives you something to negotiate on, but do not sit on your hands waiting for Toyota to gut the price. It is not that kind of brand.

There are currently no specific EOFY deals running for the new HiLux

Toyota Tundra

Toyota is backing the Tundra with a simple EOFY package aimed at new and demonstrator stock, combining on-road cost relief with a cash bonus on eligible vehicles.

Buyers can access free on-road costs plus a $10,000 EOFY bonus on new and demonstrator Tundra models built up to July 2025. The offer is designed to move existing inventory rather than change list pricing, with value applied at the point of purchase on qualifying stock.

The campaign runs from 1 May 2026 through to 30 June 2026, giving a short, targeted window to secure the bonus on available Tundra vehicles before EOFY wraps up.

Tundra EOFY offer (↗)

Toyota is offering free on-road costs plus a $10,000 EOFY bonus on new and demonstrator Tundra models built up to July 2025.

Isuzu D-MAX

The benchmark work ute, where the six-year warranty and flat-price servicing are as much the deal as the drive-away number. The D-MAX is the tradie and fleet favourite for good reason, and the ownership package is hard to argue with: a six-year, 150,000km warranty, five years of flat-price servicing and seven years roadside assistance.

Drive-away pricing has been running across the range, from the SX 4×2 single-cab chassis (2.2-litre) at $36,990, to the X-RIDER 4×4 crew at $56,990, up to the TOUR MATE LS-U at $72,990 and LS-U+ at $75,990.

The new 2.2-litre is the volume engine. The 3.0-litre starts attracting penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard from 2026, which may nudge pricing on those variants, so watch that space. The SX single-cab carries up to 1,350kg of payload, which clears the one-tonne line that matters for the commercial-vehicle tax treatment. Worth confirming whether the current drive-away campaign, scheduled to run to 31 May, has rolled into June.

Test drive gift card offer (↗)

Test drive a new 2.2-litre D-MAX (or MU-X) and receive a $50 digital gift card after completing a short survey.

Mitsubishi Triton

The most improved ute in the class is also among the sharpest on price, and the new Raider is the standout. The current-generation Triton is selling strongly, with 4×4 sales up 10.4 per cent year-on-year in 2026 while bigger rivals went backwards.

The headline for EOFY is the new Raider flagship at $74,990 drive-away, with suspension and steering tuned by local engineering firm Premcar and a chosen wheel-and-all-terrain-tyre package. That price undercuts the Ford Ranger Tremor and the Toyota HiLux Rugged X once on-road costs are added to the rivals. Mitsubishi has historically sweetened EOFY with bonus cash cards on Triton, so ask what is current, and its conditional warranty runs up to 10 years or 200,000km when the ute is serviced on schedule within the Mitsubishi network.

For a tough-spec dual-cab without stepping up to V6 money, the Triton is the rig that makes the others justify their premium.

MY25 Triton runout sale (↗)

Mitsubishi’s MY25 Triton runout campaign includes promotional driveaway pricing across the range, plus a $2,000 fuel card on selected variants.

Triton EOFY event (↗)

The latest Mitsubishi Triton lineup is also available with EOFY driveaway pricing, with selected GLX-R and GLS variants including three years of free servicing.

Mazda BT-50

The same hardware as the D-MAX in a sharper suit, often with a slightly keener deal, so cross-shop the two. Mechanically the BT-50 is a D-MAX, which means proven underpinnings and the same 3.5-tonne braked towing. Mazda’s EOFY sale runs to 30 June, with dual-cab drive-away pricing from around $53,990, plus Mazda Assured finance options sitting near a 2.99 per cent rate with balloon structures aimed at business buyers. New Thunder and Boss variants have arrived for 2026.

If you are looking at a D-MAX, get a BT-50 quote on the same spec before you decide. The Mazda often comes in a touch sharper, and the cabin finish is a step up for the family-and-work crossover buyer.

BT-50 finance offer (↗)

Business buyers can access a 2.99% APR finance offer on eligible Mazda BT-50 XS Dual Cab models over a 36-month term.

GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha

The value pick, where a seven-year warranty and a cash-or-finance choice do the heavy lifting. GWM has gone after the segment with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and aggressive drive-away pricing. The Cannon Alpha Ultra has been listed from $56,990 including $2000 off, with Cannon Alpha PHEV variants carrying up to $6000 off. National offers have included a choice of an extra $2000 cashback or a 1.99 per cent comparison-rate finance deal over three years with no deposit and no balloon.

As with several brands, the campaign deadline was 31 May with finance settling by mid-June, so confirm the June position before you bank on it. The Cannon Alpha PHEV is the cheapest established way into a plug-in ute, and for a buyer who leads with the budget and can live with a newer brand, the numbers do a lot of the talking.

Trade-in and loyalty offers (↗)

Existing GWM owners and their families can access a $3,000 trade-in bonus on selected models including the Cannon Alpha PHEV and Tank 500 PHEV. Current GWM owners can also claim a $1,000 garage loyalty bonus.

BYD Shark 6

Australia’s best-selling plug-in ute now has a cheaper entry point, a tougher flagship, and finance that undercuts the diesel establishment.

The Shark 6 has muscled into the top five best-selling utes on the strength of its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. For 2026 the range has grown to three. The new Dynamic cab-chassis opens from $55,900, the Premium pickup holds at $57,900 (about $63,838 drive-away in Sydney), and a Performance flagship tops it at $62,900, all before on-road costs. EOFY brings $3000 cashback on the Premium and a 1.88 per cent comparison-rate finance offer over three years with no deposit or balloon, running to 29 June with settlement by 30 June. Warranty is six years or 150,000km on the vehicle and eight years or 160,000km on the battery, with vehicle-to-load to run tools straight off the tray.

Two caveats for work buyers. The Premium tows 2500kg where the diesel establishment and the new Performance hit 3500kg, and payload sits under one tonne (roughly 760 to 825kg), which means the Shark 6 is most likely taxed as a “car” rather than a commercial vehicle. Brilliant around town and on fuel, but read the towing and payload before you assume it replaces a diesel one-for-one.

Cashback offer (↗)

Receive $3000 cashback on selected new BYD plug-in hybrid models.

Finance offer (↗)

BYD is also offering a sharp 1.88% p.a. comparison rate finance deal across selected plug-in hybrid models on a 3-year loan term, with no minimum deposit and no balloon payment.

Kia Tasman

Slow sales have triggered the biggest discounts in the segment, and the flagship is now genuinely sharp. The Tasman’s styling splits opinion and its sales started slowly, with about 1,658 registrations to the end of April 2026 against a 20,000 annual target. Kia’s answer is heavy drive-away cuts of up to $13,000, valid to 30 June 2026.

The flagship X-Pro 4×4 dual-cab is now $64,990 drive-away, down $13,000 from its $74,990 before-on-roads launch price. The X-Line sits at $59,990, the SX+ at $54,990 and the SX at $51,990, with the S 4×4 holding at $49,990 and a $1,000 deposit contribution on Kia Finance across the range. At $64,990 the X-Pro undercuts the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain 3.0 and the Toyota HiLux SR5.

The 2.2-litre diesel is among the most fuel-efficient in the class, the cabin is best in class, and Kia’s seven-year warranty applies. A redesign has already been flagged. Ignore the styling debate and look at the value: for $65,000 drive-away the X-Pro is one of the most equipped utes you can buy, and on these numbers it is a serious EOFY play.

Deposit contribution offer (↗)

Kia is offering a $1000 deposit contribution through Kia Finance across all in-stock new and demonstrator vehicles.

Tasman driveaway offers (↗)

Kia dealers are advertising EOFY driveaway pricing across the Tasman ute range, with the Tasman X-Line listed from $59,990 driveaway and the flagship X-Pro from $64,990 driveaway.

Nissan Navara

The deepest run-out discounting of the established players. The past-gen Navara is at the end of its life, with an all-new, Triton-based model landing earlier this year. Nissan has reworked the work-focused variants and offered existing-owner finance near 1 per cent. Expect the sharpest clearance numbers of the mainstream pack here, because the brand is moving on old stock.

As a price-led work hack the Navara can stack up, but you are buying yesterday’s ute and resale will reflect that. Go in with eyes open and let the discount do the talking.

Navara finance and driveaway offers (↗)

Nissan is running EOFY deals across the MY26 Navara lineup, including low-rate finance offers for ABN holders, driveaway pricing on selected Navara SL variants, and deferred repayments for up to six months on eligible finance contracts.

Ineos Grenadier

INEOS is leaning into EOFY with a straightforward finance deal across the Grenadier range, targeting ABN holders looking to lock in a low-rate commercial purchase before 30 June.

Approved business buyers can access 1.99 per cent finance over 36 months on selected MY25 and MY26 stock, covering the Grenadier Station Wagon, Quartermaster, Cab Chassis and Black Edition. It is a clean, no-frills structure aimed at buyers prioritising cash flow over upfront discounting, particularly in the commercial and small business space.

The offer runs from 1 April 2026 through to 30 June 2026, giving a limited window to secure the rate across the core Grenadier line-up before EOFY conditions reset.

Grenadier finance offer (↗)

EOFY finance deals are available across the INEOS Grenadier range, with approved ABN holders eligible for 1.99% finance over 36 months on selected MY25 and MY26 vehicles.

Ram 1500

RAM is keeping its EOFY push focused on finance, offering a straightforward low-rate deal on its flagship full-size ute for eligible buyers.

The RAM 1500 Rebel is available with a 4.99 per cent finance offer and no deposit required for a limited time, aimed at approved buyers looking to spread the cost without an upfront payment. The structure is designed to support business and lifestyle buyers who want predictable repayments rather than headline cash discounts.

The offer runs from 1 April 2026 through to 30 June 2026, giving a defined EOFY window to secure the finance rate on the Rebel before the campaign period closes.

Mates Rate finance offer (↗)

The RAM 1500 Rebel is available with a 4.99% finance offer and no deposit required for a limited time.

VW Amarok

Volkswagen is continuing its driveaway pricing strategy across the Amarok range, with a broad MY25 campaign covering the full lineup from work-focused variants through to flagship models.

The Amarok range is available with driveaway pricing from $55,990, spanning Core, Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura variants. The offer effectively sets a floor price across the range, with final driveaway cost varying by grade, spec and dealer stock rather than separate short-term bonuses.

The program runs through to 30 June 2026, giving an extended window for buyers to access consistent pricing across the MY25 Amarok line-up leading into EOFY.

Amarok driveaway offers (↗)

Volkswagen’s MY25 Amarok range is available with driveaway pricing from $55,990, spanning Core, Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura variants.

The wildcards worth a quote

Three more utes that will deal hard if your decision is led by the bottom line, not the badge. The JAC T9 is following Ford’s lead with a $4,000 fuel card. The KGM Musso (formerly SsangYong) offers diesel value, with a Musso EV from around $60,000 drive-away. The LDV T60 remains the budget benchmark. None of them carry the dealer network or the resale of the majors, but on price alone they force the conversation, and at EOFY that is leverage you can use elsewhere.

JAC T9 EOFY offer (↗)

Every JAC T9 ute purchased during EOFY comes with a $4,000 fuel card, with the deal available across the full T9 range.

LDV T60 MAX driveaway offer (↗)

Selected LDV T60 MAX variants are available with driveaway pricing from $36,990 and include a free tow bar, with savings of up to $2,500 off RRP.

MGU9 savings offer (↗)

MG’s EOFY campaign includes savings and cashback offers ranging from $500 to $3,000 across a broad selection of models.

MGU9 free servicing offer (↗)

Selected MG models are also available with five years of free scheduled servicing on new and demonstrator vehicles.

How to actually land the deal before 30 June

The buyers who win at EOFY are the ones who sort the tax and the delivery before they ever talk price.

EOFY ute deals 2026: quick answers

The questions every tradie and business buyer asks at this time of year, answered straight.

Q: Can I claim the $20,000 instant asset write-off on a new ute?
A: In almost all cases, no. New utes cost more than $20,000, so they do not qualify for the instant write-off. They are depreciated through the small business pool instead, at 15 per cent in the first year and 30 per cent each year after.

Q: What is the car depreciation limit for 2025-26?
A: $69,674. If your ute is classed as a “car”, that is the most you can use to calculate depreciation, and the most GST you can claim back is $6,334.

Q: Do dual-cab utes avoid the car limit?
A: Only if they are built to carry one tonne or more and are not designed mainly to carry passengers. Many diesel utes qualify, but some, including most plug-in hybrid utes, sit under the line once accessorised. Check the payload on the build plate.

Q: Do I have to take delivery before 30 June?
A: Yes, to claim the deduction in 2025-26. The ute must be delivered, registered and ready for use by 30 June 2026, not merely ordered.

Q: Is EOFY actually the best time to buy a ute?
A: Often, for stock already in the yard, because dealers are chasing volume targets. The genuine bargains tend to be on run-out models, and the best total deal is not always the one with the biggest sticker discount.

The end of June rewards the buyer who did the homework in May. Sort the tax, find the stock, then talk price. A deal is only a deal once it survives contact with your accountant.

This article covers general information, not tax advice. Speak to a registered tax agent or accountant about your own circumstances before purchasing.

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