The price for Kia’s new Tasman S 4×4 dual-cab chassis has appeared on RedBook, ahead of its Australian roll-out this August.

The S 4×4 dual-cab chassis will start at $48,240 plus on-roads, making it $1750 cheaper than the dual-cab 4×4 pickup version. It also undercuts its immediate competition: $3490 less than the Ford Ranger XL 4×4 bi-turbo dual-cab chassis; and $495 less than the Toyota HiLux Workmate 4×4 dual-cab chassis.

Earlier this year, Kia Australia confirmed a dual-cab chassis variant will be released approximately one month after the dual-cab launch in July, with a single-cab chassis expected to arrive later in the year. Kia confirmed the single-cab chassis will be available in S 4×2, S 4×4, and SX 4×4 trims, while the dual-cab chassis will be offered in S 4×4 and SX 4×4 grades.

Pricing has not yet appeared for the rest of the dual-cab chassis range, as well as the single-cab chassis versions. However, if the SX dual-cab chassis was to follow the dual-cab pricing logic, then expect it to land at around $52,740.

The S grade is equipped with LED daytime running lights, synthetic leather-look trim on the wheel and gear lever, a wide-screen dash display, and ample storage beneath the rear seats. Every Tasman will run a 154kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic. 

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In a recent off-road test of a pre-production model, the X-Pro showed solid promise. With 252mm of ground clearance, a locking rear diff and responsive traction control, we noted that it handled rough tracks with confidence. 

While there’s still some fine-tuning happening on the transmission, early signs point to a well-built, capable ute ready to hold its own in Australia’s toughest environments.

With all the changes happening so quickly in the automotive world, it has me asking: How did we get to this point? And are we really any better off?

Looking back 50 years, we had quality, Australian-made passenger cars that could take families to most parts of the country – at a time when there were far fewer sealed roads than there are today. Today’s passenger cars wouldn’t stand a chance at such a task, and even the so-called adventure SUVs would be shedding parts on the first rough track.

If your adventures led you beyond what a two-wheel-drive sedan could handle, you had simple Land Rovers, LandCruisers, Patrols, or even a Jeep 4×4 to get you where very few others ventured at the time.

Fast forward to today, and far more people are exploring the wide brown land – mostly along well-trodden, sealed tracks – in all sorts of modern 4×4 vehicles. The trouble is, many of these new vehicles on the market just aren’t built for that kind of work. Maybe the manufacturers of these vehicles should be thankful that outback roads are getting better.

Even the most basic new 4x4s are overloaded with electronics. They’re heavy and unnecessarily complicated.

The number of features and novelties on new dashboards is ridiculous. Some steering wheels have more buttons than the control stick of the space shuttle. Trying to figure out something simple like cruise control for the first time often means stopping the vehicle to find the right buttons. Sure, you get used to it after a while – but do they really need to be there?

And that’s just for the functions that still have physical buttons or dials. Many new vehicles hide everything in a touchscreen, forcing the driver to take their eyes off the road and dig through menus just to adjust something as basic as cabin temperature. A simple knob, connected to the heater tap with a cable, always did that job perfectly well.

And this is before we even get into multiple drive modes and vehicle electrification. EVs bring nothing useful to off-road 4x4s – only more complexity and more weight. Both are enemies of any serious bush tourer. It feels like something being forced on us by politicians and others who have no idea what we actually need.

All you really need is a reliable drivetrain with triple locking diffs, compliant and flexible suspension, and a good set of tyres. It’s no wonder the prices of simple old 4x4s are skyrocketing – they’re gaining popularity for good reason.

BYD is hosting a hands-on driving and tech experience at Sydney Motorsport Park from July 9 to 11, giving punters the chance to get behind the wheel of its latest electric and hybrid vehicles. 

The event, called the BYD Tech Hub, will showcase the brand’s newest models through a mix of interactive drive sessions and displays. This is the first time the event has been held in Australia, and it’s completely free to attend. Drivers can test vehicles across different terrains, including an off-road course, a dynamic road surface area and a full track drive.

The big draw for many will be the Shark 6, but the Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 will also be available for test drives. BYD is also bringing out several models never seen before in Australia from its global brands including Denza, FangChengBao and Yangwang. Full list of vehicles:

• BYD Shark 6
• BYD Sealion 6
• BYD Sealion 7
• Denza Z9GT
• Denza D9
• FangChengBao B5 and B8
• Yangwang U9

For those not driving, there’s still plenty to check out: a virtual reality zone, live music, food trucks, free coffee, and a kids’ clinic run by the Sydney Roosters development team.

Spots are limited each day, and registration is required – especially if you’re planning to drive. After Sydney, the BYD Tech Hub will be heading to Brisbane, Melbourne, and New Zealand later this year.

More spy shots of the 2026 Toyota HiLux have surfaced on social media, following an earlier batch that emerged earlier this year.

UPDATE, 26/06/2025 10:10am: A second set of spy shots has surfaced of the upcoming 2026 Toyota HiLux. We’ve updated this article with the newly released images.

The latest images were shared on the Instagram page kurdistan_automotive_blog_, accompanied by the following translated caption: “Spy photo of the 2026 Toyota HiLux revealed. A new spy photo of the 2026 Toyota HiLux model during testing in Thailand has been revealed.”

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Once again, the photos suggest the next HiLux won’t be a completely new model, but rather an updated version of the current generation. Notably, this latest set gives us our first clear look at the camouflaged rear end, which reveals a refreshed tail-light design.

The official unveiling of the 2026 Toyota HiLux is expected later this year, with an Australian launch anticipated in 2026.

*The original version of this article continues below

The all-new 2026 Toyota HiLux has broken cover for the first time, with a Thai publication sharing spy shots of the highly anticipated ute.

Earlier reports published in 2024 indicated that the next-gen HiLux would not be an all-new vehicle as expected, but rather it would carry over its existing and ageing IMV platform. The report by Brazilian publication, Autoesporte, suggested the new HiLux will instead receive “substantial updates to the chassis and bodywork”.

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These spy shots snapped by Thailand publication, HeadlightMag, appear to verify those claims, with the heavily camouflaged vehicle showing signs of a heavy facelift but not an all-new design. Both the front (hood, bumper, grille and headlight assembly) and rear ends will be completely overhauled in the shake-up, but the mid-section (doors and cabin structure) appear to remain as before.

The new Tundra, Prado and 300 Series all utilise Toyota’s TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture, and it was expected that the HiLux would follow suit.

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Reports indicate the HiLux will maintain its 1GD 2.8-litre and 2GD 2.4-litre four-cylinder engines but speculation is rife that engineering changes will be implemented to improve emissions. However, we’ll have to wait and see, as information no doubt drip-feeds over the coming months.

The vehicle is due in 2026, which opposes earlier expectations that the HiLux was slated for a 2025 release. A world premiere is expected to take place in Thailand in the second half of 2025.

Image credit: Headlightmag

The most powerful Patrol ever produced has been revealed, with the 2025 Nissan Patrol NISMO making its global debut overnight – but this example is built for the streets not the bush.

This high-performance SUV has been designed exclusively for the Middle East, and it will hit showrooms across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other markets in the region from July.

Under the bonnet is a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 368kW (495hp) at 5600rpm and 700Nm at 3600rpm – the highest ever for this engine, and 52kW (70hp) more than the standard Patrol. Power is sent through a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with the engine hand-built at Nissan’s Iwaki plant in Japan.

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The NISMO rides on 22-inch forged alloy wheels (275/50R22), which are 23 per cent lighter than the standard wheels. These are paired with high-performance tyres, to maximise the Patrol NISMO’s composure when cornering at high speeds.

Suspension gets a complete overhaul with NISMO-tuned adaptive dampers that adjust on the move for better control. Steering is electronically assisted and tuned to feel sharper and more responsive than the regular model. A retuned exhaust and Active Sound Enhancement give the V6 a deeper tone both inside and out. Plus, a new front bumper helps improve airflow to the brakes, reducing disc temperature by six per cent under heavy load.

The Patrol NISMO is larger than the standard model. It measures 5295mm long (+90mm) and 2070mm wide (+40mm), while height remains the same at 1945mm. The wheelbase is 3075mm, identical to the regular Patrol. Overhangs are more pronounced – 1020mm front and 1200mm rear, both increased over the base version to accommodate the new aero kit.

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But with more aggressive styling comes a trade-off in off-road geometry. The NISMO version has approach/ramp/departure angles of 23, 26 and 25.5 degrees, compared to the Patrol’s 27.5, 27 and 27. Ground clearance also drops to 195mm (from 244mm). This isn’t the Patrol to take off the beaten path.

The exterior includes a reworked V-Motion grille with 3D honeycomb mesh, flanked by air curtains that reduce lift and improve stability. At the rear, you’ll find a longer spoiler, layered diffusers, and a Formula E-inspired fog lamp. NISMO red accents appear throughout the body, signalling its track-tuned focus.

The cabin gets a black-and-red theme, sports seats with embroidered NISMO logos, and a mix of leather, suede-touch materials, and carbon-effect trim. Red seatbelts, a red start button, and aluminium pedals add to the motorsport-inspired vibe. It still seats eight passengers, just like the standard Patrol.

The Patrol NISMO will be available for purchase across the Middle East from July.

A new Prado 250 is about to launch in the UK, with Toyota announcing a two-seat variant dubbed the LandCruiser Commercial – but it’s not coming to Australia.

The LandCruiser Commercial will be on sale from August 1 in the UK, with customer deliveries to start rolling out from September. The line-up will consist of just one model: a five-door long-wheelbase van that has had the rear seats ripped out and replaced with an edge-to-edge floor tray that is said to provide up to 2000 litres of cargo space.

The cavernous load space measures 1090mm high, 1685mm long and 1286mm wide. The vehicle is rated to tow up to 3500kg.

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“Positioned at the top of the Toyota Professional range, it provides an attractive option to customers who do not require the load-carrying capabilities or additional seats of the HiLux pick-up, but want the benefits of serious off-road performance, on-road poise and a wealth of comfort, safety and convenience features as standard,” said Toyota UK in a press release. 

The vehicles aren’t shipped as a complete vehicle from Japan. Instead, that conversion – removing the rear seats; adding the flat load floor; installing a full-height metal bulkhead behind the front seats; and replacing the side windows with steel panels – is undertaken in Derbyshire at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston production facility. It won’t display the Prado badge either, simply wearing the LandCruiser nomenclature. 

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The Commercial is powered by the LandCruiser’s 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre engine, which is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota UK has stated the range will be upgraded to include the upcoming Hybrid 48V mild hybrid system at a later date. 

Key features

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
• Power back door with opening window hatch
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Electronic parking brake
• Automatic dual-zone air conditioning
• Nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration

The LandCruiser Commercial is priced at £52,729.17 on road, which is roughly $110,000 AUD.

G’day legends – Jack here, the new bloke at 4X4 Australia.

After clocking up thousands of kays around Australia in my 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero with a full touring setup, I reckon I’ve seen a fair bit of what this country has to offer. Two places keep popping up in the “where should I go next?” conversation: K’gari (Fraser Island) and Moreton Island (Mulgumpin). Both are epic in their own right, but which one’s right for you? Let’s break it down 👇

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K’gari (Fraser Island) – The Big Kahuna

K’gari isn’t just a sand island – it’s the sand island. The world’s biggest, in fact. Spanning more than 120km of pure off-road paradise, Fraser is a place that’ll test your skills, reward your effort, and leave your jaw on the floor.

Places of interest include iconic freshwater lakes like Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby, creeks like Eli Creek that you can float down with a beer in hand, and shipwrecks like the Maheno that’ll blow your mind.

Fraser’s more than just pretty, though – it’s a full-on adventure. If you want to send it through Ngkala Rocks, make it to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse, or thread your way through the rainforest tracks inland, you better be prepared and bring a capable 4×4.

It’s wild, it’s remote, and it’s unforgettable.

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Moreton Island – The Chill Cousin

If Fraser is the big, rugged uncle, Moreton is the chill cousin who always brings good vibes. It’s smaller, easier to access (especially from Brisbane), and feels like the perfect blend of resort comforts and classic beach camping.

Tangalooma Resort is the crown jewel for families or couples wanting the option of a bed, bar, and dolphin-feeding – but don’t think that means it’s soft. There’s still plenty of sand driving, epic views from the Cape Moreton lighthouse, inland tracks, and campgrounds you can roll right onto from the beach.

Moreton’s the kind of island where you can punch out a few days and feel refreshed, rather than rinsed.

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Jacko’s Take

If you’ve never tackled a sand island before, start with Moreton. It’s got everything you need without pushing you out of your comfort zone too hard. But if you want to tick something off the bucket list, test your rig (and your patience), and come home with some serious storiesm, it’s K’gari all day.

Better yet? Do both. Life’s too short to pick one when you can plan for both.

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Catch the full yarn on YouTube this Friday, where I break it all down in real-time with plenty of footage, laughs, and behind-the-scenes chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just gearing up for your first beach run, there’s something here for everyone.

Major road rule changes will be implemented across Australia from July 1, 2025.

Mobile phone use, seatbelt checks, and slowing down near breakdown vehicles are in the spotlight. Cameras will be doing more of the policing, and the penalties for slipping up are steeper than ever. Of course, safer roads matter – but with higher fines, more surveillance and broader rules, is this just as much about revenue as it is about risk? 

Phone and seatbelt crackdown goes national

From July 1, all states and territories will be using new camera systems to catch drivers using their phones or not wearing seatbelts. These cameras will be watching even when you’re stopped at traffic lights – and the penalties are steep.

• Phone use while driving: Up to $1,209 in fines and five demerit points.
• Not wearing a seatbelt: Bigger fines and more demerits depending on the state.

State-by-state rule changes

New South Wales

• Seatbelt focus: More fines and checks across regional and metro areas.
• Phone trial: Drivers over 25 might soon be allowed to use phones for navigation, depending on trial results.
• Parking fines: Ticketless parking fines are being scrapped – paper notices are back.

Victoria

• Slow down near breakdowns: Drivers must now slow to 40km/h when passing any vehicle with flashing lights, not just emergency services. That includes tow trucks and roadside assistance.
• Penalty: Up to $961 if you don’t slow down.

Queensland

• Costs going up: Rego fees and fines are rising by 3.4 per cent.
• Speed cuts: Tourist areas and busy spots are dropping to 40km/h zones to protect pedestrians.

South Australia

• Breakdown vehicle rule: If you’re on a multi-lane road and see a recovery vehicle with amber lights, you must slow to 25km/h.
• Fine: Up to $1,648 and seven demerit points – wowsers!

Western Australia

• Speed limits reduced: Many urban roads are dropping to 60km/h, and town centres to 40km/h, to tackle a spike in road deaths.

Take the time to check your local state transport website and get familiar with the new rules before they kick in on July 1.

A Broome resident was in for a shock when returning from a day at the beach, after discovering a massive snake hiding under the bonnet of their LandCruiser. 

The unexpected passenger – a 1.8-metre Mulga snake – had climbed up a front wheel and taken shelter in the engine bay while the vehicle was parked on a remote beach outside of town.

Unaware of the hitchhiker, the driver only spotted the reptile after returning home and opening the bonnet. A local snake catcher spent over an hour monitoring the snake’s movements before finally extracting it when it shifted into an accessible position. It was safely and carefully removed with the help of a local business crew and later relocated without harm.

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“A challenging and unconventional snake catch this evening, with a big Mulga inside a LandCruiser bonnet,” said Aidan Mitchell, in a post to the Broome’s Natural Environment Facebook page. 

“The 1.8m beauty climbed up a front wheel and into the engine bay on Saturday when the vehicle was parked on a beach out of town. It was a tense drive home for someone. Kept the snake moving and, when after about an hour it moved into an accessible position, the reluctant reptile was gently and safely extracted. Well done to the excellent local business crew who assisted.”

The Mulga snake, also known as the king brown, is one of the largest venomous snakes in Australia and can grow beyond 2.5 metres. Its venom isn’t the most toxic, but it delivers large amounts in a single bite, which can cause serious muscle damage. These snakes are usually found in dry, inland areas across most of mainland Australia and tend to shelter in woodlands, scrub and deserts. While not highly aggressive, they will defend themselves if threatened and are treated with caution due to their size and venom.

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It’s important not to confuse the Mulga (king brown) with the eastern brown snake, which is more dangerous to humans and responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in Australia. Eastern browns are more aggressive, faster and deliver highly toxic venom that can be fatal if untreated. In contrast, the king brown is slower and less defensive, and while still dangerous, is less likely to cause fatal bites when medical help is available. 

Snake catchers urge anyone who finds a snake in or around a vehicle to back away carefully, keep an eye on it, and call in a professional to assist.

The 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty is gearing up to challenge the long-held dominance of the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series in Australia’s tough work and off-road ute segment.

While the LandCruiser has earned its reputation over decades as a rugged, go-anywhere machine, the Ranger Super Duty promises to rewrite the rulebook with serious payload, torque, and towing figures. This showdown breaks down how these two heavy hitters stack up, especially for those who need more than just a weekend cruiser – it’s about real work, big loads, and getting through harsh terrain without compromise.

JUMP AHEAD

• Payload
• Towing and GCM
• Powertrain
• Off-road dimensions
• Weight and load ratings
• Pricing

Payload

Payload figures for the Ranger Super Duty are based on the Cab-Chassis variants, which offer the highest ratings in the lineup. The Single Cab leads with a payload capacity of up to 1,982 kg, followed by the Super Cab at 1,896 kg and the Double Cab at 1,825 kg. These numbers clearly target commercial operators and fleet users who require maximum legal carrying capacity.

In comparison, the LandCruiser 79 Series offers a payload range from 1,310 kg (Double Cab) to 1,380 kg (Single Cab). While still respectable and long trusted for remote operations, the Cruiser trails the Ford on the spec sheet in terms of payload performance.

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Towing and GCM

The Ranger Super Duty Cab-Chassis is engineered for serious pulling power, rated to tow up to 4,500 kg with a braked trailer. It also delivers an 8,000 kg Gross Combined Mass (GCM), allowing more flexibility for heavy loads, trailers, or fifth-wheel setups.

The 79 Series, while long regarded for its towing dependability, falls behind with a 3,500 kg braked towing capacity and a GCM of 7,010 kg. It’s still more than capable for most off-road and farm duties, but the numbers speak to the Ford’s modern engineering edge.

Powertrain

Under the bonnet, the Ranger Super Duty features Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, producing 154 kW and a class-leading 600 Nm of torque. It’s a modern unit aimed at high-load, high-duty cycles typical of mining, fleet, and rural service vehicles.

The 79 Series offers buyers two engine choices. The newer 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, paired with a six-speed automatic, delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm. The long-serving 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel produces 151 kW and 430 Nm – less torque, but valued for its simplicity and off-road reliability.

Off-Road dimensions

The Ranger Super Duty Cab-Chassis maintains solid off-road credentials, with ground clearance between 297 mm and 299 mm, and a best-in-class wading depth of 850 mm. While not marketed as a pure off-roader, the clearances and approach angles suggest it can handle remote and rugged worksites with confidence.

The LandCruiser 79 Series remains one of Australia’s most trusted off-roaders. Its clearance ranges from 302 mm to 330 mm depending on variant and tyres, and it manages a wading depth of 700 mm. For sheer outback dependability, it still has the edge on clearance.

Weight and load ratings

Weight capacity matters when towing or working off-road fully loaded. The Ranger Super Duty Cab-Chassis has a GVM of 4,500 kg – the legal limit before requiring a light rigid (LR) truck licence – and a GCM of 8,000 kg.

The 79 Series carries a GVM of 3,510 kg and GCM of 7,010 kg. These figures keep it firmly within standard car licence territory, though it gives up some capacity compared to the Ford.

Pricing

The Ranger Super Duty Cab-Chassis lineup starts at $82,990 for the Single Cab, climbs to $86,490 for the Super Cab, and tops out at $89,990 for the Double Cab. These prices reflect its high payload and towing figures, and target heavy-duty operators and commercial buyers.

LandCruiser 79 Series pricing varies more depending on trim and engine. Single Cab models range from $76,800 for the 2.8 WorkMate to $85,000 for the 4.5 GXL. Double Cab variants range from $77,300 to $87,600. It remains a premium-priced product with reputation and longevity on its side.

Final say

The upcoming Ranger Super Duty marks a significant step forward in the mid-size truck segment. More detailed information on the XLT trim and pick-up body styles will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s official release, promising added refinement and versatility for private and recreational buyers.