The problem with the HiLux is that it hasn’t offered a decent engine since the mighty 3RZ, and the latest AN120 models just don’t do much to change that.
They’re still a great ute, but for the love of everything holy, Toyota, give me something that’ll make me smile when I put my foot down. Okay, that’s off my chest and I’ve had a lie down, I feel better.
To be fair, the HiLux is still a great vehicle that can be built into anything your heart desires, as long as your bank account is cool with it too. Therein lies the huge appeal of the mighty Lux. Not only is there massive support for it on the aftermarket, including engine swap kits if you really want to go HAM, but the resale on them is the envy of pretty much all other ute-owners, so there are a bunch of good reasons to own one.
Me, I want something that’ll take me anywhere on the continent, from the High Country to the Pilbara, and I want to do it comfortably, and I don’t want to bypass any of the hard tracks. The SR5 and up models are all north of $60K, and there’s only one model of extra-cab, the SR5 Styleside. The rest are all dual-cabs, which I don’t want (long story short: they’re too much of a compromise for my needs. All mid-size dual-cabs are a jack of all trades, master of none, which is not my bag).
That leaves the SR cab-chassis extra-cab, which rings up at $50,695, saving me $25K over a GR Sport. Which is $25K I can put to much better use.
I travel light, so a Norweld Basic extra cab canopy for $13,325 is more than enough to house my fridge and camping gear. I’d fit it out with an entry-level 100Ah lithium system for $1800 and bolt up a San Hima hard-shell RTT for $2000 and a 30sec Wing Awning for $995.
Out front I’d bolt up a custom-fabricated pre-runner-spec lightweight tube bar with steering protection and a winch mount for the Frontier winch ($3000 all up). I’d wire in a 40-inch Stedi lightbar ($480) which I’d mount up on the roof.
I’d then run two-inch lift coils up front and a 25mm spring spacer on the rear with Bilstein B60 shocks at each corner, which would give me the ability to bomb over washouts on Outback dirt roads at a buck-twenty in comfort ($5500). I’d also throw on a set of 285/75R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers ($2400).
Last but not least, I’d get my local ARB to throw in a front Air Locker for around two-grand. This would give me go-anywhere ability for a few grand more than a stock GR Sport, which would have nowhere near the capability or comfort of my super-tidy SR.
KGM Australia has officially completed its transition away from the SsangYong brand.
Effective June 1, 2025, the company will no longer operate under the name “KGM SsangYong,” instead moving forward as “KGM Australia,” aligning fully with its global parent company, KG Mobility.
This final phase comes after the initial rebrand in September 2024, when SsangYong Australia first adopted the dual-brand identity of “KGM SsangYong.” The move was part of a broader strategy by South Korean conglomerate KG Group, which acquired SsangYong in 2022 and began repositioning the brand globally under the KGM (KG Mobility) banner.
KGM Australia Managing Director Joseph Lee said the timing was right to retire the SsangYong name completely, coinciding with the launch of its all-new KGM Actyon SUV.
“Unveiling new vehicles is always a highlight for us all, particularly when it’s something as striking and appealing as Actyon, a modern revival of the world’s first coupe-style SUV,” Lee said. “It’s timely we fully embrace the KGM branding here in Australia and celebrate the latest vehicle design language with a brand logo refresh, to align with KGM’s global identity and better reflect our commitment to design excellence.”
KGM Australia has also introduced a new slogan, ‘Korean built to last’. Plus, the SsangYong winged logo is being retired in favour of a refreshed KGM badge.
KGM Australia continues to offer the Musso ute and Rexton SUV locally, both powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine. The Musso delivers up to 133kW and 400Nm (420Nm with the XLV Pack), paired with a six-speed automatic. The Rexton ups the output to 148kW and 441Nm with an eight-speed automatic. Both are capable of towing 3500kg.
The Mitsubishi Triton has officially earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating across its entire model range, including the newly added dual cab chassis, club cab pick-up and cab chassis, and single cab chassis variants.
This recognition comes under ANCAP’s latest and most rigorous testing protocols, which made the Triton the first dual-cab ute to achieve such a rating under the current criteria when it launched early in 2024.
The sixth-generation Triton performed strongly in ANCAP’s crash tests, scoring 86 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 89 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 73 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 70 per cent for Safety Assist. The vehicle was praised for its solid crash structure, extensive airbag coverage, and advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking and lane support systems.
Despite the strong overall performance, some variants lack top tether points for child restraints, limiting installation options. Pedestrian head protection and full active safety coverage – such as cyclist detection – are also areas where improvement is needed.
All variants are powered by a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 150kW and 470Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual or automatic. The 4×4 models feature Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system, which offers multiple drive modes for on- and off-road capability, enhancing versatility across the range.
A total of 1006 Triton 4×4 models were sold in Australia last month, with 5038 units sold so far year-to-date.
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has announced it will assume direct control of its passenger vehicle distribution in Australia, ending its current arrangement with local partner EVDirect. The transition is set to take effect from July 2025.
The move will see BYD Australia become the official importer and distributor of its vehicles, marking a significant shift in the brand’s local operations.
“EVDirect have been brilliant partners acting as the distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in Australia,” said Wing You, General Manager of BYD Australia. “BYD Australia would like to thank EVDirect for its service and look forward to its new partnership as the brand continues to grow in Australia.”
EVDirect will step back from its importer role, bit it will maintain a presence in BYD’s Australian operations through a minority stake in a retail joint venture with Eagers Automotive Limited. The joint venture, known as EVDealer Group (EVDG), will handle BYD’s retail operations nationwide.
In a statement, EVDirect confirmed it will pivot its energy into building Australia’s largest new-energy vehicle retail platform alongside its JV partner, Eagers Automotive.
Luke Todd, Founder of EVDirect and incoming Executive Chairman of EVDG, said the company is entering a new chapter. “Now is the time to further unlock BYD’s immense potential for Australian drivers,” he said. “Phase One proved the BYD brand would thrive here; Phase Two will make new-energy vehicle ownership easier and more accessible than ever.”
Reflecting on EVDirect’s role in BYD’s market entry, Todd added: “As the inaugural importer, EVDirect is extremely proud of the role it has played in the launch of BYD into the Australian market, overseeing what has been one of the most successful new car brand launches in Australian history.”
Looking forward, Todd said EVDG will play a central role in the brand’s expansion. “We are investing heavily in our people, our systems, and expanding our dealer network to support BYD’s growth ambitions,” he said. “The JV partners will combine the best of both companies to provide an industry-leading sales and aftersales experience for BYD customers.”
The restructuring signals BYD’s confidence in the Australian market and its long-term commitment to local EV growth.
In April 2025, the BYD Shark recorded 1293 sales in Australia, making it the top-selling PHEV for the month despite a broader market downturn following the end of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption.
Australian tuning specialist Killa Conversions & Performance has officially launched its most powerful creation yet: a 750hp (560kW), supercharged V8 Ford Ranger Raptor, dubbed the Raptr8 S.
Announced via the company’s social media, the Raptr8 S is powered by a Gen 3 5.0-litre Coyote V8 paired with a Roush supercharger, producing 750hp (560kW) and 670 lb-ft (907Nm) of torque. To handle the extra muscle, the standard transmission is swapped for the more robust 10R80 10-speed automatic, commonly found in higher-performance Ford models.
“It’s what you’ve been waiting for… the only way to make your next-gen Raptor sound good. Plus it gets a huge gain in power!,” Killa said on its Facebook page.
The engine and transmission upgrade package is priced at $AU89,000 fully installed. When combined with the cost of a new next-gen Ranger Raptor, the full vehicle comes to approximately $AU190,000. Killa Conversions positions this as a serious performance bargain, especially when compared to imported full-size V8 utes.
“Now if you compare that to a Ram TRX at $260,000 or an F-150 Raptor R at $360,000, a brand new next-gen Raptor with the engine swap will be around $190,000 and will outperform the other two in nearly every way,” Killa said in a statement.
This isn’t Killa Conversions’ first crack at building the Raptor Ford wouldn’t. In 2021, they developed the original Raptor8, a V8-swapped version of the first-generation Ranger Raptor. That build used a Ford Performance 5.0-litre Coyote crate engine producing 345kW and 570Nm, retrofitted with custom mounts, electronics integration, and full ADR compliance.
The project retained the factory Fox suspension but added spacers, a beefed-up transmission, custom exhaust, and optional Pedders brakes. Despite its complexity, the result looked and drove like a factory product – only with V8 power and a deep growl to match.
The new Raptr8 S builds on that legacy with even more power, better refinement, and a focus on keeping factory systems like terrain modes, stability control, and autonomous braking fully operational. While the suspension and brakes remain stock in the base package, upgrades are available.
It may not wear a factory badge, but the Raptr8 S is as close as it gets to the Ranger Raptor R fans have been waiting for.
While most 4×4 wagons don’t have the load capacity to match 4×4 utes, they generally carry their contents (gear and people) more securely and in greater comfort.
As is the case with the Toyota Prado, which has long been a favourite with those who want a multi-purpose vehicle to act as commuter throughout the week, an escape machine on weekends, and something to drag the family around the country in the holidays.
If you need a seven-seater, then you will have to opt for a Prado GXL or up, which will set you back around $87k+ drive away, but if you can make do with five-seats we reckon the Prado GX hits the sweet spot for 4×4 touring as it offers a bigger cargo area than the seven-seat models.
Having said that, the Prado GX only has a 605kg payload capacity, and that includes vehicle occupants and any accessories you fit to it, so you will need to be judicious when it comes to selecting equipment for your Prado; perhaps opt for an alloy bull bar instead of a steel one, for example.
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with Toyota’s 48v System (V-Active) system for claimed outputs of 150kW and 500Nm. As with other grades, the Prado GX comes standard with an arsenal of goodies to enhance off-road capability; in addition to a full-time 4×4 system with a locking centre diff and decent low-range reduction, it has traction control, downhill assist control and crawl control.
While a lower grade, the Prado GX is still well equipped in terms of convenience and safety features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a seven-inch multi-information display, the myToyota Connect app, four USB-C charging ports, keyless entry/start, dual-zone air conditioning, LED headlights, nine airbags, reversing camera and parking sensors, blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
I should mention that there is another Prado with five seats; the Prado Altitude comes fitted with off-road suitable Toyo Open Country rubber and more kit than the GX but it will set you back more than $100k drive away.
Considering its nominal payload capacity, you should seriously consider a pre-registration GVM upgrade on the Prado GX if you want to load it up for 4×4 touring. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of such kits to suit the previous generation Prado, GVM upgrades for the 250 Series Prado are still under development.
One way to minimise accessory weight eating into your payload is to fit an alloy bull bar instead of a steel one, but bear in mind that you’ll only save a few kilos if your alloy bar is fitted with a winch-mounting cradle. An alloy TJM Outback bar ($3250) for the Prado GX weighs 77kg, for example, whereas a genuine accessory steel bull bar from Toyota ($3200) weighs 93kg.
You can expect a 10,000lb winch with synthetic rope ($1200-$3000) to weigh around 30kg and a pair of quality LED driving lights to tip the scales at 6kg.
An aftermarket suspension kit will provide a 400mm lift for your Prado GX for more ground clearance and to ensure it can handle the weight of accessories and gear on board. Expect to spend between $1500 and $3000 for a decent setup. You will also want to upgrade the rubber to Light Truck (LT) tyres in an all-terrain or mud-terrain pattern; there are plenty of options available in the standard 265/65R18 tyre size from around $450-$500 a tyre or you could go up slightly to a 275/70R18. An alternative would be to fit a more off-road friendly 17-inch wheel and tyre package with LT285/70R17 tyres.
When it comes to carrying gear in the back of a Prado GX, you will want to keep heavy items separate from vehicle occupants, and the best way to do this is by fitting a cargo barrier, which will cost between $600 to $900. A drawer system will also be a handy addition, but don’t skimp in this department as a cheap steel-frame setup (up to 70kg) will weigh a hell of a lot more than a more expensive aluminium-frame one (as little as 25kg).
Other gear you’ll need for 4×4 touring includes a quality snorkel ($600-$1000) to keep out water in river crossings and to minimise dust ingress into your air box, a dual-battery system with lithium auxiliary battery and charger ($1500+), and under-vehicle protection ($800-$1000). And if you can’t fit everything in your Prado GX, with a 90kg roof load limit, you could throw some stuff up top on a quality roof platform ($1500-$2000).
One thing you probably won’t need is a long-range or auxiliary fuel tank as the Prado GX comes standard with a decent-size 110-litre tank.
Heavy rain and flooding across New South Wales has led to the many closures of 4WD tracks, walking trails and campgrounds in national parks.
Several areas have been deemed unsafe due to water damage, landslips and impassable roads, with closures affecting parts of the Mid-North Coast, Hunter, Southern Highlands and surrounding regions.
In the Mid-North Coast, the Orara Escarpment 4WD Touring Route is currently closed. Flooding at the Urumbilum River has made the Bindarray Picnic Area inaccessible, with high water levels across the causeway. The river is being monitored and the route will reopen once it’s safe.
The Hall Peaks Picnic Area and Campground has been closed since May 21 and is expected to remain shut until at least May 29. Persistent rain has made access roads unsafe for vehicles.
In the state’s south, Morton and Budawang national parks have seen road closures due to flooding in the Clyde and Yadboro river systems. Several tracks and campgrounds in those areas are unreachable.
Barrington Tops National Park has been fully closed since May 20. Landslips and a damaged bridge have cut off access from the east via Gloucester. The southern section of the park is also closed due to storm damage. The situation is being reviewed daily.
In the Northern Tablelands, parts of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park are shut, including the Wollomombi walking track, Eagle View lookout, Wollomombi Falls lookout and Chandler Falls lookout. These areas are expected to remain closed until May 28. Other nearby sites such as the Wollomombi picnic area and Chandler walk are still open.
Further east, Tapin Tops National Park and nearby reserves in the Manning Great Lakes region are also closed. Flooding has made many trails and creek crossings unsafe. The closures are expected to remain in place until at least May 30.
Watagans National Park in the Hunter has closed several key visitor areas including Gap Creek Falls walking track, Gap Creek Forest walking track, Boarding House Dam, and Bangalow picnic and camping areas. Roads and tracks in the area have been affected by heavy rain and tree falls.
The Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve remains closed for repairs after earlier flooding. It’s not expected to reopen before late September.
National Parks staff are assessing conditions daily. Many of the closures will remain in place until damage can be repaired and safety risks have been addressed. Visitors are urged not to enter closed areas, and to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
A full list of alerts can be found here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list
For four years, a 2017 MQ Triton served as the foundation for Cassie’s off-road adventures.
The vehicle proved its reliability across a range of terrains – including the Simpson Desert, K’gari (Fraser Island), and the Finke Desert – with minimal issues and impressive consistency.
“I owned a 2017 MQ Triton for four years and loved it,” Cassie said. “I took it to Finke, on the Simpson Desert, up to Fraser and took it on so many trips all around home and never had a problem!”
Despite being a modest build, the Triton was well thought-out. With help from her father and partner, Cassie removed the rear seats and installed a functional plywood storage system. The layout formed a simple but efficient touring setup that supported numerous long-distance trips.
Eventually, the desire for greater space, payload and capability led her and her partner Alex to upgrade to a Toyota LandCruiser TroopCarrier. Known for its durability and popularity among remote travellers, the Troopy offered the potential for a complete touring platform – and it has since become the backbone of a long-term lap around Australia.
Prior to departing for a lap of the map, Cassie used the Troopy for local camping trips and one major run to the 2023 Finke Desert Race, returning via the Oodnadatta Track. “I haven’t done many big trips in the Troopy before going on our lap except for one mid last year,” she explained. “We went to watch Finke and did the Oodnadatta Track on the way back home.”
Now two months into the national journey, the vehicle is performing as expected and has already covered a broad range of conditions. Among the highlights so far has been the Victorian High Country. “We loved the Blue Rag Track,” she said. “It had amazing views of the mountains, which is something we don’t get to see at home.”
The build includes an Alu-Cab roof conversion, offering a comfortable sleeping setup, and a comprehensive rear interior fitout designed for full-time travel. Cassie notes that the vehicle tows extremely well – a key factor, given the trailer in tow – and says it handles the weight with ease. “We barely notice the trailer is there (except going up hills),” she laughed.
Future modifications will include a replacement rear bar, performance tune and exhaust, and a rear interior redesign to accommodate a crate for her dog. Cassie also wants to reorganise the rear fitout so that she can have a crate fit in for her dog.
The camper trailer was constructed in-house over a two-month period leading up to the trip. It features a leaf-over axle conversion, significantly increasing ground clearance and making it better suited to rugged tracks. “Our favourite thing about it is that it has heaps of clearance with the leaf over conversion so that we can take it on every track with us,” Cassie explained.
The build focused on maximising every bit of usable space, with careful attention paid to accessibility and storage layout. “The biggest challenge when building it was making sure that everything was easily accessible but that there was no wasted space. We really made sure that we used every inch of the trailer.”
Cassie’s connection to the off-road community also extends into competitive motorsport. In 2023, her father and brother raced a 76 Series LandCruiser in Class 7 of the Finke Desert Race and the broader Australian Off Road Championship.
She also supports mental health initiatives in the 4×4 space through her work with Saving True Blues. She was approached in early 2024 to act as an ambassador for the organisation, which focuses on building a community of support within the off-road industry.
“Lucy (the owner of Saving True Blues) contacted me about becoming an ambassador at the start of 2024 and I loved what she had created so I said yes!” Cassie said. “So many people struggle with having a positive mental health, so Saving True Blues are working on creating a community where anyone can speak up and feel supported.”
Saving True Blue hosts camps and events around the country and uses sales from merchandise to fund their mental health outreach. “I’ve gone to the camps that STB have hosted and met some amazing, like-minded people that are into four wheel drives! Anyone can attend their camps that they host and purchase any of their clothing items.”
With thousands of kilometres still to cover, the combination of a capable vehicle, a well-planned trailer, and a strong support network gives Cassie everything she needs to complete the journey.
Kenny Signs is an all-Australian, family-run business that has been in operation since 1993, originating like many local businesses do in Australia, in the family home’s garage.
“It all started out in the recession we had to have back in 1993,” Brett Kenny, managing director at Kenny Signs, told 4X4 Australia. “After bouncing from job to job with businesses closing down due to the poor economy, I had a few small clients, so I started working from my parent’s garage two to three days a week and built it up from there.
“I slowly increased my clientele by word of mouth, being on time, polite and producing good quality signage with competitive pricing as my overheads were low.”
The thriving business is now based in Revesby, in south-western Sydney, with the expert team not only servicing the wider Sydney region, but its handiwork extends to regional towns and even nationwide. Still, it remains family-oriented, with Brett’s eldest son, Cameron, running the graphic design side of the business, and his youngest son, Daniel, the head vehicle wrapper now with more than 10 years of experience behind him.
The company has been wrapping vehicles for more than 15 years, but it also specialises in providing full aluminium composite signage for building exteriors, interior wall wraps and reception signage. Plus, Brett is also a traditional signwriter, so Kenny Signs also does painted wall signage for a lot of shopping centre car parks.
Vehicles remain a key focus of the brand, though, with some of its bigger jobs including wrapping the Australian Idol buses; the Rapisarda Top Fuel team; Jim Read racing trucks; Santos Cranes cranes; and more than 20 top fuel dragsters. Plus its handiwork can be seen on a number of company fleets such as Total Tools; Penske Australia; Sydney Water; Fulton Hogan; and Return and Earn. The team also does a tonne of work for private tradie vans and utes, just like the epic wrap seen on our Ford Everest build.
“We offer a full design, print and application service,” Brett told us. “Customers are welcome to bring in their own artwork provided it has been professionally done by a qualified graphic designer. We don’t really recommend DIY as the material and print combined is expensive and we hate to see the customer have to have it reprinted and be out of pocket just to try and save a few bucks.
“We can virtually meet any brief provided by the client. All we need is a good brief on what they require. We offer full wraps, half wraps, or just a set of door logos if that’s all they need.”
Customers can expect to pay approximately $5000 to $6000 for a full wrap, $3000 for a half wrap, $1000 for ute doors and tray, and $400 for a set of door logos – plus artwork design if required.
Brett told us a full wrap will last about four to five years, but it all depends on usage and where you park the vehicle.
“You don’t want to let it go too long as it can be hard to remove after five years if the car is parked outside. We also recommend replacing bonnet, roof and horizontal wraps every two years. In saying that, the Rapisarda race team trailers we did 10 years ago are still in great condition as they are inside a workshop 95 per cent of the time.”
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure the wrap looks just as good as the day it leaves the factory floor. Washing it weekly will keep it looking schmick, but always ensure you keep the pressure washer more than one metre away so as not to blast the edges of the wrap.
Removing a wrap within its lifespan actually helps to protect the car’s original paint, but leaving it too long leads to a detrimental ‘crow’s feet’ effect – “so it’s always a good idea to drop into your sign shop to have it inspected if you’re worried,” Brett advises.
The June 2025 issue of 4X4 Australia is officially OUT now! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside 👇
Kia’s first-ever ute, the Tasman, is nearly here – and we’ve just had a taste of what the top-spec X-Pro can do off-road. Ahead of its July launch, Kia let us loose in pre-production models on a muddy NSW farm course, where the X-Pro’s 252mm ground clearance, all-terrain tyres, and locking rear diff got put to the test. It held its own through boggy paddocks, offset mounds, and steep gravel climbs, showing real promise as a capable off-roader. A few bugs to iron out, but it’s clear Kia’s done their homework and taken Aussie conditions seriously.
The GMC Yukon Denali has officially landed in Australia, marking the brand’s local debut with a full-size, V8-powered luxury wagon. And we’ve driven one! With a 6.2L V8, 10-speed auto, proper low-range 4×4, and a massive 3628kg towing capacity, it’s the highest-rated tow wagon in the country. Loaded with premium gear and converted to RHD by Walkinshaw, the Yukon isn’t cheap – but if you’re hauling big loads in comfort and want something different from the usual Patrol or Cruiser, it might just be worth a look.
The diesel-powered Tank 300 is a refreshing reminder that value still exists. For just over $50K, you get twin lockers, low-range, a comfy cabin, and a serious off-road platform that’s begging to be built upon. In our full review this issue, we dig into where it punches above its weight – and where it comes up short. It’s not perfect, but if you’re after a mod-ready, affordable 4×4 with real trail chops, the Tank 300 might just be the underdog worth backing.
The Land Rover Defender might’ve slipped off the radar for 4×4 fans, but don’t count it out just yet. In this article, Matt puts the D350 X-Dynamic SE through its paces across South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, where it proved it’s more than just a stylish SUV. With 700Nm from its inline-six diesel, air suspension and factory-backed off-road packs, this Defender blends serious capability with comfort and tech. If you’re eyeing a new LandCruiser or Patrol, don’t forget to add the Defender to the shortlist.
Our drive of the Defender was part of the Defender Experience at Arkaba Station, Land Rover Australia’s four-day adventure set against the stunning backdrop of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. From rooftop tents under the stars to remote tracks in Defender D350s, this trip blends serious 4×4 action with luxury lodge living and a crash course in outback conservation.
On the custom front: In a world where tourers are getting heavier and overbuilt, Mandurah local Bo Clayton has gone the other way. Starting with the 2024 Ranger Raptor, Bo built a super tourer that combines serious off-road cred, power and comfort without tipping the scales. Featuring a featherweight Mode 4×4 canopy, Baja-ready suspension, and a 480hp tune, this Raptor isn’t just tough, it’s meticulously balanced. In this feature, we dive deep into how Bo pulled it off, what he’d do differently, and what’s next!
What else?
- Touring Garig Gunak Barlu National Park in the NT
- The ultimate Top End adventure
- Exploring Albany in WA
- How to survive in the bush
- ScanGauge 3 & Stov portable gas BBQ tested
- Mazda BT-50 GT long-term update
- New products, news and more!!