Tambo in central Queensland is one of those towns many travellers breeze through without a second thought. 

I’d been guilty of it myself, thinking it was just another quiet country outpost. But Tambo is, in fact, the oldest town in Central Western Queensland, settled in 1863 as an important stopover for drovers seeking new pastoral country. Before explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell passed through in 1846, following local river systems, the Dharawala people roamed the area.

Originally called Carrangarra, the town’s name was changed to Tambo in 1868. The pub – still bearing the original name – was first built in 1865, has burned down three times, and once served as the post office. For the next 50 years, Tambo thrived as a service hub for the surrounding region. Today, it still has a strong pastoral industry alongside a growing tourism trade.

Tambo sits on the Barcoo River, 860km north-west of Brisbane in central Queensland, and it’s well worth a few hours to explore. You can wander its historic buildings, stroll the Coolibah Walk, check out the transport museum or drop into Tambo Teddies. The Visitor Information Centre has a brochure outlining 17 heritage sites, each with its own story. On the edge of town, the dam – built in 1880 as Tambo’s water supply until bores tapped the Great Artesian Basin in 1895 – now teems with native birds, fish and insects.

MORE Cape escape: Oyala Thumotang National Park
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Local highlights

These days, Tambo is best known for Tambo Teddies – a local brainwave from 1992, when wool prices crashed and the town needed a new source of income. Thirty-three years on, more than 50,000 handcrafted bears have been sold around the world.

Just down the road, the Wild and Woolly Tambo Truck and Transport Museum was created in 2012 to celebrate the days when wool was king. Built around a 1944 Johnson Brothers freight truck, the display uses reclaimed materials from the district and is packed with memorabilia from the town’s long transport history. It charts the evolution of freight in the outback – from horse-drawn carriers of the 1860s, to the first motorised trucks of the 1920s, to today’s modern fleets.

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The Wilderness Way

After a few hours in town, I set out on a scenic 4×4 run called the Wilderness Way, linking Tambo to Springsure 250km to the north. My starting point was Windeyer, 40km out of Tambo, where the Dawson Development Road turns right and the bitumen gives way to dirt. 

The route is often described as suitable only for high-clearance 4x4s – but on my run, the road was in top shape and barely a challenge. This self-drive tour skirts the western side of Carnarvon Gorge and Salvator Rosa National Park, offering spectacular views of sheer cliff lines, striking rock formations and rugged mountain country. Midway along, Bull Creek Vista is a great spot to stretch the legs, with views east to the sandstone outcrops of Autograph and Stool Rock, and a solitary pillar known as The Monument.

An hour further on, at the intersection of Cungelella Road, a monument marks where Major Thomas Mitchell passed through in 1846 while trying to unravel the mystery of Australia’s river system – and whether an inland sea existed. Mitchell named the nearby Salvator Rosa valley after a famous Italian painter, christened the Claude River, and identified the rich Mantuan Downs pastoral plains. Crossing those plains, he discovered entire petrified trees. His explorations also took him east, where he charted the Belyando and the entire Barcoo River system.

MORE Exploring the mining trails of North Queensland
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Cungelella Road leads into the remote Salvator Rosa National Park, where you can camp in solitude, tackle remote hikes and spot a wide variety of wildlife. For those heading off on foot, Queensland Parks asks hikers to complete a Remote Bushwalking Advice form and leave it with a responsible contact – the park’s rugged terrain and inhospitable country demand respect. One of its most remarkable features is the network of clear springs that feed more than 10 million litres of water a day into nearby creeks, seeping under the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt to form the headwaters of local rivers.

Heading back along the Dawson Development Road towards Springsure, the landscape opens into rolling pastoral country dotted with majestic bottle trees. Before long, the township comes into view, with plenty to see and do. Minerva Hills National Park offers sweeping views and the chance to see ancient volcanic plugs, while the Springsure Museum is crammed with 150 years of local memorabilia. You can even camp beneath the towering Virgin Rock and watch it dramatically lit at night.

I’ve only scratched the surface of this stunning stretch between Tambo and Springsure – there’s far more to uncover, from natural wonders and living museums of cultural history to some of the best remote driving roads central Queensland has to offer.

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Essential information

Where 

Tambo’s Wilderness Way is a remote self-drive route that can be tackled as a 270km loop or as an adventure drive between Tambo and Springsure in central Queensland. It can be done in a SUV in dry conditions, but a 4×4 is recommended – especially after rain, when sections may become impassable. Settled in 1863, Tambo is the oldest town in Western Queensland and a living museum of pastoral history. It’s located 580km west of Bundaberg on the Landsborough Highway.

Things to see

Tambo’s main street is lined with historic buildings, a transport museum and the oldest pub in Western Queensland. The Wilderness Way – known as the ‘Rooftop of Queensland’ – delivers sweeping views of deep gorges and towering cliff lines, with sharp sandstone ranges the highlight through Salvator Rosa National Park. Depending on your plans, you can camp in the park, push on to Springsure or loop back to Tambo. And while you’re in town, don’t miss the famous Tambo Teddies – handcrafted here since 1993.

More information

Tambo’s main street is rich in history, with information boards at nearly every heritage building. The Outback Queensland website has basic self-drive details for the Wilderness Way, or you can drop into the Tambo Museum at 10 Arthur Street for a deeper dive into the region’s past.

MORE Queensland travel yarns!

In an attempt to recreate Range Rover’s 2018 viral moment on Tianmen Mountain, Chery has managed the opposite – with videos circulating online showing a Fengyun X3L test going sideways. 

During a performance run on the mountain’s famed “Stairway to Heaven,” the SUV reportedly slid backwards after a seatbelt hook detached and wrapped itself around the right wheel, cutting power and sending the vehicle into an ancient handrail. Chery has apologised, confirmed no injuries, promised to repair the damage, and acknowledged the shortcomings in its approach. 

@sanngacon

Chiếc SUV Fengyun X3L của Chery đang trải qua bài kiểm tra hiệu suất khắc nghiệt tại Nấc thang lên thiên đường ở Núi Thiên Môn. Hôm nay, hãng sản xuất ô tô Trung Quốc Chery Automobile đã đưa ra lời xin lỗi sau khi một chiêu tiếp thị tại Thiên Môn Sơn ở Trương Gia Giới đã không thành công và làm hư hại một phần lan can cổ vào hôm qua. Vụ việc xảy ra vào khoảng trưa hôm qua, khi chiếc SUV Fengyun X3L của Chery đang thực hiện bài kiểm tra hiệu suất cực đại trên đỉnh núi Stairway to Heaven nổi tiếng. Bài kiểm tra đã phải dừng đột ngột sau khi một thiết bị an toàn gặp trục trặc, khiến xe trượt về phía sau và va vào lan can. Hãng sản xuất ô tô cho biết trong một tuyên bố hôm nay rằng không có thương tích hay thiệt hại nào về môi trường được báo cáo, đồng thời cam kết sẽ sửa chữa các thanh chắn bị hư hỏng. Cuộc điều tra sơ bộ phát hiện ra rằng móc của dây an toàn đã bất ngờ tách khỏi điểm neo, khiến dây quấn quanh bánh xe bên phải của xe và chặn mất công suất. Chery thừa nhận rằng sự cố này đã bộc lộ những sai sót trong việc đánh giá và thực hiện rủi ro. Công ty cũng thừa nhận mối quan ngại của công chúng về việc tiến hành thử nghiệm tiếp thị ở một khu vực cảnh quan và sinh thái nhạy cảm như vậy. Nằm ở Trương Gia Giới, Thiên Môn Sơn là điểm tham quan du lịch cấp quốc gia 5A, trải dài trên diện tích 96 km vuông. Nơi đây nổi tiếng nhất với vòm đá tự nhiên, Thiên Môn Sơn, hay còn gọi là “Cổng Trời”. Vụ tai nạn xảy ra tại địa danh Stairway to Heaven trên núi, một cầu thang đá gồm 999 bậc dẫn đến vòm đá – từ lâu đã được tôn kính như một địa điểm linh thiêng để cầu nguyện và ban phước lành. Vụ việc đã khơi lại cuộc tranh luận trực tuyến về sự cân bằng giữa quảng cáo rầm rộ và bảo vệ môi trường. Một số cư dân mạng so sánh nó với màn trình diễn pháo hoa gây tranh cãi của nghệ sĩ Thái Quốc Cường tại Thạch Gia Trang, Tây Tạng hồi tháng 9, cho rằng các pha mạo hiểm thương mại hay nghệ thuật không bao giờ nên đánh đổi bằng di sản thiên nhiên hay văn hóa.

♬ nhạc nền – Săn Putin Con và Bình Con – Săn Putin Con và Bình Con

“The outcome has exposed our insufficient assessment of potential risks and lapses in detail control during the planning and execution of this test. In particular, we deeply reflect on the public concerns caused by choosing to conduct the test in a public scenic area,” Chery reportedly said in a statement.

The choice of venue hasn’t helped. Tianmen Mountain is a protected 5A national attraction, and the 999-step staircase leading to the Heaven’s Gate arch is considered a sacred site – making the mishap even more awkward for the brand.

It all harkens back to Range Rover’s 2018 spectacle, when a Sport P400e successfully climbed the 11.3-kilometre Dragon Road and powered up the same staircase under tightly controlled conditions. 

That stunt went global; Chery’s attempt is doing the rounds for entirely different reasons.

MORE What we know about Chery’s first dual-cab ute set for Australia in 2026

The upcoming Ford Ranger Super Duty is set to hit the market sooner than expected, with customer deliveries starting later this year. 

In announcing the expedited launch, Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford ANZ, also shared the program’s origins and progress in a detailed LinkedIn post, highlighting how the truck was designed to meet real-world Australian needs.

The idea for the Ranger Super Duty began six years ago, when Ford’s truck leadership met with one of the country’s largest fleet operators to understand what worked – and what didn’t – with existing mid-size utes. As Birkic explained in his post, fleets were spending time and money modifying vehicles to handle heavy workloads.

“Walking out, the mission was clear. Our heavy duty customers needed a mid-size truck that could carry almost two tonnes of payload, tow up to 4.5 tonnes, and be incredibly capable off-road. Nothing existed in the Australian market that could do all this, backed by a full factory warranty,” stated Birkic.

From there, the project gained momentum. Ford’s Australian engineering team, drawing on decades of local experience, took the lead in applying the Super Duty nameplate outside North America for the first time. The goal was to deliver a mid-size truck with genuine heavy-duty capability.

“Fast forward to the past few months, where I’ve been hitting the road in a prototype Ranger Super Duty across regional Australian roads,” Birkic posted. “It wasn’t about testing its outright capability; it was about getting it into the hands of the people who’d rely on it day in and day out – dealers, farmers, mechanics, construction companies, mining teams and your everyday Aussie.”

Birkic says the vehicle is shaping up to be a game changer for operators who need a mid-size ute that can handle serious loads and challenging conditions without requiring extensive modifications.

“This is more than a new model; it’s a solution born from deep listening. And I’m incredibly proud to announce the Ranger Super Duty is arriving ahead of schedule, with customer deliveries starting later this year,” he said.

All Super Duty models will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine producing 154kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm of torque at 1750rpm, with heavy-duty truck calibration meeting EU VI emissions standards. A 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD is standard across the range.

MORE 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty: Full specs revealed

For Jimny owners looking to get the most out of their 4×4, Superior Engineering offers a suite of upgrades designed to boost durability, handling and off-road capability.

Whether you’re tackling rocky trails, soft sand or muddy tracks, these five products are essential for protecting your vehicle and improving its performance 👇


1. Steering Links

The stock drag link on the Jimny is a weak point once larger tyres or a suspension lift are added. Superior Engineering’s steering link replaces it with a solid 1020‑grade steel bar, providing significantly greater strength and rigidity. It bolts directly to factory mounting points and features an adjustable length to restore correct steering geometry and wheel centring after modifications. With a corrosion‑resistant zinc coating, it’s built to handle heavier steering loads and resist flex on challenging terrain, improving durability and steering precision compared to standard components.

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2. Shocks

A key to maintaining control and comfort off-road, the Superior Engineering Monotube IFP shocks deliver consistent damping under load. Tuned specifically for the Jimny’s weight and dynamics, they fit both factory-height and lifted vehicles with larger tyres. Heavy-walled tubes, chrome piston rods, and a corrosion-resistant finish ensure long-term durability, while the bolt-on design makes installation straightforward. The result is enhanced ride quality, stability, and longevity both on and off the beaten track.

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3. Underbody protection

Protecting the Jimny’s underbody from rocks, ruts, and impacts is critical when exploring rugged terrain. The 304 Stainless Steel Transfer Case Guard from Superior Engineering is precision‑cut and folded from 2mm stainless steel, mounting directly without affecting ground clearance or driveline performance. Its durable stainless finish resists corrosion, giving long-lasting protection to the vehicle’s drivetrain in harsh conditions.

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4. Panhard rods

Lifting your Jimny or running larger tyres can throw the rear axle out of alignment, affecting handling and causing uneven tyre wear. The Superior Engineering Adjustable Panhard Rod is machined from solid 1020‑grade steel with a corrosion-resistant finish and allows fine-tuning of axle position for lifts up to four inches. Bolting directly to OEM points, it restores accurate tracking and adds strength where the factory rod is prone to flex, providing serious off-roaders with confidence in rough terrain.

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5. Mudflap bracket

Off-roaders need protection from flying debris without sacrificing practicality. Superior Engineering’s Mudflap Brackets provide a robust mounting solution for 280mm mudflaps, with a black powder-coated aluminium bracket that bolts directly to factory rear mounts. For quick removal on demanding trails, the 6061‑T6 alloy Quick‑Disconnect system lets you take flaps off in minutes without tools, keeping your Jimny legal on-road while retaining flexibility off-road.

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MORE Jimny upgrades at Superior Engineering

The ninth-generation HiLux was officially revealed earlier this week, available in single-, extra-, and double-cab bodies in WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue, and Rugged X grades.

The 4×4 line-up starts with the WorkMate single cab at $45,990 plus ORC, and all 4x4s are automatic only. The 2.8‑litre 1GD‑FTV diesel is now the sole engine across the range, replacing the 2.4‑litre 2GD diesel and 2.7‑litre petrol. All HiLuxes use the same wheelbase and track as previous generations.

Earlier this year, Toyota invited us to sample the new HiLux at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) in Victoria – and we can finally tell you about it. Our test drive involved a sealed road course (in both a low-spec single-cab and a double-cab SR5), and a challenging off-road track (in an SR5).

Lapping in the unladen tray-back single-cab was a familiar experience. The new dash layout with a 12.3-inch screen is a welcome addition, especially in this low-spec model, and we’re confident users of these low grades will appreciate the added performance of the 2.8‑litre engine. The ride was firm and bouncy with the stiffer suspension tune, and the vehicle didn’t throw up any surprises.

SR5 tested

Stepping into the double-cab SR5 was a big step above the lower-tier spec, with its dual 12.3-inch screens and higher levels of equipment.

On the sealed road, the SR5 felt smoother than the single-cab, and the lighter feel of the electric power steering was evident when compared to the outgoing HiLux’s steering. Switching to the Sport driving mode instantly added more feel and weight to the steering, which I found to be more to my preference.

Being a higher-grade model, the SR5 gets the ‘comfort’ spec suspension calibration, and its compliance and feel were much appreciated over the harsh single-cab. This became more evident when venturing on the unsealed ‘second grade’ road, which was corrugated in places, and the HiLux soaked them up without too much fuss. A stiffer suspension calibration more suited to load bearing would have resulted in the vehicle stepping out on corrugated corners.

Again, I preferred the feel of the EPS in the Sport setting, where it provided better feedback compared to the lighter Normal setting.

MORE Has Toyota done enough with the new HiLux?
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Off-road course

Like most of these curated test tracks, the off-road element was relatively tame except for one steep, rutted climb that challenged the HiLux, especially as it became wet due to rain later in the day.

The new HiLux retains relatively long rear axle travel and sharp electronic traction control (ETC) features that have always made it good off-road. The rear differential lock is now standard on all 4×4 models in SR grade and above.

I’ve always found Toyota’s ETC and axle travel have made the HiLux one of the best off-road utes, and the inclusion of the Multi Terrain System (MTS) now gives drivers the option of selecting an off-road mode to best suit the prevailing conditions. I think it will just confuse inexperienced off-road drivers – the old set-up was sufficient for most situations, with the RDL there as backup in trickier terrain.

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Heading up the climb the first time on a reasonably dry track, the ETC and wheel travel were all that was needed to make the ascent. Dropping a back wheel into the rut picked up the opposing front, and the HiLux struggled for traction, requiring the rear diff lock to get through.

By the third attempt it was very wet, and if I was alone, I wouldn’t have tried it. This time it slid into the rut early, and the highway tyres were scrabbling for grip straight away, but with the RDL engaged and the ETC operating on the front axle, it eventually scrabbled and slid its way up. An impressive performance for a stock ute on road tyres.

The brief taste behind the wheel showed that the HiLux hasn’t lost any of its capability but has added comfort, softer suspension, and safety with the EPS and new ADAS features.

The 2026 Toyota HiLux will be available at dealerships from December this year.

Pricing

Variant48VTransmissionPrice
WorkMate single cab-chassisNoAT$45,990
WorkMate double cab-chassisNoAT$52,490
WorkMate double cab pick-upNoAT$53,990
SR extra cab-chassisNoAT$54,990
SR double cab-chassisNoMT$54,990
SR double cab-chassisYesAT$57,990
SR double cab pick-upYesAT$59,490
SR5 double cab pick-upNoMT$63,990
SR5 double cab-chassisYesAT$64,490
SR5 double cab pick-upYesAT$65,990
Rogue double cab pick-upYesAT$71,990
Rugged X double cab pick-upYesAT$71,990
MORE HiLux news and reviews!

Custom Lithium has unveiled its all-new Ultra Slim XL Series, the largest single 12V lithium batteries currently available in Australia.

Available in 800Ah, 920Ah, 1120Ah and 1250Ah configurations, the Ultra Slim XL Series is aimed at serious power users running energy-hungry setups in 4×4 canopies, caravans, campers and off-grid systems. Each unit delivers massive storage capacity in a compact, mount-anywhere format, reducing the need for multiple battery banks.

When it comes to caravans, big canopy builds, or fully equipped American truck setups, having this kind of power means longer run times without the need to recharge. It also opens the door to running high-draw luxuries such as coffee machines, air fryers, induction cooktops or fridges with ease – making life off-grid more comfortable and self-sufficient, no matter how remote the destination.

In fact, Kedron Caravans has recently partnered up with Custom Lithium, utilising its XL range of batteries for off-grid living. Kedron already have a few units out in the wild and are in the process of installing more.

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Each model features dual terminal outputs to keep wiring clean and balanced – ideal for separating inverter loads from general 12V accessories. A 380A continuous discharge BMS with 1800A protection shutdown provides serious current-handling capability, while reinforced mounting and improved thermal efficiency ensure durability in harsh Australian conditions.

“Over the past year, we kept hearing the same thing, ‘Give me more power.’ So, we did. We built it, tested it, and now it’s ready,” said Cam, Customer Service & Sales Manager at Custom Lithium.

Custom Lithium, a family-owned company from Brendale, Queensland, makes Australian-made lithium batteries built for tough touring conditions. Its range includes 12V Ultra Slim, Slim, and Compact batteries (100–310 Ah), high-capacity caravan/RV batteries (400–620 Ah), 24V/48V system batteries, plus vehicle-specific kits and accessories.

Beyond gear, the company supports local clubs and community projects, reflecting the family values and mateship central to the 4×4 lifestyle. Choosing Custom Lithium means reliable off-grid power and backing a business that prioritises both performance and community.

The Ultra Slim XL Series continues Custom Lithium’s focus on delivering large-scale, Australian-built energy storage solutions that meet the demands of both recreational and commercial users.

Ultra Slim XL Series models:

The new range is available now through Custom Lithium dealers nationwide.

MORE All things Custom Lithium!

Frustration erupted among 4WD enthusiasts at the Australian 4WD and Adventure Show in Perth, held from November 7 to 9, after several vehicles were issued defect notices while parked at the event. 

Videos circulating online – and as seen below, posted to the dirtbornclothing TikTok page – show attendees returning to their cars to find yellow stickers on their windscreens. Defect notices are issued to vehicles deemed unroadworthy and must be inspected at an Authorised Inspection Station within a set timeframe. Police confirmed to Yahoo News that 11 defect notices were issued at the event.

What has particularly irked 4WD owners is that the action was clearly planned in response to the gathering, rather than random patrols. Industry experts have suggested that the move may make some punters hesitant to return to next year’s show – or similar events – out of concern their modified vehicles could be targeted.

@dirtbornclothing

Honestly, @AFP it’s getting a bit ridiculous. Aussies who spend their weekends out four-wheel driving, going to fwd shows like this poor bloke in the video are getting pinged left, right, and centre. Over things that don’t hurt or danger anyone. Bigger tyres, a lift kit, or even an aftermarket bumper seems to be enough to cop a yellow sticker these days. 99.9% of us who drive 4x4s aren’t out causing trouble. We’re hardworking people who love the outdoors and take pride in building safe, capable vehicles that can handle Australias rough terrain. We do the right thing, But it feels like the cops are more interested in hassling hardworking weekend adventurers than dealing with real issues. There are break-ins, car thefts, drug problems, and people getting bashed in the streets. Yet somehow, a set of mud tyres or a slightly high lift kit is seen as a bigger priority. It’s no wonder so many people are heavily against cops. Police need to relax a bit on the minor mods and start putting more effort into tackling actual crime. We’d all respect the system a lot more if the focus was on keeping the community safe, not defecting clean 4WDs for things that barely make a difference. At the end of the day, we’re not the enemy. We’re just proud Aussies who love our rigs and the lifestyle that comes with them. Video credit @escape_the_everyday

♬ original sound – Dirtborn

Modified 4WDs are often under particular scrutiny because many aftermarket changes can affect roadworthiness. Police typically check lifted suspensions, oversized tyres, steering components, and heavy-duty modifications to ensure they don’t compromise vehicle stability or safety. Accessories such as bullbars, roof racks, winches, and aftermarket lights can also trigger notices if they are unsafe, improperly mounted, or non-compliant with local regulations.

Other common issues include worn brakes, corroded or damaged chassis components, and unroadworthy driveline parts, all of which can be exacerbated by off-road use or modifications. Essentially, any change that affects a vehicle’s geometry, stability, or overall safety can attract a defect notice, making it essential for owners of modified 4x4s to ensure their vehicles meet legal and safety standards before heading to public events or onto the road.

While it’s important to stress the need to keep your modified vehicle within the boundaries of the law, this has a distinct whiff of targeted revenue raising.

MORE Victoria Police target four-wheel-drives over Easter long weekend

Nissan has once again joined forces with Premcar, the Australian engineering company behind the Warrior-spec Patrol and Navara, to develop and test the next-generation Navara for local conditions.

As can be seen in the video (below) released today by Nissan Australia, the program covered a wide range of real-world scenarios and tested the Navara both unladen and at full payload, including towing.

“In Australia and New Zealand, the ute is just part of life – the weekday workhorse, the weekend adventurer, even the school drop-off,” said Tim Davis, Senior Manager Local Product Development and Enhancement at Nissan Australia. “So we can’t just take a ute from another market and assume it’ll fit. It has to be fine-tuned because the conditions we face are totally unique to this part of the world.

“We were co-operating with Premcar to make sure all the ride and handling performance we want from the new Navara is delivered,” added Davis. “They’ve put it through a brutal local tuning and testing program right here in Australia. The aim is simple – to deliver a ute that excels in all scenarios.”

“For almost four decades, we’ve been engineering and thoroughly evaluating cars locally, including generation on generation of utes and off-roaders,” said Warwick Daly, Deputy Director Marketing and Mobility at Nissan Australia. “It’s about ensuring Australians and New Zealanders can have complete confidence – knowing your vehicle will perform when and how you expect it to.

“The new Navara is the product of local engineering experience and know-how. It’s tuned and tested for our customers,” added Daly.

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Reports indicate the new model will use a ladder-frame chassis shared with the current Mitsubishi Triton, with both utes assembled at the same plant in Thailand as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Engine choices are expected to focus on diesel, following the Triton’s lead, which delivers 150kW and 470Nm from a four-cylinder turbo-diesel, paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox. Nissan is also reportedly considering a plug-in hybrid variant for the new Navara.

The next-gen Navara is set for a global reveal on November 19, 2025, with Australian and New Zealand sales expected in the first half of 2026. 

MORE Navara news and reviews!

Pricing and grade info for the ninth-generation Toyota HiLux has been unveiled, with the 4×4 line-up starting with the Workmate single-cab at $45,990 plus ORC.

Officially revealed earlier this week, the entire new HiLux range will be powered by a 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV diesel engine, with both the 2.4-litre 2GD version and 2.7-litre petrol engines discontinued. The range consists of single-, extra- and double-cab bodies; 4×2 and 4×4 drivelines with manual or automatic transmissions; and WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X grades.

The only real point of interest around the loss of the lower-grade engines concerns what the inclusion of the 1GD 2.8 will mean to the price of the basic models like the always popular 2WD single-cab, back tray back traffic-controller-spec variants at $33,990 entry price. 

All new Hiluxes ride on the same wheelbase and wheel track as the previous generation and there will initially be no wide-track models such as the GR Sport offered.

4×4 model line-up

HiLux WorkMate

The WorkMate is distinguished by 17-inch steel wheels, and comes with LED manual-leveling headlights, body-coloured front bumper and grille, electric exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal, sharkfin antenna and the choice of four exterior paint colours. The WorkMate double-cab pick-up adds front and rear mud guards, four tie-down hooks in the tub and a tailgate damper with lift assist for easier opening.

Inside the cabin, the WorkMate has manually adjustable front seats with cloth trim, urethane steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, all-weather floor mats, power windows, manual air conditioning, and a manual parking brake.

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Hilux SR

Stepping up to the HiLux SR brings 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-painted lower front bumper, black-painted door handles, side mirrors and hood moulding, LED front fog lamps, locking rear tailgate, side steps, and six exterior colour choices.

The interior gets additional bolstering for the front seats, high-grade cloth trim upholstery, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, rear-seat air conditioning vent, 300W inverter, smart entry and start, wireless smartphone charger, eight-speaker audio system, a panoramic view monitor, tyre pressure monitoring system, a locking rear differential, Multi Terrain Select, and downhill assist control.

SR 4×4 double-cab automatic models (and those above it) come with Toyota’s V-Active technology to boost the 2.8L engine. This includes a 48-volt system with an 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor generator and DC/DC converter for improved driving feel during take-off.

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HiLux SR5

The HiLux SR5 is available as a manual pick-up, or with the V-Active automatic in cab-chassis or pick-up body styles. It adds 18-inch alloy wheels with larger front disc brakes and ventilated rear disc brakes, integrated towbar, high-grade auto-levelling LED headlights, LED tail-lights and rear fog lamp, sports bar, privacy glass, and auto folding/heated exterior mirrors.

Inside, the SR5 gets dual-zone automatic climate control, cooled glove box, heated front seats and steering wheel, a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, electro-chromatic rearview mirror, all-weather mats, and an electric park brake. Customers with automatic versions will also be able to remotely activate their air conditioning via the Toyota Connect+ feature.

As was available in the previous model, The SR5 can be optioned with the Premium Interior package, which, for $2500, bundles black leather-accented upholstery, eight-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a nine-speaker JBL sound system.

SR5 and above HiLuxes also get the comfort-oriented rear leaf suspension tune designed to provide a more compliant and supple ride compared to the working-class lower grades. This suspension retains the HiLux’s load-carrying and towing capabilities but is designed to deliver a more comfortable ride.

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HiLux Rogue and Rugged X

The two range-toppers are built on the SR5 Premium package but add a range of features designed to appeal to different buyers. 

The Rogue adds black 18-inch alloy wheels, tailgate badging, unique sports bar and front bumper, marine-grade carpet bedliner with electric roller cover, deck rail with two sliding tie down points, 12V tub power outlet, central locking tailgate, mineral-coloured upholstery and a fully fitted towing package including tongue and ball, trailer wiring harness, and electronic brake controller.

The new Rugged X variant is claimed to improve off-road capability with the inclusion of a Toyota hoopless metal front bumper, front and rear recovery points, an LED light bar, decal package, sports bar, bezel, tow-pack, bedliner, and mineral upholstery colour.

Toyota HiLux 4×4 pricing

Variant48VTransmissionPrice
WorkMate single cab-chassisNoAT$45,990
WorkMate double cab-chassisNoAT$52,490
WorkMate double cab pick-upNoAT$53,990
SR extra cab-chassisNoAT$54,990
SR double cab-chassisNoMT$54,990
SR double cab-chassisYesAT$57,990
SR double cab pick-upYesAT$59,490
SR5 double cab pick-upNoMT$63,990
SR5 double cab-chassisYesAT$64,490
SR5 double cab pick-upYesAT$65,990
Rogue double cab pick-upYesAT$71,990
Rugged X double cab pick-upYesAT$71,990

Options

MORE Has Toyota done enough with the new HiLux?

Tyre size has a major impact on your 4WD’s performance, safety and reliability. 

Oversized tyres can stress suspension, alter gearing and affect braking, while undersized tyres reduce clearance and off-road capability. Checking tyre size before upgrading ensures the tyres suit your vehicle, driving style and – importantly – legal requirements.

The starting point is always the tyres’ factory specifications, which can be found on the tyre sidewall, in the owner’s manual, or on the tyre placard inside the driver’s door frame. These numbers, whether metric (265/70R16) or imperial (33×12.5R16) indicate width, sidewall height and rim diameter, helping you compare tyres and choose the right fit.

Choosing the wrong tyre size can throw off speedometer readings, affect ABS and traction control, increase fuel consumption, and cause excessive wear on suspension and driveline components. Correct sizing maintains performance, safety, and comfort.

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Superior Engineering’s Tyre Size Calculator is a free, easy-to-use tool that makes planning tyre upgrades simple. It allows you to compare your current tyres with potential upgrades, showing differences in overall diameter, width and sidewall height, while helping you ensure compliance with Australian regulations. 

While changing tyre size is a common upgrade to improve clearance and off-road grip, there are limits, and larger tyres may cause guard rubbing, altered gearing and reduced braking. Each state has legal limits on tyre increases, so planning carefully is essential.

How the calculator works

  1. Enter current tyre dimensions.
  2. Select a new tyre size.
  3. Review the comparison: See differences in diameter, width and other key metrics to visualise how your vehicle will perform.

Beyond the calculator

Upgrading to bigger tyres can affect your speedometer accuracy, but Superior Engineering offers plug-and-play speedo correctors for popular 4WD models, allowing you to recalibrate your speedo and stay compliant. 

Superior also provides suspension upgrades, GVM upgrades and engineering advice to ensure modifications are safe and legal. Using factory specs, understanding size codes and utilising the Tyre Size Calculator ensures smarter, safer tyre upgrades that balance performance, safety and comfort.

Plan your upgrade

Visit Superior Engineering’s Tyre Size Calculator today to start planning your 4WD upgrade. For personalised advice and product options, contact their sales team at (07) 5433 1411. Remember, while the calculator is a valuable planning tool, always confirm your tyre choices with a qualified tyre fitter, engineer or your vehicle manufacturer to ensure safety and compliance.