A massive recall notice has been issued for 3.0-litre V6-powered Ford Ranger and Everest models built between 2022 and 2025, with a total of 13,490 vehicles affected.

The recall is due to a manufacturing defect, which could see the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket fracture. This may cause the engine to stall and lead to a sudden loss of motive power. “A sudden loss of motive power whilst driving increases the risk of an accident, which may result in serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users,” the report notice reads.

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The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine at the centre of this recall produces 184kW and 600Nm, and it’s paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system. The Lion V6 powers a number of vehicles in the Ford stable including the Ranger XLT, Wildtrak, Sport and Platinum, as well as the Everest Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum. The 2.0-litre bi-turbo is unaffected.

It’s the same engine found in the V6-powered Amarok Style, PanAm and Aventura variants – plus it will sit beneath the lid of the upcoming Super Duty. 

Owners of affected vehicles – full recall list here – will be contacted by Ford Australia, and the fix will be free of charge. Owners can call 133 673 to speak to the Ford Customer Relationship Centre.

The Ford Ranger is perennially Australia’s best-selling 4×4 vehicle, selling 12,462 units so far this year (up until the end of April); while the Ford Everest sits just below the Prado as Australia’s best-selling 4×4 wagon, with a total of 4986 sales to date (April, 2025).

The massive May issue of 4X4 Australia magazine is out now!

On shelves and in letterboxes this week, the May 2025 issue is loaded with quality 4×4 goodness including a 250 Series Prado perfected by none other than Mr 4WD.

The Prado ‘Altitude with Attitude’ has been given a thorough transformation, with new front and rear protection, uprated suspension by JMACX, Toyo tyres, and Rhino-Rack’s all-new Recon roof rack with an Alu-Cab roof-top on top. There’s a long shopping list of equipment to come including a winch and awning, as well as a revamped interior with storage drawers and a camping fridge. 

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On the topic of Prados, we managed to wrangle an original 70 Series Prado – granted, a substantially modified one – and lined it up against an all-new 250. The old-versus-new comparison yielded some interesting results, and we posed the owner of the 78 one question: Would you trade it in for a new one?

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The BYD Shark has been making waves since it launched in Australia at an eye-popping $57,990, enticing more than 2000 orders in its first 24 hours on sale. At less than $60K, owners are treated, not only to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but to a vehicle loaded with premium equipment. But, more importantly, how does it perform off-road? Not great, all things considered.

A different beast altogether is RAM’s all new turbo-six 1500, a vehicle which has essentially left the old HEMI V8 in its dust and not looked back. The Hurricane inline-six powering the current 1500 produces an impressive 313kW and 635NM in standard trim (SO) and an intoxicating 403kW and 707Nm in HO trim – considerably more than the old V8 could muster. Sadly, this test didn’t include any dirt, but this thing is a monster on tarmac.

We did, however, take a 200kW/400Nm turbo-petrol 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SWB to some rather challenging off-road tracks, which the Jeep coasted over thanks to its triple diff locks, a disconnecting sway bar and BFG muddies straight from the showroom floor. Did someone say “unrivalled off-road performance”?

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On the custom front, we peaked under the lid of a 60 Series LandCruiser that was saved from the scrapheap courtesy of an Isuzu 4JJ1 3.0-litre engine transplant. The impeccably clean build also wears a long list of custom parts – as Mark Allen puts it in the article, “it’s an amazing amalgamation of old and new parts and technology”.

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What else is there?

• How to 4×4 on sand – a step-by-step guide
• Following the route of Leichhardt’s 1844 expedition in the Gulf Country
• Touring Victoria’s Wyperfeld National Park
• A 20,000km update on our set of Cooper AT3 LT tyres
• Bowden’s Own cleaning products put to the test
• An update on the BT-50 GT in our long-term shed
• New products, news and MUCH more!

The May 2025 issue of 4X4 Australia magazine is out now!

Land Rover Classic has confirmed the return of its highly revered Defender Soft Top under its new Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke program.

The European-bound Classic Defender V8 Soft Top will be built to order in Coventry (UK) and Essen (Germany) with an eye-watering price tag of £195,000 plus local taxes – that’s in excess of $400K.

For that coin, buyers are treated with a premium customer experience that includes countless personalisation options, with a one-on-one bespoke service offered for every single build. Utilising donor vehicles built between 2012-2016, Land Rover Classic then completely re-engineers the vehicles to OEM standard.

Personalisation options include the choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys; five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options; a selection of 49 paint finishes; and unique grilles, door handles and bonnet scripts. For something a bit fancier, buyers can even opt for an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack.

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“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality,” said Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic. “At Land Rover Classic we work with clients to provide a one-to-one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer – the people who know it best.”

The bespoke vehicle is powered by Land Rover’s 5.0-litre petrol V8, producing 302kW and 515Nm. This engine is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The Soft Top also benefits from uprated suspension consisting of revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers. The brakes have also been improved to four-piston Alcon units with 335mm front and 300mm rear discs.

Every personalised vehicle comes with a one-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Specs

The NSW Government is proposing to overhaul how camping works in national parks – and it could change the way 4WD tourers and outdoor enthusiasts book, pay for, and access campsites across the state.

The Improving Camping in NSW National Parks consultation paper, released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), promises improvements to booking systems and site management, but some outdoor enthusiasts are worried it could mean higher costs, tighter restrictions, or changes to access for remote and 4WD-only sites.

“The current camping fee system has not been reviewed for many years and is not designed to manage issues experienced in modern campgrounds,” the consultation paper reads. “The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to make it simpler, fairer and easier for people to use campgrounds in national parks while also addressing campground issues. 

“The changes were developed following consultation with more than 200,000 national park visitors and campers. These changes would deliver consistent and equitable camping fees for all New South Wales national parks and support sustainable management of visitation into the future.”

What’s being proposed?

As it now stands, some campsites are free, some charge as little as $6, and others go well beyond $30 per night. This new system proposed by the NSW Government would set state-wide pricing based on the facilities available, the demand, and the remoteness of the site. Remote bush camps with minimal services are expected to stay low-cost or free, but nothing is locked in yet.

The plan includes cracking down on “ghost bookings” and introducing a more streamlined, user-friendly booking platform. This could improve access for campers who don’t plan trips months in advance, making it a big win for spontaneous 4WD adventurers.

Currently, cancellation policies can be rigid. The new proposal introduces easier refunds and credits, encouraging people to cancel in time so others can snap up their spot. Campers who reserve but don’t turn up may face penalties under the new system, as NPWS wants to make sure sites aren’t sitting empty when others are turned away.

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National park camping has seen massive growth in recent times, with visitation up nearly 50 per cent in the past decade and more 1.8 million overnight stays registered last year. NPWS says park infrastructure and staff are under strain, and the current system isn’t keeping up with demand or expectations. The proposal aims to modernise how sites are booked and managed, but not everyone is convinced.

Common concerns include: Will bush camps that used to be free now come with a price tag? Will a rigid booking system kill spontaneity? Is this just the start of creeping commercialisation in national parks?

The NPWS says the changes aren’t set in stone, and that’s where the four-wheeler and camping community comes in. Campers and off-roaders are being asked to weigh in before any decisions are made, and we urge you to join in. 

The consultation paper is open for public feedback until Sunday, May 25, 2025. So have your say before it’s too late.

The Isuzu D-MAX EV has officially entered mass production, with the fully electrified ute slated to arrive in major European markets in Q3 of 2025.

These first vehicles set to run down the production line are left-hand-drive units, with production of right-hand-drive models scheduled to begin toward the end of this year. This should see the D-MAX EV in UK dealerships at the start of 2026, with Isuzu adding, “it will be rolled out to other countries and areas based on market needs”.

Whether Australia is included in this roll-out remains unconfirmed, with Isuzu Ute Australia unable to provide any specifics relating to future products, including the D-MAX EV.

“We are currently unable to comment on specifics relating to future model plans,” an Isuzu UTE Australia spokesperson told 4X4 Australia. “That said, as part of our due diligence, IUA will continue to monitor the local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs locally, and work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs.

“While Isuzu Motors Japan have advised that they’re starting production on an electric pick-up (ute) for European markets in April 2025, we have no further information to share at this point in time.”

Earlier this year, Isuzu Ute Australia declared it was considering multiple powertrain options to combat looming NVES regulations. While careful not to discuss any details about future products, IUA mentioned it is looking at every powertrain solution it has globally to ensure it works here – but doubled-down on the fact it needed to be fit for purpose for Australian customers.

“While we are working on solutions, it’s important for us to mention these solutions are fit for purpose. They’re not compromised. We don’t want to bring something to market … that just ticks a box,” said Mark Harman, former PR manager at IUA. “We’ve always done a very good job with localisation, to ensure our products are Australianised for our market.”

In 2024, a press statement released by Isuzu Japan said: “Launching in select mainland Europe markets such as Norway in 2025, D-MAX BEV will be rolled out to the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other countries based on market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure.”

In February this year when asked if we’ll see an electric D-MAX in Australia in the next few years, Ben Jaegar, head of sales at IUA, said: “I don’t think we can answer that one … The vehicle that is going to be released may not meet the requirements of our customers. It’s a very different market, different usage, different infrastructure for charging – all those sorts of things go into it. It’s a different volume market, for that matter.

“Is it one of the technologies being reviewed? Obviously it is because that’s a global powertrain that will be available to other markets. Whether it’s right for this market? That’s the decision that needs to be made,” he said.

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At the time, Isuzu also confirmed both the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and the 1.9-litre hybrid seen in Thailand are on its radar, but the Japanese marque stopped short of confirming whether we’ll officially see either powertrain locally. 

The full-time 4WD system in the DMAX EV features newly developed front and rear e-Axles, which will provide the hush-quiet linear acceleration expected of EVs. The D-MAX EV’s electric drivetrain produces 140kW and 320Nm, with the vehicle recording payload and towing capacities of 1010kg and 3500kg respectively. Full specs below!

“The D-MAX EV has been engineered to cater to both commercial and passenger vehicle requirements, while ensuring the rugged performance expected from pickup trucks,” Isuzu Japan said. The vehicle will be produced in Thailand.

Isuzu D-MAX EV: Specs

GWM is bucking the industry-wide trend of downsizing on diesel by developing a new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for its upcoming Cannon Alpha and Tank model line-ups.

Confirmed by GWM executives, the 3.0-litre diesel will power the Cannon Alpha ute, Tank 500 and Tank 700 variants, and it’s slated to arrive in 2027. It does not apply to the current Cannon or Tank vehicles.

The new 3.0-litre engine is expected to improve performance, fuel economy and emissions, compared to the current 2.0- and 2.4-litre diesels. Its development is part of GWM’s wider strategic strategy to offer a diverse range of powertrain options, including diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric.

Currently in Australia, GWM offers two diesel powertrain options: a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

GWM also recently announced that a four-litre V8 petrol engine is en-route, most likely powering a Tank 500 or Tank 700 – but conceivably a Cannon Alpha PHEV, as they share the same chassis architecture. It is expected that the V8 will produce more than GWM’s V6 hybrid which puts out 380kW and 800Nm.

The Chinese brand is also gearing up for the Australian launch of its BYD Shark rival, with the Cannon Alpha PHEV expected to be in local showrooms in just a few weeks.

The Alpha PHEV is powered by a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired to a nine-speed transmission. Combined with the 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery, the Alpha’s total output is 300kW and 750Nm – significantly more torque than the Shark’s 321kW/650Nm.

With the end of the 2024-25 financial year fast approaching, 4×4 owners and small business operators are being encouraged to act now to take full advantage of the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off (IAWO) before the rules are set to change on July 1, 2025.

Currently, eligible businesses – including sole traders and small business entities with turnover under $10 million – can claim an immediate tax deduction for each business-use asset under $20,000, provided it is installed and ready for use by June 30, 2025. For tradespeople, contractors and professionals who rely on their 4x4s, this opens the door to significant tax savings on essential equipment and upgrades.

Popular claims include tool storage systems, bull bars, snorkels, UHF radios, LED lighting, suspension kits, canopies, GPS systems, and other work-related vehicle enhancements. Each item is assessed individually against the threshold, so multiple claims can be made if each item is below the $20,000 limit.

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However, the scheme’s future remains uncertain. Under current legislation, the threshold is scheduled to drop back to just $1000 from July 1, 2025. The newly elected Labor government has committed to extending the $20,000 write-off for another 12 months, while the Coalition pledged a permanent $30,000 threshold if elected. This proposal is positive but not yet confirmed, so business owners are advised to act based on the current rules.

It’s also important to understand that assets must be installed and in business use by June 30, not just ordered or paid for. With EOFY demand increasing, businesses may face stock shortages, shipping delays or workshop booking backlogs, especially for high-demand 4×4 accessories. Missing the cut-off by even a day could mean losing the instant deduction and being forced to depreciate the asset over several years instead.

For those considering a full vehicle purchase, the car limit still applies. For the 2024-25 financial year, the maximum claimable amount is capped at $69,674, regardless of the vehicle’s price. If a $78,000 ute is purchased and used 80 per cent for business, the maximum claim allowed would be 80 per cent of the $69,674 cap – not 80 per cent of the full cost.

Assets acquired under finance or leasing arrangements may still qualify for the IAWO, depending on how the agreement is structured and whether the business takes effective ownership. Business owners using these methods are strongly encouraged to seek professional tax advice to confirm eligibility.

To comply with ATO requirements and protect your deductions, maintain detailed records of all purchases, including invoices and proof of payment. You’ll also need to track the business-use percentage of your vehicle and accessories. The ATO accepts various methods, but the most reliable is maintaining a logbook over a representative 12-week period, especially if private and business use are mixed.

EOFY checklist: What to do before June 30, 2025

• Identify business-related 4×4 accessories or upgrades under $20,000
• Confirm that items will be delivered, installed, and in use before 30 June
• Ensure purchases are clearly for business use—track with a logbook if needed
• Keep all invoices, receipts, and payment confirmations
• Review finance or lease contracts for eligibility
• Speak with your accountant or tax advisor to confirm your claim strategy

With the election outcome uncertain and changes already legislated for July, business owners who move now can lock in substantial tax savings and future-proof their operations.

GWM has lowered the launch price of its Cannon Alpha PHEV, ahead of the vehicle’s imminent arrival in local showrooms. 

Initially listed at $63,990 (driveaway) for the base-spec Lux and $68.990 (driveaway) for the top-spec Ultra, those prices have dipped to $59,990 and $66,990 (MLP). As a result, driveaway pricing now ranges from between $61,490 and $64,590 for the Lux, and $67,990 and $71,090 for the Ultra. As an added incentive, GWM is offering customers a free 7kW home charger valued at $599.

“Direct face-to-face negotiations between GWM ANZ senior management and their Head Office counterparts at the recent Shanghai Motor Show yielded lower Manufacturer List Prices (MLPs) across the Cannon Alpha PHEV range,” GWM stated. 

“As a result, driveaway pricing has been sharpened by up to $2500 across most Australian states compared to the previously announced launch pricing.”

The revised launch pricing applies to all Alpha PHEV contracts signed before June 30, 2025.

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GWM has announced an increased EV-only range for its Cannon Alpha PHEV. Previously listed at 110km, the vehicle is now expected to travel up to 115km on battery power alone. Its combined driving range has also increased from 880km (as previously stated) to 1060km.

While still not quite as budget-friendly as its biggest competitor, the BYD Shark 6 ($57,990 before on-road costs), the Cannon Alpha PHEV has greater overall range (100km and 840km respectively for the Shark), a towing capacity of 3500kg (2500kg for the Shark); and a 37.1kWh lithium battery (29.58kWh for the BYD’s Blade).

The Alpha PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm, which is mated to a nine-speed transmission. Combined with the 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery, the Alpha’s total output is 300kW and 750Nm. Plus, its Hi4T PHEV EV tech allows EV-only mode to remain active in 4×4 high range.

The first Australian deliveries of the Cannon Alpha PHEV are expected to arrive soon, with test drives expected to begin from mid-May.

The GAC PICKUP 01 has debuted at the 2025 Auto Shanghai motor show, with the futuristic, sci-fi-inspired concept vehicle reminiscent of the Tesla Cybertruck.

Signifying GAC’s entry into the ute segment, the innovative PICKUP 01 utilises a GAIA (GAC Adaptive Intelligent Architecture) platform, which is said to dynamically adjust suspension and powertrain systems to accommodate urban, off-road and payload scenarios.

It will also feature a GAC-developed X-SouL Safety Shield – consisting of advanced driver assistance systems and lux cabin configurations – that is said to transform the cabin into a “mobile living space”.

GAC Motor is one of China’s largest automotive brands, with the company strongly focused on expanding its electric and hybrid presence globally. Perhaps more widely known is GAC’s sub-brand, Aion, with both the Aion V and Aion UT expected to launch in Australia later this year. 

The GAC PICKUP 01 is the first vehicle that will sit beneath the GAC Commercial Vehicle arm, a division specialising in research and development, sales and after-sales service for commercial vehicles.

“GAC is accelerating global deployment, initially targeting key markets including Australia, Saudi Arabia and Chile. Ultimately, the model will empower Chinese brands in global competition while ushering in a new mobility era,” the press statement reads. “With planned heavy/light trucks, vans, and pickups across four product lines, we are building a new energy product matrix for full-range logistics scenarios.”

At this stage, the vehicle is just a concept. We’ll bring you localised information when it is released.

Nissan has debuted its first ever electrified pick-up ute, with its 800Nm Frontier Pro on display at the 2025 Auto Shanghai motor show.

Slated to launch in China by the end of 2025, the Frontier Pro has also been confirmed for future export – but an Australian release is yet to be determined. 

Co-developed with Zhengzhou Nissan (ZNA), the Frontier Pro set for the Chinese domestic market is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a transmission-mounted, high output electric motor. This combination delivers power in excess of 300kW and up to 800Nm of torque, with the vehicle expected to have an EV-only range of 135km.

For comparison’s sake, the BYD Shark 6 delivers 321kW and 650Nm, with an EV-only range of up to 100km; while the Ford Ranger PHEV delivers 207kW and 697Nm, with an EV-only range of 48km.

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The Frontier Pro will ride on a 5-link rear suspension, and it will utilise Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive to control torque distribution. An electro-mechanical ear diff lock will be standard, as will four drive modes: Hybrid, Pure electric, Performance, and Snow.

Interior equipment includes a 10-inch LCD instrument panel; a 14.6-inch infotainment screen; and a panoramic roof as standard. Other useful features include roof rails; an electronic retractable cover for the tub; and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) port, which allows the plug-in hybrid battery to supply up to 6kW to power campsite or worksite accessories. The PHEV ute sits on 18-inch alloys inside 265/65R18 tyres. 

Pricing has not been released, but, as a guide, the BYD Shark 6 costs $57,900 plus on-road costs in Australia. The Ford Ranger PHEV is significantly dearer, with a starting price of $71,990 for the XLT.