Here’s one way to avoid the rising cost of fuel: Toyota’s first battery-electric HiLux, the HiLux BEV, will hit Australian showrooms in May, priced from $74,990 plus on-road costs. 

Available exclusively in double-cab body style, the range starts with the SR cab-chassis and SR pick-up from $76,490, while the flagship SR5 pick-up is priced at $82,990. Both feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system powered by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery. The front motor delivers 82kW/206Nm, the rear 129kW/269Nm, giving a combined 144kW/468Nm. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select traction system offers six drive modes for off-road conditions.

Toyota says it has undergone extensive real-world testing in harsh Australian conditions, including remote outback operations and off-road environments, ensuring it can handle the same demanding work as its diesel counterpart.

Battery charging includes 150kW DC fast charging (10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes) and 10kW AC charging (10 to 100 per cent in 6.5 hours). Driving range is 315km for pick-up grades and 245km for the cab-chassis. The HiLux BEV features reinforced suspension, ventilated disc brakes with regenerative braking, and a 2000kg braked towing capacity. Exterior updates include a closed-off grille and 17-inch aero wheels.

“Offering both Australian businesses and private buyers the choice of a HiLux with zero tailpipe emissions is a crucial step forward in providing consumers the right powertrain for the right application, at the right time,” said John Pappas, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations.

“This is an exciting time for Toyota; bringing in an electric version of the much-loved HiLux pick-up finally gives businesses and fleets the option of low-emission motoring mixed with Toyota’s extensive parts and servicing network.

“In fact, Toyota has already been testing the HiLux BEV for months on mine sites in temperatures nearing 50°C, ensuring the performance of this new powertrain matches the tried-and-tested HiLux diesel. Private buyers looking to make the switch to an electric pick-up now have the backing of Toyota quality, durability and reliability.”

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Inside, the HiLux BEV mirrors the practicality and comfort of its diesel siblings. The SR grade offers fabric upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a urethane steering wheel, shift-by-wire gear shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic windows, smart entry and start, and a 1500W inverter in the centre console capable of powering small appliances. 

A 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system pairs with a 12.3-inch multi-information display and four-speaker audio, providing embedded satellite navigation, voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, and USB-C ports in the front and rear.

The SR5 pick-up adds a more premium interior with leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats with powered driver’s adjustment and two-way lumbar support, heated steering wheel, carpeted floor, electrochromatic rearview mirror, soft lidded instrument panel, silver door handles, eight-speaker audio system, and wireless phone charging. Exterior enhancements include high-grade LED headlamps with auto-leveling, auto-retracting and heated mirrors, LED fog lamps and tail-lights, rear privacy glass, and painted hood moulding with a lower radiator grille.

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Safety comes via Toyota Safety Sense, including autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, lane trace assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Toyota Connected Services allows remote vehicle monitoring through the myToyota Connect app.

Private buyers who purchase or lease through a novated arrangement receive a complimentary 7kW AC wallbox charger for home use. The HiLux BEV will be offered in Glacier White, Frosted White and Ash Slate.

HiLux BEV pricing

Toyota Australia has issued a safety recall for 13,390 HiLux utes produced between August 28, 2025 and February 24, 2026. The recall affects vehicles fitted with a Toyota Genuine Accessory bull bar or nudge bar with a light bar.

The issue comes down to the wiring. On affected vehicles, the harness may have been installed incorrectly, which affect the earth connection to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) module. In the worst case, the EPS could fail entirely. That means your power steering could suddenly stop working. At low speeds, this makes the wheel heavy and could increase the chance of an accident, with serious injury or worse.

Toyota dealers will inspect all affected vehicles and fix the EPS earth terminal if needed. The work is free and should take around 30 minutes. Toyota will reach out to owners directly, but it’s a good idea to check that your contact details are current so you don’t miss the notice. If you’re heading away soon, this one’s worth a quick call to your dealer before your next trip.

Toyota’s new HiLux range arrived in Australia late last year. The ute sticks with the familiar 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel engine, producing 150kW and 500Nm, paired with a 48‑volt mild hybrid system and the same platform and core mechanicals that have made HiLux a market staple. 

Updates include Australian‑led exterior styling tweaks, an updated interior, and refreshed technology and safety suites across the line‑up. The range includes the familiar WorkMate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X grades in single‑cab, extra‑cab and double‑cab formats, with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. 

Most models retain strong capability, including 3500kg towing, while enhancements such as new electric power steering and larger multimedia screens improve day‑to‑day usability.

Spend enough time on the tracks and you start to notice patterns – not just in the terrain, but in the people behind the wheel. 

Every trip has a mix of personalities, from the keen rookies who are just learning the ropes to the experienced drivers who quietly keep everyone safe. Some make you laugh, some make you groan, and some make you rethink your own driving style. Here’s a look at the 10 types of 4×4 drivers you’ll always see on the tracks – and maybe a few you recognise.

1. The overloaded enthusiast

You hear them before you see them. Twin spares, four jerry cans, rooftop tent, awning, maxtrax, shovel, axe – all permanently mounted. Their rig could tackle almost anything, and they’re ready for every scenario imaginable. The catch? Half the gear never gets used, and the extra weight can slow them down. Still, when the unexpected happens, this is the driver everyone flocks to, because no one else has quite that level of preparation.

2. The it’ll be right” rookie

Bright-eyed, enthusiastic and often a little clueless, the rookie is usually underprepared. Tyres are overinflated, recovery gear is minimal, and their knowledge of low range or winching is mostly theoretical. They mean well and are eager to learn, but they’re often the reason trips run late, recoveries happen, and group patience is tested. Everyone starts somewhere, though, and with a few trips under their belt, this driver usually grows into someone much more capable.

3. The convoy commander

With UHF in hand and eyes on the whole group, the convoy commander treats every washout, rut, and puddle like a tactical operation. They love structure, spacing, and check-ins, and they thrive on keeping the group moving safely and efficiently. Add in their running commentary and quips over the radio – they’re often convinced they’re a budding stand-up comedian – and you might groan as much as you laugh. Still, deep down, everyone appreciates their organisation. Trips with a convoy commander are smoother, safer and usually less stressful.

4. The lone wolf

The solo adventurer prefers quiet tracks, minimal chatter, and the freedom to explore without a convoy. They usually come well-prepared, carrying the right gear and knowing how to use it. You rarely see them, except for tyre tracks fading into the bush, but when you do, they’re often navigating terrain with impressive efficiency. The lone wolf’s independence can be inspiring – or intimidating – depending on your perspective.

5. The camp set-up king

First to arrive and last to leave, the camp set-up king turns a simple stop into a full production. Awning up, walls installed, lights strung, table laid out, fridge slide deployed, cooker running – by the time they’re done, the campsite is the envy of the group. Everyone gravitates to their spot for comfort, food and a proper place to sit. Packing up the next morning is another story, but no-one complains – the campsite experience is always worth it.

6. The send-it specialist

Momentum is everything for the send-it specialist. Rocks, mud, climbs – they attack every obstacle with confidence, throttle steady, and minimal hesitation. Sometimes it works flawlessly, and they look like a hero; other times, it ends in wheelspin, bouncing, or a recovery that could have been avoided. Watching them is entertaining, occasionally nerve-wracking, and always a reminder of the fine line between skill and bravado.

7. The cautious crawler

Slow, steady, and deliberate, the cautious crawler approaches obstacles with careful planning. Tyres are aired down, lines are picked with precision, and nothing is rushed. Their methodical approach takes longer but significantly reduces the risk of damage or getting stuck. They may not be flashy, but they’re effective, reliable and often a calming influence on the group when conditions get tricky.

8. The social media shooter

Every stop is a content opportunity. Drone up, camera out, perfect bonnet shot, sunset reel – progress slows to a crawl, but the final footage is impressive. They’re the ones who later show everyone the trip highlights and make it look incredible, even if it took twice as long to capture the perfect shot. Trips with a social media shooter might test patience, but the memories are worth it.

9. The borrower

Always missing something, the borrower asks, “Anyone got a spare strap?” or “Can I borrow some water?” They’re usually underprepared, but the 4×4 community has their back. Over time, other drivers start remembering what the borrower might need, and somehow, with everyone’s help, they make it through the trip. Their good humour and reliance on teamwork often make them endearing rather than frustrating.

10. The quiet expert

Silent, calm and highly skilled, the quiet expert rarely speaks but always commands respect. They know terrain, recoveries and vehicle limits like the back of their hand. When something goes wrong, everyone looks to them for guidance, and they solve problems efficiently without drama or ego. Every convoy benefits from having one quiet expert on board – trips run smoother and safer with their steady presence.

Special mentions

Some drivers don’t fit neatly into the main categories, but they’re impossible to ignore:

• The gear tester: Always experimenting with new tyres, lifts, or recovery gear mid-track. Helpful at times, chaotic at others.
• The storyteller: Every puddle, rut or obstacle comes with a tale. Campfire chatter is their stage.
• The snack supplier: Always has chocolate, chips or cold drinks on hand. Instant hero.
• The weather watcher: Obsessed with forecasts, radar apps and cloud formations. Knows when it’s safe to push on – or call it a day.

Every off-road adventure is better because of the mix of personalities on the tracks. Some make things smoother, some more entertaining, and some downright challenging. Which type are you – and which one drives you mad?

Organisers of the 2026 Birdsville Big Red Bash have cancelled the music festival after heavy rain left the Big Red site unusable.

“After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026. We surveyed our patrons to fully understand their feelings about a relocated festival and their attendance intentions,” said event founder and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group, Greg Donovan. 

“The survey achieved an incredible 95 per cent response rate, which provided comprehensive insight into their thoughts and opinions. The decision to cancel this year’s event, whilst difficult, is based on what we believe is in the best interest of the event and patrons.” 

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Ticket holders will have the choice of three options, available until 19 June 2026:

• Request a refund: Processed immediately by Oztix
• Transfer tickets: To the 2027 Birdsville Big Red Bash (July 6-8, 2027) – no action required
• Transfer tickets: To the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (August 20-22, 2026)

“We’ll be doing our part to ensure customer refunds are processed efficiently and importantly supporting Greg and the team to bring the Bash back next year,” said Stuart Field, Oztix Co-Founder and Managing Director. “Its significance on the Australian events calendar is unmatched – as one of the most unique and remote festivals in the world.”

The cancelled 2026 line-up included Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish, Ross Wilson, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Shane Howard, Wes Carr, Jem Cassar-Daley, Tom Busby and Gypsy Lee.

Held for more than a decade at the foot of Big Red, the festival typically attracts over 10,000 campers to the edge of the Simpson Desert. 

Up until I got to use one recently, I was doubtful whether carrying an octopus of air hose connections was worth the weight, space and effort required to connect them when inflating or deflating tyres. I hate to admit it, but I was wrong!

One of our group on a recent Moon Tours trip had a MorrFlate air compressor and the extra-long wheelbase four-tyre hose kit to connect the compressor to all four tyres at once. This was incredibly handy, as he had not only the four tyres on his vehicle to inflate but also the four tyres on his camper van.

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MorrFlate TenSix PSI Pro features

The MorrFlate TenSix PSI Pro compressor, which was part of the kit, is rated at 10.6cfm (at 0psi), with an air pressure range between 10 and 120psi in auto mode. This means you can set the desired air pressure and let the unit do its thing, switching off when the target pressure is reached. The compressor is rated at an 80% duty cycle and draws 50amps while running, although current draw can peak as high as 90amps, so you’ll want the vehicle running while the compressor is operating.

Each cylinder has a large aluminium heat sink to keep the working parts cool, and there’s a digital gauge and controls on the front of the unit to easily read and set air pressure. I wondered about the no-nonsense short stainless steel braided air hose that allows easy connection of the hose kits, but the reason for it escaped me until I spoke to the distributor here in Australia.

Compressed air coming straight from the compressor is around 90°C, which is pretty warm, but by the time it reaches the end of the stainless steel hose the temperature drops to around 50°C, which is much better for the longevity of standard air hoses. Expect the stainless steel hose to be warm to the touch.

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Performance and ease of use

The nylon-braided air hoses are kink-resistant, rated at 200psi and 28cfm, and it takes about a minute to walk around the vehicle and connect all four tyres.

Connecting the air hoses to each tyre is easy and secure, with absolutely no sign of a loose connection or air loss. These air hose kits can also be used with most other air compressors if you already have a set-up like we do in our vehicles. The Australian distributor of this US-made equipment claims the MorrFlate TenSix will inflate four 35-inch tyres from 10 to 40psi in under five minutes. I didn’t measure the time exactly, but I was impressed when the unit inflated four 33-inch tyres from 15 to 45psi in seemingly no time at all. The compressor was relatively quiet during the process and, while warm to the touch after filling eight tyres, wasn’t excessively hot.

One thing the website makes clear is that, while you can use the TenSix PSI Pro to inflate a single tyre in emergencies, it’s optimised for four-tyre use. Using it on one tyre at a time shortens the duty cycle to around 8 to 10 minutes due to the extreme airflow and back pressure from a single outlet. It does, however, handle two tyres at once with little difficulty.

Pricing, warranty and final thoughts

Perusing the company’s website, you’ll find there are two compressors available, including a more sophisticated Air Hub and various hose kits in different lengths.

Prices vary from $289 for the smaller compressor to $399 for the TenSix unit. Hose kits range from $249 upwards, while the TenSix compressor kit with extra-long hoses comes in at $728. The warranty sounds impressive, with a 30-day 100-per-cent refund policy along with a lifetime warranty and a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

All in all, the MorrFlate kits are well-made pieces of equipment backed up by an impressive warranty. A premium piece of equipment that’s fantastic when inflating or deflating two or more tyres at once. Maybe I’ll just find room in the Troopy for a kit.

• RRP: $728 (as tested)

Hipcamp has updated its Australian platform to include car camping, rooftop tents, and 2WD/4WD access filters, allowing campers to find campsites that match both their vehicle type and the level of access required.

The update also clarifies whether a site is 2WD accessible, 4WD recommended, or 4WD required. The platform’s previous “RV Type” filter has been renamed “Rig type” to reflect the growing variety of vehicle-based camping setups. Users can now search for Car, Campervan, Motorhome, Rooftop tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Fifth wheel or Other, and save rig details – including vehicle length in metres – to their profiles for faster future searches and bookings.

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“We’ve heard from so many Aussie campers with rooftop tents and off-road rigs that they want a simpler, more reliable way to find places that fit how they camp,” said Alyssa Ravasio, Founder and CEO of Hipcamp. “This update is about recognising that community more clearly and building a better Hipcamp experience around the realities of camping in the bush, on the coast, and in the more remote and rugged places people want to explore.”

Hipcamp is a global app and website that connects campers with private and public campsites. In Australia, it allows users to search, compare, and book locations ranging from national parks and remote bush sites to private properties. The platform reported 18 million unique visitors in 2025.

The update is live on Hipcamp’s website and the latest app version.

For many 4×4 enthusiasts across eastern Australia, the Easter long weekend has traditionally marked a time to pack up and head off‑road. But this year, a rising tide of fuel shortages and spiking prices is prompting a noticeable shift: Some travellers are opting to stay closer to home or rethink their plans entirely.

Nationwide concerns about fuel availability – particularly diesel – have intensified in recent weeks. Dozens of regional petrol stations have reportedly run dry of petrol or diesel, with some independent outlets rationing or selling out completely. Station owners have described the situation as the worst shortage they had seen in decades.

Tourism operators in Victoria and other states say rising petrol and diesel prices are already influencing how Australians plan holidays. Families and smaller touring vehicles that might have headed to regional hotspots are instead thinking about shorter journeys or staycation‑style weekends closer to home.

Industry groups have noted that while many won’t cancel holidays outright, travellers – including caravanners and campervan owners – are adjusting trips to be shorter or closer, reducing overall fuel consumption. In some parts of NSW and Queensland, fuel shortages have even forced local service stations to impose limits on how much fuel customers can buy – a sign that anxiety around supply has trickled into everyday travel behaviour.

For off‑road enthusiasts, rising fuel prices and uncertainty around availability create a direct challenge. Remote tracks and long stretches between service points already demand careful planning, and running low can be more than inconvenient, it can be dangerous. 

Rather than risk journeys where fuel stops are critical, many owners are recalibrating their Easter plans.

• Shorter regional outings instead of extended desert or outback loops.
• Day trips from home bases where fuel security is more certain.
• Exploring closer national parks and lesser‑known tracks that don’t depend on long fuel‑range planning.

These changes mirror broader tourism trends this Easter, where higher fuel costs and supply worries are expected to suppress long‑haul travel intent and encourage people to explore destinations within two hours of home.

Governments and industry bodies have pushed messages urging calm and assuring motorists that overall national supplies remain adequate, even as rural and regional areas experience shortfalls. Officials emphasise that panic buying has exacerbated local shortages, while noting that fuel reserves and imports continue to flow.

Still, for the 4×4 community gearing up for Easter, the practical reality on the ground is prompting many to park their big trips and stick closer to home this holiday break.

Nissan Australia has launched the D27 Navara ute and we’ve had our first taste of it on the backroads and tracks outside Canberra. 

Here, we were able to sample the top-of-the-range (for now) Pro-4X model, as well as the ST-X and ST variants. There is also an SL model on sale, but it wasn’t available on this launch drive. Nissan has confirmed that a Pro-4X Warrior model will be added to the range later, but it wouldn’t reveal when. As with the previous Warrior, it will benefit from a full suspension upgrade from Premcar, along with additional body protection and styling enhancements.

The D27 Navara is only being offered in a 4×4 double-cab body style with a ute tub. There are no other cab options or 4×2 variants in the new Navara range.

Nissan has expanded its relationship with Premcar, turning to the Melbourne engineering firm to refine the suspension across all new Navara models. This includes specific calibration of the shock absorbers to suit Australian conditions. The shocks are now a twin-tube design, improving durability on rough tracks.

Significantly, the front shocks now feature an internal rebound spring which, as the name suggests, absorbs and controls the damper through the full range of compression, delivering more controlled and compliant performance on rough terrain.

JUMP AHEAD

• What each model gets
• On- and off-road performance
• Powertrain and performance
• Safety and ownership
• Verdict
• Specifications
• Pricing

What each model gets

It’s no secret that the latest Navara shares plenty with Nissan’s alliance partner Mitsubishi and its Triton ute, but the Nissan team is keen to highlight its points of difference in both specification and price. 

Standard equipment on the SL includes an electronic locking rear differential (RDL), LED headlights and tail-lights, a 7-inch instrument display, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. There’s also satellite navigation, cloth seats, vinyl flooring, tailgate assist for easier access to the tub, 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tyres, and Nissan’s Easy-Select dual-range transfer case, which misses out on the full-time 4×4 mode offered by the Super Select system.

The ST builds on the SL’s equipment list, adding 17-inch alloy wheels, carpet flooring, a leather-accented steering wheel, a rear USB outlet, privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated exterior mirrors and a sports bar in the tub.

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The ST-X model gets the Super Select 4×4 system, offering full-time 4×4 as well as 2WD and dual-range 4×4. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock, along with hill descent control. The ST-X also steps up to 18-inch alloy wheels in place of the 17s on lower grades, adds power-fold exterior mirrors and features silver exterior highlights to distinguish it from the rest of the range. A cargo liner protects the tub and tailgate assist is standard.

Inside, the ST-X gets leather-accented seats with power adjustment for the driver, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, push-button engine start and a wireless phone charger. The multimedia screen remains 9-inch, but both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now wireless.

The Pro-4X is the hero of the range for now and stands out with a distinctive grille surround featuring lava orange highlights, 17-inch matte black alloy wheels with 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres, wheel arch flares with orange accents, black roof rails and a tailgate badge. None of the new Navaras have a power outlet or lighting in the cargo tub, nor a tonneau cover as standard.

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Inside, Pro-4X owners get leather-accented seats with orange stitching and suede bolsters, a leather-accented steering wheel with matching stitching, and ‘PRO-4X’ logos embossed on the front seatbacks. There are also black-painted inner door handles and orange accents on the centre console and door trims. The Pro-4X comes standard with a towbar fitted, fully wired and ready to go. The towbar is optional on the lower grades.

The interior across all grades feels well laid out, comfortable and easy to operate. The 9-inch infotainment screen seemed adequate when it debuted in the Triton just a couple of years ago, but with newer models like the HiLux, Tasman and Shark now offering larger displays, it looks and feels small in the 2026 Navara. There’s nothing wrong with its operation, but it does appear dated by current trends.

On- and off-road performance

Our drive of the ST Navara included a particularly rough and rutted farm track, where the suspension exhibited excellent poise and control over even the most unsettling sections.

The ST and SL models employ a four-leaf rear spring pack designed for users likely to carry a constant load. The ST we drove had around 300kg of ballast in the tray and remained settled and composed on both sealed and unsealed roads.

The ST-X and Pro-4X Navaras use a lighter three-leaf rear spring pack to maintain passenger comfort when unladen, and we found it worked equally well both on- and off-road. There are different damper tunes for the two spring configurations, as well as for the 17- and 18-inch wheel specifications.  There is no longer a Navara with a coil-sprung rear axle, as there was in the previous D23 generation.

We spent most of our off-road driving in an ST-X Navara, tackling steep and rutted terrain that at times required low range on descents, but we didn’t need to engage the rear diff lock at all. The Navara proved up to the task without raising too much dust. From this drive, we felt the ST-X is the pick of the D27 range, offering all the comfort, convenience and driver-assist features available without the gaudy orange accents featured on the Pro-4X, inside and out.

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Powertrain and performance

All D27 Navaras are powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, producing 150kW and 470Nm, with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option offered. 

The transfer case in SL and ST grades delivers dual-range part-time 4×4, while the upper grades get Mitsubishi’s excellent Super Select system, which offers two- and four-wheel drive, high and low range, and full-time 4×4 for on-road driving.

The engine’s peak torque of 470Nm doesn’t tell the full story of the Navara’s performance. The key is where that torque is delivered, with a broad spread that gives the ute plenty of mid-range grunt where it’s most useful. This will be especially appreciated by those who tow or regularly carry loads, but it improves the driving experience in all scenarios.

All D27 Navaras have a 3500kg towing capacity. GVM is rated at 3190kg and GCM at 6250kg, giving payloads between 1064kg for the SL and 964kg for the Pro-4X.

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Safety and ownership

All models in the D27 Navara range, from SL to Pro-4X, share the same level of safety equipment.

This includes eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning with emergency lane assist, trailer sway control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, blind spot warning, intelligent around-view monitor with moving object detection, driver monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), and front and rear cross-traffic alert. These features have earned the D27 a five-star safety rating, although this is based on 2024 testing.

The new Navara comes with Nissan’s service-activated warranty of up to 10 years/300,000km (otherwise five years/unlimited kilometres). It also includes up to 10 years/300,000km of service-activated roadside assist (otherwise one year/unlimited kilometres), along with a five-year flat-price service schedule, with services priced at $499.

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Verdict

The comment that the new Nissan’s infotainment makes it feel dated compared to newer utes like the HiLux, Shark and Tasman could just as easily be applied to the Navara as a whole. It will make a solid workhorse or family touring 4×4, but it won’t match those newer models for outright appeal, nor is it likely to challenge the popularity of the Ford Ranger.

Pricing and value for money will be key to Navara sales.

Specifications

Pricing

JAC Motors Australia has confirmed fuel efficiency and range figures for its upcoming plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute, the Hunter PHEV, with a mid-year Australian arrival now confirmed.

The brand says the Hunter will deliver a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.6L/100km (NEDC) and a combined driving range of 1005km (NEDC), positioning it as a long-range electrified option in the 4×4 ute segment.

“We’re launching the right ute at the right time, and it will be at the right price,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors Australia.

“The Hunter PHEV is arriving in Australia mid this year, and we believe it is going to get the attention of Australians looking to move into a plug-in hybrid without compromising on the capability, practicality and toughness they need from a ute.”

“These latest figures are exactly the kind of proof points that matter. A combined fuel consumption figure of 1.6L/100km (NEDC), and a combined cruising range of 1005km (Based on NEDC fuel/energy consumption) show just how compelling Hunter PHEV will be for Australians who want capability, flexibility and efficiency in one ute.”

Under the bonnet, the Hunter PHEV combines a turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, drawing energy from a 31.2kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery. The system also supports a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, enabling the ute to power external devices such as tools or provide backup electricity in emergency situations.

The model made its global debut at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show and will sit alongside the brand’s existing T9 turbodiesel dual-cab range in Australia.

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JAC has also confirmed the Hunter will be backed by its All Roads Assurance ownership program. This includes a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty covering commercial use, along with 24/7 roadside assistance, capped-price servicing and a loan vehicle program.

Local development work is ongoing, with the Hunter recently undergoing testing at Victoria’s Lang Lang Proving Ground. JAC says refinement for Australian conditions has involved input from Michael Barber of global engineering firm Multimatic.

Deposits are expected to open soon, with more details to be announced in the lead-up to its Australian launch, including additional updates to be revealed at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show, running from April 10 to 12. 

JAC will also display a one-off customised Hunter PHEV at the show. Unveiled by NRL star Josh Addo-Carr, the bespoke build includes a unique paint finish by Smith Concepts in Brookvale, Lenso tyres, a lift kit, hard lid, upgraded lighting, an e-bike setup, and a suite of JAC Genuine Accessories. 

A recall has been issued for AUSEV‑converted Ford F-150 Lightning models in Australia due to a charging issue, in a further blow to the local importer following its recent collapse. 

The recall, listed on the Australian Government’s Vehicle Recalls Australia under campaign REC‑006569, affects a total of 146 vehicles built between 2022 and 2025 that have been remanufactured to right‑hand drive. According to the notice, a defect in the battery system could cause the internal charging pins to overheat. If a person makes direct contact with the overheated charge port pins immediately after a charging session, there is a risk of burns or serious injury.

“Vehicles that are fitted with a Combined Charging System (CCS2) charge port may experience increased electrical resistance during high-power Direct Current (DC) fast charging causing the internal charging pins to overheat,” the report reads. “Please avoid charging the vehicle using DC fast chargers. Use AC charging instead”.

The safety notice comes just days after AUSEV’s parent company, BossCap, entered receivership on March 17. The Queensland company, founded in 2012, imported and converted the F‑150 Lightning for Australia. Its collapse is linked to Ford’s global strategy shift and weak demand for the electric pickup.

Earlier this year, AUSEV significantly reduced pricing on remaining stock, with the entry‑level Lightning Pro (equipped with a 98 kWh battery) dropping to $109,990 plus on‑road costs, down from $169,900. The move followed Ford ending F‑150 Lightning production in the United States.

The recall comes amid broader strain within Ford’s Australian operations. The company has warned that without government support to mitigate the costs imposed by the 2025 New Vehicle Emissions Standard, up to 1500 engineering jobs tied to local Ranger and Everest development could be at risk, underscoring the impact of tightening emissions regulations on the business.

Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact AUSEV to arrange an inspection and necessary repairs, which will be carried out free of charge. Affected owners should be contacted directly, but anyone unsure of their vehicle’s status is encouraged to check their VIN against the official recall notice.