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If the global pandemic has taught us anything (in addition to good hand hygeine and covering your nose when you squeeze), it's that Aussies love to go off-roading when they can.
The last few years have seen a huge surge in interest for models like the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, as owners look to go holidaying in the bush instead of waiting in line at the airport only to find out their luggage has been lost at the other end.
And this is a trend that looks to conintue well into 2023 with challenger brands like Mahindra, GWM and even Kia looking to throw their hats in the ring against establised players.
Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2023
- 01. Peugeot e-Partner – July
- 02. Ford E-Transit – May
- 03. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe - June
- 04. Mahindra Scorpio - April
- 05. GWM Tank 300 - January
- 06. Nissan Patrol Warrior - H2
- 07. Porsche 911 Dakar - H2
- 08. Ford Ranger Wildtrak X - H2
- 09. Hyundai Staria-Load Premium - February
- 10. Mazda BT-50 LE - January
- 11. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - April
- 12. Other new models coming in 2023
01. Peugeot e-Partner – July
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Peugeot's passenger car and SUV line-up might look ultra-stylish thanks to models like the 308 hatchback, 508 wagon and 5008 seven-seater, but the French brand also serves up light commercial vans to take on the best from Ford and Toyota.
Sadly, there's no ute for Australia, but the Partner line-up is expected to expand in 2023 with an all-electric version that was revealed back in 2021 for international markets.
Powering the e-Partner is a 100kW/260Nm electric motor, while its 50kWh battery allows up to 275km of driving range on a single charge - which should be enough for most operators to do the rounds for the whole day before need a plug.
Read more about the Peugeot Partner
Peugeot Partner
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Ford E-Transit – May
Ford Australia's first electric car might not be as exciting as something like the Mustang Mach-E, but the importance of the E-Transit cannot be understated as the Blue Oval brand doubles down on commercial vehicles for its future.
The E-Transit large van will have up to 317km of driving range thanks to its 68kWh battery, which Ford claims is more than two-and-a-half times the average distance a van like this will make in a day.
Ford originally had plans to bring the E-Transit to showrooms in 2022, but with its delay to 2023, the Blue Oval brand has been beaten to market by the Mercedes-Benz eVito.
Read more about the Ford Transit
Ford Transit
03. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe - June
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Sorry diesel and V8 fans, Jeep's new Grand Cherokee won't be offering those powertrains - at least not in Australia.
Instead, the plug-in hybrid 4xe will be the new flagship for the Grand Cherokee line-up, but just because the Jeep large SUV is now electrified, doesn't mean it will lose its off-road edge.
Because the Grand Cherokee will still be a rugged and capable off-roader, while also serving up 40 kilometres of all electric driving range thanks to its 17kWh battery.
Read more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
04. Mahindra Scorpio - April
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Toyota's LandCruiser Prado might reign supreme when it comes to off-road family SUVs, but Mahindra wants a piece of that pie and will differentiate itself with a lower pricetag.
Known as the "big daddy of all SUVs" in its overseas marketing materials, the Mahindra Scorpio sports a ladder-frame chassis and four-wheel-drive system, while the diesel engine is good for 128kW of power.
Read more about the Mahindra Scorpio-N
05. GWM Tank 300 - January
Great Wall Motors already has the competitive Ute and hot-selling Haval crossovers, so its next conquest will be tough, off-road-ready SUVs.
Launching in 2023, the Tank brand will encompass two models, the 300 and larger 500, designed to take on models like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
And if GWM can replicate the success it has had with the Jolion and H6, the Tank brand has a real shot of shaking up the established players in the off-road market.
Read more about the GWM Tank 300
06. Nissan Patrol Warrior - H2
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After teasing another model in its Warrior program for years, Nissan has finally confirmed the flagship Patrol for 2023.
Like the Navara program, the Patrol Warrior will see local outfit Premcar bolt on extra bits to a production Patrol to produce a punchy off-road prodigy.
And if sales of the Toyota LandCruiser and vanilla Patrol are anything to go by, expect the Patrol Warrior to be a common sight on Australian streets.
07. Porsche 911 Dakar - H2
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In an absolute 'mad lad' move, Porsche has decided to put into production the 911 Dakar - an off-road-focused version of its perennial sports car.
Fitted with all-terrain tyres, jacked-up suspension and extra underbody protection, the 911 won't be able to tackle the infamous Rubicon trail, but it will blitz a sand dune or unsealed road.
Fitted with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, this off-road beast punches out a sizeable 353kW/570Nm to earn its Porsche badge.
Porsche 911
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
08. Ford Ranger Wildtrak X - H2
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The Ranger Wildtrak X is for buyers that don't need the full-fat performance of the Raptor, but want a bit more 4x4 capability than the regular Wildtrak.
Priced from $75,990 (BOC), it gains a number of off-road-friendly features, and comes exclusively with Ford's 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine.
Ford Ranger
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. Hyundai Staria-Load Premium - February
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Tradies after a delivery van with a ample safety gear can already count on the Hyundai Staria-Load, but the new Premium grade adds more safety gear, including a blind-spot monitor.
It becomes the flagship of the van range, but buyers also get LED headlights and some welcome comfort features inside.
Hyundai Staria
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
10. Mazda BT-50 LE - January
If you want your ute to look more ute like, then the Mazda BT-50 LE could be for you! Based on the XTR, it adds rugged features like a bullbar, a rear sports bar, and a heavy-duty tub liner.
Starting in the mid-$60k bracket, the LE sits under the GT and SP in the BT-50 line-up.
11. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - April
An all-new Pajero Sport is expected to make its debut in the next year or so, but until then, Mitsubishi continues to introduce model-year updates to its rugged off-roader.
The 2023 version doesn't add too much, although a tyre pressure monitor is now standard across the range.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
12. Other new models coming in 2023
Want to know what other new models are due in 2023? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming in Australia in 2023
- Best sports cars arriving in 2023
- Best hatchbacks and sedans arriving in 2023
- Best crossovers and small SUVs arriving in 2023
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