Utes

Hot on the heels of the Ford Ranger Super Duty, is a Super Duty version of the Everest in the pipeline?With the upcoming GMC Yukon Denali the new SUV towing champion in Australia at 3628kg – pipping out the Toyota LandCruiser, Isuzu MU-X, Ineos Grenadier, Toyota Prado and regular Everest amongst others by just 128kg – a new high watermark has been set.In contrast, the newly-announced Ranger Super Duty breaks new ground among medium-sized utes by offering a 4500kg braked towing capacity, suggesting that an Everest Super Duty may have the might to approach that, given its kinship to the Ranger.When asked if a more rugged, go-anywhere workhorse version of the Everest was under consideration, Ford Australia President and CEO Andrew Birkic did not dismiss the notion.“I don't think we've done that yet,” he told the media at Ford Australia’s Centennial anniversary in Melbourne earlier this month.“But you never say never.”Other Ford engineers were less forthcoming, but suggested that the Everest’s transformation from ride/handling/refinement-focused family SUV to a Super Duty-style 4x4 workhorse would be an “extremely challenging” task.While both the Ranger and Everest share the same T6.2 ladder-frame platform, they differ in the mid and rear chassis sections, chiefly to accommodate the latter’s second and third row occupant structures, as well as its coil-sprung rear suspension set-up.With beefier springs and dampers, as well as a solid-axle leaf-sprung rear suspension design out back, the Ranger was already better suited for its transformation to Super Duty compared to the Everest.It’s also worth keeping in mind that a large portion of the Ranger Super Duty’s expected consumer base will be from the emergency services, forestry, mining and agricultural sectors, necessitating the ute’s cab-chassis flexibility.Still, Ford is in the business of making money in Australia, and so if there is demand for an Everest Super Duty, it will investigate that from a business case perspective.Obviously, being the first ex-factory mid-sized ute of its type anywhere in the world to offer a 4500kg braked towing capacity, even the Blue Oval bosses have no real idea how the market will react to it.Finally, at the same Ford Centenary event, Ford Motor Company Chief Executive, William Clay Ford Jr., did extol the Australian-based T6.2 team’s unique capabilities and talents, so who knows what may come next?“We have so much opportunity in front of us, and you know, we've made Australia a Centre of Excellence for Ford,” the brand’s global number one exec said.“They've done a great job. Just look at the sales results of Ranger and Everest… and Ranger is now (sold in) 180 different countries, which is incredible.“So, yeah, this is a great team here, and they will have opportunity in the future.“This is a unique market, as you know, better than I do, in terms of the requirements, and that's why it's interesting. On Super Duty, there was a real hesitance in Dearborn to put the Super Duty name on something other than the F-Series (full-sized truck).“But (Ford Australia) convinced the management team, us, to extend the Super Duty, because they knew the engineering team here, but as importantly, the kind of duty cycles you have here really warranted the Super Duty name.”

Chinese newcomer brand JAC has shed some light on just what makes Australia so appealing to China's army of new-car brands, suggesting a combination of conditions, customers and tough competition makes the country irresistible.

Kia has confirmed pricing for the Tasman Dual-Cab ute range, with a vast price spread that spans $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S to $74,990 for the flagship X-Pro, ahead of the ute’s official on-sale date in July.That pits the flagship Kia Tasman squarely against top-tier models in the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger line-ups, falling somewhere between the Ford Ranger Wildtrak ($69,640) and Platinum ($80,640), and about even with the Toyota HiLux GR Sport ($74,310).“The Tasman is by far Kia Australia's most anticipated model yet, reflecting the scale of Australia's ute market and the passion of these owners,” says Kia Australia Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith.“We are confident the input from Kia Australia at each stage of its development, along with its competitive value and versatility, will make it a very strong contender in the local market.”We now know the Tasman dual-cab will arrive in five trim levels, the S, SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro.Yet to be detailed are dual-cab chassis (due in August) and single-cab chassis (due in late 2025) ranges, but the latter will be offered in S 4x2, S 4x4, or SX 4x4 guises, while the former will be offered across all five trim levels.For now, the two-wheel-drive S dual-cab ($42,990) opens proceedings with 17-inch black steel wheels, rear bumper steps and LED headlights.Inside, there are cloth seats, push-button start and what Kia calls its 'Integrated Panoramic Display', combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5.0-inch climate screen and a 12.3-inch central multimedia screen. There’s a six-speaker stereo and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual-zone climate. The S is also available with 4WD, lifting the price to $49,990.The range then climbs to the SX, which is 4WD only, and lists at $54,490. The equipment list expands to include 17-inch alloy wheels, a Terrain Mode with Snow, Sand and Mud presets, standard navigation and some extra safety equipment, including Smart Cruise.Next is the SX+ - $62,390, 4WD only - which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, part-leather seating, ambient interior lighting and second-row air vents, as well as two 240v outlets (one in the cabin, one in the tray), and a wireless charging pad.Things get more luxurious - and more expensive - from there, with the X-Line listing at $67,990, and adding paddle shifters, slide and recline rear seats, a double wireless charger, Kia's rear-fender storage, artificial leather seats that are heated up front and a bed liner and roof rails.Finally, the flagship X-Pro is yours for $74,990, and gains true off-road kit like 17-inch black alloys fitted with all-terrain rubber, an electronic locking differential, the brand’s X-Trek mode, a new Rock function for its Terrain Mode, a ground-view monitor and an off-road page which shows steering direction and angle while on the move.There’s also a better Harmon Kardon sound system, heated seats in the back, seat ventilation for the front seat riders and a sunroof.Interestingly, Kia has taken a choose-your-own-adventure approach to payload, promising that all variants can carry in excess of 1000kg, with the X-Pro rated at 1013kg, and the entry-level single-cab chassis rated to 1124kg. But you can also opt to have a reduced payload of less than 1000kg, unlocking novated leasing opportunities.Towing is 3.5-tonne braked range-wide, while the GVM is 3250kg, and all Tasmans get an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Likewise, all dual-cab variants can fit an Aussie pallet in the tub (1512mm length, 1572mm width, 540mm height).All Tasmans are powered by the same 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed automatic, producing a total 154kW and 440Nm. It’s available in eight colours, including Clear White, Steel Grey, Interstellar Grey, Aurora Black, Runway Red, Cityscape Green, Tan Beige and Denim Blue.Kia says offical orders are now open.

While the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max are still hugely popular, the established order in the Australian ute market continues to be challenged by newer brands and models like the BYD Shark 6, JAC T9 and GWM Cannon. And on the back of the recent launch of a significantly upgraded 2.4-litre turbo-diesel version of its Cannon ute, GWM has this week announced a range expansion with additional body styles, model grades and powertrain options to further dial up the competitive pressure.Initially left out of the updated line-up, an entry-level Premium grade has been reinstated, with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel power and an eight-speed auto transmission in 4x2 Single Cab Chassis (with tray) at $35,490, drive-away, or 4x4 Dual Cab utility form for $39,490, D/A. Previous range entry-point was $41,490, D/A for the Lux Dual Cab.At the same time, a 4x4 Dual Cab Chassis (with tray) will be offered in Lux trim, with the larger 2.4-litre engine at $42,490 D/A. For context, entry to the Ford Ranger line-up starts with the XL Single Cab (125kW/405Nm 2.0L) at $36,880, before on-road costs. Toyota’s HiLux range kicks off with the Workmate Single Cab Hi-Rider manual (110kW/400Nm 2.4L) at $32,970, BOC. And the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 is offered in a single (321kW/650Nm 1.5L) Double Cab model for $57,900, BOC. GWM has confirmed the Cannon Premium’s 2.0-litre/eight-speed auto combination is “a direct carryover from the previous model” with outputs of 120kW/400Nm and maximum braked trailer towing capacity of 3.2 tonnes unchanged.And the reemergence of the smaller powerplant delivers a worthwhile fuel efficiency advantage with official combined (urban/extra-urban) figures of 7.6L/100km (single cab) and 8.1L/100km (dual cab). For reference, the 135KW/480Nm 2.4-litre dual cab comes in at 8.4L/100km.According to GWM, the Single Cab Chassis variant features a 240mm wheelbase extension (3470mm vs 3230mm) to “improve load distribution and vehicle dynamics” and a higher load capacity (1150kg vs 995kg) thanks in no small part to its leaf spring live axle rear suspension.Standard equipment on the Premium includes 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, single-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch media touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), four-speaker audio, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, auto rain-sensing wipers and paddle shifters.There’s also auto LED headlights (with DRLs and auto levelling), auto high beam, fog lights (with steering illumination), side steps, keyless entry, underbody protection, seven airbags (including a front centre bag), a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, trailer sway control, tyre pressure monitoring and more.And GWM is keen to push its seven-year/unlimited km warranty, five years roadside assistance offer and five-year capped price servicing program.So, shots fired, and it’s surely only a matter of time until others in the boiling hot ute market retaliate. Stand by.

Chinese brand JAC says its incoming T9 Hunter plug-in hybrid ute has the wood on the popular BYD Shark 6, with a key executive telling CarsGuide "we've got the right package".

Toyota has whipped the covers off an updated HiLux GR Sport in Europe, with the model scoring increased ground clearance, wider front and rear tracks and revised suspension and damping to deliver what the brand calls “the best driving HiLux yet".But before were get too excited, Toyota in Australia tells us it isn’t aware of any plan to update our HiLux GR Sport, instead suggesting that the new model “introduces many of the features already available in Australia”.Billed as the Toyota HiLux GR Sport II, the European model does feature a lot of the upgrades already present on our hardcore HiLux, but the biggest discernible difference is the ground clearance.While Australia’s GR Sport is listed at 265mm, the V2 model increases that numbers to 323mm. It shares the same wider front and rear tracks, by 135 mm and 155 mm respectively, and the new information out of the Europe promises revised suspension and damping.“The suspension system has been revised with a 70 mm increase in the width of the front arms, the adoption of a lighter, tubular anti-roll bar and repositioning of the spring and damper assemblies further outboard. At the rear the axle has a new square cross-section and the dampers have been repositioned, to the outside of the vehicle’s frame,” Toyota Europe says.“Measures to gain a smoother and more stable ride over any terrain include new monotube dampers with large-diameter (46 mm) pistons in place of the previous twin-tube units. These provide better performance and faster response in tough conditions.”The Toyota HiLux GR Sport in Australia isn’t going anywhere — though a new model is reportedly earmarked for 2026.“The HiLux GR Sport being released in selected European markets introduces many of the features already available in Australia, such as the wider tracks and the 48V technology, although there may be some market-specific differences in specification and trim,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide.Change is coming to the HiLux, though, with reports the 2026 update will include a GR Sport version that won't just feature key upgrades to improve its capability, comfort and cabin technology, but could also feature the thumping 2.4-litre i-Force Max hybrid powertrain from the Toyota Tacoma as an engine option.

Volkswagen and Walkinshaw have confirmed their continued collaboration on the second-gen Amarok will spawn a new variant in 2026.Partially revealed in a shadowy teaser, the new Walkinshaw Amarok appears to share a similar styling overhaul to the original previous-generation collaboration, complete with a larger set of wheels.It's expected to have a similar performance-oriented overhaul, particularly when it comes to suspension and off-road characteristics.Speaking to Australian journalists, CEO and owner of the Walkinshaw Group, Ryan Walkinshaw, said “the design is now locked in,” adding the Australian performance engineering company would now move on to the testing phase which would last the remainder of 2025.The next-gen “W Series” would then be scheduled for release during the course of 2026.Few other details were revealed about the performance-oriented ute, other than the collaboration was plotting “next-level design, performance, and handing”.However, with the Walkinshaw/Volkswagen team-up kicking off much earlier in the second-generation Amarok’s product cycle, Walkinshaw said the collaboration would be much deeper this time around, seemingly with the potential to result in more variations.He said thanks to the longer lifespan of the program the brands could “invest more money” in the project.“So, at the moment, we’ll be launching what you see but if it makes sense in the market and Volkswagen is obviously open to it, you know, we’re always keen to develop other variants and other great products.”Walkinshaw added that reception to the previous-generation road-focused W580, off-road W580X, and final edition W580 SE was positive, and that the scarcity of those variants was one of the main drawbacks of the original program.“So there were a lot of learnings in that initial program for ourselves and for Volkswagen and we can make sure we do the best job of delivering what everyone wants this time around.”Despite Walkinshaw Group now working on a wide variety of projects from the GMSV Chevrolet Silverado right-hand-drive conversion to the new Amarok, Mr Walkinshaw said adding more projects made the business bigger and more efficient.“The new Amarok program actually helps us scale and makes us more efficient, more competitive in the market, so the more programs we add on the more efficient and prospective we become for our customers."So we’re always ambitious to be growing.”The previous-generation Walkinshaw Amarok is now a sought-after limited edition, of which the most popular variant was the street-focused W580 which sold more than 2600 units during its limited production run.The W580 included a wider wheel and tyre package with correspondingly wider fender flares, re-worked suspension and a tweaked exhaust system to add to an overall styling overhaul.It may have disappointed some that the already-punchy 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine didn’t get further performance enhancements, although it’s possible further modifications could be on the table for the second-generation version, which in high-spec versions is powered by a Ford-sourced 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.From there, the previous-generation W580 was developed into the W580X which focused more on off-road capability, with a 40mm suspension lift complete with twin-tube dampers, bash plates, rock sliders, diff breathers, and an optional factory snorkel.While VW was not yet willing to talk specifics on what changes will be made for the W series Amarok this time around, it would be unsurprising to see the collaboration spawn more than one variant.Sought-after Walkinshaw versions of the second-generation Ford Ranger-based Amarok can’t come soon enough for the German-branded, Australian-designed, and South African-built ute, which as of the first quarter of 2025 is comparatively unloved in Australia’s pantheon of utes.VW has moved 1459 units until the end of March, representing just 2.9 per cent share of the 4x4 ute segment, a 35.8 per cent drop year-on-year.

The Mazda BT-50 range has been through a Ford Ranger-based generation and now the second phase of its Isuzu D-Max-based generation. This latest update has brought more safety gear, new wheels and exterior lighting, an upgraded multimedia system, as well as styling tweaks across the board, including to the interior trim. Prices have gone up across the range so is the new top-shelf SP worth a look?

Fresh from its Australian debut at the Melbourne Motor Show, Chinese commercial vehicle specialist Foton has revealed initial details for its Tunland ute series for this market.The Tunland had its local debut just after fellow Chinese brand MG held the global debut for its U9 pick-up.If the name Foton is familiar, it could be for a couple of reasons. Foton is a successful light truck maker in China and has recently launched its Aumark S range here.Another reason for the familiarity could be that Foton launched the original Tunland ute in Australia back in 2012, but poor safety scores, lack of brand recognition and quality issues hampered the brand’s expansion plans.Not that Foton’s local management is too concerned about the first time the brand had a presence here, with Foton Australia General Manager Glen Cooper highlighting the brand's backing from Subaru, Peugeot and Deepal importer Inchcape, telling CarsGuide, “I think we have got a fantastic product. It is well and truly a step up on what it used to be. I think I am pretty safe in saying that.  "And we are backed by Inchcape this time around. We are doing all the right things to really set it up right so I think we should be in a good spot,” he said.There are two versions of the Tunland coming to Australia - the Tunland V7 which the brand describes as a “no nonsense workhorse” that’s available in two- and four-wheel drive. The Tunland V9 has coil-spring suspension that Foton says gives the ute “SUV like comfort”.The pair will arrive in the third quarter of the year and Foton says it expects them to be competitively priced, although exact pricing is yet to be confirmed.Both utes are powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 120kW/450Nm. It comes with an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic and fuel use is yet to be announced for Australia.The pair will sport a 3500kg towing capacity and come with an advanced BorgWarner electronic selectable 4WD system.In terms of dimensions, the Tunland V7 and V9 are a size up from mainstream mid-size utes like the Ford Ranger (5370mm long) and Toyota HiLux (5325mm long), but not quite as large as US-sized pick-ups such as the Ford F-150 (5884mm long).Specification is yet to be announced but expect a 14.6-inch touchscreen, intelligent cabin tech, matrix LED headlights, four-way power seat adjustment and leather upholstery.The Tunland will compete with a number of utes, including the upcoming MG U9, as well as the Ford Ranger, GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota HiLux and more.Cooper said there’s likely more new product on the horizon from the returning Chinese brand.“There’s an excellent product catalogue we are looking at overseas, so we will see what comes from that as well,” he said.

Volkswagen has unveiled plans to build a next-generation Amarok ute to debut in 2027, but it seems this new version will never see Australian shores.This is because Volkswagen will be using the same Amarok name on an entirely separate product, specifically designed for the South American market.But if a current Ford Ranger-based Amarok is still on your wishlist, fear not, because production of the ute delivered in Australia will continue, with the brand saying: “The existing partnerships for the production of the Amarok in South Africa will remain in place. “In this way, Volkswagen will continue to ensure a reliable supply of vehicles to international markets – while simultaneously pursuing a locally based product strategy tailored to the needs of the Latin American market.”Judging by the wording used, it seems the new South American Amarok won’t be a platform-share vehicle with the Ranger, and will instead be its own bespoke product.As to what this could look like, it is too early to tell, although it would be unsurprising to see the previous-generation Amarok ladder frame live on with a new-generation overhaul. As the brand says, “more than 770,000” units of the previous-generation ute were built in the same Argentinian plant which is earmarked to build the new version in 2027.According to the company, VW is investing 580 million US dollars (nearly A$1 billion) in the new-generation ute, which includes research and development as well as upgrading the Pacheco plant in Argentina.Previous-generation Volkswagens living on in markets where safety and emissions technologies are not as advanced is not a new concept, particularly in South America, where VW has strong domestic production presence.For example, a second facelift of the previous-generation Amarok which never saw Australia is already sold in Brazil and Argentina, which shares styling elements with the Ford Ranger-based and South African-built version sold here.Additionally, it is not the only South-American developed ute Volkswagen sells overseas. It also offers the Polo-based Saveiro, a small monocoque pick-up designed specifically for South American tastes.Because of Volkswagen’s strong manufacturing presence, South American markets have also seen some models live well beyond their global expiry. For example, the second generation Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi which originally launched in 1967 was built and sold in Brazil from 1976 to as late as 2013 receiving various facelifts and more modern engines along the way.While this special Amarok version may never see Australian shores, it’s not to say the nameplate has never had special attention paid to it domestically. The previous-generation version received two locally-overhauled special editions put together by Walkinshaw in partnership with VW Australia which significantly upped its suspension and handling characteristics, whilst also offering a unique styling package and maintaining its hauling and payload specs.The success of this partnership has seen Volkswagen look to renew its partnership with Walkinshaw Group for a spruced-up version of the Australian-delivered second-generation Amarok, which it has previously said should debut in 2025.The new Ranger-based Amarok, however, hasn’t been off to the best start in Australia, having moved just 1459 units to the end of the first quarter of 2025. This represents a market share of just 2.9 per cent when it comes to 4x4 dual cabs, a 35.8 per cent drop year-on-year.