Marcus Craft

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado (aka the 250 Series) is big news: it's larger than previous versions of the Prado and it is now able to tow the industry standard 3500kg rather than the 3000kg the previous generation is limited to.It also looks a lot different to the softer style of Prados past. But does being bolder and bigger make it better?

Every 2025 Kia Stonic is equipped with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. And that's big news because that engine was, until now, only ever offered in the top-spec GT-Line. Small SUVs offer plenty of urban-driving appeal and carmakers like Kia have fine-tuned their compact vehicles into crowd-pleasing products. But is the new and improved Stonic worth your consideration?

The realm of high-end, high-performance utes is an increasingly competitive slice of the new vehicle market. The latest Ford Ranger Raptor to enter the arena has a V6 engine, an upgraded suspension set-up and drive modes aimed at further bolstering its growing reputation as a built-for-purpose adventure machine.But does the Raptor have serious potential as a touring 4WD?

If you're in the market to buy a US ute like the Ram, Chevrolet Silverado or even the upcoming Toyota Tundra, then the F-150 seems like it should be right up there in terms of what you consider.And a top-spec Ford F-150 Lariat long wheelbase is well-engineered, well-equipped and purpose-built for towing and touring, so it should be a spot-on fit at the top of your shopping list. Right?

Drive a comfortable, family-friendly car while helping to save the planet? It couldn't be easier...Hybrid vehicles are currently a great choice as they offer a happy compromise between driving a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) or driving a full EV.The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) in GSR spec is packed with features and offers fuel cost-savings over an ICE vehicle.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a rock-solid reputation as a 4WD wagon. But with the performance-enhanced next generation not expected here until 2025, the current-gen line-up has undergone a refresh including the introduction of 18-inch alloys, design tweaks to the front and rear, as well as new styling inside and new exterior paint choices. So is the top-spec GSR worth your consideration?

Ford has added another limited-edition Ranger - the Tremor - to its already comprehensive line-up. The Tremor is only available as a 4WD dual-cab with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, with only 1150 to be sold in Australia. The Tremor has the line-up's more advanced full-time 4WD system, heavy-duty off-road suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres and more.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are popular. And for good reason because, let’s face it, no one wants the world to become a disaster-plagued hothouse in the not-too-distant future (if we’re not already there?) and the EV, while not a magical solution in and of itself, may at least form a small part of humankind’s ever-evolving efforts to rectify the damage we have all wrought on the world during our time

Which is best for 4WDing, a wagon or ute? We've put two of Isuzu's well-equipped, well-regarded top-shelf 4WDs - the MU-X in LS-T spec and the D-Max X-Terrain - against each other to find out. The D-Max has been given a mid-life facelift and useful multimedia upgrades, while the MU-X has received a more modest model-year update. So which 3.0-litre 4WD is best suited to you?

Like them or loathe them, US utes here to stay. Bigger and torquier than the usual mainstream utes we're used to seeing in Australia, these US utes have plenty of appeal as load-luggers and towing platforms.And that's where the 2025 Silverado HD (Heavy Duty) LTZ Premium - with a tweaked 6.6-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine (1322Nm) and a braked towing capacity of 4500kg - slots into the market.