Australian 4WD & SUV Buyer's Guide May Issue #39 2022

The recent fuel price spike caused in part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sharpened the focus on hybrids and electric vehicles. Every maker now offers electrified SUVs in their model lineup, however when it comes to utes and 4WD wagons, we’re yet to see EV options. Two of the biggest selling new models, Ford’s Ranger ute and Toyota’s LC300 Landcruiser are still exclusively diesel powered. Purchase price, range, a lack of charging infrastructure, plus inherent limitations off-road and when towing are EV issues that, for heavy duty 4WDs and one tonners, are --for now --still in the too hard basket. I hope you enjoy the magazine and that it helps you choose the 4WD, SUV or ute that works best for you. Feel free to get in touch at…

JOSHUA DOWLING Joshua Dowling is the National Motoring Editor at drive.com.au and a World Car of the Year judge. Joshua is renowned for his consumer-first approach and you can also read his regular rants on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling. In this issue, he tests the Haval Jolion, Kia Niro, Mitsubishi Outlander, Polestar 2 and Toyota LC300 Landcruiser. JOHN CAREY John is a former editor of Overlander, a contributor to Wheels magazine where he is a Car of the Year judge, and publications in the USA and UK. He lives in Bergamo, Italy, and covers new model launches for us from Europe. BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS Byron is a car tragic. He claims that a dream as a toddler of driving an Austin A35 sealed his fate. Byron writes for goauto.com.au and Wheels, where he…

In our tests on the following pages we have used symbols to give you a quick indication of the strengths of each vehicle and star ratings to indicate in more detail how each stacks up in its class. Here’s what the symbols and stars mean: Our piggybank indicates a vehicle that we think represents good value for money against the others in its class. It may not necessarily be the cheapest, but taking into account factors such as standard equipment, safety, the way it drives, resale values and quality, it shapes up as a good deal. A capital S indicates a vehicle that scores five stars out of five for occupant protection in ANCAP crash tests. Go to www.ancap.com.au. for more information If you’re after a safe, practical vehicle to…

The fifth generation of Ford’s top selling Ranger ute is now available, in carryover XL, XLS, XLT and Wildtrak model grades, plus a new Sport variant below Wildtrak. The big news is the availability of a new 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which will be available exclusively with a 10-speed automatic and dual range 4x4 drivetrain in XLT, Sport and Wildtrak double cab ute, plus XLT double cab chassis. It’s not cheap, though, with a $62,290 starting price for the XLT, topping out at $70,190 for the Wildtrak. The carryover 125kW/405Nm 2.0-litre single turbodiesel, matched with a six-speed automatic, powers 4x2 variants and base XL 4x4 dual cab, priced at $49,930, while the 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin turbodiesel/10 speed automatic/drivetrain is available in some 4x2 and all 4x4 models, including single,…

The new Ranger-based Everest wagon is available in four specification levels: Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Platinum. As with Ranger, Ford had not announced prices as we went to press, so go to carsales.com.au for current drive away deals. Everest can be had with two Ranger powertrains: the 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin turbodiesel or the new 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, both matched with a 10 speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is available on Ambiente and Trend; permanent all wheel drive, with a dual range electromechanical transfer case and selectable drive modes, is available on all variants. Off road ability is enhanced with up to 800mm fording ability, underbody protection and a lockable rear differential. There’s space in the engine bay for a second battery. Maximum towing weight is 3500kg, and as with Ranger…

Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee is now arriving in showrooms. Initially available in long wheelbase L specification, with seven seats, the range is powered by a 210kW/344Nm 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drivetrain. It’s a shame the previous model’s excellent 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is no longer offered, which would make the Grand Cherokee a proper rival for the Toyota LC300 Cruiser, but diesel is dead in America. Prices start at $82,250 for the Night Eagle, with a high range only Quadra Trac drivetrain, leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, navigation, 20-inch alloys, power tailgate and a towing capacity of 2813kg. Safety tech includes AEB, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise and speed sign recognition. Grand Cherokee Limited, at $87,950, adds push button traction control settings for different surfaces,…