Posted in Vehicle Reviews
It's a good time to be in the market for a 4WD as numerous brands have either recently released or have announced future releases of new four-wheel drive models that are set to make some bold statements and cause a stir amongst potential new owners.
These days, you are spoilt for choice in terms of capable 4WDs as all the participating carmakers push each other to release more and more competitive models.
At Motorama, there are several new models of which we're eagerly awaiting arrival - from electrified powertrains to off-road leaders and hauling powerhouses, there's truly an ideal 4WD available at Motorama to suit anyone.
To make things easier for you, we've compiled an overview of all the 4WDs that have landed recently and those that you can expect to hit our showroom floor in the near future.
The new halo variant of Toyota's best-selling HiLux arrived on our showroom floor in September 2023.
The Hilux GR Sport features a wider track, upgraded shock absorbers and suspension, rock slider side steps, a front skid plate, and rated recovery points - all of which make this new model a seriously capable off-roader.
The new trim also got a bit of a power bump over the existing HiLux trims with it pushing out 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque.
Despite it gaining a boost in performance and capability, it doesn't sacrifice anything in terms of towing as the GR Sport maintains the class-leading 3,500kg towing capacity.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe landed in August 2023 and signifies the beginning of an electrifying evolution for the brand. The Grand Cherokee is Jeep's first Plug-in Hybrid EV to land in Australia with several more models expected in the next couple of years.
Not only does the 4xe boast great fuel economy due to its electrified powertrain, it does so without compromising Jeep's core offering - its off-road heritage. The 4xe features the same off-road prowess as the original Grand Cherokee including the high-tech air suspension system that enhances ground clearance by a whopping 106mm while also featuring its unique tech like the specially sealed battery pack to allow for a wading depth of 610mm.
Travelling in the Grand Cherokee 4xe is also an exceptionally luxurious affair with Nappa leather massage seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a McIntosh sound system that creates a complete auditory sensory experience.
America's favourite pick-up truck, the iconic Ford F-150 arrives in late 2023. It's not surprising that the F-150 features tons of interior space but you've also got the option to boost the tray to an impressive 6.5-foot box allowing you to haul much bigger payloads than ever before.
The F-150 is an office on wheels and Ford knows this is how many owners will use it. This is why they've built-in convenient features like the fold-away gear shifter and unfolding table from the centre console armrest creating the perfect work table to perch a laptop, paperwork, or a spot of lunch.
By far the most important element of the F-150, however, is its exceptional towing capabilities. With a massive 4,500kg towing capacity and a dedicated tow/haul mode, the F-150 is designed to move mountains (figuratively). The full towing technology suite is standard on all model trims, meaning you get a 4.5T tow bar, integrated electric brake controller, and Pro Trailer Back-up Assist (plus more) all included from the jump - no need to muck around post-purchase sorting out your towing needs.
Although it may not look like much of an update, there are some significant changes in the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series range that will arrive in our showroom in late 2023.
The LC70 will continue with its 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine and 5-speed manual transmission while also introducing a new drivetrain option taken from the Hilux and Prado - the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel and 6-speed auto transmission. This is set to provide more choices for buyers and allow a more affordable entry to LC70 ownership.
While the exterior features some mild changes including new LED headlights and updated grille, the interior is where it gets the most upgrades. No longer will it feature the sparse interior it's known for - the 70 Series is set to feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new-look instrument cluster, automatic high-beam, while some models will even feature dual USB-C ports and a reversing camera.
Set to arrive in early 2024, the next-generation Mitsubishi Triton will represent a major overhaul of the brand's tough workhorse ute. Two core innovations of the new model include a larger and more capable frame as well as an upgraded engine to power the range.
The new Triton will be powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder Bi-Turbo diesel engine packing an improved 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque. It's also set to feature a class-leading 3,500kg towing capacity elevating the Triton to the level of major competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Other upgrades will include improved cargo space with the new tray designed to fit a 1200x800mm pallet as well as newly developed Active Yaw Control. On top of this, the new Triton will feature a modernised interior with an updated 9-inch audio display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
An all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado will hit our showroom in mid-2024 representing a new generation of the iconic family-oriented SUV. Featuring mechanical upgrades, improved performance, and updated rugged styling, the new model will offer big change while maintaining Prado's essence.
Sharing a TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis with the LandCruiser 300 Series, the new Prado will be both longer and wider than the current generation and will promise better off-road performance and on-road comfort.
The new-generation Prado will be powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and 48-volt technology to boost fuel efficiency. Toyota is looking to make a statement with the new generation Prado and the overhauled model is set to redefine SUV standards.
Although a little while away, Ford has revealed that it will be launching a new plug-in hybrid version of the current Ford Ranger in Australia in early 2025.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will be powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre, 4-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric propulsion system set to offer 45 kilometres of pure electric driving range. The electrified Ranger will deliver more torque than other Ranger models and, even more importantly, will feature an uncompromised 3,500kg towing capacity.
The biggest innovation of the electrified model is the high-tech Pro Power Onboard system that gives the Ranger the ability to function as a mobile generator meaning you can power everything from power tools to appliances all from the back of your ute. This will no doubt be a major drawcard for tradies and other mobile workers.
If you're in the market for a new 4WD and are looking at any of these models, get in touch with the teams at Motorama Toyota, Motorama Jeep, Motorama Ford and Motorama Mitsubishi today.
Register your interest for any of these new or upcoming models and be one of the first to get into the driver's seat.