Reviews

X-factor on the trail? Not quite, but a solid family SUV that can venture a little offroad

Comfortable and good to drive, the plug-in hybrid Range Rover Sport makes sense on paper but the drive range is limited.

The all-new Jeep Gladiator feels just like a Wrangler, it looks a lot like one, and is just as capable on and off the road… but it’s more practical for throwing stuff in, and even cooler.

SUVs are so popular these days they’ve even replaced the classic limousine as the transport of choice for many. Which is why BMW has added the X7, an upper-large luxury flagship.

At one point in time nearly every SUV on the road was a boring jacked-up replacement for the good ole family wagon. Nowadays there are sports utility vehicles that live up to the name in both practicality and ability. This one even more so on the ability side of things.

Word and Photos Ash Hunter

Word and Photos Ash Hunter

Word and Photos Ash Hunter

Word and Photos Ash Hunter

Jeep's Wrangler is a common sight on bush trails around the world, but it's a lone wrangler in the outback.

The humble dual-cab 4x4 ute ain’t so humble any more. We look at the top five hero utes either on the Aussie market or about to land here soon.

The Hema HX-1 Navigator makes finding your way easy, no matter whether you’re on the road or off it.

Going Rogue. The most ‘accessory pack’ of the three new HiLux variants, Rogue is intended for urban adventurers, but should you give it a second look?

Cross-Country King? All-new Subaru Forester only offers one engine now but it’s made up for it by adding in more creature comforts than ever before.

Wagon Wheels. Holden hopes to win over buyers with its new, big seven-seat SUV by packing it full of creature comforts and letting local engineers tweak it…

Clash of the titans

A handheld UHF radio is a handy tool when four-wheel driving and this robust Aussie-made unit is one of the best on the market.

Back Up Power. Like many portable battery packs, this unit from Roman is a handy back-up when you need to keep electrical devices running.

Rok to the Core. Volkswagen’s potent 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine is now available in the base-spec Amarok Core for a shade over $50k.

X Force… Mercedes-Benz’s first ute is now available with V6 power, bringing more grunt and a unique full-time four-wheel drive system to the challenger.

The pioneering Jaguar I-Pace represents a revolution in automotive design and engineering that’s waiting for EV infrastructure to catch up.

Hard-Rok. The flagship version of the Amarok lineup now gets a more powerful version of the familiar 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

Lambo does SUV.A bonkers-fast and striking-looking SUV. Successfully uses lots of technology for handling, luxury and capability. But that's tech it gets because it's basically a re-shelled Porsche-Bentley co-op product, so it doesn't feel as distinct as it looks.

The 2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Bi-Turbo features the latest engine, transmission and safety tech, and is a refined on-road tourer and a competent off-road performer that also comes loaded with comfort and convenience features.