In the market for a new 4X4? Whether you’re a hardcore off-road enthusiast, or just curious about upgrading your vehicle to take better advantage of Australia’s more remote and picturesque landscapes – 2023 is going to be a good year for 4X4s.
While there are a number of 4x4s hitting the market next year, not all of them are designed for towing a caravan through sand, mud or other challenging conditions. Some are just better suited for looking like a boss while navigating the urban jungle.
To help in your 4X4 purchase decision, here are the top 4X4s coming to Australia in 2023.
Volkswagen Amarok
Based on the 2023 Ford Ranger, the upcoming Volkswagen Amarok will be a newer version of that Australian-engineered mid-size truck – but with some VW differences. Co-developed alongside the Ranger, the Amarok will nonetheless deliver its own classic VW style inside the cabin and in the front and rear of the vehicle.
Expect the Amarok to come in a few different engine flavours. First up is the 2.0-litre single turbo diesel four-cylinder variation. It’ll give buyers 125kW of power and 405Nm torque. Next is a bi-turbo 2.0-litre engine with 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers 154kW power and 500Nm of torque. If you want a bit more brawn, the Amarak will also offer a 10-speed automatic transmission, 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 with 184kW of power and 600nM torque. The last engine variant is a petrol 2.3-litre turbo featuring 222kW and 452Nm. Choices. Choices.
GWM Tank 300
GWM’s rough and rugged body-on-frame off-roader will be available in Australia next year. The 2023 GWM Tank 300 uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. That powertrain is something no other body-on-frame SUV can offer in Australia. It produces 180kW of power at 5500-6000rpm and 380Nm of torque at 1700-4000rpm, paired with a 78kW/268Nm electric motor.
Along with the 300, GWM is also planning to launch its Tank 500 in early 2023, billing it as serious competition for the Toyota Landcruiser. The 500 will also offer the choice of a hybrid turbo-petrol 3.0-litre V6 with 260Kw of power and 500Nm torque or a hybrid turbo-petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 180kW power and 380Nm torque.
Jac T9
Two versions of the Chinese-made Jac T9 are expected to land in Australia in 2023. The dual-cab four-wheel-drive ute is set to arrive with a turbo diesel variant in June. Plus an all-electric model later in the year.
Expected specifications for the diesel version include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 125kW of power and 410Nm of torque. It will also boast a 3500-kilogram braked towing capacity. Specs for the all-electric option unfortunately haven’t been released yet.
Toyota Land Cruiser
It may not be quite as sophisticated or luxurious as the Mercedes. But when it comes to reliability, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a tough customer that can’t be beaten. The new Land Cruiser 70 Series will be the updated model arriving in Australia in 2023 and it already has a 2-year waiting list!
The model features autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. As well as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and stability control. The new Landcrusier is also increasing its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) from 3,500kg to 3510kg. This is to go around a rule that would have forced the Landcruser to go through a side impact pole test to remain on the Australian market. Expect the Land Cruiser to offer a 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine with 151kW of power and 430Nm of torque.
Toyota HiLux GR Sport
Another Toyota ute makes the list, with the company’s upcoming “hardcore halo variant.” The HiLux GR Sport is Toyota’s answer to Ford’s Ranger Raptor. It promises to deliver more performance than the current HiLux model.
The new ute features a six-speed automatic gearbox for extra power, plus paddleshifters on the steering wheel. It also sports four-wheel disc brakes that replace the old rear drum brakes from previous models, as well as updated lower control arms on the front suspension.
Expect the mid-sized 4X4 to offer increased ride height and enhanced suspension. Plus a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine sporting 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque. It’s also going to be on the pricier side.
Ford F-150
Expect Ford to reintroduce the full-size F-150 in late 2023. It will come equipped with a variety of safety features, such as automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alert, lane assist, reversing camera, blindspot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking system.
The F-150 will re-enter Australian showrooms in two crew cab grades, the XLT and Lariat. Both variants are powered by Ford’s 3.5 litre twin-turbo ecoboost V6 petrol engine. That’s expected to give you a solid 298kW of power and 678Nm of torque. And, it has plenty of hauling power, with a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers a towing capacity of 4.5 tonnes.
