Thanks for joining us this Wednesday January 29th 2025. Notably in car news today: the 2026 Toyota RAV4 has been spotted while testing in the States, Mitsubishi has a new electric SUV on the way, Mazda announces pricing for the facelifted BT-50, and more.
Browse this issue:
- 2026 Toyota RAV4 spotted during testing in America
- Mitsubishi’s new electric SUV coming in 2026
- Mazda releases pricing and specifications for 2025 BT-50 ute
- Lexus confirms the 2025 LX will come in off-road ready Overtrail grade
- 2025 Isuzu D-Max LS-U Tour Mate review
2026 Toyota RAV4 spotted during testing in America
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Exciting news for RAV4 fans, the new generation 2026 model has been spotted whilst testing in Detroit Michigan, USA.
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Car and Driver magazine spy photographer, KPG Photography, spotted the 2026 RAV4 in camouflage guise testing in cold snowy conditions.
Image credit Car And Driver Magazine -KPG Photography
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This will be the sixth-generation RAV4, with styling cues at the rear seemingly borrowed from the 250 Series Toyota Prado, with more chunky lines visually.
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Powerplant options are yet to be confirmed, however rumours are circulating regarding the inclusion of the new-gen Camry’s 2.5L hybrid motor that produces up to 170kW.
Mitsubishi’s new electric SUV coming in 2026
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Mitsubishi’s first EV sold out of Asian markets since the i-MiEV is coming; with reports the vehicle is expected to kick off sales in America 2026.
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Rumoured to be based on the new-generation Nissan Leaf platform, after recent negotiations between Mitsubishi and Nissan.
It is rumoured the new Mitsubishi EV will be Nissan Leaf based.
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At this stage, it is not confirmed if we will see this electric SUV in Australia, however considering Mitsubishi has removed vehicles from the local line-up recently, an EV SUV could fill some gaps.
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Mitsubishi has also mentioned they will have electric vehicles on sale in Australia by 2030, as well as plug-in hybrids and hybrid vehicles.
Mazda releases pricing and specifications for 2025 BT-50 ute
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Pricing and specs have been revealed for the 2025 Mazda BT-50 ahead of the media launch held next week.
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Main changes to the exterior include a new grille, a new front bumper bar, revised LED headlights, and a tailgate freshen up including tailgate damping.
2025 sees an updated Mazda BT-50.
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Inside the 2025 Mazda BT-50, you’ll find an updated 8.0-inch touchscreen (XS and XT models) or a 9.0-inch unit (XTR, GT and SP models). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless across the line.
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Pricing starts from $36,400 for the XS single cab chassis 4×2 and tops out at $71,500 for the SP Dual Cab 4×4. There are 15 variants of the 2025 Mazda BT-50 available in the line-up.
Read: Find out extended coverage on BT-50 pricing here.
Lexus confirms the 2025 LX will come in off-road ready Overtrail grade
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Following on from the GX Overtrail, Lexus has just announced they are bringing the track ready Overtrail grade to luxury spec LX trim for 2025.
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Off-road party tricks for the LX Overtrail include front, rear and centre differential locks, Toyo Open Country tyres, Multi-Terrain Select, 18-inch wheels and Active Height Control.
Lexus is getting serious when it comes to off-road technology.
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Lexus Australia Chief Executive, John Pappas, said the LX Overtrail is designed for LX customers who are looking for the combination of off-road ability and refinement.
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Engine options will be either a 3.3L V6 diesel that produces 227kW and 700Nm of torque, or a 3.5L petrol engine that makes 305kW and 650Nm. Lexus Australia is currently evaluating a hybrid option for the Australian market as well.
2025 Isuzu D-Max LS-U Tour Mate review
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Chasing Cars contributor, Iain Curry, had his review of the 2025 Isuzu D-Max Tour Mate go live.
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Iain says that if you’re in the market for a dual-cab that can tow and tour off the showroom floor, the Tour Mate ticks lots of boxes.
Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ Tour Mate is ready to tow and tour from the factory.
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The 2025 Tour Mate package offered impressive off-road capability whilst on test, as well as a 910kg payload capacity and the venerable 3.0L motor which he describes as a workhorse.
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Where he sees improvement, is the lack of a bull bar which is odd in Australia, and questions the price coming in at a steep $72,990.
Read: Check out Iain’s 2025 Isuzu D-Max Tour Mate review here
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 30th January at 4.30pm Sydney time.
