Car news today: Jeep slashing Gladiator and Grand Cherokee pricing, new-gen RAV4 to debut imminently, and more – 13 May 2025

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Thanks for joining us this Tuesday, May 13th 2025. Notably in car news today: Stellantis Australia slashes the pricing of select Jeep Gladiator and Grand Cherokee variants, new-generation Toyota RAV4 to be unveiled within weeks, and more.

Browse this issue:

• Jeep slashes select Gladiator and Grand Cherokee variants
• New-generation Toyota RAV4 set to debut on May 21st
• Ford Ranger to gain Google-based multimedia
• New-gen Toyota Crown Estate surfaces

• Reviewed: 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Jeep slashes around $16K off Gladiator and Grand Cherokee variants 

• Stellantis Australia has continued to slash the prices of select model variants, with the Gladiator Rubicon and the Grand Cherokee Limited five-seat the latest Jeep offerings to cop significant haircuts.

• The off-road enhanced flagship Rubicon version of the Gladiator dual-cab ute is currently on offer at $76,000 driveaway, down from $87,250 before on-roads and options, representing an effective circa-$16K saving. The Night Eagle version is on offer at $66,000 drive-away. The current offer also includes complimentary premium paint and a steel front bumper (Rubicon only).

• Meanwhile, the critically unloved Grand Cherokee is now priced from $62,000 driveaway, specifically in five-door Limited guise. This variant is usually $72,950 before on-roads.

• The Gladiator and Grand Cherokee deals are framed as End Of Financial Year offers and arrive in the wheel tracks of the Jeep Avenger Longitude’s significant price drop (now $40,000 drive-away) earlier this week. 

Toyota teases upcoming RAV4 ahead of May 21 reveal

• Toyota has released a series of teaser images for its upcoming sixth-generation RAV4, ahead of a scheduled 11pm AEST May 21st global debut.

• Based on the teaser images, the all-new RAV4 looks to have adopted Toyota’s new, futuristic design language, which headlines the styling of new Camry, Prius, bZ4X and C-HR.  

• Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, it is likely the new RAV4 will use the same series parallel hybrid and 138kW/221Nm 2.5-litre four cylinder combustion engine featured in the Camry. An all-electric version has not been ruled out by Toyota.

• Toyota’s current-generation RAV4 has been on sale in Australia since 2019, with a starting price of $42,260 before on-road costs for the base 2WD GX. Expect pricing of the new model to rise by $1500-$5000 due to a generational lift in core tech and expanded standard equipment. 

READ: New 2026 Toyota RAV4 hybrid is nearly here to battle Hyundai Tucson hybrid, Nissan X-Trail E-Power and Haval H6 hybrid

Google-backed Ford infotainment system will feature in 2026 Ranger

• A tell-all press release from Ford’s chief EV, digital and design officer Doug Field has outlined plans to roll out next-generation electrical and software architecture across all Ford products. 

• According to the report, Ford’s digital and design team looks to fit newly designed architecture, once solely dedicated for electric vehicles, to all Fords. Field claims integrating the same systems to all models is a great way to simplify repair procedures whilst simultaneously providing the best user experience to all customers. 

• This claim would allow current, outgoing models to receive a mid-life update which will include BlueCruise hands-free driver assist technology and state of the art software systems developed in partnership with Google. 

• The Ford press release refers to the Ranger by name. Amidst Australian speculation surrounding a mid-life Ranger update in 2026, this report certainly provides fuel to a growing flame. Ford’s upcoming software promises a ‘smartphone-like’ user experience with real time over-the-air updates to extend technological relevancy with new cars.

Iconic Toyota Crown Estate prevails into new generation

• Toyota’s current-generation Crown will soon be available as a wagon. The Crown Estate becomes the fourth and final variation of Crown to round out the fleet, joining the Crown Sedan, Crossover, and Sport.

• Toyota originally unveiled its four unique body styles of Crown in 2022 following a manufacturing brief of “making ever-better cars” to suit a wider range of buyers. 

• The Crown Estate is powered by a 2.5-litre four cylinder combustion engine and choice of hybrid drive system: Either a series parallel hybrid (a drivetrain identical to the Oz market Camry), or plug-in hybrid system with a claimed 89 km electric-only range.

• Toyota currently has no plans to market any variation of Crown in overseas markets. The Toyota Crown has a long history with significant ties to its Japanese homeland, where it was originally conceived in 1955. 

2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe reviewed

• Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s Australian launch review of BMW’s new-generation ‘F74’ 2 Series Gran Coupe range was published, revealing his thoughts on the base 218 and M235 xDrive variants specifically.

• Dupriez praised the completely revamped interior design, the willingness of the humble if characterful 1.5-litre ‘218’ three-pot turbo engine, and the improved dynamics thanks to various suspension changes.

• Downmarks include the bang for the buck of the 218 in lieu of a $3K-pricier 2.0-litre 220 mid-ranger, the clumsy OS9 media software and the packaging compromises of the small four-door coupe format. He also questions the value for money of the pricey M235 xDrive version. 

• In verdict, Dupriez found the 218 (specifically) likeable and appealing after his circa-1000-kilometre test, though he strongly suspects the quicker and more powerful 220 GC could well be the sweet spot in the range.

READ: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 2025 review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 14th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.