Today in Cars: HiLux EV edges closer, Cayenne goes full electric, Toyota axes a stalwart in Oz, and Ford’s cooking up a secret special
I started the morning with coffee and utes—because that’s how Australia insists you do it—and ended up with a notebook full of EV ranges, reveal dates, and one very toasty Cadillac. Here’s what matters today, from workhorse to wild card.
Toyota HiLux EV: short-range workhorse with a point to prove
Australia’s favourite tradie companion is getting a plug. According to fresh guidance, the 2026 Toyota HiLux EV is targeting around 240km of range and a 1.6-tonne towing capacity. That number will ruffle feathers in pub debates, but it tells you what this HiLux EV is meant to be: a city-and-suburbs tool, not a cross-Nullarbor mule.
When I last hustled a diesel HiLux across corrugated gravel, what struck me was how much of the day’s fatigue is noise and vibration, not just steering input. An electric HiLux could fix that instantly—silent take-off, smoother low-speed control backing a trailer into a tight job site, and one-pedal creep in traffic. The trade-off? That 240km figure means you’ll be planning charges if you do long regional runs, and the 1.6t tow rating is a clear step down from the heavy-duty expectations set by diesel variants.
- Targeted range: about 240km
- Towing: up to 1.6 tonnes
- Best for: metro fleets, short-site runs, quiet early-morning starts without annoying the neighbours
- Watch for: payload details and fast-charge performance (both TBA)
2026 HiLux lineup: prices and specs on the move
Toyota’s broad 2026 HiLux range is getting its ducks in a row with updated pricing and specs. That’s the sensible backbone while the EV arrives as the disruptor. Think of it as a two-pronged strategy: keep the faithful happy with familiar grunt, and entice fleets that want low running costs and ESG brownie points with the battery version.
| Item | HiLux EV (2026) | HiLux ICE (2026 range) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery-electric | Petrol/Diesel (various) |
| Range | ~240km (target) | N/A (fuel) |
| Towing | Up to 1.6t | High-capability; exact 2026 figures TBA |
| Use case | Urban fleets, short-hop tradies | Long-haul loads, remote work |
Meanwhile in ute-land: Premcar sharpening a “crucial” new pickup
Local hero Premcar—the same Australian outfit that’s turned out some of the best factory-sanctioned tough-truck tunes—has been tapped to develop a “crucial new ute” for our market. No names, no pack drill, but the playbook is familiar: refine the ride, fortify the hardware, and tailor the character for Aussie roads. I’ve driven a few Premcar-touched rigs over the years; they usually nail the secondary ride and body control on corrugations without ruining the daily drive.
Toyota retires its HiLux-based SUV in Australia
In a move that surprises exactly no one who’s watched the segment morph, Toyota is pulling its HiLux-based SUV from the Australian lineup. The ladder-frame faithful will sigh, but the market’s marching toward newer architectures and hybrid-heavy offerings. If you’ve been eyeing one, now’s the time before dealer lots go dry.
Porsche circles a date: Cayenne Electric reveal locked in
Porsche has penciled in the reveal date for the all-electric Cayenne. No hand-wavy “sometime next year” stuff—an actual date is set. Given how the Taycan matured into a properly involving driver’s car, expectations for the Cayenne EV are high. The interesting bit will be weight management and brake feel; on big EV SUVs, that’s where the magic (or mush) happens. I’ll be looking for a rear-biased setup and the kind of pedal consistency the Taycan finally delivered after software updates.
Lexus aims bolder: identity shift, fewer beige decisions
Lexus says it’s taking more risks—music to the ears of anyone who remembers when the brand’s biggest statement was a silence so deep you could hear a tick change shifts. The new attitude should mean sharper design, more distinct driving characters, and tech that prioritizes user experience over spec-sheet fireworks. When I quizzed a couple of owners at a DC fast charger recently, the feedback was simple: keep the serenity, add soul. If Lexus can do both, it’s game on.
Value play: Omoda 7 ICE SUV lands in January
Omoda’s 7-seat ICE SUV touches down in January from £29,915 in the UK. That’s keen money in a space where family budgets rule. The trick will be perceived quality and infotainment polish; buyers will forgive a firm ride if the cabin looks and feels a grade up and the tech doesn’t stutter.
- On sale: January (UK)
- Starting price: £29,915
- Pitch: family-sized space without premium-brand costs
- Questions left: engine outputs, safety spec by grade, smartphone UI smoothness
Track toys and teases: Ford Racing’s secret road car
Ford Racing has a “road car” surprise lined up for January. The brand’s been in a playful mood—Mustang track specials, off-road brutes, you name it—so expectations are spicy. If it’s carrying a Ford Racing stamp, figure on limited numbers, serious hardware, and a soundtrack worth getting up early for. I’ll bring my noise meter. And a scarf. January launches are chilly.
Ouch: a CT5-V Blackwing burns before 3,000 miles
An unfortunate Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ended up charred to a crisp before clicking over 3,000 miles. It’s a stark reminder that owning a high-strung, hand-built-ish super sedan means scrupulous maintenance and a fire extinguisher in the garage isn’t the worst idea. Also, if you’re shopping used, get the pre-purchase inspection done by someone who can sniff out heat-cycling trauma and aftermarket “improvements.”
Cruising the culture: Cropley buys another car, Skoda turns 130
Over at Autocar, Steve Cropley has apparently bought yet another car—a ritual as reliable as a British weather forecast. It’s the sort of thing that keeps this job fun: stories with grease under the fingernails. Speaking of long stories, Skoda is celebrating 130 years, a journey from punchline to competent, clever, and occasionally brilliant. I still remember the first time I hustled a vRS wagon down a Welsh B-road and thought, “Well, this is awkward. It’s… excellent.”
Quick hits
- HiLux EV aims for short-hop utility, not long-haul towing.
- Cayenne Electric reveal date is set—watch for weight, brake feel, and range claims.
- Toyota drops its HiLux-based SUV in Australia as the market shifts.
- Omoda 7 undercuts rivals on price; quality and UX will decide its fate.
- Ford Racing teases a mysterious road car for January—expect noise and numbers.
- CT5-V Blackwing fire serves as a cautionary tale for owners and shoppers.
Conclusion
The through-line today is change with a practical edge. Toyota’s rethinking the ute for urban duty, Porsche is electrifying a cash-cow SUV, and Lexus wants more personality. Even the value end is evolving, with Omoda flexing a sharp price. January’s shaping up to be busy—save the date(s), and maybe a spot on the driveway.
FAQ
What is the expected range and towing for the 2026 Toyota HiLux EV?
Guidance points to about 240km of range and up to 1.6 tonnes of towing, favoring urban and short-route use cases.
Is Toyota discontinuing a HiLux-based SUV in Australia?
Yes. Toyota is withdrawing its HiLux-based SUV from the Australian market as lineups evolve.
When will the Porsche Cayenne Electric be revealed?
Porsche has set a formal reveal date; exact timing is locked in and imminent.
What’s the starting price of the Omoda 7 in the UK?
From £29,915, with sales beginning in January.
What is Ford Racing’s “secret road car”?
Details are under wraps, but it’s slated for a January debut and is expected to be a high-performance, limited-style special.
