Innehållsförteckning för September 2025 - SUV Buyers Guide från NZ4WD

In the fiercely competitive arena of the modern family SUV, standing still is moving backward. Automakers must constantly refine, innovate, and enhance their offerings to capture the attention of discerning buyers. The Mitsubishi Outlander has long been a stalwart in this segment, lauded for its practicality, seven-seat flexibility, and value. For its 2025 model year (25MY), however, Mitsubishi isn’t just tweaking the formula; it’s undertaking a comprehensive evolution, elevating the Outlander with significant upgrades to its design, technology, and driving dynamics. This isn’t a mere facelift; it’s a statement of intent, transforming a trusted workhorse into a sophisticated and compelling contender that demands a fresh look. The 25MY Outlander is poised to build upon the success of its current generation with a host of meaningful improvements across the entire range.…

In the competitive compact SUV market, the 2025 Suzuki Fronx arrives as a formidable new contender, offering a compelling blend of style, an exceptional level of standard features, and an impressively affordable price point. It’s not every day that Suzuki introduces an entirely new model to its line-up, which for generations has been defined by familiar names like the Swift, Jimny, and Vitara. The new Fronx, whose name cleverly blends "Frontier" and "Crossover," steps in to replace the long-serving Baleno hatchback, elevating the offering into a stylish and practical compact SUV package. Already a proven sales success in international markets, the Fronx now brings its winning formula to New Zealand. Designed for the urban frontier At just 3,995mm long, the Fronx is perfectly sized for navigating the urban jungle, yet…

Today’s 4WDs are built to do it all – from weekday commutes to family road trips and back-country adventures. But behind the technology, comfort and capability lies a critical component that too often gets overlooked: the battery. Selecting the right one is essential not only for starting reliability, but also for powering accessories, keeping safety systems online and being able to handle tough New Zealand conditions. Century Batteries has been supporting Kiwi motorists for decades, with products engineered for local demands and designed to suit everything from daily drives to serious off-road machines. When it comes to SUVs and 4WDs, their line-up offers solutions for every type of use. Ultra Hi Performance - everyday power, extra reserve for 4×4’s that serve as the daily driver, family runabout, and weekend holiday…

Welcome to the definitive guide for navigating the dynamic and ever-expanding world of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in New Zealand. It’s impossible to ignore the sheer dominance of the SUV on Kiwi roads; from the daily school run to the weekend escape to the beach or mountains, these vehicles have become woven into the fabric of our lifestyle. Their popularity is not just anecdotal; it’s a market reality confirmed by hard data. Detailed industry analyses consistently show SUVs commanding a significant portion of the market, with specific models and makes populating the top-seller lists across both passenger and commercial categories. But what makes the SUV so compelling? The appeal lies in a unique “do-it-all” promise: a commanding driving position, the flexible cargo and passenger space for families and gear, and…

The Škoda Kodiaq is a vehicle that redefined the family SUV and continues to set the pace for what a modern explorer’s companion should be. When Škoda unveiled the Kodiaq in 2016, it was more than just a new model; it was a statement of intent. Named after the majestic Kodiak bears of Alaska, the vehicle was designed to embody their strength, protective nature, and ability to command their territory. This was Škoda’s grand entrance into the large SUV segment, a masterstroke that blended practicality with a rugged elegance that immediately captured the market’s attention. The Kodiaq quickly became a cornerstone of the brand’s global strategy, proving that a family vehicle could be both exceptionally functional and genuinely desirable. The all-new Kodiaq sparks curiosity with its timelessly elegant design. It…

Protect and improve your ride Out of the box your new SUV is a great vehicle, it can perform all the functions you want it too, but for your specific use there are always areas you can improve on. These might be to add extra functionality, improve performance or to protect the interior or exterior. Functionality An obvious area where you might want to add to its ability is for towing. Adding a suitable tow bar is the first step if you are planning on towing a large boat, caravan or similar. You need to consider how to cope with weights of up to 3.5 tonne, so you might want to look at an electric trailer brake solution from a company like Redarc. If you want to tow a wide…

The Nissan X-Trail is an SUV that keeps evolving. But even back in the early 2000s, the Nissan X-Trail was the pragmatic choice for Kiwi families who needed something that could do it all. Spacious, unpretentious, and as happy tackling gravel as it was carting the kids to footy practice, it carved a loyal following. Fast-forward to 2025, and the X-Trail has matured into something altogether more sophisticated, but it hasn’t lost that rugged heartland DNA. The fourth-generation X-Trail arrives sharper, broader-shouldered, and just a little shorter than before. Nissan’s designers clearly wanted it to project confidence, and the stance says as much. The big V-Motion grille, framed by angular LED headlights, announces itself boldly, while the “floating roof” design and 85-degree wide-opening doors deliver a more premium presence. From…

At the heart of every Ford is the spirit of freedom, the ability to discover the world on your own terms, whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path. Ford’s diverse range of SUVs in New Zealand embodies this philosophy, offering a perfect match for every Kiwi lifestyle. Generally larger than standard cars, SUVs provide a higher driving position, better ground clearance for weekend trips, and flexible interior space, making them a top choice for adventurers and families alike. The Ford Everest - the ultimate adventurer for those who need supreme capability without sacrificing comfort, the Ford Everest stands tall. This is the quintessential large SUV for big families and serious adventurers. With the convenience of up to seven seats, it’s designed for those who don’t want…

The number of caravan and camper trailers on local roads rose sharply during the Covid pandemic, and caravan sales have remained strong ever since. More caravans on the roads means that many have first time owners, with little or no towing experience, especially towing larger caravans. It’s no surprise then that there’s a correlation between increased ownership rates and a rise in accidents involving caravans in recent years. Despite the large size of many modern caravans, no additional training or licensing is needed for owners before they hitch up and hit the road. While caravan towing courses are available, most owners instead learn as they go. Although some approaches to safe towing come down to common sense such as allowing for longer stopping distances, being aware of a caravan’s large…