Toyota presents off-road electric SUV concept, bZ Woodland, for SEMA Show exhibition

Toyota has modified its more robust pickup trucks and SUVs by replacing the wheels with tracks. This set gave rise to the Snowhunter family, composed of five concept vehicles: Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. The automaker plans to present these vehicles between November 3rd and 6th at the SEMA Show, the main automotive preparation fair in the United States, held in Las Vegas.

The name Snowhunter is a reference to the Trailhunter model, an adventurous version marketed by Toyota in the US, replacing the term 'trail' with 'snow'. The projects were developed at CALTY, Toyota's design center located in Michigan, a state notorious for its snowfalls caused by the humidity of cold air over the Great Lakes.

All five models share the body-on-frame structure, similar to that used in the Hilux and SW4 sold in Brazil. They received white camouflage paint, glossy black finishes, and auxiliary headlights supplied by Rigid. The raised suspension, which incorporates components from Toyota and TRD (the competition division), was designed to accommodate the tracks.

The Tundra Snowhunter was conceived to function as a mobile base camp. Its TrailLift Pro rack system, developed by CALTY, features an articulated upper section that can be lowered to facilitate the loading of equipment such as bicycles, kayaks, and canoes.

The Tacoma, a mid-sized pickup comparable to the Hilux, focuses on maneuverability in narrow trails. It is equipped with a roof rack, a bed rack with MOLLE panels (a military standard of loops for securing equipment), a canopy, a recovery kit, and bed lighting.

In the SUV group, the traditional Land Cruiser received underbody and side protectors, in addition to a Prinsu roof rack and a Thule ski carrier. The 4Runner and the Sequoia, the latter being the largest in the line, also feature a Prinsu rack and a Thule roof carrier. The Sequoia additionally has aluminum running boards and a TRD front guard.

Toyota clarified that there are no plans to put the Snowhunters into production, given that they use parts outside the brand's official catalog and may not be legally permitted on public roads. However, some items from the kit, such as the TRD lift and the protectors, are already offered as accessories in North America.

Mercedes-Benz, which celebrates 70 years of operation in Brazil, announced several innovations that will be presented at Fenatran 2026, an event scheduled to take place between November 9th and 13th in São Paulo.

One of the main highlights is the implementation of a multimedia center across its entire truck line. The Accelo, Atego, Axor, and Arocs models will now be equipped with this new system. Furthermore, the road truck Actros will also receive this technology in its analog panel version, as the model is also sold with a fully digital panel.

Features of the New Multimedia Center

The newly launched multimedia center has 10.1 inches and its most notable feature is offline navigation with route optimization. By providing specific vehicle data, such as weight, height, or width, the map can plot a path that bypasses sections with driving restrictions. For example, if a truck is transporting a load up to four meters high, the system will indicate routes where bridges and overpasses allow passage without risk.

Although the focus is on offline navigation, the center also supports connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This new accessory will be available in specific packages for each model, but the manufacturer has not yet disclosed the prices.

Other Improvements in the Vehicle Range

In addition to the multimedia center, Mercedes-Benz introduced enhancements to other vehicles. The Accelo 1117 gained an exclusive configuration for cash-in-transit transport; in this case, the model is sold without the conventional cabin, allowing the customer to send only the chassis to be armored and fitted. Ten units of this model have already been sold to the cash transport company Brink’s.

For the off-road segment and severe applications, the Arocs 5851 8x4 was presented, receiving improvements such as a reinforced dual air filter, designed to protect the engine in extreme dusty environments. Additionally, in terms of safety, Active Braking Assistant (ABA 5) was included, which performs 100% autonomous braking to prevent rear-end collisions if the driver cannot react to an obstacle.

In the agricultural sector, the Atego 3033 8x2 was equipped with the HL7 rear axle, catering to operations such as milk, feed, swine, and cattle transport. This model is already in circulation, with 50 units already sold.

In the road transport segment, the Axor, which made its comeback to the market and has already exceeded 2,400 units sold, received the new Retro Light Blue paint, a tribute to the classic L-312 (Torpedo) and 1113.

For the Actros, specifically in the 2653 6x4 version, the brand began including the CabLock in the safety package. This is a physical locking mechanism activated only internally in the cabin. Another internal novelty is the new bed, which features foam mattress and pocket spring type.

Regarding the mechanical part of the Actros, the manufacturer offers an extra battery package dedicated to engine starting. This allows that, during rest or overnight periods, if the main battery is drained by the use of various electronic equipment, the driver can activate the second battery just to start the vehicle via a button on the dashboard. Similar to the Axor, the Actros also gained a new exclusive color: Matte Blue Meisse.

Although Geely is attracting attention in the affordable electric vehicle market with the E2 model, and in the pickup segment with the Riddara, the E5 model represents a lineup that deserves more attention. Currently, the E5 is a flagship model in Geely's portfolio, but in terms of dimensions, it is comparable to the Toyota RAV4.

The model is available in two variants: hybrid (EM-i) and fully electric (E5). The hybrid version, with a system output power of 160 kW, is priced from R599,999 to R679,999, while the fully electric model ranges from R699,999 to R788,888.

The authors spent several weeks with both versions—the hybrid and the electric—and immediately noted their elegant design. Although the front end has a streamlined look without a radiator grille, characteristic of modern electric vehicles, the E5 on the side can resemble a Mercedes-Benz or, at worst, a Porsche Macan.

The interior features a light, spacious, minimalist, smooth, and high-tech appearance that could have seemed like a concept car just a couple of years ago. Although the overall material quality may not match the mentioned German cars, they create a convincing impression of premiumness. However, it remains unclear whether these materials will stand the test of time. The light-colored seats look very luxurious but may quickly get dirty and scratched with increased mileage.

The central focus is the touchscreen multimedia system with a 15.4-inch HD display, supplemented by a separate 10.2-inch digital display in front of the driver. Most functions are controlled via the central screen; although physical buttons are absent for critical functions such as climate control, permanent icons are provided on the bottom of the screen. Nevertheless, like many modern competitors, the authors feel that too many important functions are hidden within the screen.

Nevertheless, thoughtful changes have been made to modern practical solutions. The floating center console rises towards the dashboard, providing angled and easily accessible slots for two mobile phones, one of which supports wireless charging. There is also a small enclosed compartment for small items like keys, and the bar structure provides spacious storage underneath.

Speaking of practicality, the E5's interior is surprisingly roomy, and the rear cabin can comfortably accommodate two to three adult passengers.

Regarding equipment, all models are well-equipped, but the flagship Apex versions offer more: a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, 256-color ambient lighting, and a premium Flyme Sound audio system with 16 speakers, including speakers in the headrests.