Top 10 Towing Vehicle

gILANG

Oktober 18, 2024

Based on our experience, the best tow vehicle is either a full-size truck or four-wheel drive vehicle with a turbo diesel engine and automatic transmission .

But with the law increasingly concerned with overloaded vehicles (especially those that tow), we also add a light truck or two to the mix if you regularly tow heavy loads and also need a lot of payload .

If we had to nominate a cutoff point for inclusion on this list, we'd have to say that vehicles with a towing capacity of 3.5 tons make it, and the rest don't.

With empty weights ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 tonnes and wheelbases of around 3000mm, these 3500kg towing capacity vehicles provide the heavy, stable anchorage needed for high towing capacity with good handling.

High-torque diesel engines are specifically designed for this role with excellent pulling power and better fuel economy than petrol engines, along with an intelligent automatic transmission that saves you a lot of stick and pedal work and provides the convenience of sequential self-shifting when needed.

Even light trucks fall into this category these days, and they come with an automated manual transmission that is very easy to drive.

No matter what you're towing, whether it's a camper , horse cart or trailer, larger engines provide a less stressful towing experience than smaller engines (but there are exceptions), so choose the largest cubic capacity possible.

It is also important to know if the maximum tow ball download rating suits your towing requirements and to be aware that the tow ball download (usually up to 350 kg) is included in your gross vehicle weight when towing.

You should also keep in mind that towing is a real horse racing situation. The best vehicle for towing a caravan in Australia on an annual holiday may not be the best vehicle for towing a small truck and trailer on a daily basis.

Basically, don't forget about other features beyond just the ability to draw when it comes to your choice.

Also remember that the shorter the distance between the rear axle and the tow ball, the more stable the towing, so measure carefully and compare.

Among the features to look for are a trailer sway control function in the vehicle stability control system and a reversing camera with guidelines that make it easier to align the tow ball and trailer.

We realize that there are many other ATVs and vehicles that also have great towing capacity that are not included in this list.

Our selection is based on vehicles we’ve actually driven recently. That’s why we welcome your feedback in the comments section below. Tell us why you think other makes and models are worthy of inclusion and why.

This way, we and other CarsGuide readers can benefit from your knowledge, which in effect expands the list of vehicles worth considering for towing tasks.

So here's our selection of mid-spec models with desirable towing numbers.

Please note that prices listed are based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Top 10 Towing Vehicles

01. Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series - Max Towing Capacity with Brakes: 3500 kg

The all-new LandCruiser 300 Series had some big, powerful shoes to fill.

The all-new Land Cruiser 200 Series was a much-loved model thanks to its powerful 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel engine .

The new 300 Series has a smaller 3.3-litre V6, but power and torque are significantly increased over the V8, plus there's less diesel .

Much of what made the 200 series so popular with towers has carried over to the 300 too. Coilover suspension at each end ensures good comfort as well as great off-road ability , and the car retains plenty of curb weight (it’s still over 2.5 tonnes) and the same wheelbase as the previous Cruiser to ensure its towing credentials aren’t compromised.

Although the 300 Series has a gross vehicle weight of 6,750kg , which is slightly less than the 200 Series, this still leaves a decent amount of payload even with a full 3.5 tonne caravan or boat attached to the tow bar.

From: $89,181

Toyota Land Cruiser

8.0/10

$134,640

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

02. Ford Ranger - Maximum Braked Towing Capacity: 3500 kg

Ford's Australian-designed Ranger has been a huge hit with the motoring community, largely due to the five-cylinder turbodiesel engine that was introduced in the first car. But these days, Ford's all-new Ranger offers a bigger engine in the form of a new (for the Ranger) V6 turbodiesel option .

Although the V6 is 200cc smaller than the old five-cylinder, it offers more power with 184kW (versus 147) and a full 600Nm of torque (versus 470) .

The rest of the new Ranger's design is a big improvement over its predecessor too, with better dynamics and safety as well as more refinement than ever before.

It's also clear that Ford's in-house designers understood the requirements of a towing vehicle and there are plenty of electronic aids built into the vehicle — including an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer blind-spot monitoring, and trailer sway control, among other features — to make towing easier and safer.

The fact that the Ranger has a decent payload with a 3.5 tonne tow bar, regardless of engine installed, is probably the best towing vehicle Australia has ever designed.

From $36,380

Ford Ranger

8.5/10

from

$60,280

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

03. Mazda BT-50 XT - Maximum towing capacity with brakes: 3500 kg

Although it doesn't have the technical upgrades that the Ranger has , it still has the same turbodiesel engine .

While the Mazda BT-50 was previously a Ford Ranger under the skin, with the new Mazda model it has become more like the Isuzu D-Max with which it shares DNA. However, this is not a problem for those who want to use the car as a towing vehicle , as the fundamentals are intact in both cases.

While on paper the BT-50 appears to have taken a step back in the direction of Isuzu's fundamentals, the 140kW 3.0- litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is still a force to be reckoned with.

In fact, this is the main selling point of Mazda (and Isuzu) vehicles; the strong, durable, simple engineering that has earned them a great reputation in the field.

The only problem is that the cheapest BT-50 model, the XS, is also available as a 4WD. The double-cab pickup has a smaller engine with 110kW and 350Nm, which is significantly less than the 3.0-litre unit in the XT, and as a result its towing limit is 3,000kg lower.

From $51,160

Mazda BT-50

8.2/10

from

$39,930

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

04. Toyota Hilux SR5 - Maximum Braked Towing Capacity: 3500 kg

This may seem like a bit of an exaggerated statement, but when you're travelling through the Australian outback, anyone you see driving anything other than a Toyota is likely to be a tourist.

This is the kind of buyer loyalty that Toyota has managed to build over the years, and the Hilux Ute has been a major contributor.

Although the HiLux series of trucks had some problems a few years ago due to particulate filter issues, Toyota has been working hard to improve things and the latest facelift seems to be an improvement indeed.

There's really nothing amazing about the way the Hilux drives and performs on a daily basis. But for workers who rely on their cars and anyone else who values a car's reputation for good mileage and retention value, the Toyota is the way to go.

Power is rated at 150kW and torque is rated at 420Nm , neither of which are class-leading figures. Nor is the six-speed automatic transmission compared to the new Ranger ’s 10-speed .

However, the HiLux does the job perfectly, and the SR5 seems to be the better option in terms of specifications.

The main drawback is the relatively low GCM (5850kg) which means towing a full 3500kg leaves you with only a few hundred kilograms of payload .

From $59,930

Toyota Hilux

7.7/10

from

$52,250

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

05. Isuzu D-Max LS-M - Max towing capacity with brakes: 3500 kg

Isuzu D-Max LS-M 2017 model.

range has always been built on its reputation for toughness. The fact that it sits alongside Isuzu ’s highly successful light-duty truck range doesn’t hurt its stock either, and is a big reason for its sales success, which shows no sign of slowing down.

While the D-Max certainly puts substance over style, that's precisely what fleet managers and craftsmen who know when to stop want.

The D-Max is a bit like a Toyota HiLux , really, it's about getting the job done rather than impressing your friends, but that's fine for us and anyone else who knows anything about towing .

In this regard, the Isuzu is available in a basic model with a 1.9-liter engine. It's a turbo diesel , but that design deprives it of the 500kg towing capacity of its 3.0-litre sibling.

six-speed automatic transmission , but even with that engine and the dual-cab body , the SX version of the D-Max starts at more than $52,000, so it's one of the more affordable big cars.

From $52,200

Isuzu D-Max

7.5/10

from

$56,320

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

06. RAM 1500 Express - Max Braked Towing Capacity: 4,500 kg

3,577 kg Ram Laramie 2500 SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 6,942 kg (braked). Yes, you read that right.

RAM made in the USA is every copywriter's dream. Like: When you're done playing games...

trucks are not only big on equipment, they’re also big on hauling stuff. The best value way to get into the Ram party is the 1500 Express , which gets you a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine with 291kW and 556Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can also get four-wheel drive with low range and a double cab body style .

diesel engines can achieve this. But keep in mind that with all the towing capacity used, the payload drops sharply.

Cons? Not many unless you're a timid or parking-shy driver, in which case the sheer amount of RAM might put you off using it a bit.

It easily fills a conventional parking space and can adapt to some conditions when reversing on a road you once thought was wide. And yes, with an official fuel consumption figure of 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres , the Ram loves to drink.

But in terms of value, it's regaining its footing a bit, and when you consider that it's possible to spend $90,000 on a double-cab truck these days, the demand the RAM commands doesn't seem so bad.

From $82,950

Ram 1500

8.0/10

from

$92,180

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

07. Nissan Patrol TI - Maximum braked towing capacity: 3500 kg

The Nissan Patrol has been refreshed for 2022, and we have the base Ti model to test. (Photo: Glenn Sullivan)

The long-running Nissan Patrol is one of a small group of cars that are bucking the turbodiesel trend and making great tow trucks with a petrol engine .

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the Patrol’s petrol unit is a powerful 5.6-litre V8 , making 298kW and 560Nm . It sounds good and pulls hard.

Despite first appearing more than a decade ago, the basic Patrol package has been quietly improved over that time, with Nissan quietly working to remove all the crooked edges and awkward gaps.

The result is absolutely stunning. Now with a seven-speed automatic transmission and low-range gearing, the Patrol is a great example of how progress can be achieved through patience and many small improvements rather than huge leaps in technology .

Speaking of technology, the age of the platform means Nissan is a little late to the driver-assistance party, but that’s now been addressed with autonomous emergency braking , rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. ( Digital radio is still not available , though .)

The bottom line is that the Patrol is a very comfortable car to live in and also to haul a trailer like the best cars.

From $82,160

Nissan Patrol

7.0/10

from

$84,150

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

08. Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series - Max Towing Capacity with Brakes: 3500 kg

They've been around longer than the printing press (or so it seems), yet Toyota's 70-series cars still have a lot of appeal.

They've been around longer than the printing press (or so it seems) but Toyota's 70 Series workhorses are still hugely popular, to the point where demand has been seriously outstripping supply lately.

It's hard to recommend the 70 Series Cruiser on the basis of safety , technology , or comfort and luxury, but for hauling cargo , it doesn't come much better.

One of the main attractions of the 70 is its 4.5-liter engine. The V8 turbo diesel engine has gained huge popularity among fans all over the world.

But there are also plenty of trim choices including single- and double -cab trucks , the evergreen Troop Carrier, and the more versatile 76 Series station wagon (with five doors instead of the Troopy's three).

Off-road, these vehicles are the best in the business, making them a popular choice for those who tow in tough conditions such as remote areas or muddy work sites.

The only real drawback is the lack of an automatic transmission option and the fact that the standard five-speed manual gearbox doesn't respond well to towing large loads at top speed.

From $69,000

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series

8.0/10

from

$87,230

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

09. Ford Everest - Max Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg

Ford's warranty plan is five years with unlimited kilometres. (Photo: Dean McCartney)

Like the Ranger, the Ford Everest, on which it is based, was replaced last year by an all-new model that is winning a lot of friends for its refinement, dynamism and safety .

But the best news is that the Everest now has a towing limit of 3,500kg , leaving the list of cars that can only tow 3,000kg and no more.

Although this previous vehicle was based on the Ranger, it used a coil-spring rear suspension to provide a better ride for any of its seven passengers .

Although the new model stuck to seating capacity and suspension design, Ford engineers managed to make it work with the higher towing limit.

The 3.5-tonne payload limit is also across the Everest, including two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive and diesel versions . However, our pick would be either the Sport or Platinum models, which feature four-wheel drive , a locking rear differential for greasy boat ramps or wet camping, and the easy-going performance of the 3.0-litre V6. Turbo diesel engine .

This V6 has been around for a while now, but Ford's installation is spot on with good performance and high levels of refinement.

From $52,990

Ford Everest

8.3/10

from

$56,100

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

10. Isuzu N Series - Max Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg

Is the Isuzu NPR a good alternative to a double-cab truck? (Photo: Mark Ostler)

Although the towing capacity may be similar to a double cab truck, Isuzu's light duty truck lineup can really make the job easier and less hassle.

This is because you are buying a truck, not a van , and there is simply more room in terms of engineering and structural durability of the truck. You can also tow that maximum load and still have a usable payload for the truck.

This is because the NLR weighs about the same as a double cab truck, but has a GCM of 8,000kg versus nearly 6,000kg for a double cab truck.

Isuzu offers its light truck range with either a 3.0-liter or 5.2-liter engine. Turbo diesel engine and choice of manual or automatic transmission .

Cleverly, the brand also offers ready-to-work bodies from dump trucks to service bodies, giving it an edge over some competitors that leave it up to the buyer to configure the body they need.

No truck licence? No problem. In Australia, trucks like the Isuzu 4.5 tonne GVW can be driven with a car licence, and the tight turning circle and excellent visibility make it easier than you might think.

Yes, you'll need a lot of parking space, and the Isuzu doesn't have the weekend warrior appeal of a double-cab truck, but for towing and hauling gear at the same time, a light truck makes more sense than ever.

From $55,676

Isuzu NLR

from

Not available

11. Honorary Awards

Mitsubishi Triton GLS has a 2,900kg tonnage, allowing a payload of 970kg, and a gross vehicle weight (GCM) of 5,885kg requires a small reduction of just 115kg in that peak payload to legally tow up to 3,100kg, a practical compromise.

However, with a kerb weight of 1950kg, it’s also relatively light in this company, and its prominent rear overhang creates a large stretch between the rear axle and the towing ball, which creates a slight pendulum effect in the yaw movement at times. Still, the 2.4-litre turbodiesel works well, in a versatile, efficient and good-value vehicle.

You might scoff that the Nissan Patrol Ti offers “only” a big V8 petrol engine, but the mammoth Patrol Y62 packs a set of numbers that merit serious comparison with the LC200 as a luxury tow vehicle. It’s wider and longer overall, with a heavier kerb weight of 2,700kg and a 225mm longer wheelbase (3,075mm), all controlled by Nissan’s brilliant Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) active suspension system . This advanced platform delivers supreme stability, massive interior space and a superior payload of 785kg. It matches the LC200’s maximum tow rating of 3,500kg, but the Patrol’s higher GVM of 3,500kg results in a standard GCM of 7,000kg. All these big numbers are achieved by a 5.6-litre, 32-valve, double overhead cam V8 engine that produces 298kW and, most importantly, 560Nm of torque, most of which is available from 1600rpm. The driver doesn’t mind a drink, but in the real world, he doesn’t mind a drink either.

Bigger engines are generally better for towing, but the latest Navara ST is an exception. The smooth, quiet and responsive 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesel with sequential twin-turbocharging is the jewel in the Navara’s crown. Excellent fuel economy under load is matched by a generous 450Nm of torque on tap from a very low 1,500-2,500rpm. However, towing its maximum 3,500kg weight requires a significant 500kg reduction in payload to stay within the 5,910kg GCM. Its generous 3,150mm wheelbase is just 70mm shorter than its larger Ranger / BT-50 twins with a similar distance between the rear axle and the tow ball ensuring a stable platform for the 2,910kg GVM and 3,500kg tow rating. It also defies convention with a coil-sprung rear end primarily to improve ride quality when empty, but under load the rear end flexes more than conventional leaf springs and the nose lifts noticeably in response.

Original lyrics by Bill McKinnon Published January 21, 2013

You will only find one gasoline model on this list of the top 10 towing vehicles. Diesel vehicles are better suited for towing loads.

It has more of that all-important commodity called torque (also known as “power” and is measured in Newton meters) and the fuel bills won’t kill you. The ideal towing combination is diesel / automatic / 4WD .

Always give yourself plenty of wiggle room when it comes to weight limits and stay within the critical gross combined mass (GCM) . This is the total weight of your vehicle, trailer, gear, fuel, and you. Car companies often argue a warranty claim resulting from towing; the GCM, which you’ll find in the manual, is the first number they’ll use as a guide.

Here are the best models for Qatar:

Subaru Forester 2.0D

Subaru Forester.

The Forester ’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel is mated to a six-speed manual transmission , with tall gears for maximum fuel efficiency, so you’ll have to use the stick shift early and often. However, the 350Nm from just 1,600rpm is more than enough to tow the maximum rated trailer weight of 1,600kg .

The full-time four-wheel drive system , self-adjusting rear suspension, and hill-holding front and rear are also useful. You can get the same drivetrain, in a larger vehicle, in the Outback. It's rated to tow 1,700 kg.

Suzuki Grand Vitara DDIS

Suzuki Grand Vitara.

This is a rare beast – a compact SUV in a compact package – with low-range gearing, a lockable centre differential and a separate steel frame structure, so it has the ability to tow up to 2,000kg through more challenging conditions , including rough off-road, than any high-range SUV alone .

The 1.9-litre turbodiesel makes 300Nm at 2000rpm. It’s slow as a Tuesday, and the five-speed manual transmission isn’t the smoothest, but you’re pulling, so what’s the point of a quickie?

Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4

Land Rover Freelander 2.

There’s the usual caveat about quality and reliability that comes with any Land Rover test , but the entry-level Freelander2 TD4 is a great drive, with 420Nm of torque and impressive fuel economy from its 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine . It can also tow up to 2,000kg with ease .

A six-speed manual transmission is standard; the six-speed automatic costs $2,300 more. Hill descent control, traction control that can be adjusted for different surfaces, a full-size spare tire and high ground clearance make the Freelander a more versatile and capable vehicle than its German rival.

Ford Falcon

Ford Falcon 2011.

Every man and his uncle used to pull a truck behind a Falcon . If you’re prepared to pay the fuel bills, the powerful 4.0-litre petrol engine, with 391Nm, will get the job done without a fuss. The EcoLPi petrol engine produces 409Nm, so it won’t be bothered by the load either.

The Falcon sedan and pickup truck -- which features a robust rear axle and leaf springs -- tow up to 5,000 pounds with the optional factory load-leveling package. The standard factory tow package gives you up to 3,000 pounds with the six-speed automatic transmission .

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero.

seven-seater turbodiesel , the Pajero is the best value. Its 3.2-litre four-cylinder engine produces a robust 441Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, which is 31Nm more than the Prado’s 3.0-litre engine, and it works well with the five-speed automatic transmission .

It can be operated with two- or four-wheel drive, in high or low range, and can be used almost anywhere, especially with the optional rear derailleur lock. The Paj is rated to tow three tonnes, but that’s with a tow ball load of just 180kg . If you’re towing 2.5 tonnes or less, that increases to 250kg.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee.

This is great value for the money, especially the $50k Laredo 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine . It produces a massive 550Nm of torque – and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with a dual-range transfer case. Okay, so it’s a Fiat engine , but it’s a lot more reliable than it used to be. That’s what they think.

It's rated to tow up to 3,500 kg , with a maximum tow ball load capacity of 350 kg. So does the 5.7-liter V8. Unless your name begins with "Sheikh," go for the diesel .