The best cars for towing a caravan

The best vehicles for towing in Australia 

Ford Everest Sport V6

While the Ford Everest Sport V6 shares plenty underneath with the Ford Ranger ute, there’s also enough engineering goodness that gives the vehicle plenty of depth. It trundles around town comfortably, but the Everest also does a terrific job of crossing deserts and climbing mountains - and it can tow up to 3.5 tonnes. The 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder mounts a solid towing case, with an intelligent 10-speed auto that’s great for cruising. But the smoother, gruntier V6 diesel steps it up a level with added mid-rev muscle. An available integrated brake controller and some electronic smarts – including the ability to check trailer brakes without a second person – adds to its towing prowess.

• Price: $74,640, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2455kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 350kg
• Gross combination mass: 6250kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3150kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 295kg
• Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L

Isuzu MU-X LS-U 2WD

The Isuzu D-Max remains a popular ute and its SUV cousin, the MU-X, is a good way to get much of the same hardware with seating for up to seven. A hardy 3.0-litre turbo diesel isn’t as refined as some but muscles up low in the rev range. It matches the character of the car, which is more about getting the job done than pampering. And while the MU-X is an off-roader, it’s also available as a more affordable rear-drive model that gets the same 3.5-tonne tow capacity and functional cabin. While it’s basic to drive, the MU-X is tough and does the basics well.

• Price: $55,900, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2065kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 350kg
• Gross combination mass: 5990kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 2700kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 285kg
• Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L

Toyota Prado GXL

The fourth-generation Toyota Prado hit dealerships late in 2024 and arrived with one big plus: a larger tow capacity. Whereas the previous car was rated to tow 3000kg, the new one steps that up to 3500kg. However, you need to be careful of the payload when towing that much, because you’ll only be able to put as little as 230kg in the car - inclusive of people. The volume selling GXL is slightly better, at 265kg. Whereas the Prado has long been known for having a huge fuel tank that is great for towing, the new one has a more modest 110-litre capacity. Still, with vastly improved comfort and on-road manners, the new Prado mounts a solid case. A 48V assistance system reduces fuel use slightly around town, but don’t expect gains when towing; the 2.8-litre four-cylinder is stout but unexciting. The Prado is also superb off-road and stands out with retro-infused styling.

• Price: $79,990, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2535kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 350kg
• Gross combination mass: 6600kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3220kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 265kg
• Fuel consumption: 7.6L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 110L

GWM Tank 500 Lux

The GWM Tank 500 has value at its core. The large SUV undercuts the likes of the Prado and Everest in a heavy-duty four-wheel drive. It delivers on trinkets (heated and powered front seats, big digital displays, sunroof, etc) while also stacking up on off-road hardware (dual-range transfer case, locking differentials, etc). That makes it nicely suited to off-road adventures. While its 3000kg tow capacity falls short of class leaders, it’s still handy for many applications. However, make sure you don’t breach the 240kg towball download limit, which means you may have to reduce the trailer load. Beneath the bonnet is a hybrid system that pairs a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with an electric motor. There’s no shortage of thrust, although it’s occasionally inconsistent in the way it delivers its grunt. And don’t expect that H word to flow through to fuel savings. The official fuel figure is 8.5L/100km, but it’s easy to go into double digits. Hook up a load and you can expect to slurp plenty more than that.

• Price: $66,490, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 255kW/648Nm 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol hybrid
• Kerb weight: 2605kg
• Towing capacity: 3000kg
• Tow ball capacity: 240kg
• Gross combination mass: 6705kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3395kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 290kg
• Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L

Toyota LandCruiser 300 VX

It’s impossible to ignore the Toyota LandCruiser 300 when it comes to towing. With a rated 3500kg tow capacity, the Cruiser barely feels ruffled with that much out back. The twin-turbo V6 diesel has loads of low-rev grunt and pulls effortlessly, adding to the quiet and comfy cabin to make long distance treks easier. And the rest of the Cruiser package is up to the heavy duty task, too, while also bringing seriously impressive rough road credentials. It’s not cheap, though, especially once you choose a better equipped model such as the VX. It gets the larger 12-inch infotainment screen and faux leather seats. An update due in Q2 of 2025 brings some minor tweaks, including a power operated tailgate for the VX we’ve focused on here.

• Price: $120,991, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre V6 turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2630kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 350kg
• Gross combination mass: 6750kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3280kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 300kg
• Fuel consumption: 8.9L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 110L

Nissan Patrol Ti

The Nissan Patrol Ti has been around a while and lacks the diesel engine many prefer for towing. But a 5.6-litre V8 is more than up to the task of pulling 3500kg, which is the rating for the current but ageing Y62 generation of Patrol. It’s a thirsty engine, with claimed fuel use of 14.4L/100km. But our experience with towing suggests the difference between a V6 diesel when towing is not as dramatic. Besides, there’s a sizeable 140-litre fuel tank to keep you motoring. And with a price tag that undercuts its most obvious rival – the LandCruiser – by tens of thousands, it pays back in other ways. The Patrol’s cabin is big but showing its age, although the company recently added the latest smartphone connectivity to lift it slightly. If wood-look trim isn’t your thing, the amped-up Warrior brings styling tweaks to go with its suspension upgrades and throatier side exit exhaust. While a new V6-powered Y63 Patrol has been revealed overseas, it doesn’t land here until late 2026.

• Price: $88,900, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre V8 petrol
• Kerb weight: 2812kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 350kg
• Gross combination mass: 7000kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3500kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 338kg
• Fuel consumption: 14.4L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 140L

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0

As the top selling car in the country there’s no shortage of Australians making the Ranger their choice as a family car, work vehicle or adventure machine. But the Ranger works beautifully as a tow vehicle, too, with nicely tuned suspension providing a balance between everyday driving comfort and control and towing. While a V6 is available and will do a nicer job the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine does a great job compared with rivals. Throw in decent tech levels and you're good to go.

• Price: $69,640, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2343kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 350kg
• Gross combination mass: 6350kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3280kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 507kg
• Fuel consumption: 7.2L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L

Volkswagen Amarok Style V6

If you’re shopping for a Ranger, then the Amarok should be on your shortlist. It shares the Ford’s engine options and underpinnings, so is just as adept at towing duties. While prices are getting up there, the Amarok also comes generously appointed: the Style gets matric LED high beams, for example, as well as leather-look finishes across the dash. The recent addition of an electronic brake controller adds to its appeal with a neatly integrated system. So, too, does the unique styling and interior treatment, the Volkswagen stepping up the sophistication with its materials and finishes. Its front seats also have added snugness courtesy of more aggressive bolsters.

• Price: $73,740, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2393kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 290kg
• Gross combination mass: 6400kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3350kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 507kg
• Fuel consumption: 8.4L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L
   

Ford F-150 Lariat SWB

Essentially a bigger brother to the Ranger with lashings of American glitz, the F-150 doesn’t come cheap, in part because it lands in Australia with the steering wheel on the left before undergoing an intensive conversion to right-hand drive. The more lavishly appointed Lariat comes with partial leather, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, power sliding rear window, memory settings for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, 360-degree camera and an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Not bad for a ute that can also haul 4.5 tonnes. And while it’s a sizeable machine, the aluminium body means it’s not much heavier than the utes we’re used to Down Under. A 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo engine provides ample muscle for towing, although be wary of the low payload that means you’ll need to be careful loading up. For those who need the space and want comfortable touring credentials it’s a spacious way to explore.

• Price: $139,950, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 298kW/678Nm 3.5-litre V6 turbo petrol
• Kerb weight: 2535kg
• Towing capacity: 4500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 450kg
• Gross combination mass: 7270kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 3220kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 235kg
• Fuel consumption: 12.5L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 136L

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ Premium

Large American pick-up trucks typically use thirsty petrol engines to get the job done, but the heavy duty version of the Silverado – known as the 2500HD – switches to diesel. The 6.6-litre V8 makes a monstrous 1322Nm of torque, which is more than double that of most utes. Sure, it’s got plenty of ute to haul around – it weighs almost 3.8 tonnes – but it feels like an extra few tonnes will barely fluster it. The 4.5-tonne tow capacity isn’t matched by a big payload. For that you’ll need to change the classification of the car to NB2, which is essentially a light truck. That also means you can’t drive it on a car licence, one reason many buyers stick to the more common NB1 categorisation. Its heft makes it hard work around town, but the enormous cabin and luxury list of equipment makes it an easy long distance tourer.

• Price: $163,000, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 350kW/1322Nm 6.6-litre V8 turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 3762kg
• Towing capacity: 4500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 450kg
• Gross combination mass: 12,474kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 4495kg (NB1 classification), 5148kg (NB2 classification)
• Payload at max tow capacity: 238kg (NB1 classification), 936kg (NB2 classification)
• Fuel consumption: N/A
• Fuel tank capacity: 136L

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Diesel

With car-like underpinnings Hyundai’s largest SUV doesn’t have the off-road ability of a LandCruiser or Everest. But it pays back with more surefooted around town manners and high levels of comfort. It’s also available with up to eight seats, adding an extra seat over most SUVs. In Calligraphy guise it’s nicely appointed and brimming with gear, including a head-up display, dual sunroof and Nappa leather. But the Palisade has its limitations, with a 2200kg tow capacity. And the 100kg towball download is seriously limiting, although for the diesel models that also bring all-wheel drive you can option a Load Assist Kit that ups that to 180kg; decent, but still not the typical 10 per cent of the tow capacity.

• Price: $79,219, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 147kW/440Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2070kg
• Towing capacity: 2200kg
• Tow ball capacity: 180kg (requires optional kit)
• Gross combination mass: 4955kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 2755kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 505kg
• Fuel consumption: 7.3L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 71L

Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance

It may wear a mainstream badge but the Touareg is anything but ordinary. The latest iteration stepped up the already impressive luxury fare to create a large SUV that can easily take the luxury fight to the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It starts with impressive refinement and a supple ride, which makes long distance touring a snip. Then there’s the spacious five-seat body that works beautifully for big adventures. And while the Touareg has more of an on-road focus, it’s very much a heavy duty tow machine, capable of lugging 3.5 tonnes. And in 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel guise there’s a torquey engine that’s easily up to the task.

• Price: $99,990, plus on-road costs
• Engine: 210kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
• Kerb weight: 2249kg
• Towing capacity: 3500kg
• Tow ball capacity: 215kg
• Gross combination mass: 6350kg
• Gross vehicle mass: 2850kg
• Payload at max tow capacity: 386kg
• Fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km
• Fuel tank capacity: 90L

Important towing information

Know the weight limits when towing a caravan 

It’s crucial that you crunch some numbers before deciding on a tow vehicle to buy, as there are various limits you can’t breach from a legal or safety perspective.

The first is the tow capacity, which determines how much weight the car can tow. That tow capacity includes not only the caravan or boat, but everything in it, from dinnerware to water.

You also need to consider the gross combination mass, which is the weight of the car and trailer and everything in each.

Then there’s the GVM, or gross vehicle mass. It’s important because you need to consider how much weight from the trailer is pushing down on the tow ball of the car; it’s usually around 10 per cent of the overall weight of the trailer and that figure needs to be considered as part of the overall load of the vehicle.

Is petrol or diesel best for towing a caravan?

Aside from the convenience, vehicles powered by diesel and petrol are best suited to towing in Australia. There are many of these vehicles with tow capacities of 3.5 tonnes.

Most are four-wheel drives, although some manufacturers take their 4WD designs and remove the hardware to drive two of those wheels as a way of offering a dedicated tow vehicle.

Can an electric vehicle tow a caravan or trailer? 

Electric vehicles are loaded with the thing that makes towing easier: torque, which is like pulling power. Electric motors produce their torque almost instantly, making it easy to shift heavy loads.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 can tow up to 1600kg (or 1800kg for the Kia EV6 GT). The EV with the largest tow capacity is the BMW iX, rated to tow up to 2500kg. Late in 2023, the Kia EV9 will also go on sale with a 2500kg tow capacity.

But EVs have one big challenge when it comes to towing: range. Adding a large caravan to the back of an electric car means it will need more energy – or electricity – to keep things moving. EVs towing heavy loads may get about half the range they would if they were unladen, making it more important to be able to easily find your nearest EV charging station.

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}