The 10 Best Vehicles For Towing

Australia's 4WD market is full of towing options, and it can be hard to choose the best vehicle for the job. Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of some of the top vehicles available in Australia today that are perfect for hauling any kind of trailer or caravan. 

When it comes to towing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right vehicle for towing will depend on the weight of your load and the type of terrain you plan to tow across. But if you’re looking for some inspiration, here are our top 10. We've categorised our top picks for nearly every towing scenario, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Utes are Australians' favourite workhorses and for good reason. Not only are utes reliable and capable of towing heavy loads, but they offer more flexibility than large SUVs. The practicality of a tray without compromising on fuel efficiency or engine size. Here are our top two:

Ford Ranger XLT

The Ford Ranger XLT is one of the most popular utes for towing and off-roading in Australia. It offers excellent pulling power with a 3.2L turbo diesel engine, allowing it to tow up to 3.5 tonnes. It also comes in both 2 and 4-wheel drive options along with other features.

Starting at $29,190

Mitsubishi Triton GLX

For a more economical choice, the Mitsubishi Triton GLX is an excellent option. This 4WD has enough power to tow up to 3100 kg, giving it plenty of strength for most caravanning adventures. Plus, with its low starting price and running costs, you’ll have enough money left over to fill up the tanks or splurge on a holiday.

Starting at $23,740

The last few lockdown-ridden years have given us a new appreciation for our own backyard. Many are now resorting to the safety and comfort of caravans to access Australia's beautiful and seemingly endless natural scenery.

This is why our top two caravan movers are picked from the large SUV family, which are known to have better ride quality and handling than the lighter utes; and as a general rule of thumb for towing, it's favourable for the Gross Vehicle Mass to exceed the weight of its payload.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series

The Toyota LandCruiser is widely considered one of the best towing vehicles on the market. The 200 series is equipped with a 4.5L V8 engine and can tow up to 3,500kg. Hosting sufficient power and torque to tackle tougher off-road terrain with a decent pay

The LandCruiser 200 is undoubtedly an expensive tow vehicle, but so are the alternatives that belong in the same class. As Toyota's high-end offering, sharing the limelight with the new 300 Series LandCruiser, the 200 is designed to rival the likes of the BMW X7 and Audi Q7. Both of these start at around $40,000 higher with no significant performance advantages.

Prices start from $84,930

Nissan Y62 Patrol

The Nissan Y62 Patrol packs more power than the LandCruiser 200, equipped with a 5.6L V8 engine that allows a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes. It also features an 8-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and efficient shifting, while the rear-wheel drive system ensures great handling and stability when towing or travelling off-road. The Patrol also offers more cabin space than other large SUVs.

Starting at $77,990

Mid-size SUVs are the perfect compromise between a small car and a large SUV for towing. These offer good fuel economy and more comfortable handling than their larger counterparts. With lower gross vehicle mass they offer great manoeuvrability in city environments, so you won't find yourself getting stuck in tight parking spots. 

Mid-size SUVs tend to have a smoother ride than utes as well, making them ideal towing vehicles for long-distance hauls while serving as faithful family movers in daily life.

Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander

This 7-seater family SUV from Hyundai is a great all-arounder for city living and weekend trips to the great outdoors. It packs a lot in without feeling large and cumbersome. Powered by a turbocharged 2.2L diesel engine, eight-speed auto transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,500kgs, it will easily haul compact caravans and light trailers.

Starting at $50,250

SSangyong Rexton

A more pocket-friendly option but no less capable, the Rexton is a versatile SUV with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kgs. It claims to have an equally impressive fuel consumption at 8.7L/100km and boasts generous cargo space when not in use for towing. A great value-for-money option for weekend warriors.

Starting at $39,990

The more adventurous campers among us know that getting bogged or parts failing is always a possibility in the outback. The next will suit off-roaders, long-haulers, tradies or anyone who doesn't need much of the muscle but wants a rugged and dependable allrounder to drive long stretches in and towing capacity for a camper trailer, or a bogged mate from time to time.

Toyota Hilux

Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Hilux makes it on our list for reliability. In all its many iterations since its debut in 1968 the model inches closer to perfection. Each year, the Hilux is released in dozens of configurations to suit every budget, with towing capacity ranging from 2500kg to 3500kg. Being a Toyota, it has the advantage of an extensive parts network and its well-documented reliability makes it a favourite.

Starting at $27,490

Nissan Navara

Another reliable Ute is the Nissan Navara, a popular choice with tradies and caravanners alike. It has a 2.3L twin-turbo diesel engine capable of towing a total weight of 3.5 tonnes, giving it plenty of strength for most caravanning adventures. Plus, with its low starting price and running costs, it’s a sensible option for anyone looking to hit the open road.

Starting at $32,300

When hauling a particularly large caravan, heavy trailer and a sizable boat load, a powerful 4x4 with high towing capacity and sturdy rear axle are essential. The perfect towing vehicle is one that is equipped with hefty turbo diesel engines, strong transmissions and enough torque to handle the job safely and securely, without sacrificing too much in terms of comfort or appearance. The following are at the apex of towing performance, just shy of commercial trucks.

Dodge RAM 1500 Express

A relatively new entrant into the Aussie 4WD arena is the RAM 1500 Express. Perhaps the #1 option for those who are looking for the mightiest machine and nothing less. This super-sized pickup truck packs a hefty 6.4L V8 engine and a towing capacity of 4,500kgs. Its signature American-style heavy footprint makes it as steady as can be on roads, hardly ever swaying on turns. Even the Deluxe Caravan of your dreams won't be a bother for the RAM’s towing stability.

Starting at $79,950

Nissan Patrol Y62

This vehicle is so good it’s a top contender in two categories, the Nissan Patrol Y62 is an excellent choice that packs serious power with its 5.6-litre V8 engine and a maximum towing capacity of 4500kgs, making it perfect for heavy off-roading.

So there you have it - these are our favourite vehicles for towing on the market right now. Whatever your purpose, budget or preferences, one of these will be sure to suit your needs or lead you in the right direction. Furthermore, we offer a variety of caravan and camper trailer finance options to make your towing journey even more accessible and convenient.

If you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle get in touch with the expert team here at Driva we help thousands of people find their best possible car loan rates by comparing 30+ lenders in just minutes. Alternatively, if you're still on the fence about which vehicle you are after be sure to check out our handy car loan calculator here to figure out how much you could borrow.