As many Australians turn to backyard travelling instead of overseas adventures during COVID-induced uncertainty, towing vehicles have become increasingly popular assets in the second-hand market. For families with caravan-shaped dreams, finding a towing vehicle is a matter of both safety and comfort. There are cars in every shape, size and towing capacity in the Australian market to suit every need.
In general, the best cars for towing are either full-size 4×4 utes or wagons with a turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission. Other features to look for are trailer sway control functions and a reversing camera with guidelines that make easy work of lining up your tow ball and trailer. And most importantly, choosing a towing vehicle to accompany a caravan depends on ensuring your car isn’t maxing out its weight limits.
If you’re on the hunt for one of these versatile commodities, Prices People Pay have put together a list of the top five best towing vehicles. From 4x4s to wagons with turbo-diesel engines, these are the best car purchases for those with towing needs:
1. Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series GXL
Maximum braked towing capacity: 3500kg
Kerb weight: 2640kg
Wheelbase: 2850mm
The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series GXL is number one on our list for good reason; it’s one of the best caravan towing SUVs on the market.
With smooth-riding coil-spring suspension and close proximity of tow-ball and rear wheels this Toyota provides a secure and spacious towing platform. Combined with a mighty twin-turbo charged 4.5 litre turbo-diesel V8 and bulldozer-grade torque, the Land Cruiser 200 Series GXL tows up to 3500kg with relative ease.
2. Ford Ranger XLS
Maximum braked towing capacity: 3500kg
Kerb weight: 2191kg
Wheelbase: 3220mm
Designed and developed in Australia, this Ford Ranger model provides rock-solid stability under tow, backed by a low-stressed turbo-diesel engine and 470Nm of torque. This six-speed automatic vehicle comes with a range of dynamic systems including trailer sway control, making it a safe and sturdy purchase.
3. Toyota HiLux SR5
Maximum braked towing capacity: 3500kg
Kerb weight: 2253kg (including steel tray)
Wheelbase: 3085mm
The Toyota HiLux SR5 is the perfect power vehicle with a solid foundation backed with a class-competitive 450Nm of torque. This strong ute is perfect for those who want a vehicle for both work and play, with a full-steel tray adding a practical element. This ute comes with a range of safety features from window protection frames to pivoting brackets for rear support resulting in a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
4. VW Amarok V6 Ultimate
Maximum braked towing capacity: 3500kg
Kerb weight: 2216kg
Wheelbase: 3095mm
When VW released the Amarok V6 Ultimate, the market was hit with a new model armed with an engine and torque to set new industry benchmarks. With an overboost function that can deliver 580Nm, intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission and an excellent kerb weight and wheelbase, the VW Amarok provides the basis of an excellent tow vehicle.
5. Isuzu D-Max LS-M
Maximum braked towing capacity: 3500kg
Kerb weight: 2030kg
Wheelbase: 3125mm
The D-Max is one of the toughest vehicles available, with a well-proven chassis and drivetrain combination that provides an overall reliable towing platform. Its low-stressed 3.0 litre engine is surpassed only by the Ranger’s in cubic capacity, with 380Nm of torque delivered via an Aisin five-speed automatic. The D-Max comes with a range of intelligent features that allow this tough turbo-diesel to optimise its performance.
Ready to upgrade?
Ready to start your next tow-tally great adventure but need to cash in your day-to-day car first? Car2Cash can help you trade in your everyday vehicle from the comfort of home. Use Car2Cash if you are looking to sell your daily car and upgrade to a towing vehicle.
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