The big SUVs with the best towing capability in Australia

Aussies love the good open air. From tenting to browsing and mountain climbing to fishing, many spend their weekends driving to faraway lands with all the mandatory gear in tow.

Whether or not it’s a ship, caravan or trailer; that requires a automotive with critical pulling energy in addition to loads of seats for family and friends. Giant SUVs match the invoice completely.

Nevertheless, not all massive SUVs have been created equal, and towing capability varies significantly throughout the section. So, let’s dig into which choices go well with these desirous to hitch up a trailer for a weekend journey.

These are the automobiles throughout the massive SUV beneath $80,000 class in VFACTS gross sales charts revealed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

We’ve crunched the numbers primarily based on the variant with the best braked towing capability within the vary, as some trim or powertrain choices may even see the figures quoted right here lower barely.

You also needs to try our 2023 4WD SUV towing check, the place we put most of the vehicles listed right here by means of a collection of towing challenges.

Click on on a automotive’s title above to leap on to its info on the web page, or proceed scrolling for the total record

Ford Everest

The Ford Everest is Australia’s best-selling massive SUV, and it additionally boasts segment-leading towing credentials.

Two turbo-diesel engines are supplied: a 2.0-litre bi-turbo 4 cylinder and a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6. Nevertheless, all Everest variants supply 3500kg braked towing capability.

The V6 has a gross car mass (GVM) of 3150kg, and a gross mixture mass (GCM) of 6250kg.

It’s additionally the choose from an influence and torque standpoint, with 184kW and 600Nm – superior outputs to the bottom 4 cylinder. Consequently, the V6 carried out effectively within the CarExpert 4WD SUV towing check.

4-cylinder variations begin from $54,240 excluding on-road prices, whereas V6 variants could be had for upwards of $73,740 plus on-roads.

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Isuzu MU-X

Just like the Everest, the Isuzu MU-X is bought with a selection of two powertrains, and the three.0-litre turbo-diesel packs sufficient grunt to rank second in our towing rankings.

3.0-litre variants are rated to tow 3.5 tonnes, with 140kW of energy and 450Nm of torque.

Costs for examples with the upsized engine begin at $49,400 earlier than on-road prices and prime out at $69,400 plus on-roads, effectively beneath the section cap.

The MU-X is simply behind the Ford Everest for big SUV gross sales, with 11,535 models bought this 12 months as much as the top of July.

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Ssangyong Rexton

The Ssangyong Rexton is an enormous SUV for individuals who don’t wish to spend massive cash, beginning at $50,000 drive-away.

In addition to worth it brings towing functionality, with a braked towing capability of 3500kg, in addition to a GCM of 6460kg.

All Rexton fashions are powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 148kW of energy and 441Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automated transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system.

Regardless of Ssangyong’s lofty claims, in the course of the CarExpert towing check the Rexton was unable to achieve 100km/h with a 2.8t trailer hooked up, and slower than most to speed up from 0-90km/h.

Our check additionally discovered the Rexton couldn’t maintain velocity with the trailer hooked up when cruise management was operating.

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Toyota Fortuner

Toyota claims a 3100kg braked towing capability for the Fortuner, a household 4WD SUV primarily based on the HiLux ute.

Just like the HiLux, the Fortuner is powered by a 2.8-litre 4 cylinder turbo-diesel with 150kW and 500Nm.

Priced between $53,775 earlier than on-road prices and $66,755 earlier than on-roads, the Fortuner has room for seven and comes with third row seats that fold towards the wall like these on a industrial plane.

The CarExpert towing check famous it was tough to hook up a trailer to the Fortuner because of its grainy reversing digicam, though as soon as on the transfer the Toyota carried out effectively.

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

A stalwart of the massive SUV section, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport carries a braked towing capability ranking of 3100kg.

All variants characteristic a diesel engine with 133kW and 430Nm, sending energy to all 4 wheels by means of an automated transmission. Pricing begins at $51,450 earlier than on-road prices and peaks at $64,840 plus on-roads.

CarExpert judges criticised the Pajero Sport for its restricted pulling energy, however praised its transmission and steel shift paddles.

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GWM Tank 500

GWM is a brand new participant within the Australian massive SUV area, and the Tank 500 is its flagship providing.

Towing capability is rated at 3000kg (braked), and the Tank 500 has a GVM of 3395kg and GCM of 6705kg.

Beneath the bonnet lies a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with complete system outputs of 255kW of energy and 648Nm of torque.

Positioned as a Toyota Prado rival, pricing kicks off at $66,490 drive-away for the bottom Lux mannequin.

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Nissan Pathfinder

The primary SUV to drop beneath the 3000kg towing capability marker is the Nissan Pathfinder, with a claimed ranking of two.7 tonnes.

In contrast to the highest towers on this record, the Pathfinder includes a naturally aspirated engine freed from turbochargers and diesel gas.

Beneath the bonnet is a 3.5-litre V6 with 202kW of energy and 340Nm of torque, mated to a nine-speed automated transmission. The Pathfinder wasn’t in our towing check, however Nissan quotes a GVM of 2644kg and a GCM of 5035kg.

Costs begin at $59,670 earlier than on-road prices, whereas the flagship Ti-L is available in at $82,490 plus on-roads.

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Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is positioned as a extra premium possibility within the massive SUV section, however it’s nonetheless able to doing the work with 2500kg of braked towing capability.

Powered by both petrol or diesel inline-six engines, the CX-90 produces 254kW/500Nm and 187kW/550Nm, respectively.

Each supply mild-hybrid know-how and are mated to an eight-speed automated transmission with all-wheel drive.

Pricing begins from $74,550 for the entry-level CX-90 G50e Touring, and climbs to $94,630 for the top-spec G50e Azami. All costs exclude on-road prices.

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Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Volkswagen’s three-row household SUV is obtainable with a wide range of powertrains and seating layouts, however the seven-seat, 162TSI variants can tow probably the most with a 2500kg braked towing capability.

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine powers the 162TSI Magnificence and R-Line, outputting 162kW and 350Nm, whereas GCM is rated at 4940kg.

The Allspace has 700L of cargo room with the third row folded flat, and costs for 162TSI variants vary between $57,090 earlier than on-road prices and $60,590 plus on-roads.

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GWM Tank 300

Positioned because the smaller sibling to the Tank 500, the GWM Tank 300 additionally carries a decreased 2500kg braked towing capability.

In hybrid trim, the Tank 300 really has extra energy than its greater brother, producing 258kW and 615Nm from the mix of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol 4 cylinder and a single electrical motor.

GWM doesn’t quote a GCM for the Tank 300, however its GVM is 2725kg.

The vary kicks off at $46,990 drive-away and tops out at $60,990 drive-away.

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Jeep Wrangler

The long-lasting Jeep Wrangler has been up to date for 2024, with a brand new engine and a 2495kg braked towing capability.

Jeep has launched a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine for the facelifted mannequin, which produces 200kW of energy and 400Nm of torque.

The Jeep Wrangler S and Overland are outfitted with a Selec-Trac 4×4 System that may robotically transition between two- and four-wheel drive. Rubicon grades acquire a heavy-duty Rock-Trac 4×4 system.

Two-door variants kick off the vary slightly below the section value cap, whereas four-door fashions are priced at $90,450 plus on-roads.

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Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback is available in six totally different flavours, however solely two declare a braked towing capability of 2400kg.

XT variants characteristic turbocharged 2.4-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine that develops 183kW of energy and 350Nm of torque, mated to a continuously-variable automated transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel drive system.

In comparison with the entry-level naturally aspirated choices, the XT instructions a premium, priced from $53,190 earlier than on-road prices to $56,990 plus on-roads.

Consumers haven’t misplaced their urge for food for the not-so-large, massive SUV, with 6643 bought over the primary seven months of 2024.

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Hyundai Palisade

It could not have the identical workmanlike origins as another massive SUVs, however the Hyundai Palisade nonetheless has a decent 2200kg braked towing capability.

Petrol and diesel powertrains can be found, and each share an similar tow ranking.

The diesel engine affords extra torque, with 147kW and 440Nm despatched to all 4 wheels by means of an eight-speed automated gearbox.

Costs begin at $66,800 earlier than on-road prices and prime out at $80,900 plus on-roads, simply over the $80,000 section restrict.

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Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Palisade have loads in widespread, as they’re successfully cousins beneath the identical guardian firm.

Regardless of that and the shared powertrain, the Sorento’s braked towing capability is barely decrease at 2000kg, whereas its GVM is 2630kg.

Costs vary between $50,680 earlier than on-road prices and $73,330 plus on-roads.

Like all different fashions from the Korean producer, it’s lined by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

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LDV D90

Low cost and cheerful is the calling card of the LDV D90, which begins from $38,937 drive-away with a braked towing capability of 2000kg.

Even top-spec, all-wheel drive Govt fashions will set you again simply over $50,000.

Diesel variants are greatest suited to towing, with 158kW or energy and 480Nm of torque coming from the two.0-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder.

LDV bought 1594 examples of the D90 over the primary seven months of the 12 months, making it a low-volume participant within the section.

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Toyota Kluger

The hybrid-only Toyota Kluger has a braked towing capability of 2000kg, lower than most of its rivals. Unbraked towing capability can be down, at 700kg.

The Kluger continues to be a standard selection for households although, with 5861 bought to the top of July.

Base fashions command $60,920 earlier than on-road prices, whereas the flagship Grande AWD Hybrid is priced at $82,860 plus on-roads.

All variants include a five-star ANCAP security ranking and a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. 

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Mazda CX-8

The CX-8 isn’t lengthy for this world, with a brand new era of Mazda SUVs coming by means of, however the long-lived mannequin can nonetheless be discovered on some showroom flooring.

It’s supplied with a selection of two engines – a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4 cylinder and a 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel – each of which have a braked towing capability of 2000kg.

Costs fluctuate vastly from $42,810 earlier than on-road prices all the way in which as much as $72,160 plus on-roads, with diesels gaining on-demand four-wheel drive.

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Skoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq is the large daddy of Skoda’s lineup, with seven seats and a 2000kg braked towing capability throughout the vary.

In flagship RS guise it includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine packing 180kW and 370Nm, mated to a dual-clutch DSG transmission.

Base variants could be had for $56,490 drive-away, however the value of the range-topping RS jumps to $76,890 drive-away.

Skoda doesn’t quote a GCM, however the Kodiaq has a GVM of 2500kg.

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Hyundai Santa Fe

The brand new era Santa Fe is massive, boxy and loaded with gear, however it doesn’t lead the category for towing capability.

All variants have a braked towing capability of 1650kg, and supply energy from a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 47.7kW electrical motor, producing a system energy output of 173kW.

Drive is delivered to both the entrance or all 4 wheels by means of a six-speed automated transmission.

Pricing kicks off at $55,500 earlier than on-road prices for the front-wheel drive base model, and the highest spec Calligraphy is obtainable for $75,000 plus on-roads.

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Chery Tiggo 8 Professional

Rounding out this record is the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional, a brand new SUV out of China with a 1300kg braked towing capability.

Three variants can be found, two with front-wheel drive and a flagship all-wheel drive model.

All are powered by the identical 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine teamed mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. All variants additionally come normal with seven seats.

The bottom front-wheel drive is priced at $41,990 drive-away, whereas the flagship Final AWD is $6000 dearer.

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