Having the ability to tow 3500kg appears to be a pre-requisite for giant SUVs and utes in Australia, despite the fact that lots of us never haul anything this heavy.
It’s a level of capability that’s expected – identical to how large SUVs and utes are expected to find a way to traverse difficult trails and wade through deep water.
In fact, while nearly all of buyers probably won’t push their vehicles to the upper reaches of their abilities, there are still loads of buyers who genuinely need the power to tow upwards of 3500kg.
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To that end, Paul Maric put 10 large off-road SUVs through a series of tests to see just how well they handle a heavy trailer.
You possibly can view the ends in our video, but we also posed the query to the broader CarExpert editorial team: which of those models would they buy in the event that they needed a vehicle that was able to with the ability to tow a big load?
As you’ll see, there have been two vehicles particularly that got a whole lot of love, and a dark horse contender that also received some nods.
Sean Lander: KGM Rexton and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
I actually have two picks: one for the budget-conscious and one ‘money no object’.
Budget – KGM Rexton
From the surface, you wouldn’t think this might be the pick. But at under $60,000 drive-away for the Ultimate spec, it’s absolute bang in your buck.
It’s not very fast, and the gearbox needs some calibration, but it may comfortably tow the three-tonne mass we strapped to the back of it.
Payload at max towing shall be a difficulty, however the Rexton is moderately comfortable, encompasses a sturdy engine that has less torque than its rivals but uses it well and comes with ventilated seats – a must for long-distance touring.
Money no object – Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
There’s a reason you see as lots of these as flies within the bush. They only do every little thing well (aside from slippery conditions – that may make sense when part three of our megatest comes out) and offer a whole lot of comfort.
For $140,000 (plus $2500 for a ghost immobiliser) it’s considerably cheaper than its Lexus cousin and more economical. It could actually easily tow 3.5 tonnes and with a straightforward GVM upgrade can do more.
Each time I drive a ‘Cruiser I remember why they’re so good. They’re smooth, quiet and refined, with loads of power besides.
That last part is crucial: I’ve come across loads of Beryls and Borises attempting to drag onto a 110km/h highway with their overloaded van on the back of a Pajero Sport and each time it takes them longer to get on top of things (almost certainly capping said speed at 80km/h) than a 240 Freight train takes to stop.
The ‘Cruiser doesn’t have that issue – which is considered one of the explanations we test 0-100km/h times. In case you query the purpose, please for the love of god, don’t ever tow anything.
In case you’re serious about doing ‘The Big Lap’, and need to tow, it’s essential spend money on proper equipment. Toyota dealers are all over the place, parts supply is mostly good, and even the mechanic/Golden Fleece operator 500km west of Tennant Creek will know the right way to fix something that breaks on it.
In case you just need to travel around and stay in hotels, by all means buy a less expensive option. But in case you plan to tow anything over a ten×5 trailer around this Great Southern Land, buy a ‘Cruiser. And a high quality immobiliser.
Marton Pettendy: Ford Everest Platinum
At the danger of following the group (and my colleagues), the Ford Everest Platinum could be my four-wheel drive SUV weapon of selection for towing.
The highest-spec Everest’s lusty V6 diesel easily copes with its 3500kg towing capability, provides loads of range, and offers the entire luxuries available in Australia’s top-selling large SUV – and the nation’s only homegrown SUV – for under $100,000.
But I’d ditch the usual 20-inch alloys for the more compliant sidewalls of the no-cost 18-inch all-terrain tyre/wheel package, which provides you with more ride comfort and off-road traction – and in case you’re towing you won’t miss the additional off-road capability or harsh ride of the lifted Tremor.
Max Davies: Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
As no less than considered one of my colleagues has identified, regular towing (particularly long-distance) requires each a capable vehicle and the support to maintain it going. For that reason, I’d go together with a 300 Series.
It could actually comfortably tow 3.5 tonnes without skimping on payload, and its acceleration and braking performance are of a high standard compared with other 4WD SUVs. But the largest drawcard – and the one which Toyota leans heavily on – is the undeniable fact that its dealerships are a dime a dozen, which suggests you’ll never should travel too far in case you run into trouble.
The 300s they sell are only as common, so it’ll be possible to source parts in a pinch. It’s simply a powerful all-rounder with a snug interior and good ride to back it up.
Not only that, however it’s more powerful than a Prado, and way more economical than the related Lexus LX. The one thing that’d keep me up at night could be the danger of theft, so improved security measures could be non-negotiable.
James Wong: Ford Everest Platinum
As much as I like the look of the brand new Toyota Prado, wanting more power than the two.8-litre diesel requires you to spend greater than $100k on either a Lexus GX550 which is significantly less efficient, or more again for a LandCruiser 300 Series.
Which is why the top-spec Ford Everest is my pick. Designed and developed in Australia, for Australians, the V6-powered Everest offers a superb balance between on a regular basis tech and useability, in addition to rugged capability.
Yes, I do know there have been some questions raised over long-term durability and reliability based on feedback from owners, however the relative value in comparison with the aforementioned Toyota products and muscular performance of a six-cylinder diesel for under $100k is a recipe few cars can match, even today.
The Platinum specification also packs in additional luxuries than you’d expect for a vehicle costing around $90,000, and there’s room for as much as seven which is handy as well.
My tip? Go for the no-cost all-terrain tyre package with smaller 18-inch wheels (versus the usual 20s) to higher the ride and off-road potential.
Ben Zachariah: Ford Everest Platinum
As someone who selected a petroleum V8-powered Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series to tow a rally automobile with – and who can’t recommend it highly enough – you’d assume I’d immediately gravitate towards the 300 Series.
And while I’m sure the brand new LandCruiser would do a commendable job, with a blank cheque I’d be leaning towards the GMC Yukon Denali. For whatever reason though, GM decided not to incorporate the Yukon in our towing megatest, so we’re probably not sure how it will stack up against a number of the industry’s proven off-roaders. A pity.
Which has me reverting to the Ford Everest Platinum, moderately than the large Toyota. In my recent review, I discovered a number of complaints with the Everest – like wanting a bit of more torque within the low-end – but these were relatively minor within the grand scheme of things.
Sure, there’s a little bit of tech and luxury involved, however the Everest is ultimately based on the Ranger ute – and has the additional advantage of selectable four-wheel drive for rainy conditions – making it a trustworthy workhorse for towing.
Overall, the premium off-roader from Ford offers plenty for the cash, and could be my shout for a seven-seater cross-country tow rig.
Damion Smy: Ford Everest Tremor
With few constraints, equivalent to budget, size and ‘reality’, a Chevrolet Silverado was the primary vehicle I believed of when considering this query.
The sheer capability, backed by a creamy old-school V8, was the drawcard, its physics-defying grunt combined with mega cabin space luring me in. Yet having to park the five-metre-plus long Chevy and navigate the busy streets near my place makes it less appealing. So, a ‘normal’-sized vehicle should be the pick, and there have been loads of those in our megatest.
Perhaps a Land Rover Defender? No, I’d go for a Ford Everest, probably the Tremor. It just looks absolutely right, and you already know it’s going to drive just as well when it’s towing. And it may also do more things than, say, a Silverado when it’s not on the job.
William Stopford: KGM Rexton or Ford Everest
Is the KGM Rexton nearly as good a towing vehicle because the Ford Everest V6? As our testing revealed, no. Is it loads cheaper though? You bet.
The Rexton range opens at $52,000 drive-away, and KGM usually does deals. You possibly can even get a Rexton Ultimate for lower than a base four-cylinder Everest, which makes it phenomenal value.
With the KGM finally gaining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist last yr, there are arguably no glaring gaps on the equipment list, and it’s still a nice vehicle to each drive and take a look at.
In case you do want more grunt, an Everest V6 is mighty tempting. You don’t even must step all the best way as much as the Platinum, either, with the Sport costing 1000’s less – though if I’m splashing this much money on something to tow my imaginary boat or horse float, I could as well go the entire hog.
In fact, if I actually desired to go the entire hog (and be the envy of the horsey set), there’s the mighty GMC Yukon…
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
