10 Best Cars For Towing Caravans And Trailers

Embarking on any kind of road trip offers the freedom to explore the open road, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, and create unforgettable memories. However, choosing the right vehicle for towing your caravan or trailer is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Whether you’re experienced at towing a trailer, or you’re a newbie to caravan towing, understanding the key factors that make a car suitable for this task is paramount. This comprehensive guide delves into the realm of towing caravans and trailers to unveil the best cars for your towing needs.

With an ever-growing market of vehicles catering to this specific need, it’s essential to navigate the sea of options and find the perfect match for your requirements. In this article, I’ll explore the intricacies of towing capacity, weight distribution, stability, and more.

Whether you prioritise robust torque for conquering steep terrains or advanced safety technologies for enhanced stability, this article will help you find the car you need.

So, fasten your seatbelts and explore the best cars for towing caravans and trailers.

The best cars for towing

The vehicles in this list have been carefully selected based on their towing capacity, stability features, and overall performance. From rugged SUVs to powerful trucks, these contenders excel in power and torque. Without further ado, here are the best ten cars for towing caravans or trailers.

1. Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series VX

The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been hailed as a revelation for towing, and the new 300 Series VX is no exception. It works well towing 3500kg or under, but remember that the maximum weight reduces the payload to 300kg.

The V6 turbo diesel engine can quickly shift anything, while the 700Nm of torque output means you can tackle any terrain. The enormous 6850kg GCM also means you don’t have to reduce the 3300kg gross vehicle mass (GVM), giving you a lot of weight to play with even when towing the maximum weight of 3500kg.

Image Source: Toyota

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland TDV6

Jeep is renowned for its towing abilities, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland TDV6 is no exception. With a 3.0 L turbo-diesel V6 diesel engine and 550Nm of torque, this beast shifts smoothly through eight speeds. It’s also very stable when towing, thanks to the 2915mm wheelbase and short rear axle.

Unlike Toyota, however, you must reduce the payload when towing the maximum capacity to keep within the 6099kg GCM.

Image Source: Jeep

3. Land Rover Discovery TD6 HSE

Details: Like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Land Rover Discovery has a solid body construction but with Range Rover technology to keep it much lighter. Nicknamed the ‘Disco’, the lightweight body means the total GVM is 3170kg, allowing for an enormous 940kg payload, making it a better dual cab ute option than many others.

It’s powered by a fuel-efficient 3.0 litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, providing 600Nm of torque. There’s height-adjustable air suspension, too.

Image Source: Land Rover

4. Isuzu Ute MU-X LS-U

The Isuzu MU-X is a popular towing model and even a popular off-roader for nomadic travellers. The Isuzu Ute has been a best-seller for multiple years, leading to the release of a newer two-model lineup, including the Isuzu MU-X and the Isuzu D-MAX. It’s available in 4×4 ute or 4×2 variants, with the same towing capacity of 3500kg.

The estimated range when towing is 513km, giving you a decent trip towing a heavy load. Plus, this lightweight model is a cheaper option. It matches the Land Cruiser 70 Series in terms of torque, with a six-speed auto that shifts seamlessly even under sustained loads.

Image Source: Isuzu Ute

5. Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance

The Volkswagen Touareg is perfect for on-road driving, with a smooth, stable towing performance that feels effortless. It has a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with plenty of torque and an estimated towing range of 662km.

Although it can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, the 290kg tow ball weight limit might slightly reduce that. That said, the Volkswagen Touareg feels effortless to drive for day-to-day towing capability.

Image Source: Volkswagen

6. Mistubishi Pajero Sport

The Mitsubishi Pajero is great value for money, offering a smooth car that even works off-road. It’s a reliable model with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and there are plenty of options for purchasing (you can even make it a seven-seater).

Although it has a slightly lower capacity for towing at 3.1 tonnes, it’s an affordable and versatile option for those seeking a reliable 4WD wagon.

Image Source: Mistubishi

7. Ford Everest Trend RWD

The Ford Everest was engineered in Australia, which makes it the perfect model for tackling the rough Aussie terrain; it even has an all-wheel drive to conquer anything. It features a unique rear suspension system, providing one of the best off-road towing experiences.

A dedicated Tow/Haul mode gives the 10-speed automatic transmission the required settings to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, while the twin-turbo diesel engine provides the power. The coil-spring rear suspension, short rear axle to tow ball reach, and 3000kg braked towing capacity combine to make a very functional, very effective car for towing.

However, remember that you cannot exceed the 5800kg GCM, which means reducing the payload by 300kg when towing 3000kg. The RWD model has the same 3000kg braked tow rating but is cheaper, so this is worth considering if you want a more affordable option.

Image Source: Ford

8. Toyota Prado GXL

The Toyota Prado’s 2.8-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine is well up to the task of towing. Even though this is a lighter model than others on this list, it’s still a fantastic option. It’s the smaller version of the Toyota LandCruiser and shares the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with its other cousin, the Toyota Hilux.

As a seven-seater with a plush interior inside the car, it’s great for road trips. Even when it’s pulling the maximum tow capacity, it can still carry 405kg of additional weight, such as people and luggage.

Image Source: Toyota

9. Ford Ranger XLT

The Ford Ranger XLT is a potent vehicle that boasts a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination ensures smooth and efficient performance on the road, whether you’re driving in the city or off-road.

It’s also equipped with Ford’s Terrain Management System, which includes Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Rut, and Sand modes, allowing it to tackle any terrain with ease.

Image Source: Ford

10. Toyota Hilux GR Sport

The Toyota HiLux GR Sport is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It features a sport-tuned suspension, GR badging, and a unique grille, making it stand out from the regular HiLux models.

It has advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and road sign assist.

Image Source: Toyota

Australian towing regulations

Towing a caravan or camper trailer in Australia requires adherence to specific regulations. Each state and territory has its own towing rules, which vary slightly. Here’s a rundown of the guidelines in each locality.

Please note that, when towing, ensure you account for the gross combination mass (GCM).

Exploring electric and hybrid cars for towing

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, but there’s little point in getting one if you need to tow and it’s not up to the task. However, you might be surprised to learn that electric cars have high torque, averaging 100-400Nm. For reference, petrol and diesel models have an average of 100-200Nm.

Electric units are few and far between, so tow loads are lower for most EVs. Currently, the BMW iX can tow the most, at 2500kg. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is average at about 1600kg.

The main concern when towing with an EV is the driving range. Towing does reduce the range, but some EVs can still get quite far. A Tesla Model S, for example, has an estimated range of 500km. If you tow a 2000kg caravan, the range is reduced to about 300km, so there’s usually no need for range anxiety when EV towing.

Additional tips for towing with electric vehicles

Choose the right size: Selecting a caravan, trailer, or boat, that aligns with your EV’s capabilities is crucial to avoiding the pitfalls of towing an excessively heavy or oversized unit.

Check your EV’s towing capacity: The owner’s manual typically provides information on the EV’s towing capacity, enabling you to gauge its capabilities accurately.

Consider a weight-distribution hitch: Opting for a weight-distribution hitch aids in distributing the weight more evenly, enhancing the vehicle’s handling and stability during towing.

Take it slow: Taking a gradual and measured approach while towing is important. Avoid abrupt acceleration or braking, and maintain a steady and controlled pace throughout the journey.

Plan out your charging stops: It’s best to know where to recharge your vehicle. Prioritise mapping these locations to schedule necessary charging stops and ensure a smooth journey.

Revolutionise your towing

Ready to enhance your towing experience with seamless control and safety? Try Elecbrakes, the ultimate electric brake controller for towing caravans, campers and trailer loads up to 4500kg ATM. If you’re towing a trailer, caravan or boat over 750kg, you need a brake controller, and Elecbrakes can get you where you need to go safely and smoothly.

With Elecbrakes’ easy DIY setup, anyone can install Elecbrakes’ Plug + Play system in as little as 5 minutes, with no electrical experience. Take your towing experience to the next level, and try Elecbrakes today.