The ability to tow 3500kg seems to be a requirement for large SUVs and vans in Australia, even though many of us never haul anything that heavy.
It’s a level of performance that’s expected – just as large SUVs and light trucks are expected to be able to tackle challenging trails and wade through deep water.
Although the majority of buyers are unlikely to push their vehicles to the limits of their capabilities, there are still many buyers who really need a towing capacity of more than 3500kg.
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To that end, Daily Sparkz put ten large off-road SUVs through a series of tests to see how well they handled a heavy trailer.
You can see the results in our video, but we also asked the question to the general public Daily Sparkz Editor: Which of these models would you buy if you needed a vehicle capable of towing a large load?
As you will see, there were two vehicles in particular that received a lot of love and one Dark Horse contender that also received some recognition.
Sean Lander: KGM Rexton and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
I have two recommendations: one for the budget conscious and one for the “money is no object” type.
Budget – KGM Rexton
From the outside you wouldn’t think this would be the right choice. But at less than $60,000 drive-thru for the Ultimate trim, it’s an absolute bang for your buck.
It’s not very fast and the gearbox still needs some calibration, but it can easily tow the three tons we have strapped to the back.
At maximum towing capacity, payload will be an issue, but the Rexton is quite comfortable, has a robust engine that has less torque than its rivals but uses it well, and has ventilated seats – a must for long-distance touring.
Money doesn’t matter – Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
There’s a reason you see as many of them as flies in the bush. They do everything well (except for slippery conditions – that will make sense when part three of our mega test appears) and offer a lot of comfort.
At $140,000 (plus $2,500 for a ghost immobilizer), it’s significantly cheaper than its Lexus cousin and more fuel-efficient. It can easily tow 3.5 tonnes and with a simple GVM upgrade it can do more.
Every time I ride a cruiser I remind myself why they are so good. They are smooth, quiet and refined and also have a lot of power.
The last part is the most important: I’ve encountered many Beryls and Borises trying to get onto a highway at 110 km/h with their overloaded van in the back of a Pajero Sport, and each time they take longer to get up to speed (most likely the top speed is 80 km/h) than it takes a 240 freight train to stop.
The Cruiser doesn’t have this problem – which is one of the reasons we test 0-100km/h times. If you question this point, please, for heaven’s sake, never deduct anything.
If you are serious about doing the “big round” and towing, you need to invest in the right equipment. Toyota dealers are everywhere, parts supply is generally good, and even the mechanic/Golden Fleece driver 500km west of Tennant Creek knows how to fix something that breaks.
If you just want to travel around and stay in hotels, definitely buy a cheaper option. However, if you plan on towing anything more than a 10×5 trailer across this Great Southern Land, buy a “cruiser.” And a high-quality immobilizer.
MORE: Explore the KGM Rexton showroom
MORE: Explore the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series showroom
Marton Pettendy: Ford Everest Platinum
At the risk of following the crowd (and my colleagues), the Ford Everest Platinum would be my preferred all-wheel-drive SUV weapon for towing.
The range-topping Everest’s powerful V6 diesel engine easily handles its 3,500kg towing capacity, provides plenty of range and offers all the luxury available in Australia’s best-selling large SUV – and the country’s only home-grown SUV – for under $100,000.
But I’d swap the standard 20-inch alloy wheels for the more compliant sidewalls of the free 18-inch All-Terrain Tire/Wheel package, which gives you more ride comfort and off-road traction – and if you’re towing, you won’t miss the added off-road capability or harsh ride of the lifted Tremor.
MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
Max Davies: Toyota LandCruiser 300 series
As at least one of my colleagues has pointed out, regular towing (especially over long distances) requires both a capable vehicle and the support to keep it running. For this reason I would choose the 300 series.
It can comfortably tow 3.5 tonnes without sacrificing payload, and its acceleration and braking performance is at a high level compared to other all-wheel drive SUVs. But the biggest plus point – and the one Toyota relies heavily on – is the fact that its dealers have a dozen, meaning you’ll never have to travel too far if you run into trouble.
The 300s they sell are equally common, so it’s possible to source parts in a pinch. It’s simply a strong all-rounder with a comfortable interior and good handling.
It’s also more powerful than a Prado and far more economical than the related Lexus LX. The only thing that would keep me awake at night would be the risk of theft, so improved security measures would be non-negotiable.
MORE: Explore the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series showroom
James Wong: Ford Everest Platinum
As much as I like the looks of the new Toyota Prado, if you want more power than the 2.8-liter diesel, you’ll have to spend more than $100,000 for a Lexus GX550, which is significantly less efficient, or even more for a LandCruiser 300 Series.
That’s why the top-of-the-range Ford Everest is my choice. Designed and engineered in Australia for Australians, the V6-powered Everest delivers an excellent balance of everyday technology and ease of use as well as robust performance.
Yes, I know that owner feedback has raised some questions about long-term durability and reliability, but the relative value compared to the Toyota products mentioned above and the strong performance of a six-cylinder diesel for under $100,000 is a recipe that few cars can match, even today.
The Platinum trim also offers more luxury than you’d expect for a vehicle priced around $90,000, and there’s room for up to seven people, which is also practical.
My tip? Opt for the no-cost All-Terrain Tire package with smaller 18-inch wheels (compared to the standard 20-inch wheels) to improve handling and off-road capability.
MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
Ben Zachariah: Ford Everest Platinum
As someone who chose a petrol V8-powered Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series to tow a rally car – and highly recommends it – you’d think I’d be immediately interested in the 300 Series.
And while I’m sure the new LandCruiser would do a commendable job, I’d lean towards the GMC Yukon Denali with a blank check. However, for some reason, GM decided not to include the Yukon in our trailer hitch mega test, so we’re not really sure how it would compare to some of the industry’s proven off-roaders. Too bad.
That’s why I choose the Ford Everest Platinum rather than the big Toyota. In my last review I noted a few criticisms of the Everest – such as the desire for a little more low-end torque – but these were relatively minor overall.
Sure, there’s a bit of tech and luxury, but the Everest is ultimately based on the Ranger ute – and has the added benefit of switchable all-wheel drive for rainy conditions – making it a reliable workhorse for towing.
Overall, Ford’s premium off-roader offers good value for money and would be my choice for a seven-seater off-road vehicle.
MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
Damion Smy: Ford Everest Tremor
Due to some limitations such as budget, size, and “reality,” a Chevrolet Silverado was the first vehicle I thought of when I pondered this question.
The sheer performance backed by a creamy old-school V8 was the draw, its physics-defying grunt combined with the huge amount of interior space enticing me. But having to park the 15-foot-long Chevy and navigate the busy streets near my house makes it less attractive. So the choice has to be a “normal-sized” vehicle, and there were plenty of them in our mega test.
Maybe a Land Rover Defender? No, I would go for a Ford Everest, probably the Tremor. It just looks absolutely right and you know it will drive just as well when towing a trailer. And it can also do more things than, say, a Silverado when it’s not in use.
MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
William Stopford: KGM Rexton or Ford Everest
Is the KGM Rexton as good a towing vehicle as the Ford Everest V6? As our tests showed, no. But is it much cheaper? You can bet on it.
The Rexton range starts at $52,000 in-car and KGM regularly makes offers. You can even get a Rexton Ultimate for less than a base four-cylinder Everest, making it a phenomenal value.
With the KGM finally adding adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning last year, there are arguably no glaring gaps in the features list, and it’s still a pleasant vehicle to both drive and look at.
If you want more power, an Everest V6 is a big temptation. You don’t even have to go all the way up to Platinum, either, since the sport costs thousands less – but if I’m going to spend that much money on something to tow my imaginary boat or horse raft, I might as well go all out.
Of course, if I really want to go all out (and make the whole group of horses jealous), there’s the mighty GMC Yukon…
MORE: Explore the KGM Rexton showroom
MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
