Being able to tow 3500kg seems to be a pre-requisite for large SUVs and utes in Australia, even though many of us never haul anything this heavy.
It’s a level of capability that’s expected – just like how large SUVs and utes are expected to be able to traverse challenging trails and wade through deep water.
Of course, while the majority of buyers probably won’t push their vehicles to the upper reaches of their abilities, there are still plenty of buyers who genuinely need the ability 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 can view the results in our video, but we also posed the question to the wider CarExpert editorial team: which of these models would they buy if they needed a vehicle that was capable of being able to tow a large load?
As you’ll see, there were two vehicles in particular that got a lot of love, and a dark horse contender that also received some nods.
Sean Lander: KGM Rexton and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
I have two picks: one for the budget-conscious and one ‘money no object’.
Budget – KGM Rexton
From the outside, you wouldn’t think this would be the pick. But at under $60,000 drive-away for the Ultimate spec, it is absolute bang for your buck.
It’s not very fast, and the gearbox needs some calibration, but it can comfortably tow the three-tonne mass we strapped to the back of it.
Payload at max towing will be an issue, but the Rexton is rather comfortable, features 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 many of these as flies in the bush. They just do everything well (except for slippery conditions – that will make sense when part three of our megatest comes out) and offer a lot of comfort.
For $140,000 (plus $2500 for a ghost immobiliser) it’s considerably cheaper than its Lexus cousin and more economical. It can easily tow 3.5 tonnes and with a simple GVM upgrade can do more.
Every time I drive a ‘Cruiser I remember why they’re so good. They’re smooth, quiet and refined, with plenty of power to boot.
That last part is the most important: I’ve come across plenty of Beryls and Borises attempting to pull onto a 110km/h highway with their overloaded van on the back of a Pajero Sport and every time it takes them longer to get up to speed (most likely capping said speed at 80km/h) than a 240 Freight train takes to stop.
The ‘Cruiser doesn’t have that issue – which is one of the reasons we test 0-100km/h times. If you question the point, please for the love of god, don’t ever tow anything.
If you’re serious about doing ‘The Big Lap’, and want to tow, you need to invest in proper equipment. Toyota dealers are everywhere, parts supply is generally good, and even the mechanic/Golden Fleece operator 500km west of Tennant Creek will know how to fix something that breaks on it.
If you just want to travel around and stay in hotels, by all means buy a cheaper option. But if you plan to tow anything over a 10×5 trailer around this Great Southern Land, buy a ‘Cruiser. And a quality immobiliser.
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 four-wheel drive SUV weapon of choice for towing.
The top-spec Everest’s lusty V6 diesel easily copes with its 3500kg towing capacity, provides plenty of range, and offers all of the 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 standard 20-inch alloys for the more compliant sidewalls of the no-cost 18-inch all-terrain tyre/wheel package, which will give you more ride comfort and off-road traction – and if you’re towing you won’t miss the extra 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 (particularly long-distance) requires both a capable vehicle and the support to keep it going. For that reason, I’d go with a 300 Series.
It can 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 biggest drawcard – and the one that Toyota leans heavily on – is the fact that its dealerships are a dime a dozen, which means you’ll never have to travel too far if you run into trouble.
The 300s they sell are just as common, so it’ll be possible to source parts in a pinch. It’s simply a strong all-rounder with a comfortable interior and good ride to back it up.
Not only that, but it’s more powerful than a Prado, and far more economical than the related Lexus LX. The only thing that’d keep me up 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 love the look of the new Toyota Prado, wanting more power than the 2.8-litre diesel requires you to spend more 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 an excellent balance between everyday tech and useability, as well as rugged capability.
Yes, I know there have been some questions raised over long-term durability and reliability based on feedback from owners, but the relative value compared to 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 more luxuries than you’d expect for a vehicle costing around $90,000, and there’s room for up to seven which is handy as well.
My tip? Opt for the no-cost all-terrain tyre package with smaller 18-inch wheels (versus the standard 20s) to better the ride and off-road potential.
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 with – and who can’t recommend it highly enough – you would assume I would instantly gravitate towards the 300 Series.
And while I’m sure the 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 include the Yukon in our towing megatest, so we’re not really sure how it would stack up against some of the industry’s proven off-roaders. A pity.
Which has me reverting to the Ford Everest Platinum, rather than the big Toyota. In my recent review, I found a few complaints with the Everest – like wanting a little more torque in the low-end – but these were relatively minor in the grand scheme of things.
Sure, there’s a bit of tech and luxury involved, but the Everest is ultimately based on the Ranger ute – and has the added benefit 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 money, and would be my shout for a seven-seater cross-country tow rig.
MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
Damion Smy: Ford Everest Tremor
With few constraints, such as budget, size and ‘reality’, a Chevrolet Silverado was the first vehicle I thought of when considering this question.
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 must be the pick, and there were plenty 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 know it will drive just as well when it’s towing. And it can also do more things than, say, a Silverado when it’s not on the job.
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 testing revealed, no. Is it a lot cheaper though? You bet.
The Rexton range opens at $52,000 drive-away, and KGM regularly does deals. You can even get a Rexton Ultimate for less than a base four-cylinder Everest, which makes it phenomenal value.
With the KGM finally gaining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist last year, there are arguably no glaring gaps on the equipment list, and it’s still a pleasant vehicle to both drive and look at.
If you do want more grunt, an Everest V6 is mighty tempting. You don’t even need to step all the way up to the Platinum, either, with the Sport costing thousands less – though if I’m splashing this much cash on something to tow my imaginary boat or horse float, I may as well go the whole hog.
Of course, if I really wanted to go the whole hog (and be the envy of the horsey set), there’s the mighty GMC Yukon…
