13 of the Best Cars for Towing a Caravan in 2025

27 February, 2025 By: Brendan Batty

Note: This list is a snapshot of vehicles currently available on the Australia market as tow vehicles which are also among the more reliable and capable. While the list is not exhaustive, it provides an overview of some of the better choices for most buyers.

It's common conception that if you want a good tow vehicle, it's got to be a large ute or SUV. And although there's a little more to it than that, in general bigger cars suit the Australian caravanning experience better than smaller ones.

Still, there are so many more options than LandCruisers and dual cab utes, so we've looked into some of the best fits for small, larger and very big caravans, divided across some typical weight ranges in Australia.

The list favours caravans which are from around 2000 to 3000kg, as this is what most people will tow, but there are options for those who want something lighter or need something bigger.

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Towing small to mid-size caravans up to 2000kg

Although caravans that weigh less than 2000kg are considered quite light in Australia, there are still some great options - everything from pop-up campers to sophisticated European caravans that suit their preference for small cars. One problem many small to medium SUV owners face, though, is tow ball download. Cars, like the Skoda Kodiaq, which won UK caravan magazine's Best Tow Car award, can tow 2000kg, but only with 100kg on the ball, making it largely unsuitable for many Aussie-built trailers. It does mean that even for small towing duties, larger vehicles are still best.

Toyota Kluger GX

The Kluger has always been an underrated member of the Toyota lineup, rarely getting the praise or attention of vehicles like the Corolla, Hilux or any of the LandCruisers. The latest Kluger model comes with Toyota's proven hybrid system that's well proven by every second taxi driver in a hybrid Camry (the two models are pretty similar). It's 2.5L engine and hybrid system produces up to 184kW in electric mode, and 391Nm, using around 6L of fuel per 100km in normal driving, more when towing.

The best thing about the Kluger is that it's a great car for everyday driving, but it's quite modest towing capacity of 2000kg gives it the flexibility to tow plenty of great caravans a few times a year. It's also cheap to run, and servicing is capped at less than $300 a year or every 15,000km.

Kia EV9 Earth

Currently, the largest of Kia's EVs boasts the largest towing capacity of any plug-in hybrid electric vehicle on the market. Rated to tow 2500kg, range will be quite significantly affected at that weight, so towing something below 2000kg will increase your range. With smaller campers, particularly ones that are aerodynamic or no higher than the roofline of the vehicle, motorists have reported getting well over 200km of range, easily enough to get you to Jurien Bay on a single charge. Without a camper, the Earth can travel around 500km.

The EV9 Earth is also a reasonably capable off-roader and, driven carefully, quite comfortable on corrugated or gravel roads or beaches with easy access where clearance isn't a huge issue. One family travelled Australia towing one and even drove the Gibb River Road.

It's also a great family car, and apart from the LDV MIFA or one of four Mercedes-Benz models, is the only EV with three rows of seats. It's not cheap, though - the EV9 is LandCruiser Sahara money, so you really need to be committed to the EV life to settle on it.

Subaru Outback Touring XT

Subaru SUVs have a long and respected track record, and the carmaker has continued to adapt them to the changing recreational driving landscape. The latest update to the Outback XT saw an increase in towing capacity from 2100 to 2400kg opening it up to a wider range of towing options. Even so, the Outback XT is much better suited to a lighter caravan than something near its towing maximum, so pairing it with a lightweight European caravan or small off-road pop top camper will be ideal. The less expensive non-turbocharged 2.5L Outbacks have a towing capacity of 2000kg.

The Outback XT’s 2.4L four-cylinder turbo creates 183kW of power, with reported towing range of around 300-350km. It's quite versatile around town, too, and it's no surprise these make ideal family cars.

Towing caravans from 2000 to 3000kg

Most caravans in Australia weigh in at around 2000 to 3000kg, so it's no surprise that the majority of great tow vehicles are perfect for this range. In recent years, as vehicle manufacturers started releasing vehicles that could comfortably tow heavier caravans, caravan manufacturers spent less money on weight savings and more on fitting modern conveniences or making them better off-road. This list isn't conclusive, as there are plenty of great utes and SUVs that fit the bill.

Toyota Prado

With its 48-volt electric-assist drivetrain, a new eight-speed transmission (previously a six-speed) and a stiffer platform that it now shares with the 300 Series, the new Prado is a big step up in tech and capability from its predecessor. It’s longer and wider and has a longer wheelbase too, which is all progress. Putting the spare tyre under the floor and accommodating the 48-volt battery created a packaging challenge in having to raise the floor, which will be an issue for some.

More power and torque from the engine would be good, but the Prado brings more than its share of tech and a welcome styling change. Plus, with its rated towing capacity increased to 3500kg, the Prado now matches that of its key rival, the Ford Everest.” Just on some other commitments around fuel and looming deadline currently.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series

"But the 70 Series LandCruiser can tow up to 3500kg", we hear you say. However, the only real reason to buy a 70 Series is if you plan on going seriously off-road (if not, buy a Kluger which is nicer around town) and if you really want the best from these four-wheel drives, pulling a lighter, more capable off-road caravan will be so much more rewarding than maxing out its capacities. This LandCruiser is perfect for off-road hybrid caravans and spending long periods away from civilisation.

With the demise of Toyota’s 4.5L V8 turbo diesel, the new 2.8L four cylinder turbo diesel which it shares with the HiLux and Prado has actually allowed better real-life performance and economy than the older, larger engine. That's made it better for towing, better on fuel, and even better around town.

BYD Shark 6

If you're serious about wanting an EV for everyday driving, but you still want to tow a reasonable payload without range anxiety, there's really only one option in 2025. The BYD Shark 6 combines a 30kWh battery, dual electric motors and a 1.5L internal combustion engine to produce 321kW and 600Nm of torque. That's a lot more than most dual cab utes. Around town and without a trailer, it can run entirely as an EV, or if power or range demands it, the engine will kick in to charge the batteries or even drive the front axles.

The Shark 6 can tow up to 2500kg, which makes it one of the few electric vehicles to tow anything close to a serious load, and well within the limits of many family caravans or trailers. If there's a downside, it's that towing fuel consumption is not better than similar utes, but for everything else, and especially around town, it can be quite economical.

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Isuzu D-Max or MU-X 3.0L turbo diesel

Since the launch of the D-Max and then the MU-X, the two vehicles have been a mainstay of the Australian towing scene for very good reason. Never quite the most outstanding vehicles, everything they did, they still did well, and both have been particularly reliable and economical, especially when towing. Its 3.0L turbo diesel engine is really quite legendary.

More recent updates, including much more refinement inside the cabin, have brought both vehicles in line with the expectations of modern drivers, too, and they remain popular with families and retirees who like the space and convenience of a ute or SUV for everyday duties. And if you're not planning on any off-road travel, the two-wheel drive versions will save you some money. Interestingly, an EV version is slated for release later in 2025. Isuzu says it can still tow 3500kg, but we expect range will be severely limited.

Ford Ranger XLT

Although the Ranger suffers from some of the same limitations as other dual cab utes, of them all, it's got one of the highest GCMs at 6400kg, giving it just a little more wiggle room when towing a 3000kg caravan (it can tow up to 3500kg, but load capacity is further compromised and axle weights are often an issue). It's also significantly cheaper than a Ram, Ford F150 or LandCruiser, so that makes it quite attractive. With it's 3.0L V6 turbo diesel producing 600Nm of torque and that managed by a 10-speed gearbox, it's quite capable, even under load, and is certainly a more environmentally responsible vehicle than any of the larger American pickups. It fits in a carpark space, too, which is much better if you need to drive it more often that just on holidays.

Land Rover Defender 110

As iconic as the old Defenders were, they always lacked the refinement (and reliability) desired by the average caravanner. That is until it was scrapped due to safety concerns and replaced by the all-new range. Now a modern, sophisticated and very capable vehicle, it's available with a range of engines, although the 3.0L mild hybrid, turbo diesel of the D350 is the most towing friendly. It is actually rated to tow up to 3495kg, but there are some restrictions on ball weight, rear axle capacity, overall GCM and even how high above sea level you are driving that have to be navigated. For smaller caravans, though, that's not as much of an issue, and with the Defender's air suspension, interior level of refinement and driveability, it makes a very comfortable long-term tourer without being a tractor around town.

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Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

Since at least the 100 Series, the LandCruiser has been the benchmark by which caravanners measure their tow cars – is it or isn't it better than a Cruiser? Nearly 30 years and two model cycles later, the answer is still, mostly, no, it isn't better (but it's probably nicer inside). The biggest change in the 300 was the move to a 3.3L, twin-turbo V6 diesel. Many worried that losing the 4.5L twin turbo V8 would render the Cruiser useless with a load, but almost four years in, it's proven itself quite capable.

The LandCruiser isn't perfect, though. It's still an expensive vehicle for the level of technology on offer and towing at 3500kg does mean a sacrifice of some load capacity, so it's much more suited to slightly lighter caravans, particularly if you're travelling with a family or extra gear on board.

Towing a caravan from 3000 to 3500kg

If you’re new to caravanning, you've probably come across plenty of talk about towing caravans that are 3500kg. It's very important to note that a 3000-3500kg trailer of any description is very big and very intimidating to tow. You should seriously consider the need for it before committing to something so large. As well, many vehicles which claim a 3500kg towing capacity can only do so with an almost empty vehicle. In many cases, just the weight of passengers, fuel and tow ball download is enough to tip them over the limit. As such, we've been very conservative in our recommendations for such large vans, so this list is almost all 'American' pick-ups. If your caravan is approaching 3500kg, you may want to talk to the manufacturer about fitting a 4500kg, 70mm hitch so the larger American pickups can use their 4500kg towing capacities.

RAM 2500 Laramie

The first time you drive a Ram 2500 will be intimidating and exhilarating. They are a large, comfortable and powerful light truck that screams American might. They're also one of the few vehicles in Australia that can reliably tow 3500kg or more with a full load of passengers and gear in the tray. You just need to get a 70mm ball and appropriate hitch fitted to your caravan, as that increases the GCM of the RAM.

The RAM is a serious truck with its 6.7L inline six turbo diesel pumping out 276kW and an astonishing 1084Nm of torque. You pay for that in fuel consumption, but if you really need to tow large loads, this truck will do it safely. As much as it's a truck, they're exceptionally well-appointed inside, and you'd be hard pressed finding such luxury in anything smaller.

Ford F150 XLT

Behind the Toyota Corolla, the Ford F150 is the world's second-most successful vehicle, selling over 41 million units since 1948. It's had a checkered history in Australia, but now part of our official Ford model-linup, the XLT makes a very compelling tow vehicle. Rated to tow 4500kg in total, if you can limit yourself to 3500kg and 350kg on the ball, you should have around 600kg of load capacity left, which is about what a LandCruiser 300 Series has empty.

The F150 is also backed by Ford in Australia, unlike some of the other American pickups which are imported by conversion companies unaffiliated with the manufacturer. It's powered by a 3.5L V6 twin turbo petrol that produces 298kW and 678Nm of torque. Plenty to pull a big caravan in comfort.

Toyota Tundra

Toyota always seems to dominate lists of great towing vehicles, so it’s no surprise the Tundra makes it here. Like the Ford F150, the Tundra is backed by Toyota locally but converted by Walkinshaw Automotive (which also converts the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado). Inside, the Tundra is huge and seems far more sophisticated than the LandCruiser.

It can also tow 4500kg, and payload is only limited by the tow ball mass. It can usually carry 758kg. With a 3500kg trailer and 350kg tow ball mass, though, it can still carry around 400kg of gear. The Tundra is powered by a 3.6L V6 twin turbo petrol capable of 290kW and 649Nm of torque – slightly behind the F150, however Toyota has always been conservative when building engines.