2025’s Best Cars for Towing Caravans in Australia

2025’s Best Cars for Towing Caravans in Australia

Australia’s vast, open landscapes are tailor-made for caravanning adventures—from beachside escapes to remote outback journeys. But not every car can handle the hefty task of towing a caravan, especially one that's fully loaded for a cross-country trip. That’s why choosing the right tow vehicle is crucial.

In 2025, automakers have raised the bar with new and updated models boasting higher towing capacities, better safety tech, improved fuel efficiency, and greater comfort for long hauls. Whether you're pulling a lightweight camper or a fully-equipped off-road van, here’s your comprehensive guide to the best towing vehicles available in Australia this year.

🚙 What Makes a Great Caravan Tow Car?

Before we dive into the best models, here are key factors that define a great towing vehicle:

• Towing Capacity (Braked): Must match or exceed your caravan's weight.

• GVM and GCM: Gross Vehicle Mass and Gross Combination Mass are critical.

• Engine Torque: Diesel engines often perform better thanks to higher torque at lower RPMs.

• Transmission & Cooling: Strong automatic transmissions and engine braking systems are preferred.

• Chassis & Suspension: A rugged ladder frame or strong monocoque is a must for stability.

• Towing Features: Trailer sway control, towing mirrors, trailer brake compatibility, reversing camera, and blind-spot monitoring are extremely helpful.

🔝 Top 10 Cars for Towing Caravans in 2025

Let’s get into the best-performing vehicles for caravan towing in Australia:

1. 2025 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 3.3L twin-turbo diesel V6

• Torque: 700 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  The LandCruiser remains Australia’s gold standard for caravan towing. The 300 Series offers legendary durability, 4WD capability, and advanced towing features like crawl control, trailer sway assist, and a tow-hitch view camera.

2. 2025 Ford Ranger V6 / Ranger Raptor

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel / 3.0L twin-turbo petrol V6 (Raptor)

• Torque: Up to 600 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  The new Ranger is built tough and offers superior towing stability and power. The Raptor version is also capable, although geared more toward off-roading.

3. 2025 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 3.0L turbo diesel

• Torque: 450 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  One of the most popular utes in Australia, the D-MAX has an excellent chassis, off-road readiness, and consistent towing performance, plus a strong reputation for reliability.

4. 2025 Toyota HiLux Rogue / SR5

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 2.8L turbo diesel

• Torque: 500 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  HiLux remains a favourite for tradies and grey nomads alike. It combines good ground clearance, high torque, a rugged frame, and comprehensive safety features.

5. 2025 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,100 kg

• Engine: 2.4L turbo diesel

• Torque: 430 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  More affordable than rivals, it’s still a capable SUV with a full ladder frame, off-road drive modes, and good towing manners.

6. 2025 Mazda BT-50 Thunder

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 3.0L turbo diesel (same as D-MAX)

• Torque: 450 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  Mechanically identical to the D-MAX, the BT-50 adds stylish design, better cabin materials, and advanced safety features.

7. 2025 RAM 1500 Laramie / Limited

• Braked Towing Capacity: 4,500 kg

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8

• Torque: 556 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  If you’ve got a big caravan, the RAM 1500 has you covered. It’s a full-sized American pickup with unmatched pulling power, a spacious interior, and luxury appeal.

8. 2025 Nissan Patrol Ti-L

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 5.6L V8 petrol

• Torque: 560 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  A V8 powerhouse with loads of grunt, excellent road presence, and comfort for long-distance touring. Less fuel efficient, but smooth and capable.

9. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• Braked Towing Capacity: 4,500 kg

• Engine: 6.2L V8 petrol

• Torque: 624 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  Ideal for large vans or horse floats. The Silverado comes with trailer sway control, trailer brake controller, and a durable boxed steel frame.

10. 2025 Land Rover Defender 130

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg

• Engine: 3.0L turbo diesel inline-6

• Torque: 650 Nm

• Why It’s Great:
  Luxury meets capability. The Defender offers air suspension, adaptive cruise with trailer assist, and a massive interior for family touring.

🛻 Towing-Friendly SUVs vs Utes – Which Is Better?

Utes (like the Ranger, D-MAX, and HiLux) generally offer:

• Higher payloads

• Tougher frames

• Longer tray for extra gear

SUVs (like the LandCruiser, Patrol, Pajero Sport) typically provide:

• Better cabin comfort

• More rear-seat space

• Smoother ride quality

Your choice depends on lifestyle—utes for versatility and load-hauling; SUVs for passenger comfort and luxury.

⚙️ Key Towing Features to Look for in 2025 Models

• Tow Mode & Transmission Cooler: Keeps gear shifts and engine temps under control.

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Standard in RAM and Silverado.

• Rear-view & Hitch Cameras: Assist in connecting trailers solo.

• Blind-spot Assist for Trailers: Found in premium models like the Defender.

• Adjustable Air Suspension: Ideal for levelling heavy loads.

💡 Tips for Safe Caravan Towing in Australia

1. Match Caravan to Vehicle – Never exceed the rated GCM and braked towing limit.

2. Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) – Improves handling and braking.

3. Brake Controller – Essential for caravans over 750 kg.

4. Upgrade Tyres – LT tyres with load rating suited for towing.

5. Service Your Vehicle – Check brakes, cooling, and suspension.

6. Practice Manoeuvring – Especially before long trips.

📊 Comparison Table: 2025 Top Tow Cars

🌍 Can Electric Vehicles Tow in 2025?

EVs are improving but remain limited in towing range. The upcoming Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T (not yet in Australia officially) offer high towing capacities but suffer from heavy energy draw. Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 have braked ratings around 1,600 kg—fine for small campers only.

🧾 Final Thoughts: Which Tow Vehicle Should You Buy in 2025?

If you plan to tow heavy vans or venture into remote Australia, the LandCruiser 300, RAM 1500, and Ford Ranger V6 are your best bets. For more budget-conscious travellers, the Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 strike a great balance between capability and value.

Ultimately, consider:

• Caravan weight and size

• How often you’ll tow

• Need for off-road ability

• Fuel economy vs towing power

• Comfort for long trips

Get it right, and you’ll unlock the ultimate Aussie road trip lifestyle.