Best SUVs for Towing Boats, Caravans, and Trailers in Australia – 2025 Ultimate Guide

Towing a caravan along the coast, hauling a boat to your weekend getaway, or dragging a work trailer up a rural hill—whatever your adventure or lifestyle, you need an SUV with muscle, stability, and smart towing tech. In 2025, Australia’s SUV market is bursting with 4x4s, large crossovers, and performance SUVs ready to take on the country’s towing demands.

But which ones truly deliver on towing capability without sacrificing comfort, tech, or fuel efficiency? In this comprehensive guide, we break down the best SUVs in Australia for towing, including their capacities, drivetrains, features, and why they’re great for Aussie conditions.

🔧 Key Features You Need in a Towing SUV

Before jumping into specific models, it's important to understand what makes an SUV great for towing:

• High Braked Towing Capacity: Ideally 2500kg or more for caravans and boats.
• 4x4 or AWD System: For slippery ramps, gravel roads, or off-road towing.
• Torque-Rich Engine: Diesel and turbocharged petrols offer better torque delivery.
• Tow-Specific Tech: Trailer sway control, blind-spot monitoring, reversing assist.
• Strong Chassis and Suspension: Ladder frames or heavy-duty underpinnings.
• Good GVM and GCM: So you’re not limited by payload when towing big loads.

Let’s now look at the top SUVs in Australia that tick these boxes.

🚙 1. Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – The Towing King

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg
• Engine: 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel
• GCM: 6750kg
• Why it stands out: Legendary reliability, off-road pedigree, luxury and power.

The LandCruiser is Australia’s go-to for serious towing and touring. In 2025, the 300 Series continues its reign with a new twin-turbo diesel engine that’s more efficient but just as grunty. Paired with a 10-speed auto, it handles big caravans and trailers with ease—even over sand dunes or rough tracks. Models like the VX and Sahara ZX add premium comfort to your haul.

🚗 2. Ford Everest Platinum – Aussie-Built Towing Machine

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg
• Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel
• GCM: 6250kg
• Why it stands out: Towing-specific driver aids and smart trailering tech.

The Ford Everest is a hit with Aussie families and adventurers alike. In Platinum trim, you get adaptive cruise, 12-inch vertical screen, electric towing brake control, and great torque delivery. It's based on the Ranger ute platform, so it's rugged underneath but refined inside. Perfect for caravanning the east coast or heading bush.

🚙 3. Isuzu MU-X LS-T – Reliable Workhorse

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg
• Engine: 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel
• GCM: 5900kg
• Why it stands out: Excellent fuel economy, bulletproof engine.

The MU-X remains one of the most reliable and affordable full-size 4x4 SUVs in Australia. While it’s not as flashy as some others, it’s dependable and built tough. The 3.0L diesel is proven and smooth under load, and the suspension handles towing weight well. It's also surprisingly comfortable and tech-friendly.

🚗 4. Nissan Patrol Ti-L – Petrol Power and Luxury

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3500kg
• Engine: 5.6L V8 petrol
• GCM: 7000kg
• Why it stands out: V8 grunt, ultra-smooth ride, and a cavernous interior.

The Patrol is for those who prefer petrol power over diesel. Its silky V8 delivers effortless highway towing, and its self-leveling suspension helps maintain stability under heavy loads. It’s also among the most spacious SUVs for big families heading to remote campsites with a boat in tow.

🚙 5. Jeep Grand Cherokee L – Premium American Muscle

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2813kg (diesel models can tow up to 3500kg overseas)
• Engine: 3.6L V6 petrol
• GCM: ~6000kg
• Why it stands out: Refined luxury meets moderate towing ability.

While not the towing king like the LC300 or Everest, the Grand Cherokee L offers seven-seat versatility and enough grunt for small boats or trailers. If you’re towing lighter loads but want the creature comforts and a stylish cabin, the Jeep fits the bill.

🚗 6. Toyota Prado – Mid-Size Legend

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3000kg
• Engine: 2.8L turbo diesel
• GCM: 5990kg
• Why it stands out: Proven performance, Toyota reliability.

The Prado has long been a staple in Australian towing culture. Though its GVM is modest, it's ideal for medium-sized caravans or dual-axle trailers. With its robust 4x4 system and recent tech upgrades, the 2025 model is a smart all-rounder.

🚙 7. Hyundai Palisade Diesel – Comfort and Towing in One

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2200kg
• Engine: 2.2L turbo diesel
• GCM: 4700kg
• Why it stands out: Smooth diesel and luxurious seven-seater interior.

While not a hardcore off-roader, the Palisade’s diesel torque and eight-speed auto make it great for smaller trailers or campervans. Families will appreciate the quiet ride and space for up to eight passengers.

🛠️ Honorable Mentions

Here are some more SUVs worth considering depending on your towing needs:

🧰 Towing Tips for Aussie SUV Owners

Whether you're towing a boat, caravan, or box trailer, here are a few expert towing tips for Australian roads:

• Install a Proper Tow Bar: Not all are rated equally—ensure it matches your SUV’s capacity.
• Balance Your Load: Distribute weight evenly and avoid exceeding axle load ratings.
• Use Towing Mirrors: They're legally required for wide trailers and improve safety.
• Know Your GVM & GCM: Ensure you’re within legal weight limits to avoid fines and safety risks.
• Practice Reversing: Especially with longer trailers or boats—it takes patience and practice.
• Engage Tow Mode or Manual Gears on Descents: Prevents overheating and improves control.

⚖️ Final Thoughts: Which SUV Is Best for Your Towing Needs?

It all depends on what you’re hauling and where you’re headed.

• For heavy-duty towing and long trips: Toyota LandCruiser 300, Ford Everest, and Nissan Patrol are unbeatable.
• For budget-conscious buyers: Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport offer outstanding value.
• For petrol fans with lighter loads: Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-90 provide balance and comfort.

As Australia continues to embrace caravanning, boating, and adventure travel, choosing the right SUV can make or break your experience. Always match the vehicle to your lifestyle—and tow responsibly.