BEST SUV / 4X4 TOW VEHICLES IN 2026 – A WEIGHTED REVIEW

Top Caravan Tow Vehicles in Australia for 2026

Words by Warren Parrot – 5^th March 2026

Picking the right SUV / 4X4 for your Caravan – PRICE, GVM & GCM

Anyone who has ever bought a Caravan or Camper is either fully aware, or find out the hard way the importance of having the right tow vehicle for your van.

As of March 2026, the Australian towing landscape is dominated by high-torque diesel engines and a growing presence of advanced towing technology. Choosing a caravan tow vehicle now requires balancing traditional mechanical “grunt” with sophisticated electronic aids like trailer backup assistance and integrated brake controllers.

For heavy towing in Australia, understanding the relationship between Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combined Mass (GCM) is critical and tends to bring forth many a debate amongst caravanners around the camp fire. These limits dictate how much weight you can safely carry in the car while simultaneously towing your caravan.

Here is the detailed breakdown for the top five tow vehicles as of March 2026.

1. Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (VX & Sahara)

Toyota has been the leader in this space since I can remember. Back in the early 2000’s, Nissan gave them a run for their money with the Patrol but then Nissan seemed to lose their way and Toyota ran home with un-disputed biscuits.

The “King of the Road” remains the benchmark for long-distance touring in Australia. The 300 Series is lauded for its effortless power delivery and the best dealer service network for remote outback travel and is a definite favourite with Caravanners but particularly 4X4 enthusiasts.

• Review Highlights: It offers a very polished ride and stable handling even when hauling a full 3.5-tonne Caravan. The twin-turbo V6 provides massive low-rev pulling power.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Diesel (227kW / 700Nm).
  • Towing Capacity: 3,500kg braked (350kg Towball Download).
  • Price Point: From ~$100,000 (GX) to ~$147,910 (Sahara ZX) plus on-road costs.
• Essential Mods/Tech: The Toyota Towing Kit is a must for warranty compliance. Many owners opt for a GVM upgrade due to the relatively low payload when fully loaded for touring.

The 300 Series is unique because its GCM is exactly the sum of its GVM and maximum towing capacity. This means you do not have to “trade off” vehicle payload to tow at the full 3,500kg limit. 

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): 3,280kg.
• GCM (Gross Combined Mass): 6,750kg.
• Kerb Weight: ~2,620kg.
• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg.
• Payload Remaining at Max Tow: ~660kg. (Note: Tow ball download weight must be subtracted from this payload). 

2. Ford Everest (Sport & Platinum V6)

The Everest is currently the most popular large SUV in Australia, praised for its SUV comfort mixed with Ranger-tough towing DNA although Caravanners and towaholic’s in general havnt as yet jumped on the band to purchase one of these awesome beasts for that specific purpose

• Review Highlights: The 3.0L V6 is the pick of the range for “lazy,” effortless towing. It features a more refined rear suspension than its Ute sibling, making it a better family daily-driver. So, if you want a great drive when you are caravanning and in your daily lives, this car is a great option.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (184kW / 600Nm).
  • Towing Capacity: 3,500kg braked.
  • Price Point: Sport V6 starts around $76,990; Platinum around $89,295 plus on-roads.
• Essential Mods/Tech: Look for the Ford Touring Pack, which includes a 360-degree camera, integrated brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

The Everest provides a strong V6 platform, but like many mid-size SUVs, its GCM is slightly less than the sum of its GVM and max towing capacity. You must manage your vehicle’s load when towing a Caravan at the 3.5T limit. 

GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): 3,150kg.

• GCM (Gross Combined Mass): 6,250kg.
• Kerb Weight: ~2,455kg.
• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg.
• Payload Remaining at Max Tow: ~295kg. This is quite tight; if your caravan has a 350kg towball weight, you are technically at or over your GCM before even adding passengers. 

3. Isuzu MU-X (LS-T 3.0L)

Years ago I never thought of the Isuzu range as a serious tow vehicle. But nowadays they are known for being a “no-fuss” workhorse, the MU-X is the go-to for those prioritising reliability and value over cutting-edge luxury – in short: get the job done with bang for your buck.

• Review Highlights: It balances performance and fuel economy well, particularly with the 3.0L “4JJ3” engine renowned for longevity. Towing on any vehicle will chew through more petrol, but Isuzu manages well even with a load at the back.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 3.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel (140kW / 450Nm).
  • Towing Capacity: 3,500kg braked.
  • Price Point: Top-spec LS-T starts at approximately $73,400 plus on-road costs.
• Essential Mods/Tech: Isuzu Genuine Tow Bar and wiring kits are recommended. Aftermarket suspension upgrades are popular to manage rear-end sag when towing heavy caravans.

The MU-X is a dependable choice, though it has a lower GVM and GCM than the LandCruiser or the Silverado. It requires careful packing to stay within legal limits when towing heavy. 

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): 2,800kg.
• GCM (Gross Combined Mass): 5,900kg.
• Kerb Weight: ~2,175kg.
• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg.
• Payload Remaining at Max Tow: ~225kg. Similar to the Everest, towing a 3,500kg caravan leaves very little room for passengers and gear inside the vehicle. 

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (LTZ Premium)

Now I have driven quite a few Silverado’s over the years. For those towing massive 24-foot+ caravans, American full-size pickups have become a major force in the Australian market. Not only a force but a necessity. They can handle some rough terrain well – but to avoid messing up this ‘beautifully tough tow vehicle’, utilized as a long distance semi-offroad tourer is the best fit. When towing, you genuinely feel like you don’t even have a Caravan, Boat or Horse float behind you.

• Review Highlights: The Silverado 1500 offers unmatched interior space and a “cushiony” ride that makes long hauls far less fatiguing than mid-size 4x4s. Arguably the most comfortable and luxurious in the market.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 6.2L V8 Petrol (313kW / 624Nm).
  • Towing Capacity: 4,500kg braked (with 70mm tow ball).
  • Price Point: Approximately $134,500 plus on-road costs.
• Essential Mods/Tech: Comes standard with the Advanced Trailering System including hitch guidance and a specialized Tow/Haul mode.

The Silverado is in a different league for mass limits, though its standard GVM is surprisingly low for its size to keep it within a standard car license category, which is why it has been so popular.

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): 3,300kg.
• GCM (Gross Combined Mass): 7,160kg.
• Kerb Weight: ~2,552kg.
• Towing Capacity: 4,500kg.
• Payload Remaining at Max Tow: ~108kg. While it can tow 4,500kg, you are left with almost no payload in the truck at that weight. Most owners towing heavy vans opt for a GVM upgrade to 4,200kg to increase this margin. 

5. Toyota LandCruiser Prado (250 Series)

Topping out the Top 5 is, yep – another Toyota. The all-new 250 Series Prado finally (we have been asking!) matches its big brother with a 3.5-tonne towing rating, making it a formidable mid-size choice. The Prado has always been a go to tow vehicle for those who want the Toyota badge but cant afford the 300 Series – now? Well, it has the power that people have been asking for.

• Review Highlights: It offers vastly improved on-road manners and a tech-heavy cabin compared to the older 150 Series. The new 48V mild-hybrid system helps slightly with efficiency during urban driving.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 2.8L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel with 48V technology (150kW / 500Nm).
  • Towing Capacity: 3,500kg braked.
  • Price Point: From ~$75,000 (GX) to ~$95,000 (Kakadu/top trims).
• Essential Mods/Tech: Integrating Toyota’s Genuine Tow Hitch is critical as the new chassis design requires specific mounting points for the full 3.5T rating.

The new 250 Series Prado has a much-improved GCM compared to the previous generation, making it a more viable 3.5T tow vehicle. 

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): ~3,100kg – 3,200kg (variant dependent).
• GCM (Gross Combined Mass): ~6,600kg (estimated based on latest 2025/2026 specs).
• Kerb Weight: ~2,400kg – 2,500kg.
• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg.
• Payload Remaining at Max Tow: ~600kg – 700kg. The Prado 250 offers a much better payload “buffer” than the Everest or MU-X when towing at its limit. 

Comparative Towing Specifications (as at March 2026) – PRICE

Comparative GVM & GCM (as at March 2026)

*Payload at Max Tow is the approximate weight remaining for passengers and gear after subtracting the Kerb Weight and the Maximum Towing Capacity from the GCM.

These spec comparisons detail the GVM, GCM, and payload capacities for popular Australian tow vehicles when towing at maximum capacity.

There are a huge amount of 4X4 Accessory companies now in the market providing bull bars, snorkels and plethora of other mod-con’s. Its always wise to check if you are upgrading your vehicle with any of these items that it doesn’t / wont affect your warranty.

Many of these companies are Manufacturer approved partners, but some are not. It does seem strange sometimes that an aftermarket accessory company can often offer a more suitable, stronger and more reliable aftermarket add-on, yet if you use them they are not warranted.

Toyota in particular work in well with aftermarket suppliers, and due to sheer volume of sales, most aftermarket providers have all sorts of products, a full range suitable (made for) Toyota vehicles. When it comes to newer kids on the block like Silverado, many aftermarket companies have been slower in reacting when it comes to products suitable for their cars, but with strong sales over the last few years the options are growing.

Starting prices vary but there is something in the Top 5 for any budget, if it’s still too expensive you can always buy second hand but always get the car checked out first to ensure it doesn’t give you headaches further down the road – nothing worse than being stuck in the middle on nowhere with a broken down car, or a car that simply wasn’t up to scratch for the job.

Note: Starting prices are great, but after optioning up many of these cars can become a lot more expensive, and in many cases the options you add may be ones that you ‘need’ so do your research beforehand.

Last tip – and take note: If in the market to buy a Caravan or Camper, ask your Caravan Dealer what car is suitable for the Caravan you are intending to buy. If you already have a 4X4 and you know its towing capacities etc – let the Dealer / Salesman know, they can show you Caravans that best suit your car and vice versa. Don’t waste their time of yours! I know a few people who have bought a Car or Caravan, only to find out after the fact that its not the right one for the job.

Be Wise, Happy Shopping!