The Best Towing Utes

Are you looking for a new work ute that can handle the toughest towing jobs? On top of factors like price, fuel economy and tank size, you’ll want to find a ute with specific towing capabilities, including torque, trailer sway control and braked or unbraked towing capacity. To help you make the best decision, we’ve compared five of the top towing ute brands on the market. Not sure if you should buy new or preowned? Read our guide here.

For our picks for the best Tradie Ute, check here. 

Looking for ways to afford a new ute? Check whether you’re charging enough.

Short on time? Skip ahead: 

1. Ford Ranger
2. Toyota Hilux
3. Nissan Navara
4. Isuzu D-Max
5. Volkswagen Amarok

1. Ford Ranger XLT

With a high-strength steel frame, solid rear axle, turbocharged engine, and tow-haul ‘drive mode’ which optimises gear-shift timing to maintain the best power delivery and engine braking, the Ford Ranger is engineered to pull the tools of your trade.

The Ford Ranger’s towing capabilities:

• Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
• Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg max
• Torque: 600Nm 
• Horsepower: 184kW
•  Kerb weight range: 1789-2431kg
• Trailer sway control: Yes

2. Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is a classic for a reason. It’s tough, reliable, and handles towing like a champ, even in the most rugged terrains. Its tough-looking exterior matches the Hilux’s beefed-up 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, making it one ‘gutsy specimen.’

The Toyota Hilux’s towing capabilities:

• Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
• Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg max
• Torque: 550Nm
• Horsepower: 165kW
• Kerb weight range: 2910kg
• Trailer sway control: Yes

3. Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara has a ride quality well above many in its class. But it’s also geared with the features and technology, including a 2.3L twin-turbo diesel engine, to tow nearly anything confidently while ensuring a comfortable journey.  

The Nissan Nivara’s towing capabilities:

• Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
• Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg max
• Torque: 450Nm
• Horsepower: 190kW
• Kerb weight range: 2110kg
• Trailer sway control: Yes 

4. Isuzu D-Max

The Isuzu D-MAX stands tall as a true powerhouse in the realm of utility vehicles. With its rugged build, 3.0L turbo-diesel engine that delivers massive power and torque, either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and highly-advanced Isuzu common-rail diesel technology that balances the power with superior fuel efficiency, it’s not just a truck — it’s a dependable ute for any big job.

The Isuzu D-Max’s towing capabilities:

• Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
• Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg max
• Torque: 450Nm
• Horsepower: 140kW
• Kerb weight range: 2112kg
• Trailer sway control: Yes

5. Volkswagen Amarok

From its refined interior to its formidable towing capacity, the Volkswagen Amarok is designed to excel in both urban and off-road environments. Choose diesel or petrol for a powerful 3.0L V6 TDI engine boasting unmatched torque and new adaptable 4x4 drive modes.

The Volkswagen Amarok’s towing capabilities:

• Braked towing capacity: 3500kg
• Unbraked towing capacity: 750kg max
• Torque: 600Nm
• Horsepower: 184kW
• Kerb weight range: 2110kg
• Trailer sway control: Yes
   

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