- The Savvy Promise
At Savvy, our mission is to empower you to make informed financial choices. While we maintain stringent editorial standards, this article may include mentions of products offered by our partners. Here’s how we generate income.
In this article
One of the most frequently asked questions at dealerships and in second-hand sales of SUVs is, “how much can it tow?”
- The towing capacity of some SUV models varies across years
- Ford Ranger has the highest potential towing capacity at 3,500kg
- Upper limit capacity is for caravans and trailers with brakes
- Determines what types of camper trailer, caravan, or trailer an SUV can accommodate
Towing capacity of SUVs is a leading factor in deciding which SUV to own for adventurous Australian holidaymakers. Towing capacity determines what types of camper trailer, caravan, or trailer a SUV can accommodate while driving. Knowing your towing capacity can help you pin down an SUV that’s right for your existing recreational vehicle; or assist in getting the right match if you’re in the market for both.
To make things easier, we’ve put together the towing capacities of some of Australia’s leading SUVs so you can make a clear decision.
What is the towing capacity of Australian SUVs? Savvy investigates the towing capacity of some of the top brands to help you decide on which SUV is right for your lifestyle.
SUV Towing Capacity at a Glance
NOTE: All figures presented are the SUV braked towing capacity. This indicates braking on both wheels on at least one axle of the towed load. The maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that amount initially. All models presented below are the latest available models.
Toyota Prado Towing Capacity
- The 2022 model of Toyota Prado has a braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.
- Prior to 2020, Toyota Prado models have a braked towing capacity of 2,500kg.
- The Prado was introduced into the Australian market in 1996, replacing the 4Runner.
- The Kakadu edition is the top-of-the-line model, including leather accented seats, adaptive variable suspension, and a 9” entertainment screen with three wireless headsets.
Toyota Kluger Towing Capacity
- The 2022 model of Toyota Kluger has a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg.
- The maximum load of the Toyota Kluger without using trailer brakes is 750kg.
- The Toyota Kluger is also known as the Toyota Highlander.
- Models released prior to 2007 have a braked towing capacity of 1,500kg.
Ford Everest Towing Capacity
- The Ford Everest have two transmission variants that vary the towing capacity.
- The 10 speed Sportshift variant has a towing capacity of up to 3,100kg, while the 6-speed automatic has a capacity of 3,000kg.
- Prior to 2017, all variants of the Everest had a towing capacity of 3,000kg.
- The 3.2L five-cylinder turbo-diesel Everest can complete the 0-100km/h dash in approximately 9.8 seconds.
Isuzu MU-X Towing Capacity
- 3,500kg braked towing capacity
- High GVM and high GCM capacities.
- <$70,000 price point
Mitsubishi Outlander Towing Capacity
- The Mitsubishi Outlander has two variants: one with continuous variable transmission and a one speed automatic.
- The CVT variant can tow 1,600kg while the automatic variant can tow 1,500kg.
- From 2021 to 2012, the maximum capacity for the Outlander was 2,000kg.
- Models manufactured before 2006 have a uniform towing capacity of 1,200kg.
Nissan X-Trail Towing Capacity
- The Nissan X-Trail has a uniform braked towing capacity of 1,500kg across all models.
- From 2020-2021, the X-Trail had a towing capacity of 1,650kg.
- From 2018-2019 the capacity was 1,500kg.
- Prior to 2018, all models had a total braked capacity of 2,000kg, 500kg higher when compared with current models.
Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity
- The Toyota RAV4 “baby” SUV profile supports a braked towing capacity of up to 1,500kg.
- Smaller models may have capacities ranging from 480kg to 800kg.
- Interestingly the RAV4 cruiser petrol only variant has a towing capacity of 800kg, compared to 1,500kg on the Hybrid model.
- From 2007 to 2013, the highest supported towing capacity on the RAV4 was 1,900kg.
Ford Territory Towing Capacity
- The Ford Territory towing capacity maxes out at 2,700kg with a bottom end of 2,300kg.
- Three of the four six-speed automatic diesel models support the maximum 2,700kg of towing capacity.
- Prior to 2010, all Ford Territory models had a towing capacity of 2,300kg.
- The Ford Territory is also available in 2WD or all-wheel drive versions.
Kia Sorento Towing Capacity
- The Kia Sorento braked towing capacity ranges from 1,350kg to 2,000kg.
- From 2013 to 2021, the towing capacity of the Sorento was the same across the board: 2,000kg.
- From 2006 to 2009, the towing capacity was a generous 2,800kg, dropping to 2,500kg from 2010-2012.
- The 7-Seat Hybrid Electric 6-speed Sports-Matic All/Four Wheel Drive variant has a towing capacity of 1,650kg.
Subaru Forester Towing Capacity
- The 2022 Subaru Forester SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,800kg.
- The Hybrid variant (All Wheel Drive) has a maximum towing capacity of 1,200kg.
- Maximum towing capacities for the Forester fluctuate wildly: In 2019, the max was 1,500kg, and jumped to 1,800kg from 2020.
- Prior to 2019, the max was 1,800kg. 2009’s model was 1,400kg, followed by three years of 1,600kg max capacities. (2010-12)
Analysis
Bill Tsouvalas, CEO of Savvy and SUV expert says that going for the extra towing capacity when buying a new SUV can open up more opportunities for towing caravans and camper trailers as your tastes change or your budget increases.
Bill Tsouvalas, Savvy Managing Director & personal finance expert;
“Having the extra towing capacity means you aren’t limited to a smaller camper trailer. If you are looking to expand your family and upgrade your holiday recreational vehicle while you’re at it, you won’t have to scramble to find the funds for both a new caravan and a new SUV.
“An SUV with a high towing capacity can be a good investment not only for family holidays, but for tradespeople who want something that’s all purpose instead of single purpose, such as a ute for example.”
Remember to check prior model towing capacity
Though websites and information resources may display the maximum braked towing capacity of a given SUV, model variants (e.g., hybrid electrics, constant variable transmission, larger capacity engines etc.) may have different power output and therefore towing capacities. The size of the engine and capabilities of each model should be taken into consideration when making a new or second hand purchase, as these can affect the eventual cost of running the vehicle.
Simply because one year’s model supports a given weight does not necessarily mean it will support it the next year. Always check with the manufacturer when buying used SUVs if you require a certain towing capacity.
Did you find this page helpful?
Written by 
Commentary by
Guest Contributor
Bill TsouvalasFact checked
This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.
The content on our website is produced by experts in the field of finance and reviewed as part of our editorial guidelines. We endeavour to keep all information across our site updated with accurate information.
