More muscle for popular tow tugs
Popular models from Hyundai and Mazda benefit from much-needed boosts to towing capacityMore good news for caravanners, with both Hyundai’s popular Santa Fe mid-size SUV and Mazda’s beefy BT-50 dual-cab ute treated to some heavy-duty towing upgrades for 2013-built models.
In the case of the Hyundai, a new load assist kit for the Santa Fe, boosts the maximum down ball rate from 120kg (standard tow kit) to 150kg. The maximum braked towing capacity remains the same at 2000kg for automatic models and 2500kg for manual models.
The move brings the Santa Fe into line with its twin-under-the-skin Kia Sorento, which has similar towing credentials thanks to a similar, optional heavy-duty tow kit.
According to Hyundai the load assist kit, which includes two heavy-duty rear springs, was developed to compliment the Santa Fe's locally-tuned ride and handling package. It costs $187, and is available for installation on vehicles already fitted with the standard tow kit ($722.50). Both prices exclude dealer fitting.
Meanwhile, the braked towing capacity of the popular BT-50 workhorse has increased from 3350kg to 3500kg. Only applicable on 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 variants, the towing boost brings the beefy BT-50 into line with its mechanical twin,
Ford Ranger, not to mention the Holden Colorado and Toyota’s new 79 Series dual cab Toyota LandCruiser.
As a result of the changes, the BT-50’s Gross Combined Mass (GCM) rises to 6000kg, an increase of 50kg, and maximum towball download increases by 15kg to 350kg. Available at no extra cost, the towing upgrade was achieved through “chassis-strengthening measures” according to Mazda.
Click here for a tow test of the Mazda BT-50.
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