Tow Tested: 2020 Isuzu D-MAX v Toyota HiLux v Ford Ranger
Which of these updated dual-cab utes is better for towing a big caravan?If you think the dual-cab 4x4 ute boom is a flash in the pan, think again. The recent slew of new or upgraded models only brings more of the attributes that have made them so attractive to families, tradies, caravanners and fleets alike.
Safety, refinement, technology, design, performance, efficiency and capability – both on-road and off – all take a big step forward in the brand-new Isuzu D-MAX, facelifted Toyota HiLux and updated Ford Ranger.
So what better time to put the classy new X-Terrain flagship up against the most popular SR5 version of Australia’s top-selling vehicle and the Wildtrak – its direct rival in the nation’s favourite 4x4 ute range....
Towing time
We conducted a brief towing ‘taste test’ with a 2852kg tare (178kg towball mass) Avida Topaz bunk van we picked up from Avida at Emu Plains in Sydney.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak was the most comfortable-riding and stable (with just a little fore-aft pitching on bumpy roads) and was also the quickest up our test hill from a 90km/h starting speed, showing 82km/h at its peak.
The Toyota HiLux SR5+ was more nervous when towing with a little sway, and a little brittle in its ride, but scored the next-best hill-climbing speed of 77km/h.
The previous Isuzu D-MAX was a rock-solid towing platform so we were a little surprised that the new model felt more prone to sway than the others. We need to conduct a more comprehensive tow test before making a definitive call on the D-MAX’s towing stability.
However, the D-MAX was a willing towing performer and rode well with the van hooked up, even if its speed up the hill peaked at just 72km/h.
Of note with all three utes is that, like most of their competitors, you can’t carry a full payload and tow the full 3500kg stated capacity at the same time. Realistically all three utes have to shed about 700kg in either vehicle or van to ensure GCM is not exceeded.
Click on the links below for the full comparo, including on- and off-road driving...
Ford Ranger v Isuzu D-MAX v Toyota HiLux 2020 Comparison
Ford Ranger v Isuzu D-MAX v Toyota HiLux 2020 Video Comparison
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