What tow vehicle should I buy?

Caravanning is booming as more and more people shift their holiday priorities from Europe and the USA to the great Aussie outback.

Some caravan brands have queues stretching out for more than a year, and tow-ability is a hot topic for many new-car shoppers, like Frank.

Question: Our Hyundai ix35 diesel has been a fantastic car but only has a 140kg tow-bar weight and a tow rating of 1400kg. Our new caravan is around 1850kg. Which is the better choice? The Hyundai Santa Fe rated to just 2000kg or the Isuzu MU-X?
– Frank Cahill

Answer: Good news for you, as the latest 2021 Santa Fe has an improved tow capacity of 2500kg with a 200kg down-ball weight. It ticks your box for towing and is much more refined and enjoyable for the times when you don’t have the van on the back.

Question: We’re in the market for a 4WD around two to three years old to replace my husband’s 2008 Ford Ranger. The new vehicle has to tow a Jayco Penguin caravan with a small tinny on top. We’ve heard that recent models of Ranger are known for transmission problems. I would prefer to buy an automatic so I can help with the driving on our next tour through WA.
– Andrea Tonkin

Answer: If you want more refinement and comfort, a ute is probably the wrong choice, even if any of the recent models will be way ahead of the old Ranger. There are plenty of vehicles that would tow something as light as your Penguin, but have a look at the Suzuki Grand Vitara as it’s an excellent vehicle with a good off-road and quality reputation, but not a top seller so usually good value. There is a known fault with the 10-speed automatic in the diesel Ranger from December 2017 to October 2019, but Ford Australia is providing a fix.

Question: I am after a four-wheel drive to tow around 700kg and I would like to spend around the $10,000 mark. What would you suggest I buy?
– Werner Oswald

Answer: A Toyota Corolla will tow 700kg so why on earth would you need a 4WD? For that money, a good choice in the SUV field is the Kia Sportage.

Question: Is an Isuzu MU-X good for towing?
– Gerry O’Malley

Answer: Yes. The MU-X is rated to three tonnes, which is one of the best in its size and price range. There’s a new model on the way and it should continue that tradition.

Question: I’m in the market for one car to replace my 200 Series Toyota LandCruiser and my Ford Ranger. I need a ute that will also tow a van. What do you think of the HSV Silverado 1500?
– Trevor Robinson

Answer: The Silverado and RAM are both giant US pick-ups, converted locally. The RAM is considerably cheaper at the bottom end, there are more models to choose from and there’s a new model on the way. I would pick the RAM ahead of the Silverado.

Question: We bought a caravan to be towed with our Mazda CX-9. It does the job but being petrol-powered makes it thirsty. So within our budget we are looking at a Great Wall Ute Cannon. What’s your opinion on this?
– Matt Clarke

Answer: If that’s what the budget says… But a ute, particularly a bargain buy from China, will have nothing like the refinement or quality of a CX-9. If you’re not towing all the time, you could come to regret the decision.

Question: My partner drives a Mazda BT-50 and the driver’s seat has worn out. He’s complained to the dealer and they have replaced the seat part but not the back of the seat. The vehicle is two years old and he hasn’t abused it, so we thought it would still be under warranty. Any advice please?
– Lisa Watson

Answer: Seats, like brakes and clutches, are usually considered a ‘wear-and-tear’ item and not covered by warranty. But two years is not enough and if one part of the seat has been replaced you clearly have a solid case for help. Go directly to customer service at Mazda Australia, with lots of pictures to support your case. A good friend had the driver’s seat in his Mazda CX-9 replaced under warranty by headquarters because of excessive early wear.

Question: I purchased a new Isuzu MU-X last September and I am just not happy its six-speed auto. It’s indecisive and I absolutely hate it. My old Ford Falcon EL four-speed was beautiful compared to this. I am actually now considering selling and trying to find a mint G6 Falcon or something.
– Evan M

Answer: Modern automatics are set to deliver economy as their priority so shift into the higher gears as early as possible. Your old Ford, with fewer choices, would have seemed more relaxed. But the auto in the Isuzu will be doing a better job.

Also read:

How to choose a tow vehicle

How to upgrade your tow vehicle