Best Utes for Towing Australia | Power | Payload | Price Comparison

Australia is a land built for big distances, rugged terrain, and a love of the outdoors. Whether it’s towing a caravan across the Nullarbor, hauling a trailer full of work gear, or pulling a boat to the coast, utes have become the go-to choice for Australians who need both practicality and muscle. In fact, utes dominate the sales charts, with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger consistently among the country’s best-selling vehicles.

But not all utes are created equal when it comes to towing. Payload ratings, towing capacity, torque delivery, safety features, and price all play a role in determining which ute is right for you. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best utes for towing in Australia for 2025, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and what you really get for your money.

What to Look for in a Towing Ute

Before diving into individual models, let’s outline the critical features to assess when buying a ute for towing.

Towing Capacity

Most modern utes boast up to 3,500kg braked towing capacity, but that’s not the whole story. Gross Combined Mass (GCM) and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) dictate how much you can carry and tow simultaneously.

Torque and Power

Diesel engines dominate this segment because of their low-end torque. Torque, not horsepower, is what gets your load moving. The higher the torque available at lower revs, the easier the towing experience.

Payload

A ute that can tow well but has poor payload capacity is limited. When you’re towing a caravan or boat, you’ll often need to load up tools, luggage, or camping gear, so payload capacity becomes just as important.

Safety Features

Features such as trailer sway control, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are critical when towing heavy loads. Stability and control make a world of difference.

Price and Running Costs

From budget-friendly workhorses to premium lifestyle utes, the range of prices is vast. Buyers must weigh the balance between upfront cost, servicing, fuel economy, and resale value.

Toyota Hilux: The Trusted Workhorse

The Toyota Hilux has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle for years, and for good reason. Renowned for its reliability and rugged build, the Hilux is a proven performer in tough conditions.

• Engine: 2.8L turbo-diesel, 150kW/500Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg
• Payload: Up to 1,000kg depending on trim
• Price Range: From $45,000 to $75,000 drive-away

The Hilux isn’t always the most powerful on paper, but it’s consistently praised for its reliability and durability. If you want a ute that will tow reliably in harsh outback conditions with strong resale value, the Hilux is hard to beat.

Ford Ranger: The Tech-Savvy All-Rounder

The Ford Ranger has quickly become one of the most advanced and capable utes in the country. With the option of a V6 turbo-diesel, it offers serious grunt and class-leading tech.

• Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel, 184kW/600Nm (also available in 2.0L bi-turbo diesel)
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg
• Payload: Around 1,000kg depending on variant
• Price Range: $50,000 to $80,000 drive-away

Key highlights include its 10-speed automatic transmission, intuitive SYNC 4 infotainment, and a cabin that feels more SUV-like than traditional ute. The Ranger combines everyday comfort with serious towing ability.

Isuzu D-MAX: The Dependable Towing Specialist

The Isuzu D-MAX has built a reputation as one of the most dependable utes for towing heavy loads. Its robust design and efficient engine make it a top choice for those who value long-term durability.

• Engine: 3.0L turbo-diesel, 140kW/450Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg
• Payload: Around 1,050kg
• Price Range: $47,000 to $70,000

The D-MAX is also loaded with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It’s a great pick for towing caravans safely across long distances.

Mitsubishi Triton: Value for Money

The Triton may not have the brute strength of some rivals, but it’s one of the best value propositions on the market.

• Engine: 2.4L turbo-diesel, 133kW/430Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,100kg (new 2025 model bumps closer to 3,500kg)
• Payload: Around 950kg
• Price Range: $42,000 to $60,000

While slightly behind the big players in raw numbers, the Triton’s affordability, reliability, and Super Select II 4WD system make it an underrated choice for budget-conscious buyers who still need towing ability.

Nissan Navara: Rugged and Practical

The Navara combines rugged styling with practical towing performance. Its twin-turbo diesel engine balances performance and efficiency.

• Engine: 2.3L twin-turbo diesel, 140kW/450Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg
• Payload: 1,000kg
• Price Range: $44,000 to $68,000

The Navara also benefits from a coil-spring rear suspension, which provides a smoother ride than many rivals—especially important if you’re towing regularly.

Mazda BT-50: Stylish but Strong

Sharing much of its DNA with the Isuzu D-MAX, the Mazda BT-50 adds a more stylish exterior and refined interior.

• Engine: 3.0L turbo-diesel, 140kW/450Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg
• Payload: Around 1,060kg
• Price Range: $47,000 to $72,000

It’s an excellent option for buyers who want towing strength but also value a premium look and feel.

Volkswagen Amarok: Premium Power

The 2025 Amarok, developed in partnership with Ford, is one of the most premium options in the ute market.

• Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel, 184kW/600Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg
• Payload: Around 950kg
• Price Range: $55,000 to $85,000

With its refined interior, cutting-edge tech, and powerful engine, the Amarok is a lifestyle ute that can double as a serious workhorse.

LDV T60 MAX: Budget Muscle

LDV has carved out a niche in Australia with its affordable yet surprisingly capable offerings.

• Engine: 2.0L bi-turbo diesel, 160kW/500Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000kg (newer updates claim closer to 3,500kg)
• Payload: Around 925kg
• Price Range: $38,000 to $52,000

It may lack the polish of Japanese or European rivals, but for buyers chasing towing ability on a tight budget, the T60 MAX is worth considering.

Ram 1500: American Muscle

If 3,500kg isn’t enough, enter the Ram 1500. As a full-sized American pickup, it offers serious towing strength that outclasses most rivals.

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8, 291kW/556Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500kg
• Payload: Around 800kg
• Price Range: $90,000 to $125,000

While it comes at a premium, the Ram 1500 is perfect for those hauling horse floats, large caravans, or heavy equipment.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Rival to the Ram

The Silverado matches the Ram with American scale and muscle, offering massive towing capability.

• Engine: 6.2L V8 petrol, 313kW/624Nm
• Braked Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500kg
• Payload: Around 780kg
• Price Range: $110,000+

This is a niche choice in Australia, but for those needing maximum strength, it’s hard to ignore.

Towing Comparison Table (2025 Highlights)

Choosing the Right Ute for You

Your choice of ute will depend heavily on your towing needs:

• Tradies: Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger for all-round dependability.
• Caravan Owners: Isuzu D-MAX or Mazda BT-50 for safe, long-distance towing.
• Budget Buyers: Mitsubishi Triton or LDV T60 MAX for affordable yet capable options.
• Lifestyle and Premium: Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger V6 for comfort with strength.
• Heavy Haulers: Ram 1500 or Silverado 1500 if you need maximum towing power.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s ute market is stronger than ever, and buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to towing capability. From reliable workhorses like the Toyota Hilux to the tech-laden Ford Ranger and the American muscle of the Ram 1500, there’s a ute to match every towing need and budget.

When shopping, don’t just look at maximum towing capacity on paper. Consider payload, GCM, and safety features, as well as how much comfort you want for those long hauls. Investing in the right ute now will pay dividends in reliability, safety, and resale value later.