Best Utes for Towing in Australia | Top Picks for 2025

Australia has always had a love affair with utes. From the dusty outback to city construction sites and weekend adventures towing caravans or boats, the ute is more than just a workhorse—it’s a cultural icon. In 2025, the ute market has grown even more competitive, with automakers delivering stronger towing capacity, better safety systems, and modern tech without compromising ruggedness.

If you’re looking for the best towing utes in Australia for 2025, this guide will help. We’ll cover everything from payload and towing capacity to driving comfort, safety tech, and real-world usability. Whether you’re hauling a caravan across the Nullarbor, towing a horse float, or simply need a dependable work vehicle, the latest generation of utes has something for every buyer.

Why Towing Capacity Matters in Australia

For Australian drivers, towing is a necessity rather than a luxury. Caravanning holidays are booming, boating is a weekend staple, and many rural households rely on heavy-duty trailers. The legal towing limits, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of a ute aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet—they determine what you can safely pull on the road.

A ute’s braked towing capacity (the maximum weight it can tow with a trailer that has its own brakes) is a key figure buyers look for. In 2025, most dual-cab utes are rated around 3,500kg braked capacity, but not all achieve this comfortably. Transmission cooling, suspension tuning, torque delivery, and even driver-assist systems play a huge role in making towing stress-free.

Key Features to Look for in a Towing Ute

Before we dive into the top models, let’s highlight what makes a ute excel at towing:

• Engine Power & Torque: Strong torque, especially low down, is essential for pulling heavy loads. Diesel utes dominate here.
• Transmission: Automatic transmissions with tow modes reduce strain and improve control.
• Chassis & Suspension: A strong ladder-frame chassis and well-tuned suspension ensure stability while towing.
• Safety Tech: Trailer sway control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts make towing safer.
• Comfort & Practicality: Long hauls demand good seats, infotainment, and driver aids to reduce fatigue.

The Best Utes for Towing in Australia (2025 Line-up)

Toyota HiLux 2025

The HiLux has long been the king of Aussie worksites and highways, and the 2025 model reinforces its reputation. Powered by a refined 2.8L turbo-diesel with 150kW and 500Nm, it easily handles heavy trailers. Toyota has focused on stability, with updated suspension tuning and improved trailer sway control.

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Legendary reliability, strong resale value, and excellent dealer support.
• Best For: Tradies and families wanting a proven all-rounder.

Ford Ranger 2025

The Ranger remains one of Australia’s top-selling vehicles, and the 2025 update pushes it further ahead. With a V6 turbo-diesel option delivering 600Nm of torque, the Ranger has become the gold standard for towing comfort. Its 10-speed automatic gearbox is smooth, and Ford’s tow mode adjusts throttle response and gear shifts for maximum control.

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Advanced towing tech, including a trailer reverse guidance system and built-in trailer brake controller.
• Best For: Caravanners and serious haulers who value tech and comfort.

Isuzu D-MAX 2025

Isuzu’s D-MAX has built a strong following thanks to its toughness and no-nonsense reliability. The 3.0L diesel engine produces 140kW and 450Nm, making it a workhorse that doesn’t complain under load. In 2025, safety and driver assistance are now standard across the range.

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Bulletproof engine, class-leading safety features, and low running costs.
• Best For: Rural and regional buyers needing reliability above all else.

Nissan Navara 2025

The Navara has had a major refresh, making it more appealing than ever. With its 2.3L twin-turbo diesel delivering 450Nm, the Navara balances efficiency with power. Its rear coil-spring suspension offers superior ride comfort compared to leaf springs, especially when not towing.

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Comfortable suspension, sleek design, and competitive pricing.
• Best For: Buyers wanting comfort and weekend adventure versatility.

Mitsubishi Triton 2025

The all-new 2025 Triton represents Mitsubishi’s boldest ute redesign in decades. It now boasts a 2.4L bi-turbo diesel engine with 150kW and 470Nm, finally putting it in direct competition with segment leaders. With improved chassis strength and upgraded safety, it’s a compelling budget-friendly option.

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Affordable, strong warranty coverage, and stylish new look.
• Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who still need serious towing ability.

Mazda BT-50 2025

Sharing its underpinnings with the Isuzu D-MAX, the BT-50 delivers the same strong engine and towing ability, but with Mazda’s refined interior and premium styling. The 2025 update brings improved cabin tech, making long drives more enjoyable.

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Stylish design, premium features, and solid reliability.
• Best For: Buyers who want toughness with a touch of luxury.

Ram 1500 2025

For those who need more than the standard dual-cab ute, the Ram 1500 offers American muscle with Aussie appeal. Its 5.7L V8 petrol engine or new EcoDiesel option gives it effortless towing capability well beyond the average ute.

• Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500kg (braked, depending on configuration)
• Strengths: Immense power, spacious cabin, and unmatched towing comfort.
• Best For: Big caravan owners or those towing heavy loads regularly.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2025

Chevrolet’s Silverado rivals the Ram with similar brute strength and luxury. Offering a 6.2L petrol V8 and massive payload options, it’s tailored for serious towing enthusiasts who won’t compromise.

• Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500kg (braked)
• Strengths: Huge towing capacity, bold design, and modern infotainment.
• Best For: Buyers needing American-style towing muscle with Australian compliance.

Towing Tech That Makes Life Easier

Utes in 2025 are smarter than ever. Beyond raw power, they feature advanced systems to make towing simpler:

• Trailer Sway Control: Adjusts braking and torque to stabilise the trailer.
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controllers: No need for aftermarket installations.
• Tow/Haul Modes: Adjusts transmission and throttle for heavy loads.
• 360-Degree Cameras: Makes hitching a caravan or boat a breeze.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage: Extends detection zones for long trailers.

Petrol vs Diesel for Towing

The diesel vs petrol debate continues, but in Australia’s towing world, diesel remains king. The low-end torque and fuel efficiency of modern turbo-diesels make them ideal for hauling. Petrol options like the Ram and Silverado V8s deliver huge power but at higher running costs. For most buyers, a diesel dual-cab ute remains the sweet spot in 2025.

Fuel Efficiency While Towing

Fuel consumption rises significantly when towing. A ute that claims 8–9L/100km unladen can easily double that with a large caravan attached. Manufacturers have improved efficiency with better aerodynamics, multi-speed transmissions, and mild hybrid assistance, but buyers should budget for real-world towing fuel use.

Safety Considerations for Towing

Safety is critical when pulling heavy loads. The latest utes now include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer Tuning
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) tuned for towing
• Lane Keep Assist with trailer-friendly calibration
• Stronger braking systems with larger rotors

In Australia, road laws also require trailer brakes for anything above 750kg. Always ensure your ute’s towing setup complies with ADR (Australian Design Rules).

Choosing the Right Ute for Your Needs

Not all towing jobs are the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Caravans & Boats: Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-MAX.
• Heavy-Duty Loads (above 3.5 tonnes): Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado.
• Everyday Towing + City Driving: Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton.
• Rural Work + Long Hauls: Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda BT-50.

The Future of Towing Utes: Electric and Hybrid Options

While diesel dominates today, 2025 has seen the first steps toward electrification. Overseas, models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are proving electric utes can tow, but in Australia, infrastructure and availability remain limited. Expect hybrid utes to appear first, blending diesel efficiency with electric torque for towing.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s ute market in 2025 offers more choice than ever for towing enthusiasts. From dependable workhorses like the HiLux and D-MAX to tech-packed leaders like the Ranger and even American heavyweights like the Ram 1500, there’s a ute for every budget and towing need.

When choosing the right model, don’t just look at maximum towing capacity—consider comfort, safety, running costs, and how well the ute suits your lifestyle. With the right pick, you’ll enjoy years of reliable towing across Australia’s vast and varied landscapes.