Your questions answered: What tow car should I buy?
More Aussies than ever are hitching up and heading to the bush or beach, but with waiting lists and inflated prices hitting popular tow car choices, the question is what to tow with…Towing has been a growing topic of conversation since the early days of the pandemic.
With travel restrictions and a general disquiet about heading overseas, more and more people are holidaying at home – and embracing caravanning again.
Along with growing interesting in boating, this has translated to towing becoming a consideration for more new and used car buyers.
So, what’s a good choice for towing? And are there budget choices still available?
Answer: The caravan bug has bitten hard for lots of people and the situation is unlikely to change for a few years. It’s the same for the prices of second-hand LandCruisers. We wouldn’t necessarily agree that D-MAX and HiLux are the best ute choices (especially the Toyota). But few of the latest utes will have the all-round strengths of your ’Cruiser. Better to consider their SUV siblings. The new Isuzu MU-X is a good choice, but the class has been led by the Ford Everest, which has a new-generation model just around the corner. These wagons are not as popular as utes for towing but are a better solution to enjoy the lap of Australia.
Answer: The SsangYong Rexton is not one of the class leaders, but the value equation works in its favour. Before you commit, test drive a new Isuzu MU-X and consider the new Ford Everest that launches soon too.
Answer: The most obvious answer is the Toyota Prado, from the LandCruiser family, but those are in very short supply with a wait list because they are great for towing and might be too big for you. Prestige brands are not generally focused on towing which means your choices are limited. Arguably the best vehicle for towing with a premium badge is the Land Rover Defender – it will cope with your van easily, although it is larger than your GLC.
Answer: On paper the numbers all work for your towing needs, and dark transmission oil is not a problem – although a burnt smell is not good. Keep pushing on the servicing and ask your expert if a transmission cooler would help the cause. If you do decide to go for next-level towing ability, the price tag is high – with full-size US pick-up RAM 1500 dual-cabs starting at about $100,000 (on the road). The GMSV Chevrolet Silverado family starts a bit further upstream.
Answer: The D-MAX is a better equipped and newer vehicle than the Toyota. It also has a good reputation for towing and is likely to be the better choice for you. Also ensure you consider the all-new Ford Ranger that’s about to hit the road. Also read our stories ‘The truth about 3500kg towing’ and ‘More truth about 3500kg towing’. Payload and Gross Combined Mass are important considerations for anyone towing larger loads…
Answer: The default used car choice for many parents in this segment is Subaru – and it’s a good choice. Look at both the Forester and Outback. Solid reliability, a proper all-wheel drive system and decent safety. If you’re after a new car, you’ll struggle to get all-wheel drive mid-size SUVs at that price tag.
Answer: The Niro is headed for a complete update soon, which means you’ll be buying an older model. But if it ticks the boxes for him, and you can get one without a Seltos-style delay, it will still be a reasonable purchase.
Answer: Spoil yourself and go for the Volvo. You won’t be disappointed. There is a huge waiting list anyway for the Seltos and the Tiguan is a good choice if you need more room than the XC40 provides.
Answer: The CX-8 is a smoother operator, but if you really need the family space and want to stay in the Mazda fold then look at the CX-9. Take a back-to-back test drive, with all the family onboard, to get the right one.
Answer: The Hyundai i20 is tiny, so even a small SUV will feel more substantial. If you’re prepared to wait for delivery, the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue would both suit your needs and budget. Also see carsales’ Best Small SUV 2022, where we test the top light and small SUVs on the market. Many of these have more affordable variants that will suit your budget too.
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