Your questions answered: What’s a good tow vehicle?

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: My wife has her eyes set on a GLC 200 Mercedes SUV for our next car. What do you think of them or would you recommend we look at something else?
– Fabio Pizzica

Answer: If she wants a Benz, that’s most likely what you will be getting. But the GLC is not great and can be very heavy on tyre wear. Honestly, the latest BMW X3 is a better car and so, too, is the Volvo XC60.

Question: My 2010 Hyundai ix35 has been written-off and I would like to replace it with a smaller SUV that will suit myself and my husband – both in our 70s – and our dog, who goes with us on a couple of trips to regional Victoria each year. What do you recommend for a budget up to $30,000?
– Janice Widdup

Answer: If you want a new car, the Hyundai Venue should be the first stop for a test drive. It will hit your budget and do the job. For something a little bigger, and perhaps second-hand, I’d recommend a Kia Sportage.

Question: I have a lower back injury and want a larger replacement for my 2011 Kia Cerato, which has comfortable seats. My budget is up to $22,000 to spend on a quality used or demonstrator vehicle and I’m considering the Toyota Camry RZ, Kia Optima, Subaru Liberty and Holden’s ZB Commodore.
– Trevor Lowder

Answer: From your list the Camry is by far the best choice. You should avoid the Commodore, because it’s now an orphan and has not sold well. But my personal top choice is the Skoda Octavia, which will surprise you in every way from comfort to value, and it’s from a brand in the Volkswagen Group that is now starting to build a strong following in Australia.

Question: I currently own a 2012 VTI-L Honda Civic hatch which I am looking to upgrade for something a bit zippier. My budget is up to $45,000, and I don’t mind too much whether it’s a hatch or sedan, but need something reliable and fairly economical as I do about 15,000-20,000km of city driving each year.
– Laureen Credlin

Answer: Honda is moving away from passenger cars so I would suggest a change of brand. In a similar size, I would go for a Volkswagen Golf or a Hyundai i30.

Question: I have test driven the Honda HR-V and Civic and I like both, however, I will probably go for the HR-V. What are your thoughts on it?
– Angela Hender

Answer: Sorry to burst your bubble. The HR-V is an old design and poor value. Did you know it is based on the Honda Jazz and not the Civic like everyone thinks? For similar money I would go for the Hyundai Venue, which is all-new from the road up, good value, has a long warranty and local suspension tuning.

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