2024 SUV Towing Capacity: How Much Can My SUV Tow?

Considering the ‘U’ in ‘SUV’ stands for utility, it’s no wonder Aussies are looking to put their vehicle to work towing a boat, caravan or trailer for work and play.

While the answer is relatively simple, there’s a lot to wrap your head around with SUV towing figures, so let’s unpack all the terminology and tips you need to know to find the best SUVs for towing and stay safe on the road.

Understanding GVM and GCM Figures and Why They’re Important for SUVs

Before we jump into the figures, let’s take a quick look at what GVM and GCM figures mean.

• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is a rating applied by the manufacturer that outlines its maximum possible weight to safely travel when it’s fully loaded with people, bags, fuel, as well as any off-road or camping accessories you’ve mounted to the frame or body.

The GVM is a figure that effectively sets a limit for how much weight the factory brakes, suspension and tyres can safely handle - but does not include the weight of what you’re towing.

• Gross Combination Mass (GCM) refers to the amount of weight your vehicle is rated to safely transport, including the weight of a fully loaded vehicle and the trailer that you’re towing.

GCM figures are set by the manufacturer and, quite simply, set out the maximum weight limitations that your vehicle can safely and legally tow, inclusive of a fully loaded cabin.

What’s the Difference Between Braked and Unbraked Towing Capacities?

• Unbraked Towing Capacity: refers to the maximum towing figures for a trailer that is not fitted with a set of its own brakes - this is capped at 750kg, regardless of the vehicle here in Australia.

• Braked Towing Capacity: represents the maximum load that your vehicle is able to tow with a trailer fitted with a set of factory brakes that provide additional stopping power alongside your vehicle’s brakes.

Why is the Towball Rating Important for Towing?

The tow ball weight (TBW) limit, or rating, is another essential consideration while towing.

The TBW sets out the maximum amount of weight you can apply to the tow ball that is mounted to the rear of your vehicle’s frame.

On average, tow ball weight should sit at around 10 per cent of the overall load you’re towing, though you’ll need to check the maximum possible tow ball weight set by the manufacturer to ensure you’re within TBW limits.

How Much Can My SUV Tow?

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling SUVs on sale in Australia in 2024 and mapped out their braked towing capacities.

This list includes everything from compact SUVs to more family-friendly midsize SUV packages, as well as large SUVs with a heavy-duty body-on-frame construction which are by far the best option for maximum towing figures.

Note that this list of models may not cover each specific variant in the lineup and you should always check with the factory manual and confirm these figures before you tow any extremely large loads.

• Audi Q5 - 2,000kg

• BMW X5 - 2,700kg

• Cupra Formentor - 1,800kg 

• Ford Everest - 3,500kg

• Hyundai Tucson - 1,650 - 1,900kg

• Hyundai Santa Fe - 1,650kg

• Hyundai Palisade - 2,200kg

• Isuzu MU-X - 3,500kg

• Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2,268 - 3,500kg

• Kia Sportage -  1,650 - 1,900kg

• Kia Sorento - 1,650 - 2,000kg

• LDV D90 - 2,000 - 3,100kg

• Mazda CX-3 - 640 - 1,200kg

• Mazda CX-5 - 1,800 - 2,000kg 

• Mazda CX-60 -  2,500kg

• Mazda CX-90 - 2,500kg

• Mercedes-Benz GLC - 1,800 - 2,400kg

• Mercedes-Benz GLE - 2,700kg

• MG ZS - 500kg

• MG HS - 1,500kg

• Mitsubishi Outlander - 1,600kg

• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - 3,100

• Nissan Patrol - 3,500kg

• Nissan Pathfinder - 2,800kg

• Toyota RAV4 - 480 - 800 - 1,500kg

• Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series - 3,500kg

• Toyota LandCruiser Prado - 3,000kg

• Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series - 3,500kg

• Skoda Kodiaq - 2,000kg

• Subaru Forester - 1,200 - 1,800kg

• Subaru Outback - 2,000 - 2,400kg

• Volkswagen Tiguan - 2,400kg

• Volkswagen Touareg - 3,500kg

How to Find Out How Much Your SUV Can Tow

The easiest way to find out your vehicle’s braked and unbraked towing capacities is to check the vehicle manual, which should contain a list of specifications that includes engine details, GVM & GCM figures and your respective braked and unbraked towing figures.

If you’re unable to find your vehicle’s manual, try to track down an online version listed on the manufacturer’s website.

Failing that, you can try to find these details listed online with specific information on the make, model, year, engine size and type, as well as the drivetrain - for example, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Be sure to cross-reference these details before towing any extremely heavy loads so you’re not hooking up a trailer with blind confidence.

Request a Quote

If you’re looking to upgrade to a tough towing vehicle with a family-friendly nature, be sure to get in contact with one of our car-buying experts who can help with a range of options at the best possible price.