Greatest ute towing take a look at: Prime 12 in contrast…some fail our challenges! Ranger vs HiLux vs RAM vs Silverado vs Triton vs BT-50 vs D-Max vs Cannon vs Navara vs Musso vs Gladiator

On this a part of our sprawling 12-ute megatest, we check out how they carry out whereas towing.

So as to facilitate such a giant group of vehicles, we used a closed testing facility, together with a high-speed bowl and a take a look at street with elevation adjustments.

Not like some ute assessments that concentrate on subjective reasonably than goal testing, we wished to supply readers a wholesome combination of each.

As with the remainder of our ute content material, this written article is designed to help the detailed video hosted by Paul Maric and embedded under. We strongly encourage you to observe!

MORE: Efficiency assessments and drag
MORE: Dynamometer assessments

The assessments

Unladen

To set some controls, we put all of our utes on a high-speed bowl and Vbox-tested their 0-100km/h acceleration time and 100km/h to zero braking distance.

We additionally measured their gasoline economic system at a continuing 100km/h across the bowl – to not come away with a definitive effectivity quantity, however reasonably to set comparative figures.

Trailer dyno

We bought our arms on a state-of-the-art trailer dynamometer with a variable load retarder that allowed us to impart as much as 10kN of resistive load to the tow car.

What does this imply in actual phrases? Consider the trailer dynamometer as an anchor. Various the dynamometer load permits us to vary the load of that anchor.

This weighted anchor permits us to simulate a protracted steep climb for the tow car, which finally places immense load on the engine.

This 1600kg trailer dynamometer is wirelessly linked as much as a pc that lets the operator regulate the diploma of resistance power as measured in kilonewtons (kN) – in our assessments we set it to 3kN, which simulates a reasonably steep ascent, however one which needs to be inside every ute’s talents.

With this trailer connected we measured the 0-100km/h time, in addition to the 0-90km/h time, as a result of as you’ll see not all the opponents made it to a few digits. Then we did one other gasoline economic system lap to see how onerous the engine was working with the load energetic.

Once more, these gasoline effectivity numbers should not designed to be definitive for all person instances in all conditions, however reasonably to function comparative car-to-car information.

2500kg van towing

We hitched every ute to a 2500kg trailer and tackled a 5km street consultant of regional Australia, together with a 15 per cent climb, plus a descent to check engine braking, and a few uneven bitumen to check the trip high quality.

This take a look at is much less data-driven, and about Paul’s seat-of-the-pants really feel – as he describes within the video.

Notes

All autos had been fitted with the inventory tyres every variant got here with, set to their really useful tyre pressures. We used GPS pace information reasonably than speedo information, and needed to battle intermittent drizzle as flagged within the video.

Simply straight to a selected ute by clicking these hyperlinks, scroll to learn the total breakdown alphabetically, or simply bounce proper to the info tables. We advocate you watch the video, even only for one automotive, for the total expertise.

Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Premium
Ford Ranger Raptor
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
GWM Ute Cannon-X
Isuzu D-Max LS-U+
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Mazda BT-50 SP
Mitsubishi Triton GSR
Nissan Navara Professional-4X Warrior
Ram 1500 Laramie
SsangYong Musso XLV Final
Toyota HiLux Rogue

FINAL RESULTS
TABLES

Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

Key specs

• Engine: 6.2-litre petrol V8
• Energy: 313kW @ 5600rpm
• Torque: 624Nm @ 4100rpm
• Towing capability: 4500kg
• Kerb weight: 2540kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3300kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 7160kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 10-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 6.5s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 42.1m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 10.2s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: 11.2s
• Gas econ unladen: 10.4L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 36.5L/100km

Area notes

Typically there’s no alternative for displacement, because the Chevy’s 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 exhibits. It took simply 6.5 seconds to get to 100km/h sans trailer and 11.2 seconds to get to 100km/h with the 3kN resistance trailer hitched. That’s quicker than a number of of our utes had been when examined with nothing connected!

As Paul discovered on the testing street with the two.5t trailer, the Chevy’s mass meant it felt in cost, reasonably than being led by the trailer.

It flew up the hill climb gaining pace all the way in which, with its Tow mode holding decrease gears for longer, and held its pace fixed in third gear down the hill without having brakes – important right here contemplating we had a system fault with the trailer braking! You possibly can maintain gears utilizing the guide controls on the column shifter.

One disappointing side was the dearth of physique management over the uneven and wavy street floor, with the motive force discovering themselves wobbling round greater than within the Ram.

The Silverado comes customary with an Superior Trailer System with menus for the pre-departure guidelines, mild sequencing assessments, upkeep reminders, and safety alerts. The system can even present trailer electrical diagnostics and monitor tyre stress. Notice too the multi-view 360-degree digital camera for hitching.

Total it was the second-fastest car off the mark with and with out the trailer, and had the fourth-shortest total stopping distance (spectacular for such a heavy automotive). Its gasoline effectivity was poor, as you’d anticipate, with its 10.4L/100km unladen determine ballooning to 36.5L/100km when towing – up 250 per cent.

Ford Ranger Raptor

Key specs

• Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6
• Energy: 292kW @ 5650rpm
• Torque: 583Nm @ 3500rpm
• Towing capability: 2500kg
• Kerb weight: 2431kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3130kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 5370kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 10-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 6.4s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 50.5m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 9.0s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: 10.9s
• Gas econ unladen: 11.6L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 36.5L/100km

Area notes

The Raptor has the bottom towing capability right here – our 2500kg trailer sat at its uppermost restrict – however that’s not as a result of it’s missing energy or torque from its mighty twin-turbocharged petrol V6, which sounds completely epic beneath acceleration.

It was even quicker than the V8 Chevy off the mark with no load, taking 6.4 seconds to get to 100km/h, and remained the quickest accelerator with the trailer too, taking a mere 10.9sec to 100km/h.

As we discovered on the two.5t trailer take a look at the Raptor has a implausible 360-degree digital camera view and well-integrated manufacturing facility brake controller with a easy interface to vary the achieve ranges. Rangers, just like the Chevy, allow you to undergo a light-weight sequence verify by way of the touchscreen, and even by way of your FordPass app.

The off-road suspension actually gave the Raptor a brilliantly comfy trip high quality over our testing street, absorbing hits whereas retaining the physique settled over undulations, and hauled arse up the 15 per cent climb when loaded to its towing capability. Sounds nice, too.

It additionally engine braked its manner down the hill effortlessly, and comes with paddle shifters in contrast to different Rangers. One critique although was the unladen 100-0km/h brake take a look at on account of the off-road tyres – at 50.5m it had the third-worst stopping distance.

Total it was the quickest-accelerating ute unladen and with the trailer. It was center of the pack when measuring the change in gasoline economic system unladen versus laden, with the determine going from 11.6L/100km to 36.5L/100km – a 214 per cent improve.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6

Key specs

• Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6
• Energy: 184kW @ 3250rpm
• Torque: 600Nm @ 1750rpm
• Towing capability: 3500kg
• Kerb weight: 2353kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3350kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 6400kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 10-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 8.9s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 46.6m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 12.7s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: 15.9s
• Gas econ unladen: 9.0L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 28.3L/100km

Area notes

For those who’re somebody who tows repeatedly, the Ranger V6 diesel is among the many greatest choices you should buy by way of efficiency. Whereas the Raptor was punchier, the diesel’s towing capability is 3500kg, up a tonne.

Because the spec-sheet figures counsel (it’s probably the most highly effective and torque-rich diesel on take a look at) it carried out higher than all the opposite diesel entrants right here. Its zero to 100km/h with no trailer was 8.9 seconds, which grew to fifteen.9 seconds with the 3kN trailer hitched.

It has that very same nice 360-degree digital camera in Wildtrak spec degree as examined, and the identical cool options because the Raptor resembling an built-in brake controller with achieve changes by way of the touchscreen, in addition to the flexibility to run a trailer mild sequence by itself. It’s also possible to program your trailer size into the display, which adjusts the blind-spot monitor.

It was easy with the two.5t trailer, run in its Tow/Haul driveline mode, which holds decrease gears longer. Regardless of having 10 speeds, the transmission’s ratios felt well-spaced, and it pulled up the ascent with no hesitation, gaining pace all the way in which. It additionally has the reassurance of full-time 4WD.

The Australian-tuned trip high quality over undulations proved to be higher than common with solely a touch of bounciness, ditto the engine braking from the tractable diesel – though we’d counsel the buttons on the gear shifter to have interaction gears manually are annoying. Paddles can be a greater possibility.

All informed the Ranger V6 diesel was the fourth-fastest car (and quickest diesel) to 100km/h – each with and with out the trailer. Regardless of all-round disc brakes it’s stopping distance was within the decrease half, however its gasoline economic system change (9.0L/100km no trailer to twenty-eight.3L/100km) was barely higher than the group common.

GWM Ute Cannon-X

Key specs

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-dieseI 4cyl
• Energy: 120kW @ 3600rpm
• Torque: 400Nm @ 1500rpm
• Towing capability: 3000kg
• Kerb weight: 2100kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3130kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 5545kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 8-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 12.5s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 46.6m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 28.7sec
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 10.5L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 28.6L/100km

Area notes

The GWM’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel has the bottom energy (120kW) and torque (400Nm) figures right here, thus its 3000kg braked towing capability is 500kg wanting the category benchmark. In its favour is a ZF eight-speed automated and its full-time 4×4 system.

With our VBox engaged we discovered it third-slowest right here, at 12.5 seconds to 100km unladen, rising to twenty-eight.7 seconds from 0-90km/h with the 3kN trailer connected. It was one of many seven autos that didn’t cross 100km/h with the resistance trailer, but in no take a look at was it the slowest car right here.

We had a problem with the cruise management system, which did not preserve a pace with the 3kN trailer connected. The transmission didn’t kick down a gear and so we slowed manner again to 40km/h earlier than Paul determined to override it with a press of the accelerator. This is the reason we took the low gasoline consumption with some extent of skepticism.

Regarding the 2.5t trailer, the 360-degree digital camera was useful because of excessive decision, and it managed to construct pace all the way in which up the lengthy hill climb – albeit in 1km/h increments, with that engine sounding over-worked. Once more although, it bought there, and the transmission logic was smarter on this take a look at than it priced to be on the 3kN trailer constant-speed bowl loop.

In third gear (guide override by way of paddle shifters) it saved a continuing pace of 60km/h down the hill with out brakes, however its physique management over the uneven street floor was below-par, as Paul’s head motion within the video exhibits. Some float or porpoising was evident, making an aftermarket suspension improve one thing we’d strongly take into account.

Total it was the third-slowest to 100km/h sans trailer, the equal-second slowest with the trailer, and has the equal-fourth-worst stopping distance. Its gasoline economic system elevated with the trailer from 10.5L/100km to twenty-eight.6L/100km (up 172 per cent) however as we indicated earlier, we’re taking this with a pinch of salt.

Isuzu D-Max LS-U+

Key specs

• Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4cyl
• Energy: 140kW @ 3600rpm
• Torque: 450Nm @ 1600rpm
• Towing capability: 3500kg
• Kerb weight: 2175kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3100kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 6000kg
• 4×4 system: Half-time
• Transmission: 6-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 11.3s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 41.9m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 18.6s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 9.1L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 22.2L/100km

Area notes

The D-Max is extremely in style with individuals who tow, with its truck-sourced 3.0-litre diesel carrying a powerful repute for reliability. Its 3.5t towing capability is par, although its outputs fall wanting the Ranger and HiLux. The engine is mated to a six-speed automated transmission and part-time 4×4, which means you need to drive RWD on tarmac. 

When it comes to efficiency information it’s as middle-of-the-pack as its outputs counsel. We recorded an 11.3-second standing zero to 100km/h time with no trailer, climbing to 18.6 seconds to 90km/h with the 3kN trailer. It was a part of the group that didn’t make it to 100km/h, however we are going to caveat this by saying each single four-cylinder fell wanting the mark right here.

When hitching up the two.5t trailer we discovered the reverse-only digital camera to be comparatively clear by way of decision, but additionally barely offset. We additionally famous that the trailer brake connection disengaged the blind-spot monitoring system for you. 

Preliminary impressions on the take a look at street had been that the three.0-litre felt sturdy and confidence-inspiring, albeit noisy. The electrical steering was very mild, the gearbox decisive and well-tuned regardless of being brief on ratios, and it picked up pace all the way in which to the highest of the hill. 

Greater-speed trip and physique management over the uneven determination was deemed good, with the suspension retaining the car steady and cozy, whereas its engine braking down the slope saved pace fixed. 

Total it was the seventh-fastest to 100km/h with no trailer, and eighth-fastest to 90km/h with the trailer. Its gasoline effectivity indicator on our unladen lap was an excellent 9.1L/100km, whereas its 22.2L/100km determine when towing was the perfect total. We’re a contact skeptical right here as a result of it did much better than its Mazda BT-50 twin – maybe as a result of we inadvertently had the measurements set to km/l reasonably than l/100km?

One space we can not argue with was the braking take a look at, with the D-Max and BT-50 twins managing the shortest 100-0km/h stopping distances of all utes on take a look at with the only real exception of the Ram 1500, which prices twice as a lot. That is regardless of the old-world drum brakes fitted on the rear wheels in comparison with discs for a number of others.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

Key specs

• Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol
• Energy: 209kW @ 6400rpm
• Torque: 347Nm @ 4100rpm
• Towing capability: 2721kg
• Kerb weight: 2242kg
• Gross Car Mass: 2935kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 5656kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 8-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 10.3s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 45.9m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 16.1s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: 28.9s
• Gas econ unladen: 11.3L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 42.7L/100km

Area notes

Of all of the utes examined right here, the Gladiator is without doubt one of the least more likely to be bought as a towing car. Except the trailer carries a pace boat or some filth bikes, that’s. This explains its 2721kg towing capability, which is the second-worst right here. 

Its 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine has the least torque (347Nm) right here, and it’s on stream at a better level within the rev band, which means the engine should spin that a lot faster. On the plus facet it has a very good quantity of energy (209kW), eight ahead gear ratios, and full-time 4WD. 

It was slightly sluggish off the mark with an unladen 0-100km/h time of 10.3 seconds, nevertheless it was in a position to overcome its limitations whereas towing, eclipsing the 100km/h barrier with the 3kN trailer in 28.9 seconds. Positive it was noisy as hell, however it beat a lot of the different utes right here, which we didn’t anticipate. 

The digital camera view is reverse solely, however wonderful by way of decision, and the off-road suspension (Fox shocks included) and chunky tyres provided a very good stability of consolation and management. Paul did be aware the extreme wind noise and the imprecise steering nevertheless. It saved gaining pace up the hill, and fortunately coasted down at a set pace in third gear without having brakes. 

Total the Jeep was the fifth-fastest to 100km/h with no trailer, and simply one in all 5 that handed 100km/h with the 3kN trailer. Its 0-90km/h trailer acceleration time was fifth total at 16.1 seconds, however the trade-off is its ingesting downside – it used 11.3L/100km on the unladen lap (second-worst right here) and 42.7L/100km with the trailer – worst right here, and a 277 per cent bounce.

Its mid-level braking distance end result (seventh) was fairly good contemplating different autos with equally off-road-oriented tyres fared worse.

Mazda BT-50 SP

Key specs

• Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4cyl
• Energy: 140kW @ 3600rpm
• Torque: 450Nm @ 1600rpm
• Towing capability: 3500kg
• Kerb weight: 2208kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3100kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 6000kg
• 4×4 system: Half-time
• Transmission: 6-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 11.4s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 42m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 18.1s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 8.8L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 26.4L/100km

Area notes

The BT-50 makes use of Isuzu’s 3.0-litre diesel with 140kW and 450Nm, and shares its 3.5t towing capability, six-speed automated transmission and part-time 4×4. Given we had the BT-50 SP grade, it was a contact heavier than the lower-grade D-Max LS-U+, however to not sufficient of a level to make a lot distinction. 

Reassuringly its figures had been virtually the identical because the Isuzu’s: 11.4 seconds to 100km/h (0.1sec slower) earlier than the trailer and 18.1 seconds to 90km/h with the trailer (truly 0.5s quicker). It didn’t make it to 100km/h with that resistance trailer connected.

When hitching up the two.5t trailer we discovered the reverse-only digital camera to be comparatively clear by way of decision, but additionally barely offset. We additionally famous that the path brake connection disengaged the blind-spot monitoring system for you.

We noticed that it was just about the identical, seat-of-the-pants, because the Isuzu, as you’d anticipate. The three.0-litre felt sturdy and confidence-inspiring, albeit noisy, the electrical steering was very mild, the gearbox decisive and well-tuned regardless of being brief on ratios, and it picked up pace all the way in which to the highest of the hill.

Greater-speed pleasure and physique management over the uneven part was deemed stable, with the suspension retaining the car steady and cozy, whereas its engine braking down the slope saved pace fixed.

Total it was the eighth-fastest to 100km/h with no trailer, and sixth-fastest to 90km/h with the trailer. Its gasoline effectivity indicator on our unladen lap was a benchmark 8.8L/100km (it had a number of extra kilometres on the odometer than the Isuzu), but its 26.4L/100km determine was inferior, for some odd purpose. But total it was the second-most environment friendly right here with the trailer. Huge tick.

As flagged earlier the D-Max and BT-50 twins managed the shortest 100-0km/h stopping distances of all utes on take a look at with the only real exception of the Ram 1500, which prices twice as a lot.

Mitsubishi Triton GSR

Key specs

• Engine: 2.4-litre turbo-diesel 4cyl
• Energy: 133kW @ 3500rpm
• Torque: 430Nm @2500rpm
• Towing capability: 3100kg
• Kerb weight: 1999kg (excludes bullbar)
• Gross Car Mass: 2900kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 5885kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 6-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 13.1s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 43.2m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 28.7s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 9.7L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 30.1L/100km

Area notes

The Triton’s 2.4-litre diesel’s outputs (133kW and 430Nm) are decrease than most autos on take a look at, and so too is its 3100kg towing capability. In its favour is the intelligent 4×4 system with a full-time mode for street use. 

This was mirrored in our efficiency assessments, the place the Mitsubishi proved to be the second-slowest to 100km/h (13.1sec) with no trailer and equal-second-slowest with the path (0-90km/h in 28.7sec). As you would possibly anticipate it didn’t make it to 100km/h with the 3kN trailer. 

Whereas the digital camera view is 360-degrees, as you may see it’s projected on a small display, appears grainy, and the lens is offset. 

It managed to construct pace up the hill street with the two.5t trailer linked however solely by the pores and skin of its enamel, and engine braking was made straightforward by knocking down a cog with these comically outsized paddle shifters. 

Because the wavering in Paul’s voice exhibits, its trip high quality was fairly unsettled and jiggly. That massive rear overhang (results of the brief wheelbase) is perhaps one purpose why it didn’t really feel as steady and as in management as lots of the different utes. Certainly, we discovered the trip high quality with the trailer to be the worst of any car right here. 

The Triton was bang-on middle-of-the-back by way of stopping distance (equal-fifth with the HiLux) regardless of its rear drums, doubtless all the way down to its comparatively mild kerb weight. Gas effectivity went from 9.7L/100km unladen to 30.1L/100km with the trailer, a 210 per cent improve that was fifth-best right here – a contact stunning given how a lot it sounded prefer it was battling.

Nissan Navara Professional-4X Warrior

Key specs

• Engine: 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel 4cyl
• Energy: 140kW @ 3750rpm
• Torque: 450Nm @ 1500rpm
• Towing capability: 3500kg
• Kerb weight: 2224kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3250kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 5910kg
• 4×4 system: Half-time
• Transmission: 7-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 13.2s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 53.7m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 29.8s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 9.4L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 33.3L/100km

Area notes

The Navara’s twin-turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine (140kW and 450Nm) matches the Isuzu and Mazda on paper, however its efficiency in our take a look at didn’t. This engine is mated to a seven-speed automated and part-time 4×4 system. 

Its 13.2-second 0-100km/h time was the worst right here, and in our separate take a look at the place we put all of those utes on a efficiency dyno, it proved to be the second-least highly effective car right here, narrowly forward of the GWM. It additionally took the longest to speed up to 90km/h with the 3kN trailer, at 29.8 seconds – greater than double the time taken by the Ranger V6 diesel. 

In equity that is the Professional-4X Warrior variant that’s been modified for 4×4 use, with chunky all-terrain tyres, a heavy bullbar, and a suspension replace that provides clearance and GVM. These options make it nice off-road, however add weight and resistance to the car, which makes the engine work that bit more durable. 

The surround-view digital camera is kind of low-resolution. On the street loop we discovered the trip high quality to be largely wonderful by way of consolation and physique management, which is a credit score to Melbourne engineering agency Premcar for the work it did engineering this variant for Nissan Australia.

Naturally the engine was not spectacular. Paul had tow mode engaged, which holds decrease gears longer, and flat to the ground it managed to take care of pace up the hill with the two.5t trailer, however was one of many few autos that didn’t break the 50km/h mark. On the downhill it held third and maintained a 60km/h-ish pace with engine braking, saving the brakes. 

Total it was the slowest car right here each with and with out the trailer. Its 9.4L./100km gasoline economic system unladen was higher than common, however this elevated 254 per cent (33.3L/100km) when towing. These massive tyres additionally seemingly impacted braking, with its 53.7m stopping distance the longest right here.

Ram 1500 Laramie

Key specs

• Engine: 5.7-litre petrol V8
• Energy: 291kW @ 5600rpm
• Torque: 556Nm @ 3950rpm
• Towing capability: 4500kg
• Kerb weight: 2671kg
• Gross Car Mass: 3450kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 7713kg
• 4×4 system: Full-time
• Transmission: 8-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 7.0s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 41.8m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 9.6s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: 11.5s
• Gas econ unladen: 11.1L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 37.3L/100km

Area notes

With its 291kW and 556Nm 5.7-litre V8, the Ram 1500 appears tailored for towing. Just like the Chevy, it could tow a whopping 4500kg with an even bigger 70mm towball fitted, which is a ton better than the remainder of the pack. It makes use of a full-time 4×4 system and an eight-speed automated transmission.. 

It was the third-fastest from 0-100km/h at 7.0 seconds, and was one of many 5 autos able to eclipsing 100km/h with the 3kN trailer, taking simply 11.5 seconds (third). Its 7713kg gross mixture mass can also be the best right here, hinting at its ceiling. 

The 360-degree digital camera on the large portrait display could be very useful. Paul discovered it to be easy when pulling the two.5t trailer up the hill, to the purpose the place it felt barely completely different to when it was pushed unladen. To offer some perception, whereas many different utes battled to extend pace in any respect up the 15 diploma incline, the Ram’s transmission shifted up a gear.

This carried over to the trip high quality, the place it proved to be extra managed with the trailer over undulations than the Chevrolet was – a key benefit on this a part of the market. Down the hill the Ram held third and maintained its pace utilizing engine braking. 

Regardless of the V8 engine utilizing a mild-hybrid system (a really clean cease/begin is one profit) its gasoline economic system was truly worse than the Chevrolet each with and with out the trailer. 

We additionally want to speak concerning the brakes, which had been completely implausible at hauling within the Ram’s bulk. It’s the heaviest car right here at virtually 2.7-tonnes, and but its stopping distance from 100km/h to zero was the shortest total at 41.8m.

SsangYong Musso XLV Final

Key specs

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel 4cyl
• Energy: 133kW @ 4000rpm
• Torque: 420Nm @ 1600rpm
• Towing capability: 3500kg
• Kerb weight: 2210kg
• Gross Car Mass: 2980kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 6480kg
• 4×4 system: Half-time
• Transmission: 6-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 12.0s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 50.6m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 21.2s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 8.9L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 29.7L/100km

Area notes

The Musso’s 2.2-litre diesel outputs 133kW and 420Nm, which is on the decrease facet right here. However its towing capability is the benchmark 3500kg which it’s rated to tow at full payload (this determine known as the GCM). The engine is mated to part-time 4×4 and a six-speed automated. 

Acceleration to 100km/h with no trailer took 12 seconds, and it took 21.2 seconds to make it to 90km/h with the 3kN trailer – higher than the GWM, Mitsubishi and Nissan. Like all the opposite four-cylinder diesels it didn’t lug this trailer previous 100km/h.

The Musso was the one car apart from the GWM through which the cruise management failed to take care of pace with the resistance trailer, with the gearbox taking too lengthy to downshift, and put the engine again into a better energy band. 

The 360-degree digital camera gives respectable decision – higher than some, worse than others. It labored bloody onerous to lug the two.5t trailer up the hill however didn’t lose pace at any level, whereas on the downhill we as soon as once more discovered the transmission too reticent to kick down by itself to take some load off the brakes. The ratios is perhaps a contact vast.

Trip high quality was good although, with Paul observing slightly little bit of porpoising over the undulation however an in any other case pretty settled cabin. We should always be aware this Musso XLV take a look at car was fitted with Ironman suspension upgrades from the SsangYong official equipment catalogue, which we advocate. 

Its unladen gasoline effectivity was among the many greatest at 8.9L/100km indicated, whereas with the trailer it elevated by 233 per cent to 29.7L/100km – surprisingly, sixth-best right here. Its braking efficiency was not spectacular, at 50.6m it had the second-longest stopping distance.

Toyota HiLux Rogue

Key specs

• Engine: 2.8-litre turbo-diesel 4cyl
• Energy: 150kW @ 3000rpm
• Torque: 500Nm @ 1600rpm
• Towing capability: 3500kg
• Kerb weight: 2196kg (tare)
• Gross Car Mass: 3050kg
• Gross Mixture Mass: 5850kg
• 4×4 system: Half-time
• Transmission: 6-speed auto

Outcomes

• Unladen 0-100km/h: 11.2s
• Unladen 100-0km/h: 43.2m
• 0-90km/h with 3kN trailer: 18.4s
• 0-100km/h with 3kN trailer: FAIL
• Gas econ unladen: 10.2L/100km
• Gas econ with trailer: 29.0L/100km

Area notes

The HiLux’s 2.8-litre makes 150kW and 500Nm, which is beefier than all the opposite four-cylinder engines right here. It’s mated to a six-speed automated and a part-time 4×4 system, and has the anticipated 3500kg towing capability with a braked trailer. 

Our 0-100km/h time with out the trailer was 11.2 seconds, putting it sixth. With the 3kN trailer it took 18.4 seconds to make it to 90km/h, neatly bisecting the BT-50 and D-Max, and like the opposite four-cylinders didn’t blow previous 100km/h. One thing to notice: use the PWR mode, which sharpens the HiLux’s quick pick-up. 

Being the Rogue, this model of the HiLux comes with a number of essential mechanical upgrades resembling new springs and shocks, a rear stabiliser bar, wider monitor, and disc brakes on the rear instead of drums. 

When again as much as the two.5t trailer, the 360-degree view digital camera proved too grainy for our liking and considerably off-centre. Paul famous the added weight from the hydraulic energy steering, and the louder-than-average engine. Nevertheless it pulled strongly up the hill, and kicked down a cog and maintained its pace again down without having brakes. 

There was a touch of floatiness to the trip over the street’s worst bits, however usually it impressed confidence and cozy.

The brake improve is price noting, with the HiLux’s stopping time from 100km/h to zero the fifth-shortest right here at 42.3m. Gas effectivity was a middle-of-the-pack 10.2L/100km when unladen, however the 184 per cent improve when towing the 3kN trailer (29L/100km) was the third-lowest right here.

Outcomes

The general greatest towing car by way of engine efficiency and dealing with was the Ram 1500 Laramie.

The Chevy Silverado’s trip over undulations was not as comfy with the trailer, and the Ranger Raptor’s stonking engine efficiency was offset by the low 2500kg towing capability, a results of the actual fact it wasn’t designed to tow heavy issues, however reasonably to do jumps.

In fact the Ram shouldn’t be a viable possibility for lots of patrons right here, contemplating it prices $132,900 earlier than on-road prices and is completely large.

From the mainstream fare we discovered the Ford Ranger V6 (in Wildtrak spec right here however accessible in cheaper grades such because the Sport and XLT) to be the choose. Based mostly on the efficiency assessments we carried out, the bigger-displacement V6 with full-time 4WD is price paying further for in the event you tow rather a lot.

Commendation goes to the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 twins, which like all of the four-cylinder utes didn’t make it previous 100km/h with the 3kN trailer, however felt comparatively confidence-inspiring and cozy and had sturdy braking efficiency.

Greatest ute towing:

• Total: Ram 1500
• Greatest worth: Ford Ranger V6
• Greatest four-cylinder: Isuzu D-Max/Mazda BT-50

Tables

Acceleration instances

Braking

Gas use

Asterisk on D-Max as a result of it was a lot decrease than the mechanically equivalent BT-50, and asterisk on the GWM as a result of its cruise management didn’t work correctly and its pace was so low, throwing out the end result.

Sag when trailer hitched

One closing desk exhibits the change in distance between the underside of the towbar when there’s no treailer, and when the trailer is connected and wired up. This assessments the quantity of sag the suspension permits, with the softly-sprung Raptor unsurprisingly the worst.

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