Author: Gary White
If money is no object then there are quite a few top dogs among SUVs when it comes to towing performance. A 12-cylinder Bentley Bentayga with more than 600 hp or a Tesla Model X with 773 hp and space for 7 passengers, for example. But strength can also be defined by other properties beyond mere horsepower number. Whether on the road or off-road - some 4x4 SUVs cut a fine figure on any terrain. They are equally perfect for road trips and family trips. If you want to take baggage or the big caravan with you, you need the right performance and a high towing capacity. And not every 4x4 SUV can offer that. Luckily there are some models that can handle even the heaviest trailer loads.
The top 3 best 4x4 SUVs with a trailer load of 3,500kg are:
• Land Rover Defender
• Mercedes Benz/Puch G Class
• Toyota Land Cruiser
When towing a large twin or tripple axle trailer, horse trailer or boat it is recommended that the vehicle you are using has a Four Wheel Drive (4x4) all-wheel drive option and you adhere to the 85% towing weight ratio.
Land Rover Defender - most powerful version 2018
Land Rover has produced more than 2 million vehicles to date. The first model was built in 1948. The British 4×4 can look back on an exciting history, because the construction was originally only intended as a stopgap in the post-war period. A four-wheel drive commercial vehicle for farmers, craftsmen and the military was planned. Surprisingly, many private individuals were also very interested in the vehicle. The success story took its course. Even if it wasn't particularly fast or fuel-efficient, the Defender became a legend. Because it is robust and practical: the overview when driving is perfect, plenty of luggage fits in, it overcomes almost every hurdle and the towing properties are also top. The design is also a classic: although it has evolved over the last 70 years,
The first Land Rover, which actually received the name suffix "Defender", did not come onto the market until 1983. The car was initially - based on the wheelbase - introduced as Land Rover Ninety (90) and Land Rover One Ten (110). The car had been redesigned from the ground up: longer wheelbase, coil springs instead of leaf springs and new diesel engines. When Land Rover launched the Discovery in the late 1980s, the older model range was given a new name: the Defender was born.
In 2018 the car celebrates its 70th birthday. For the anniversary there is one of the most powerful versions of the all-wheel drive icon. The Defender Works V8 has a 5-liter V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine, 405 hp and it reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The special model, which is limited to 150 copies (unfortunately already sold), reaches a maximum of 171 km /H. The new 4×4 joins the series of almost indestructible vehicles. According to Land Rover, in 2007 75 percent of all vehicles ever built were still in use. An exceptional phenomenon in the car world.
Mercedes Benz Puch G Class
Another robust workhorse is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, marketed in Europe under the name Puch G for a long time. The different naming resulted from the sales responsibility that Daimler-Benz and the Austrian manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puchhad agreed. In 1972 they began the joint development of an off-road vehicle that was initially intended to be purely a commercial, hunting and military vehicle. The initiator was the Iranian ruler at the time, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who owned 18 percent of Daimler-Benz shares. The most important features of the forefather SUV should include off-road capability, traction and durability. The result was a vehicle that not only impressed with its off-road capability, but also with its safety and comfort in everyday traffic. So it's no wonder that the car and its successors became legendary and the Defender's greatest competitor.
Compared to the Defender, the G-Class has very little axle articulation – but it is in no way inferior to the Defender in terms of off-road and everyday suitability. Mercedes is still the leader when it comes to comfort. Many assistance systems and ESP with a trailer stabilization program support the driver in every situation. The vehicles have been continuously developed and are consistently good towing and off-road vehicles. Even the Swiss Army relies on the G-Class for this reason.
Toyota Land Cruiser: Massive and reliable
It is the Japanese counterpart to the Defender and has been sold in more than 190 countries around the world for over 60 years. Toyota's Land Cruiser is particularly sought after because it is extremely robust and reliable, especially off-road. For many, it is a character car whose previous models required a certain amount of experience and full commitment from the driver. With the new 2018 variant , however, Mercedes has taken an example in terms of driving comfort: Various assistance systems now make it much easier for the driver to move the Land Cruiser.
The interior has sufficient height, plenty of space and comfortable seats, which ensures comfort. Toyota relies on the tried-and-tested ladder frame construction variant: This construction is heavy and expensive, but is considered to be almost indestructible. Perfect if you are looking for a car that has to endure a lot. In Europe, however, the Land Cruiser is not usually used as an off-road vehicle, but is valued as a draft horse in particular because of its excellent properties. With a 3,500 kg (3.5ton) towing capacity and automatic stabilization – you can transport a lot with it.
If a car does not have a trailer hitch, you can quickly have it retrofitted online. Thanks to its high towing capacity, the Land Cruiser is not only an excellent commercial vehicle, but also the ideal vehicle for travelers with caravans and luggage. It is therefore one of the top 3 most powerful SUVs.
Other Popular SUVs with All Wheel Drive That Can Tow a Caravan or Trailer
More than 3500kg Weight Trailer
Cadillac Escalade: 3674kg
Up to 3500 kg Weight Trailer
Audi Q7
Isuzu D-Max
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Land Rover Defender / Discovery
Mercedes Benz G Class / GL Class / GLE
Mitsubishi Pajero
Nissan Pathfinder
Porsche Cayenne
Range Rover / Sport
VW Touareg
Toyota Land Cruiser
2600kg to 3350kg Weight Trailer
Ford Ranger – 3,350 kg
VW Amarok – 3,200 kg
Mitsubishi L200 – 3,000 kg
Nissan Navara – 3.000 kg
BMW X5 / X6 – 2,700 kg
SsangYong Rexton W – 2,600 kg
Up To 2500 kg Weight Trailer
Hyundai ix55
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Toyota Hilux VW Tiguan
