AU towing capacity / Ute

Isuzu D-MAX Towing Capacity (Australia)

Recent D-MAX configurations are rated up to 3,500 kg braked. The table below breaks down towing capacity, GVM, GCM and ball limit by year and variant, because in Australia the headline number is only one of four limits that must all hold.

Isuzu D-MAX tow ratings by year (kg)

YearsVariantBrakedUnbrakedGVMGCMBall max
2025-2026 RG (25.5MY update): 2.2 & 3.0 diesel, 4x4 3,500 750 3,100 6,000 350
2020-2025 RG: 3.0 diesel (4x4 & 4x2 High-Ride) 3,500 750 3,100 5,950 350
2023-2025 RG: 1.9 diesel SX 3,000 750 n/a 5,500 300
2014-2020 RT (MY14 on): 3.0 diesel 4x4 3,500 750 3,050 5,950 350
2012-2013 RT (2nd gen): 3.0 diesel 4x4 3,000 750 n/a n/a n/a

Notes by range

2025-2026: From Oct 2025 the 2.2L replaced the 1.9L and the whole range is rated 3,500 kg; GCM lifted from 5,950 to 6,000. 4x2 High-Ride: GVM 3,000 / GCM 5,850. Official Isuzu 25.5MY spec sheet.

2020-2025: The rating requires the genuine Isuzu tow kit plus an electronic brake controller. 4x2 High-Ride: GVM 3,000 / GCM 5,850.

2023-2025: Transmission-dependent: 3,000 kg / 300 kg ball with the automatic, 2,800 kg / 280 kg ball with the manual.

2014-2020: 4x2 High-Ride reached 3,500 kg later in the run (by 2017); the SX low-ride single cab stayed at 2,500 kg with a 250 kg ball.

2012-2013: Pre-MY14 rating before the 3,500 kg upgrade arrived in Dec 2013.

The GCM catch on the current model

At the full 3,500 kg tow, the GCM of 6,000 kg allows the loaded vehicle (including ball weight) to weigh at most 2,500 kg. That is 600 kg below its GVM: weight you must leave out of the vehicle to stay legal while towing the maximum.

Ratings vary by engine, transmission, body and build date, and some require genuine tow kits or a brake controller. Treat these as accurate ranges and confirm your exact vehicle's plate, owner's manual or VIN-specific documentation before towing. Check your combination in the caravan towing calculator.

How to read Australian tow ratings

Four numbers govern every legal combination: the braked rating caps the trailer's ATM, the ball limit caps static download on the tow ball, the GVM caps the loaded vehicle (ball weight included), and the GCM caps vehicle and trailer together. Manufacturers advertise the first number; roadworthiness, insurance and the weighbridge care about all four.

Frequently asked questions

Which Isuzu D-MAX tows the most?

Any 3.0 D-MAX from MY14 on is rated 3,500 kg braked with the genuine tow kit and a brake controller. The 25.5MY update (Oct 2025) extends 3,500 kg to the whole range and adds 50 kg of GCM.

Can a Isuzu D-MAX legally tow a 3,500 kg caravan?

Recent configurations are rated to 3,500 kg braked, so yes on paper. In practice the caravan's ATM, the 350 kg ball limit and the 6,000 kg GCM all have to check out at once. Run your exact numbers through our caravan towing calculator before committing.

Is the braked rating the same as what I can actually hook up?

Not quite. The trailer's ATM (its maximum loaded mass) must stay under the braked rating, the ball weight must stay under the ball limit, and the loaded vehicle plus loaded trailer must stay under GCM. Any one of the three can be the binding constraint.

Compare with

Ford Ranger

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Toyota HiLux

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Toyota LandCruiser 300 (& 200)

Up to 3,500 kg braked

Caravan towing calculator

Check your car + caravan combination against all four legal limits.