KGM Musso Electric Tow Rating Lifted: Now Beats the Electric Hilux for Boat Towing
The debate over electric utes and their towing capabilities has taken another turn. KGM has officially lifted the tow rating on the AWD Musso electric ute, pushing it past the recently announced electric Toyota Hilux. For anyone who needs to haul a boat, a caravan, or heavy work equipment, this update changes the calculations.
The revised figure directly addresses a criticism leveled at electric pickups: that they can’t handle the same loads as their diesel counterparts. It also carries a pointed political echo—a former Australian Prime Minister once claimed an electric ute “won’t tow your boat.” The Musso’s new numbers suggest otherwise, and then some.
What Is the New Tow Rating on the AWD Musso Electric Ute?
The AWD Musso electric ute now carries a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg. This is a significant jump from its original rating and places it above the electric Toyota Hilux, which has been rated at 2,500 kg.
| Model | Drivetrain | Braked Tow Rating |
|---|---|---|
| KGM Musso Electric (New) | AWD | 3,500 kg |
| Toyota Hilux Electric | AWD | 2,500 kg |
| BYD Shark 6 | AWD | 2,500 kg |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | AWD | 4,500 kg (US spec) |
The upgrade means the Musso is now rated to handle a 6-meter fiberglass boat, a dual-axle caravan, or a heavy machinery trailer—loads that were previously off-limits for most electric utes in this segment.
Why Did KGM Lift the Rating?
The initial tow rating wasn’t limited by the electric motors or battery capacity. The primary constraint was thermal management—specifically, how well the powertrain could sustain high loads over long distances without derating. Engineering teams addressed this through revised cooling calibration and a software update to the motor controllers. The mechanical hardware remains largely unchanged.
This is a software-and-validation win, not a hardware redesign. KGM re-tested the vehicle under sustained load conditions, including repeated hill starts and extended highway towing, to validate the higher number.
Key Takeaway: A tow rating is more than just a peak motor figure. It reflects the vehicle’s ability to sustain torque, manage heat, and remain stable under load. KGM’s update proves software can unlock real-world capability.
How Does the Musso Electric Compare to Diesel Utes?
The 3,500 kg figure puts the electric Musso on par with the most popular diesel dual-cab utes on the market, including the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux diesel models. For the first time, an electric ute in the Australian market matches the benchmark tow rating of its combustion competitors in the same class.
The key difference remains range. While pulling a 3,500 kg trailer, range will drop significantly—expect a realistic range of around 200-250 km, depending on terrain and speed. Diesel utes still hold the edge for long-distance towing. For daily towing tasks—launching a boat, moving materials, towing a trailer across town—the Musso’s capability now aligns with what buyers expect.
What About Payload?
The Musso electric also maintains a healthy payload figure, which matters when you’re towing. The combination of tow rating plus payload defines a vehicle’s true work capacity. KGM has not reduced the payload to accommodate the higher tow rating, which means the GCM (Gross Combined Mass) remains workable for real-world applications.
Is the Electric Hilux a Better Buy Now?
Toyota’s electric Hilux was seen as a benchmark when its 2,500 kg rating was announced. The Musso’s lift complicates that narrative. Buyers comparing the two will now see:
- Higher Tow Rating: The Musso leads by 1,000 kg.
- Pricing: The Musso is positioned below the expected price point of the electric Hilux.
- Availability: KGM has confirmed factory stock sooner than Toyota’s announced timeline.
The Hilux still has a formidable reputation for reliability and dealer network reach. But if towing capacity is your non-negotiable requirement, the Musso now offers more capability at a lower price. The gap in real-world charging infrastructure and brand trust remains, but the engineering story favors KGM on this metric.
What Does This Mean for the Electric Ute Market?
The tow rating arms race has officially begun. Each new electric ute launch has been scrutinized for its towing stats, and manufacturers now understand that Australians won’t accept second-class capability from electric workhorses. The Musso’s lift puts pressure on:
- Toyota to justify the Hilux’s lower rating.
- BYD to consider a tow-rating bump on the Shark 6.
- LDV and GWM to reassess their e-T60 and Cannon Alpha numbers.
For buyers, this is a win. Competition is driving real improvements in electric ute capability, moving the segment from “city runabout” to “genuine work vehicle.”
FAQ
Can the AWD Musso electric ute tow 3,500 kg legally?
Yes, with a braked trailer and a properly licensed driver. The 3,500 kg rating is legally the maximum allowed. Always verify compliance with local state regulations regarding trailer brakes and license classes for heavier loads.
Will towing reduce the Musso’s driving range?
Yes, expect range to drop by roughly 40-50% under a full 3,500 kg load. A fully loaded Musso will likely achieve between 200-250 km on a single charge. Plan charging stops accordingly when towing long distances.
Is the tow rating upgrade available on existing Musso electric utes?
KGM has stated the upgrade applies to all AWD Musso electric models, both existing stock and new builds. The change is delivered through a software calibration update and is covered under warranty. Owners should contact their local KGM dealer to confirm availability.
Does the higher tow rating affect the Musso’s payload capacity?
No, the payload remains unchanged. The tow rating increase was achieved through software validation and cooling calibration, not by reducing GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass). The GCM calculations remain within legal limits for towing applications.
Final Thoughts
The KGM Musso electric ute now tows 3,500 kg, a benchmark number previously reserved for diesel leaders. It beats the electric Hilux by a comfortable margin and handles the boat, caravan, or trailer that many thought impossible for an EV. If towing capacity is your dealbreaker, the Musso has just removed the final objection. The question now is whether the rest of the market will scramble to catch up—or let KGM hold the crown.
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