Was going to suggest a Pajero but I think only 2.8 ton towing rating. Comfy and reliable. My automatic used to have the option to lock the diff as required.
I see elsewhere you say 3.5tons towing. There are very few cars (eg not vans or trucks) rated for 3.5 tons so your choice should be simple.
TW
To aid manouverability think about a tow hitch on the front. John Gifford
I was quite fond of my two, used them for towing when I had riding horses, but we can manage with a Renault Master now for our toy equines. Have to say that this is a much more civilised drive! No good if there is much mud, though.
I have a small tractor for the paddocks which I rent, but actually the ATV is more fun and, for most things, more useful. (I have a Cub Cadet).
Check with your insurers before buying a Pajero. This is an imported Shogun and last time I looked my two usual insurers (NFU plus a broker that I have used for decades) would not touch them. Obviously, there are people who will.
Former Td5 owner, present Shogun LWB owner here. I hope my experience might help.
I had a Disco 2 Td5 for around a decade. The air suspension did need maintenance but as another poster commented, the bags and sensors are cheapish and easy diy. The ABS/TC block failed. Local LR specialist wanted £2k to fix but advised acquiring 2nd hand off ebay which I did , then self fitted and paid him to clear the error codes/warning lights. I had no other real problems until chassis welding came into view on the horizon (at 12 years old). There was no mechanical diff lock but once you got used to the TC system I never missed it.
Having decided to change, I too was hunting for 3T+ towing ability.
Pathfinder : From memory only 2.8T towing. It did have low range (althought the one I tried was manual transmission). Same wheelbase as Navara, I think, so might be ruled out on that score. It felt very low and the rear seats were set lower than the front and very claustrophobic. Quite reasonable on road.
Merc ML: met towing requirement, comfy, tyres wide and smooth....really not a work car.
Landcruiser: nearly met towing requirement but engine (through auto box) seemed very lacking. Still probably too long a WB for you.
Shogun: tows 3.5T. Auto. It does have a transfer box but with the same limitation as your Jeep.....Low range is only accessible after locking the centre diff. I really didn't like the idea of this ( I always used Low range on Disco when starting off on our bendy hilly driveway when towing large horse trailer) but in practice, being an auto, if you put it in 4WD and then lock it in 1st gear high range, it really isn't an issue. I have used the diff lock once in anger but not yet needed Low Range. Whilst it is a longer wheelbase and body length it is MUCH more manoeverable than the Disco. The SWB has a lower towing limit and , of course, is only 3 door. Another poster mentioned Pajero Insurance. My insurance for the Shogun was about the same as the Disco....and now having left NFU is reduced by about 40%! It is unquestionably inferior ride and handling to an air suspensioned Disco on road.....noisier engine, more road noise but so it should be for the much lower price. It also has far fewer electronic things to go wrong which appeals to me.
Finding a shortish vehicle with 5 doors that will tow 3T at any price is not going to be easy, I'm afraid. Please reply to group - email address is not monitored Ian
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