MSA vs Clearview Towing Mirrors: A Comparison Guide
Towing a caravan, boat or trailer without the right mirrors is one of the quickest ways to end up on the wrong side of the law – and the wrong side of a near miss. MSA and Clearview are the two most established names in Australian towing mirrors, and both produce ADR-compliant, Australian-tested products. Neither brand is objectively "better" across the board – the right pick comes down to how your vehicle is set up, which features you need, and how you like your mirrors to look and operate.
In this guide, we break down how MSA and Clearview towing mirrors compare on design, features, fitment range and warranty, so you can choose the right set with confidence.
MSA Towing Mirrors: Design & Build
MSA 4X4 mirrors are built around a patented single-lens design. Rather than running two separate mirror glasses, MSA uses one large curved lens with a heavy-duty extension slide, which pivots the mirror out for towing and folds it back to a factory-style profile for everyday driving. The idea is a mirror that looks (almost) standard when you're not towing, then extends when you need the extra visibility.
MSA mirrors are built from injection-moulded and die-cast aluminium components, with a unique pivot design that lets the mirror fold inwards or outwards if it clips a tree, gate post or another vehicle in a tight car park.
MSA Power Fold options are available across a huge range of popular tow tugs, including the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X, and Mazda BT-50.
Clearview Towing Mirrors: Design & Build
Clearview takes a different design approach, offering a twin-mirror setup across three model ranges – Compact, Next Gen and their flagship line – so you can choose the footprint and feature set that suits your vehicle and towing style. The Compact range is designed for a smaller, more OEM-style profile, while the Next Gen range is the more heavy-duty option, built for drivers wanting a broader field of view with more factory feature compatibility.
Like MSA, Clearview mirrors use diecast aluminium housings with steel arms through the centre for wind resistance and rigidity at highway speed. Clearview is proudly Australian-made and has one of the largest dealer networks in the country, which is handy if you ever need spare parts or fitment help on the road.
Feature Comparison: Electric Fold, Indicators, BSM & Heating
Both brands offer a similar spread of features across their mirror ranges, so the real decision comes down to what your specific vehicle model supports and what you actually need day-to-day:
- Power fold – both MSA and Clearview offer power-fold variants that tuck the mirrors in electrically, useful for tight garages, car washes and narrow tracks.
- Indicators – integrated indicator lenses are available on most models from both brands, keeping your factory turn signal function intact.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) – newer model-specific mirrors from both MSA and Clearview support BSM on vehicles that came factory-fitted with it, so the safety feature isn't lost when you upgrade.
- Heated glass – handy for foggy mornings and coastal touring, offered as an option on select models from both ranges.
- Camera provision – some Next Gen and MSA Power Fold mirrors are designed to accommodate factory or aftermarket camera housings, particularly on newer Ford Ranger and Everest models.
- Colour options – both brands offer black, chrome and (on select Clearview models) raw/paintable finishes.
Vehicle Fitment & Range
Both brands cover the key tow-rig platforms Aussie drivers rely on: Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser (70, 76, 78, 79 Series and 200 Series), Ford Ranger (PX through to Next Gen), Mitsubishi Triton (MQ/MR), Mazda BT-50, and Isuzu D-MAX/MU-X. Clearview has a slightly broader legacy vehicle catalogue, with fitments going back to older platforms like the Ford Territory, Holden Colorado and Colorado 7, and Ford Ranger PJ/PK. MSA's range leans heavily into current-generation dual-cab utes and wagons, with dedicated Power Fold options for the latest Next Gen Ranger, Everest and 300 Series LandCruiser.
Because towing mirrors are vehicle and variant specific, always match the mirror to your exact model year and factory mirror features – for example, whether your vehicle has factory BSM or puddle lights – to avoid conflicts with existing wiring or mirror control functions.
Warranty & Backup
MSA 4X4 backs its towing mirrors with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, one of the longer terms in the segment, covering defects in materials or workmanship for the original purchaser. Clearview backs its towing mirrors with a full 3-year product warranty, backed by a strong dealer and service network across Australia for warranty claims and repairs. Both warranties sit alongside your rights under Australian Consumer Law, and neither covers incorrect fitment, accident damage or unauthorised modification.
Comparison at a Glance
Both MSA and Clearview build ADR-compliant, Australian-tested towing mirrors that will get the job done – the difference comes down to design preference and which features matter most to you:
- MSA uses a single-lens design that folds back to a near-factory profile for everyday driving, and is backed by a 5-year warranty.
- Clearview uses a twin-mirror setup across three model ranges, offers the widest fitment catalogue including older vehicles, and is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Whichever brand you land on, make sure the mirror variant matches your vehicle's exact features – indicators, BSM, heating and camera provision all need to line up with what your vehicle already has, or what you're prepared to wire in.
Shop Towing Mirrors at Brixton 4x4
Browse the full range of MSA and Clearview towing mirrors at Brixton 4x4, filter by your vehicle in our Toyota towing mirrors, Ford towing mirrors and Isuzu towing mirrors collections, or explore our dedicated MSA Towing Mirrors & Accessories and Clearview Mirrors & Accessories ranges. Not sure which mirror suits your rig? Get in touch with the Brixton 4x4 team and we'll help you find the right fit.