Best tow cars to buy in 2027
Hitching up a caravan for a holiday or break is becoming increasingly popular. But which towcars are best suited to the task? We find out...
Love them or hate them, you can’t deny that caravans are a way of life for many UK holidaymakers. While most of the population will be perfectly happy staying at a resort, in a hotel or even at a B&B, there are others who like to take their home comforts along with them. However, you’re not going to get very far without using the right vehicle to hitch your caravan and its contents, and Auto Express has once again joined forces with the Caravan and Motorhome Club to find out the best tow cars.
As ever, the aim is to help the club find the best towcars that its one million-plus members can buy, and we descended on UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire once more to put a range of vehicles through their paces. There were 42 entries this year covering everything from superminis to pick-up trucks and luxury SUVs, while power came from traditional petrol and diesel engines, as well as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars.
To be in with a shout of being named the best tow car, each contender had to deliver in several key areas. Good handling builds confidence, so the twisting hill route at Millbrook provided a stern challenge for each car’s chassis and electronic assistance systems when hitched to a trailer. Low-speed manoeuvrability was important, too, as was all-round visibility, while acceleration and braking tests gave insights into stability in tough conditions.
It’s not just about towing, because our tests also judged how easy a caravan is to hitch, as well as how much paraphernalia you can carry; it’s all well and good having a top towcar, but it’s less helpful if you’re unable to take all your stuff with you.
While our tests were conducted with caravans in mind, if you do any kind of towing, then the results here will help you find a car that’s suitable for your needs. To help identify the best of the best, we’ve named winners in six classes and across eight towing weights, as well as an overall champion.
In past years, EVs have proved effective at towing and have gained ground on combustion engines. You’ll have to read on to find out if our first all-electric Towcar of the Year has been crowned...
Towcar of the Year 2026: Skoda Superb Estate
All of our class winners progressed forward to contend for the overall crown of Towcar of the Year, and all of them had the potential to scoop the title. But after only a brief round of voting, it was clear that the Skoda Superb Estate was the car that had left the best impression on all of our judges, earning the Czech brand’s large family car its sixth Towcar of the Year title.
The Superb Estate delivers everything you need from a towcar: good performance and handling when hitched up, plenty of space for passengers and lots of practical touches that make caravan life easy.
It also demonstrates that diesel power still has relevance in today’s motoring world. Low-down torque makes towing easier than in any petrol model, plus you don’t have to compromise on range and avoid the need to recharge a battery. Overall it’s a great choice for caravanners, or anybody who needs a dependable tow vehicle.
Best electric tow car: BMW iX3
- Model tested: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
We sang the praises of the new BMW iX3 at our New Car Awards in June, and now there’s another trophy for the German firm’s revolutionary EV. As with the BMW iX that took the best electric towcar award last year, the iX3 impressed with its ability to shrug off the weight of our heaviest caravan. Its 463bhp/645Nm four-wheel-drive powertrain delivered 0-60mph acceleration in 8.65 seconds, while the iX3 also felt strong when pulling away on gradients; the old stereotype of a slow-moving car and caravan at the head of a queue of traffic is nowhere to be seen here.
A tall driving position and a low window line boost visibility all round, while the full-width Panoramic Vision display across the base of the windscreen can be configured to show a comprehensive range of information. The cabin has lots of room for five, while the combination of a big boot and generous storage in the nose (with a separate lid to keep it watertight) boosts its usefulness.
A generous 113kWh battery will help to allay some fears about driving range when towing, while rapid 400kW charging tech means you won’t be parked up for long if you do need a top-up en route.
The only gripe we have with the iX3 is the firm ride on its large 20-inch alloys. But the trade-off for this is a sharper drive than most rival electric SUVs, whether they’re hitched to a trailer or not.
Tester’s note: Once again, progress in the electric sector impresses, with all of our EVs proving able to shrug off the extra weight of our Bailey caravans, irrespective of the weight category. The models in the top class proved particularly impressive in that regard.
Commended
Another new arrival in the maximum weight category impressed our judges with its ability to swallow kit within its high-quality cabin. Porsche builds cars for keen drivers, and the Sport and Sport Plus settings for the air suspension were better suited to towing, with the Comfort mode feeling a little wallowy on occasion.
It sits in the 1,600-1,700kg weight category, so hasn’t got the ultimate towing capacity of the EV class winner, but the Volkswagen ID. Buzz more than makes up for this with its ability to swallow people and luggage with space to spare. Four-wheel drive helped with traction on hill starts, while quiet cruising and a tall driving position inspired confidence.
Best plug-in hybrid tow car: Volvo XC60
- Model tested: Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Plug-in hybrid models are gaining more traction in the new-car market, but our category winner this year is something of an old stager, since the Volvo XC60 has been around for nearly a decade. Regular updates have helped it to remain competitive and seal victory, though.
As with any PHEV, the XC60 really needs a fully charged battery to deliver its best performance. The 18.8kWh pack offers 46 miles of pure-electric range once you’re pitched up and out exploring, while the combination of electric and petrol power offers strong performance on the trip to the campsite. There’s 330bhp and 309Nm of torque, while the smooth-shifting automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive help it cope with the weight of the caravan.
Since it’s a five-seater, the XC60 hasn’t got the total carrying capacity of the larger seven-seat XC90, but its more compact dimensions mean it’s a car that’s easier to manage on the road. And besides, there’s still decent space for passengers.
The cabin features plenty of upmarket materials throughout, while modern tech from newer Volvos has been carried over, with the Google-based operating system offering advanced features in an easily navigable package. And of course the XC60’s reputation for safety means you’re in good hands on every journey.
Tester’s note: Highlighting the fact that a PHEV benefits from a fully charged battery was the fact that the XC60’s acceleration fell off dramatically once the pack was flat. Even in-gear acceleration was blunted, with the electric motor offering only a token amount of extra power.
Commended
Skoda Kodiaq IV
While you have to sacrifice seven-seat versatility when choosing the plug-in Skoda Kodiaq, there’s no compromise in terms of practicality or user-friendliness. It’s slightly behind the XC60 for maximum towing capacity, but its petrol-electric powertrain coped well with the weight it could take.
The new Toyota RAV4 is a decent all-round tow car that can match the Volvo’s capacity, but offers better value. Toyota’s hybrid system sees the engine rev away when accelerating, but once up to speed the mix of petrol and electric drive boosts overall fuel efficiency.
Best family tow car: Skoda Superb Estate
- Model tested: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 193PS DSG SE L 4x4
We thought the Superb would perform well this year, because behind the badges it’s virtually identical to the Volkswagen Passat Estate that took the overall Towcar of the Year title 12 months earlier. However, the inclusion of diesel power and four-wheel drive helped it to exceed our expectations.
The extra pulling power of its 2.0 TDI powerplant meant it slotted into the 1,600-1,700kg weight class, compared with 1,300-1,500kg for last year’s petrol Passat, so it offers more options in terms of caravans that it can tow. With 400Nm of torque from a lowly 1,750rpm and the added traction of four-wheel drive, the Superb dealt with the extra weight well. It wasn’t the fastest off the line, but decent in-gear responses and a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox with quick reactions helped with flexibility, even on the steepest parts of the hillclimb course.
A low-set estate car body boosted the Superb’s stability when compared with the SUVs we had on test, too, while the cavernous boot took all of our additional caravanning gear with ease. In fact, we think that the hatch version will be just as useful as a towing vehicle.
Inside, dozens of Skoda’s ‘Simply Clever’ touches contribute to the car’s overall caravanability, making it the ideal tow car for families who like to travel long distances.
Tester’s note: Diesel vehicle sales are shrinking by the month, but if you want to tow for long distances, it’s still the best choice. Strong torque from low revs offers pulling power that comes close to that of an EV, and yet a tankful of diesel will give you a far longer range and easier fills.
Commended
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
If you’re only going to be travelling modest distances to pitches, then the Volkswagen ID.7 is a great alternative to the Superb. Four-wheel drive boosts traction, and you have accessible EV performance on tap. The estate body has plenty of space for all your odds and ends, too.
Don’t be deceived by the hatchback body, because the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is larger than it looks and has lots of space for people and stuff. Acceleration is effortless and comfort is great, while Hyundai’s camera system boosts all-round visibility, especially when changing lanes.
Best large family tow car: Volvo XC90
- Model tested: Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus Pro
Proving there’s still plenty of life in Volvo’s SUV line-up, the seven-seat XC90 backs up last year’s PHEV title with a win in the large family car category this time around.
A seamless response from the hybrid system as it switches from petrol to electric mode guarantees smooth driving whether there’s a caravan attached or not, while it’s powerful enough to shake off any weight being towed. That means the XC90 is similar in character to many of the EVs on test, and yet the petrol part of the equation ensures plenty of miles can be covered before the need to fill up. Once you’re set up on site, an all-electric range of 41 miles from the 18.8kWh battery gives you plenty of zero-emissions driving when you’re out and about.
Safety is always a major selling point for Volvo, and as well as featuring a suite of advanced systems to protect occupants and other road users, the SUV’s chassis and braking systems impressed with their security.
In five-seat mode, the XC90 has plenty of space, while the premium materials and quiet serenity of the comfortable interior make long trips a breeze. Add in Volvo’s latest Google-based operating system and its excellent responses and connectivity, and the XC90 offers an upmarket family car experience.
Seven-seat mode compromises the ability to carry all of your holiday kit, but with the rearmost row folded there’s plenty of room.
Tester’s note: While our top three large family cars are all seven-seaters, they do their best work as towcars when sticking with the five-seat format. While the third row is handy for passengers, keeping it folded gives plenty of room for luggage and plenty of other caravanning kit.
Commended
Another consistent front-runner in the heavyweight caravan category, the seven-seat Kia EV9 has lots of power to make towing a breeze, and its sheer size offers lots of space, too. Four-wheel drive helps with traction, while the luxury interior is quiet and refined at all speeds.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Large families demand lots of space, and the ID. Buzz is especially impressive in long-wheelbase guise. Even with all the seats in use, there’s room for plenty of caravanning kit, and the electric powertrain manages to make light work of heavy payloads and trailers alike.
Best luxury tow car: Bentley Bentayga
- Model tested: Bentley Bentayga EWB Atelier
It’s another victory in the luxury towcar category for the Bentley Bentayga, because no other model on test is able to match its pulling power or the sheer opulence that the cabin has to offer.
Performance was effortless at all speeds, and the powerful 542bhp twin-turbo petrol engine accompanied this with a growling V8 soundtrack that was at odds with the serene progress you normally associate with caravanning. With 770Nm of torque on offer and a slick-shifting automatic gearbox, it was one of only a handful of combustion-engined cars that could match the EVs for the ease with which they could tow.
At speed the Extended Wheelbase Bentayga felt stable and secure, with only the distant purr of the V8 breaking the silence of the upmarket cabin. When buying new, that interior can be specified in thousands of different configurations (at extra cost, obviously), but whatever specification you choose, you’re left with a plush cabin with plenty of metal and leather on display, plush carpets and the option of equipping the rear with either a standard bench or more luxurious individual seats, making the Bentayga a four-seater in the process.
No other model left our judges with the same sense of serene luxury – you just need to buy a plush caravan to match its upmarket aspirations.
Tester’s note: It might seem like overkill to use a plush, upmarket Bentley to tow a caravan, but the members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club are a diverse bunch. Very few are likely to buy a new Bentayga just for this purpose, but a few years down the line, it could make for an intriguing used towcar.
Commended
Porsche Cayenne Electric
A sporty drive comes as standard with the Porsche Cayenne Electric, but it offers plenty in the way of upmarket quality, too. Porsche’s personalisation service means you can make this SUV as plush as you like, while the strong electric powertrain and capable chassis deliver impressive performance.
Kia EV9
If you like luxury but with a more down-to-earth price tag, then the EV9 is a tempting proposition. Sure, it starts north of £65,000, but that’s half the price you’d pay for a new Bentayga, and you get a plush interior with a modern design and more space than you’ll need for your holiday kit.
Best pick-up truck: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
- Model tested: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Diesel
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster has to give second best to most conventional pick-up trucks in terms of payload capacity, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with its ability to tow. A 3.5-tonne capacity comes as standard whether you choose petrol or diesel, and the BMW-sourced 3.0-litre units deliver plenty of performance.
The petrol version is rev-happy and punchy, but we prefer the diesel, which has a broad spread of torque from low down, making for smooth progress when the Grenadier is fully laden. Retaining BMW’s eight-speed gearbox means the drive selector looks a little out of place in the cabin, but the transmission’s smooth shifts and quick responses can’t be faulted. Permanent four-wheel drive ensures unbreakable traction irrespective of surface, while Brembo brakes deliver strong, consistent stopping power.
New steering for the 2026 model year means it’s easier to keep things under control when towing, although it still needs some getting used to when compared with most rival systems, and it’s still a little on the slow side for low-speed manoeuvres. At least visibility is good, and is certainly better than in the Grenadier Station Wagon, courtesy of the Quartermaster’s open rear end.
That load area is big enough to take plenty of kit – even when a spare wheel is mounted to the side of the bed – while Ineos offers a range of roof and cargo accessories to kit out the Grenadier for any journey. If you’re looking for a vehicle to tow your caravan to the ends of the world, look no further.
Tester’s note: Notable by their absence from the pick-up class were the big three, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and last year’s winner, the Isuzu D-Max. Based on past results, all make for great towcars, with big payloads and towing weights that mean even the biggest caravans can be pulled.
Commended
GWM Poer
Chinese newcomer GWM ticks all the right boxes for towing ability, with the big four-cylinder diesel giving it the maximum 3.5-tonne towing capacity that’s essential for a diesel double cab. It backs this up with a large load bed, well equipped cabin and decent on-road manners, although the diesel does seem to run out of steam at higher motorway speeds.
KGM Musso Rhino
We had two KGM Mussos on test this year – one diesel, one electric – and it’s the former that earns the commendation courtesy of its 3.5-tonne towing capacity, compared with 2.3 tonnes for the EV. Good visibility helped the Musso’s driveability, while the SUV-derived cabin means it feels less utilitarian than many pick-up rivals.
Tow car winner by category
We’ve led our test with the winning cars across six areas of the new-car market, but the Caravan and Motorhome Club also splits the contenders across eight weight categories to help caravanners choose the right vehicle for their particular trailer.
Bristol-based maker Bailey provided the caravans for the test, and each combo was filled with ballast to 85 per cent of its kerbweight or towing limit, whichever was lower. We’ve listed the best models and two commended machines in each category.
Caravan under 1,100kg: MINI Countryman
Fitting the most powerful petrol engine to the MINI Countryman means it takes towing in its stride, while an agile chassis helped it cope admirably with the caravan’s weight. The large SUV body offered plenty of space for all our holiday kit, and still had space for passengers.
Commended: Suzuki e Vitara, Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Caravan 1,100-1,400kg: Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc has been a popular choice with caravanners in the past, and the latest model delivers a confidence-inspiring drive that should maintain its appeal. The 1.5 TSI model we drove had good traction and plenty of power for hill starts, and was refined once up to speed.
Commended: BYD Seal U, KGM Torres
Caravan 1,400-1,500kg: Volvo XC40
A past Towcar of the Year winner, the Volvo XC40 matches Volvo’s larger SUVs because it’s been around for a while, but its sheer caravanability means it’s still a great option. The 2.0-litre mild-hybrid offers good pulling power and the car blends comfort and practicality well.
Commended: Volkswagen Tayron, Hyundai Tucson
Caravan 1,500-1,600kg: Toyota bZ4X Touring
The enlarged Toyota bZ4X now has plenty of space for a caravanning kit, while the four-wheel-drive model packs a punch that will make you wonder if a trailer is attached. It’s another example of how well EVs are suited to towing.
Commended: Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Passat eHybrid
Caravan 1,600-1,700kg: Skoda Superb Estate
It doesn’t have the maximum towing weight, but the Superb has plenty of power to pull the majority of caravans. Add in the versatile estate body and low-slung chassis that boosts stability, and it's a class winner.
Commended: Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Caravan 1,700-1,800kg: Skoda Kodiaq
Essentially the Kodiaq is the Superb Estate in an SUV body with the option of seven seats if you choose petrol or diesel engines. We tested the five-seat plug-in hybrid, which had decent acceleration and braking, while the comfortable interior and spacious load area impressed.
Commended: Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe
Caravan 1,800-1,900kg: Volkswagen Touareg
It’s reaching the end of its time on sale, but the Volkswagen Touareg remains an excellent choice for towing duties. A big V6 diesel helps it to haul a maximum 3.5-tonne towing weight, so it’s no surprise that it shrugged off our tests with ease. A well equipped and refined cabin helps it to victory.
Commended: Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, Volvo XC60 T6 PHEV
Caravan over 2,000kg: BMW iX3
The heavyweight class has become the domain of the EV, with our trio here delivering stunning pulling performance that made light work of our largest caravans and payloads. The iX3 adds a pleasing driving experience and upmarket quality to seal victory.
Commended: Porsche Cayenne Electric, Kia EV9
Past winners
| 2026 | Volkswagen Passat Estate 2.0 TSI |
| 2025 | Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Plus |
| 2024 | Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid |
| 2023 | Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 4x4 SportLine |
| 2022 | SEAT Leon Estate 1.5 TSI FR |
| 2021 | Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI SE L |
| 2020 | Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro |
| 2019 | Volvo XC60 D5 AWD R-Design |
| 2018 | Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 SE L |
| 2017 | Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack |
| 2016 | Land Rover Discovery HSE |
| 2015 | SEAT Leon ST 2.0 TDI FR |
| 2014 | Skoda Superb Estate 2.2 TDI 4x4 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI Sport |
| 2012 | Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI Sport |
| 2011 | Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI |
| 2010 | Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI |
| 2009 | Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI |
| 2008 | Ford Mondeo Estate |
| 2007 | Volvo V50 D5 Sport |
| 2006 | Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi |
| 2005 | Mazda 6 2.0-D Estate |
| 2004 | Subaru Forester 2.0 XT |
| 2003 | Skoda Superb 2.5 V6 TDI |
| 2002 | Peugeot 406 2.2 HDi Estate |
| 2001 | Volkswagen Golf V6 4MOTION |
| 2000 | SEAT Toledo V5 |
| 199 | Audi A6 Avant 2.5 TDI |
| 1998 | Citroen Xantia V6 Exclusive |
| 1997 | Peugeot 406 2.1 DT GLX |
| 1996 | Vauxhall Vectra 2.0i 16v |
| 1995 | Renault Laguna 2.0 RT |
| 1994 | Citroen Xantia 1.9 TD VSX |
| 1993 | Vauxhall Calibra Turbo 4x4 |
| 1992 | Volvo 940 SE Turbo |
| 1991 | Rover 416 GTi 16v |
| 1990 | Vauxhall Cavalier 4x4 |
| 1989 | Vauxhall Cavalier SRi |
| 1988 | Vauxhall Senator 3.0 CD |
| 1987 | Renault 21 GTS |
| 1986 | Ford Sierra XR4x4 |
| 1985 | Volvo 360 GLEi |
| 1984 | Citroen BX 16 TRS |
| 1983 | Volkswagen Santana |
| 1982 | BMW 528i |
| 1981 | Toyota Crown S |
| 1980 | Peugeot 505 SR |
| 1979 | Renault 20 TS |
| 1978 | Rover 3500 |
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Great leasing deals on our two car winners
Volkswagen T-Roc
Skoda Superb
Mini Countryman
Skoda Kodiaq
Volvo Xc60
BMW iX3
Volvo Xc90
Bentley Bentayga
