Best cars for towing caravans 2024

Looking to book your next holiday? There's no need to be searching for flights out of the country, in fact, caravanning on home soil could be the perfect option. Having a caravan and hitting the open road is one of the best ways to explore the British countryside.

In this blog we discuss all things caravan towing, including the laws around towing, what makes a good tow car and how to choose the right one for you as well as some handy towing tips. You can also jump straight to our picks of the best used cars for towing caravans if you’re already an experienced caravan tower!

Towing a caravan - a guide

Can I tow a caravan?

Whether you can legally tow or not depends on when you passed your driving test and the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of what you are planning to tow. If your driving licence was issued after 1st January 1997, you can:

If your driving licence was issued before 1st January 1997, you can:

If you want to tow anything heavier, you’ll need to take a car and trailer driving test.

Choosing the right tow car for you

When it comes to finding the perfect car to tow your caravan, there's no one-size-fits-all option. Firstly, you'll need to consider the weight of the caravan you intend to tow.

To work out the weight of the caravan when it is fully loaded, you will need to find out its maximum authorised mass (MAM). This is also known as maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

It is highly recommended that your caravan should weigh no more than 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight. Your caravan should never weigh more than 100% of your vehicle’s kerb weight. It should also not exceed your car's maximum towing capacity.

To calculate your caravan’s weight as a percentage of your car’s kerb weight, take your caravan’s MAM figure, divide it by 85, and then multiply by 100. In order to be safe, your tow car should have a kerb weight that is the same or bigger than this figure.

Example:

The weight is the most important consideration when choosing the right tow car. You should also consider your lifestyle, budget, and preferences as a driver. Growing families taking the car and caravan on long road trips will benefit from a larger tow car with lots of boot space and ISOFIX points.

Young couples who love an adventure may benefit from a smaller hatchback with great towing capacity that still makes for a practical commuter car during the week.

Our top tips for towing a caravan

Since 2021, all UK car drivers can tow a caravan without the need to take a trailer test, although, it is still recommended. Here are our top tips for towing a caravan:

• If you are new to towing, you should fill your car up with fuel before hitching the caravan to your car – this avoids any stress trying to manoeuvre your car and caravan at the pumps.
• When loading a caravan, ensure heavy items are low down and close to the axle to help keep your caravan level and stable behind your tow car. Medium-weight items should go next, still low down and close to the axle. Lastly, load your lightest items. Lightweight items can be stored in locked cupboards while driving. Finally, check that everything is secure. Ideally, heavy items are stowed in the tow car instead of the caravan.
• Always remember to securely attach the breakaway cable and use towing mirrors.
• Before setting off on any journey, check your caravan’s tyres as well as your tow car’s tyres.
• The speed limit when towing a caravan on a motorway is 60mph, while on single-carriageway roads it’s 50mph.
• To avoid snaking and pitching, ensure you choose a car and caravan that are well-matched. You can also purchase stabilisers for additional stability.

What are the best cars for towing caravans in 2024?

A small caravan usually weighs up to 1,300 kg, while larger caravans can be more than 1,800 kg. It's important that your car has sufficient towing capacity to manage the weight of your caravan.

Many cars have a maximum braked towing weight, and that’s usually the maximum weight you can tow up a 12% gradient. This can typically be found in the manufacturer’s specifications.

It's worth bearing in mind that you can't usually store extra weight in caravans, so you'll need a car that’s big enough to fit all your extra gear and passengers. Plus, if you're travelling far, you'll want a tow car that's comfortable.

Remember, most cars can only tow if they have towbars or towing packages fitted from the factory. In most cases, it won't be possible to have towing gear fitted retrospectively. Therefore, making the right choice when looking at cars to tow caravans is important.

Whether you are interested in the best small cars for towing, the best hybrid tow cars, cheap tow cars or electric tow cars, our top picks have you covered! Below we’ll take you through some examples of the best cars for towing caravans.

Škoda Karoq

• Maximum towing capacity: 1,200kg – 2,100 kg*
• Kerb weight: 1,359kg – 1,649 kg

A used Škoda Karoq is arguably the perfect choice for families looking for an SUV that can expertly tow a caravan. At the What Car? Tow Car Awards 2022, the 2.0-litre TDI 150 SE L 4x4 DSG drivetrain version of the Karoq was highlighted as the model of choice in the 1550kg – 1699kg category.

It has been praised for its 'solid straight-line performance and excellent stability', while it is also able to change lanes at speed with ease, offering towers a smooth, stable and secure ride.

The five-door medium-sized SUV also offers plenty of space in the cabin; it is similar in size to a Nissan Qashqai. There's also decent storage for families in the boot, offering 521 litres and extendable to 1,630 litres with the rear bench folded.

Volkswagen ID.5

• Maximum towing capacity: 1,000kg – 1,200 kg*
• Kerb weight: 2,110kg – 2,243 kg

If you are looking for electric tow cars, then look no further than a used Volkswagen ID.5. This model is a practical yet picture-perfect family SUV that can tow small caravans. It’s also fully electric, so if you were wondering, “Can electric cars tow a caravan?”, wonder no more.

The ID.5, introduced in 2022, was the third of Volkswagen's series of ID electric models. It’s essentially a coupé version of the ID.4. All ID.5 models have the same 77kWh battery. This offers a range of up to 313 miles**, meaning you won't have to stop to recharge too often on long journeys.

Instant torque from the ID.5’s electric motor delivers maximum pulling power. This means moving away at junctions or traffic lights won’t be an issue. Additionally, a 549-litre boot will keep all your cargo safe and secure on your travels.

BMW X5

• Maximum towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg*
• Kerb weight: 2,295kg – 2,495 kg

Being one of the most powerful cars on this list, the BMW X5 is in with a chance of being one of the largest and best cars for towing caravans. It’s big, bold and with plenty of brawn. With a caravan in tow, this large SUV confidently accelerates, slows and holds a steady speed.

The X5 holds its own on the roads. If you are prioritising efficiency, choose the plug-in hybrid version. In terms of hybrid tow cars, a used hybrid BMW X5 can tow up to 2,700kg, which is enough to tow even some of the heaviest twin-axle caravans!

The X5 doesn’t just offer premium luxury, it also offers a first-class driving experience. You will be comfortable driving through cities, traversing long motorway roads or on the scenic routes through the countryside.

Volvo V60

• Maximum towing capacity: Up to 2,000kg*
• Kerb weight: 1,695kg – 2,079kg

The Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 is another example of one of the best hybrid tow cars available. It was crowned as the overall winner of the Tow Car Awards 2023. The judging panel comprised experts from What Car? Practical Caravan and the Camping and Caravanning Club, whose assessment of the contenders included rigorous track testing.

The power and torque of its petrol-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain – a 253hp 2.0-litre engine – is key to its strong and responsive towing performance. The Volvo V60 is also praised for its stability on the road and roominess inside.

The V60 is an estate which has been discontinued in the UK as Volvo moves to prioritise their SUV lines only. However, you can still find lots of used Volvo V60 cars for sale on our website.

Dacia Duster

• Maximum towing capacity: 1,200kg – 1,500kg*
• Kerb weight: 1,189kg – 1,454 kg

In terms of affordable tow cars, a used Dacia Duster is a fantastic contender. It’s another SUV, but this model’s rugged personality and no-frills disposition won’t break the bank. Perfect for those on a tighter budget.

The Duster can tow a maximum weight of 1,500kg if only the driver is in the cabin. With the car fully laden, the maximum towing capacity reduces slightly to 1,200kg. Keep this in mind if you are taking the whole family on your road trip!

Despite its reasonable price, choose a 1.5-litre Comfort Blue dCi 4x4 version and it comes with rear parking sensors and a camera. This means parking and hitching will be easier and less hassle.

Volvo V90 Cross Country

• Maximum towing capacity: 2,450kg – 2,510kg*
• Kerb weight: 1,930kg – 1,982kg

It’s a double entry for Volvo on our list. The V90 Cross Country was named Best Car for Towing in the 2023 Auto Trader New Car Awards, so we couldn’t leave it off this list!

The Cross Country version of the estate car is tailored for exploring the great outdoors, with all-wheel drive, a raised ride height and the ability to tow braked trailers up to 2,500kg.

Described by Volvo as being 'elegant', this practical estate has large load compartments and a practical cabin. The boot has 551 litres of space with the rear bench in use, fold it down for an additional 1,517 litres.

SEAT Leon

• Maximum towing capacity: 1,500kg – 1,800kg*
• Kerb weight: 1,322kg – 1,663kg

A used SEAT Leon may not jump out as a capable and confident towing car, but this handsome hatchback is definitely one of the best small cars for towing caravans. The estate version of this model was a winner at the 2022 Caravan Club awards, with judges praising driving performance while towing.

Although it’s a hatchback, the Leon has a maximum braked towing capacity between 1,500kg and 1,800kg, depending on the fuel type and engine size of the vehicle. The 2.0-litre TDI and the 20.0-litre TSI engines are able to tow up to 1,800kg.

The 1.5-litre TSI and the hybrid engine powertrains tow 1,700kg, while the 1.0-litre TSI can tow up to 1,500kg. The model has a range of engine sizes to suit your lifestyle, budget and towing needs. A sporty, aesthetic exterior also means the SEAT Leon offers drivers an abundance of kerb appeal.

Porsche Cayenne

• Maximum towing capacity: Up to 1,700kg*
• Kerb weight: Up to 2,370kg

When you think of the best cars for towing a caravan, a Porsche might not spring to mind. However, the Cayenne is one of the most adaptable cars Porsche has ever produced.

Despite being a high-end luxury SUV, the Cayenne, with its sports car-like agility and acceleration, is still able to hold its own when it comes to towing. This is largely thanks to its powerful engine which offers drivers enhanced performance and handling.

Choose the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid for outstanding tow capabilities. The petrol-electric power train provides all the power you need, even when traversing steep inclines with your caravan in tow.

Volkswagen Golf

• Maximum towing capacity: 1,000kg – 1,600kg*
• Kerb weight: 1,319kg – 1,474kg

There's a reason why the Golf is one of the most popular cars in the European market. It's a reliable car that’s great fun to drive, while offering excellent stability and strong performance when towing. The Volkswagen Golf is a stylish and timeless choice for a tow car.

It’s another example of the best small cars for towing caravans and, like the SEAT Leon, is another hatchback. It can double up well as both a tow car and your inner-city runner. With plenty of pull and grip, a used VW Golf offers decent fuel economy too.

Opt for the 2022 VW Golf R-Line 2.0-litre TDI 150PS DSG version and you’ll be choosing the Caravan Club’s winner for the 1,200kg – 1,300kg weight class. You can be rest assured that you’re choosing one of the best hatchbacks for towing on the market.

Land Rover Discovery

• Maximum towing capacity: Up to 3,500kg*
• Kerb weight: 2,298kg – 2,437 kg

We couldn’t talk about the best cars for towing caravans without mentioning the Land Rover Discovery. It’s the pinnacle of 4x4 tow cars. The Land Rover Discovery can tow up to 3,000kg with a petrol engine and up to 3,500kg with a diesel engine.

The model makes large caravans, boats and fully laden trailers seem like light work when it comes to towing. It’s also a great off-roader, so when Land Rover said: ‘Never stop discovering’, they truly meant it!

Expect no pitching or buffeting when towing with a Discovery. This model offers a seamless, stable and secure driving and towing experience, whether you’re travelling on the motorway or winding through scenic country roads. The model can also come equipped with many handy towing aids, including a Nose Load Measure, Tow Hitch Assist and Trailer Assist. Ultimately, the Discovery was made to tow!