Caravanning is a sense of freedom you don’t get with other holidays! There’s something deep inside us Brits that just love a mini-break in a caravan, allowing us to explore the lush British countryside.
However, if caravanning is on the agenda, you’ll need a lease car that can meet the demands.
In this blog, we explore the five best cars for towing a caravan, considering practicality, towing capacity, and the powertrain.
The cars we discuss are:
- Towing Capacity - This is the most crucial thing to consider when choosing a lease car to tow a caravan. It must exceed the total weight of your fully loaded caravan.
- Engine Power and Torque - A car with a strong engine and high torque is essential when towing a caravan, especially if you need to drive uphill or on rough terrains.
- Transmission - Choosing an automatic or manual transmission is up to personal reference, but it’s worth noting that automatics generally provide a smoother ride when towing heavy loads.
- Fuel Efficiency - Towing a caravan significantly affects fuel consumption, so ensure you opt for a car that maintains decent fuel economy to save on fuel costs.
- Safety Features - Look for lease vehicles that include trailer sway control and electronic stability control.
The Land Rover Discovery is a great choice if you’re looking for a car to tow a caravan. It’s big, powerful, and has seven seats, meaning you can easily get all your family to the campside.
It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg and will have no issues with larger caravans thanks to its 300hp and 650Nm diesel engine. It also returns up to 33.7mpg, which is respectable for a large SUV, but expect this to drop with your caravan attached.
If needed, you can also store up to 80kg (including cross bars) on the roof.
The Ford Ranger is a menacing-looking thing that’ll certainly raise a few eyebrows when you drive into the caravan site. A robust pick-up truck, the Ranger is perfect for towing a caravan thanks to its big towing weight and storage options.
It has a towing capacity of 3,500kg on all models apart from the 3.0-litre 292PS e-4WD petrol engine. If you need the max towing capacity, we’d recommend the automatic 3.0-litre diesel engine, as it shoots from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds.
In the single-cab version, you get a maximum payload of 1,200kg, while in the double, it increases to 1,607kg. The load bed also has nine adjustable cleats and six tie-down points, which is great if you’re planning a few excursions.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a refined off-road SUV that’s the perfect companion for a weekend away in your caravan. It has a towing capacity of up to 2,332kg with a drawbar trailer and 2,215kg with a centre axle trailer.
Off-roading is in the Grand Cherokee’s DNA, so it’ll have no issues tackling the muddy conditions of a caravan site. You’ll also be able to take advantage of features such as Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system.
The Grand Cherokee is available as a plug-in hybrid that combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 145hp electric motor. It can drive up to 30 miles on pure-electric power.
The Nissan X-Trail is a practical and economical SUV that’s proved popular with outdoorsy folk in recent years. Providing a balance of practicality and off-road performance, the X-Trail is a good car for towing a caravan.
It has a towing capacity of 1,800kg, so it will be perfect for small and compact caravans. It also comes with a great range of assistance technology, such as a 360-degree camera, which will be a great help when parking.
Under the bonnet, the X-Trail has a range of mild hybrid and e-power engines. We’d recommend the e-power options as they come with 211hp and 330Nm of torque.
The Kia Sorento is a large SUV that’s about as versatile as they come. It’s just as comfortable doing the weekly food shop as it is towing a caravan to Cornwall for the weekend.
The diesel version has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg, and it generates 190hp and 441Nm of torque.
It also has features like Drive Mode Select, an available all-wheel drive system, and a spacious and user-friendly cabin.
Choosing the best car for towing your caravan can make your holiday a bit more special and certainly more relaxing.
Whether you prioritise luxury off-road capability or economic value, vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery, Ford Ranger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail, and Kia Sorento are tailored to various needs.
Looking for a practical SUV? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of deals to suit your every need. We offer various services, such as Fast Lease and Used Car Leasing.
For more information, check out our latest leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
