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.
Whether you're heading to the coast or the countryside, you’ll need a lease car that's capable and reliable to do the heavy lifting.
In this blog, we break down what makes a good car for towing, highlight some of the best tow cars and explore electric tow cars that can handle the load.
Before looking at the top cars, here’s what you should look for:
- Towing Capacity: This is the most crucial thing to consider. Your car must legally and safely tow the weight of your caravan. Always check the maximum braked towing weight in the vehicle's spec.
- Kerb Weight: A heavier car offers better stability. The general rule is that your caravan should not exceed 85% of the car's kerb weight if you’re new to towing.
- 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 terrain.
- 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.
- Suspension and Stability: Safety features like trailer sway control, electronic stability control, and self-levelling suspension help keep things safe and smooth.
- Transmission: Choosing an automatic or manual transmission is up to personal preference, but it’s worth noting that automatics generally provide a smoother ride when towing heavy loads.
If you're planning to tow a caravan, choosing the right car matters. You need strong towing capacity, good stability, and enough comfort for long trips. Here's a list of five of the best tow cars available this year, based on up-to-date reviews and specs.
- Towing capacity: 2,250kg
- Drive type: All-wheel drive
- Fuel type: Plug-in hybrid
The Volvo XC60 T6 PHEV was named Towcar of the Year 2025 by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. It offers a great balance of power and efficiency thanks to its hybrid powertrain, with all-wheel drive for extra grip when towing.
It’s also packed with useful safety tech like trailer stability assist and adaptive cruise control. A comfortable, premium option for anyone towing a mid-sized caravan.
- Towing capacity: 3,500kg
- Drive type: Selectable all-wheel drive
- Fuel type: Diesel
The KGM Rexton, previously known as SsangYong, is one of the most affordable vehicles on the market with a full 3,500kg braked towing limit. It’s powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, making it capable on and off the road.
There’s space for seven inside, and it boasts Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which helps keep the vehicle stable by detecting and correcting any side-to-side movement or sway from the trailer.
- Towing capacity: 2,500kg
- Drive type: All-wheel drive
- Fuel type: Diesel
The Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel ‘3’ trim is a reliable and practical family SUV with a strong reputation for towing. The 2.2-litre diesel engine provides ample torque and confident motorway cruising when pulling a caravan.
It’s also a good option if you're after comfort and practicality. The ‘3’ trim offers heated seats, sat nav, and advanced safety features, such as forward collision avoidance assist and remote smart park assist, which provide extra confidence on every journey.
- Towing capacity: 3,500kg
- Drive type: Full-time four-wheel drive
- Fuel type: Petrol, diesel or mild hybrid options
The Land Rover Defender 110 remains one of the best all-round tow vehicles on the market. Whether you opt for the diesel or the powerful V8 petrol, you’ll get serious towing muscle, advanced terrain response settings, and great all-weather performance.
It’s expensive, but if you’re towing heavy caravans or plan to go off the beaten track, few vehicles match its capability.
- Towing capacity: 2,000kg
- Drive type: All-wheel drive
- Fuel type: Diesel
The updated Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 193PS SE L 4×4 DSG offers good towing performance in a practical seven-seat package. The 2.0-litre diesel with 193PS is strong and refined, while the 4×4 system provides better grip and stability when pulling a caravan.
It's a popular choice for families who need space and towing ability without going for a large SUV. You’ll find it featured in Practical Caravan’s top tow cars.
If you’re towing a heavier twin-axle caravan, the KGM Rexton or Land Rover Defender offer serious muscle. For something more refined or efficient, the Volvo XC60 PHEV or Kia Sorento are strong options. And if you want a well-rounded SUV that’s good for everyday use and moderate towing, the Skoda Kodiaq is worth a look.
Before you buy or lease a tow car, always check the Gross Train Weight (GTW), its braked towing capacity and the compatibility with your caravan’s weight and nose load
If you're switching to electric but still need to tow, not all EVs are up to the task. You’ll need decent towing capacity, stable handling, and a range that holds up under load. Below is a table of some of the top electric cars in the UK that are well-suited for towing:
Vehicle | Towing Capacity | Range (WLTP) | Drive Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD | 2,500 kg | Up to 349 miles | All-wheel drive |
BMW iX xDrive50 | 2,500 kg | Up to 315 miles | All-wheel drive |
Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate AWD | 1,500 kg | Up to 354 miles | All-wheel drive |
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style | 1,200 kg | Up to 250 miles | Rear-wheel drive |
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | 1,600 kg | Up to 331 miles | All-wheel drive |
Towing can reduce EV range significantly, so plan charging stops carefully. The Kia EV9 and BMW iX offer the best combination of towing power and range.
When choosing a tow car, don’t just focus on towing capacity. Think about comfort, stability, and efficiency too, especially if you're towing long distances. Always check braked towing weight, kerb weight, and Gross Train Weight before making a decision.
Why not check out our Towing A Trailer With Your Car: Safety Checks Blog for more information? We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
Need an SUV That Can Tow? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a wide range of 4x4s and SUV lease deals perfect for towing a caravan. Browse our latest SUV leasing offers or speak to our team to find a vehicle that suits your towing needs and budget. To find out more, check out our comprehensive car leasing guides or call one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
