Best Cars for Towing: Find Your Perfect Tow Car

4th Aug 2023

Planning a trip with a caravan or in need of a vehicle that can handle heavy towing? Look no further. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best cars for towing, ensuring that you can comfortably and safely handle any load. From powerful SUVs to practical estates, these vehicles have the pulling power and other desirable features that make them excellent all-rounders.

What Makes a Great Tow Car?

When choosing a tow car, there are several factors to consider. The most important is the towing capacity, which determines the maximum weight the vehicle can safely tow. Additionally, factors such as engine power, torque, stability, and braking capabilities play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure towing experience. Comfort, fuel efficiency, and cargo space are also important considerations, especially for long journeys.

SsangYong Rexton: Unmatched Towing Capability

The SsangYong Rexton is a seven-seat SUV that offers exceptional value for money. With a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, it stands out as one of the best cars for towing in its price range. The Rexton's robust build, ladder frame chassis, and torquey 2.2-litre diesel engine make it an excellent choice for heavy towing. The eight-speed automatic gearbox ensures smooth power delivery to the wheels.

The entry-level Ventura trim provides all the necessary features, including front and rear parking sensors, faux-leather heated seats, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. For those seeking additional luxury, the higher-level Ultimate model offers a bigger touchscreen, electric tailgate, 360-degree camera system, and more advanced safety equipment. Despite its towing prowess, the Rexton has relatively high emissions and a fuel economy of around 30mpg.

Braked towing limit: 3,500kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 202hp and 441Nm
Boot space: 820-1,977 litres

Land Rover Defender: Legendary Off-Roading and Towing

The Land Rover Defender is renowned for its off-roading capabilities, and it excels in towing as well. With a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, it is a versatile and capable choice for any towing needs. The new Defender offers a pleasant driving experience, making it suitable for both everyday use and heavy towing. The seven-seat 110 models provide ample space for the whole family.

For those seeking a plug-in hybrid option, the Land Rover Defender P400e offers a towing capacity of 3,000kg, which is impressive compared to most electrified rivals. All Defender models come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assistance, sign recognition, and automated emergency braking. The sideways-opening rear door may pose some challenges when towing a trailer or caravan closely behind.

Braked towing limit: 3,500kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 250hp and 570Nm
Boot space: 231-2,380 litres

Kia Sorento: Practicality and Towing Capability in One

The Kia Sorento is a seven-seater SUV that offers outstanding value for money. The 2.2-litre diesel model stands out as the best option for towing, with a braked towing capacity of 2,500kg. While not as capable as dedicated 4x4s, this limit is sufficient for most towing needs. The diesel model is available in Level 3 trim, providing features such as heated and electrically adjustable leather seats, a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a powered tailgate.

The Sorento offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, with an impressive fuel economy of 42.2mpg. Its spacious interior and 616-litre boot make it a practical choice for both towing and everyday use.

Braked towing limit: 2,500kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 199hp and 440Nm
Boot space: 616-2,011 litres

Skoda Superb: Space, Value, and Towing Capability

Skoda has long been favored by caravanners for its excellent value, spaciousness, and towing ability. The Skoda Superb estate, with its massive 660-litre boot, is a top choice for those seeking a car that can tow with ease. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel 4x4 model, offering 200hp, provides the optimum towing experience. The Superb's interior is well-made, and its quality is on par with German rivals. It offers high levels of tech, specification, and comfort.

Braked towing limit: 2,200kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 200hp and 400Nm
Boot space: 660-1,950 litres

Mercedes E-Class Estate: Luxury and Towing Power

The Mercedes E-Class estate is a luxury option for those seeking a car with towing capability. While all E-Class models can tow at least 1,900kg, the 2.0-litre petrol variants fall short of the desired pulling power. Opting for the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel or larger petrol, hybrid, or diesel units ensures a braked towing capacity of 2,100kg. The estate variant offers additional practicality, with a sizeable 640-litre boot.

The 194hp 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers around 45mpg, providing strong and flexible performance. The E-Class estate comes well-equipped, featuring advanced tech, comfortable seating, and a refined driving experience.

Braked towing limit: 2,100kg (E 220d and above)
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 194hp and 400Nm
Boot space: 640-1,820 litres

Ford S-Max: Practicality and Towing for the Family

Despite the rise of SUVs, the family MPV still has its place, and the Ford S-Max is a prime example. With seven seats and a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg, it offers practicality and towing capability in one package. The optional self-levelling suspension is worth considering for regular towing. The 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine is the preferred choice for towing, though the more powerful hybrid option is suitable for shorter journeys. The S-Max may be getting on in years, but it remains a decent car for those who prefer MPVs over SUVs.

Braked towing limit: 2,000kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 150hp and 370Nm
Boot space: 285-2,200 litres

BMW 5 Series: Sporty Towing Performance

The BMW 5 Series might not be the first car that comes to mind when thinking of towing, but it's an excellent option for those seeking a sporty saloon with towing capabilities. With a braked towing limit of 2,000kg, it excels as a motorway cruiser during the week and a heavy load-lugger on the weekends. The range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid options provides sufficient power for towing, with the diesel estate being a versatile choice for all-round performance.

The 530-litre boot in the saloon and the 570-litre boot in the estate offer ample space for luggage and equipment. Opting for the SE trim adds elevated levels of tech and creature comforts.

Braked towing limit: 2,000kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 184hp and 290Nm
Boot space: 530 litres

Ford Kuga: Family SUV with Towing Capability

The Ford Kuga is a popular and well-built family SUV that combines practicality with towing capabilities. The majority of models in the Kuga range can tow over 1,800kg, making it suitable for most towing needs. The 2.0-litre diesel EcoBlue 190 is the recommended choice for those requiring all-wheel drive and increased towing capacity, as it offers a braked towing limit of 2,100kg.

The Kuga comes with a range of features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, automatic wipers, and a substantial 612-litre boot.

Braked towing limit: 2,100kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg
Power and torque: 190hp and 400Nm
Boot space: 412-1,534 litres

Volkswagen Touareg: Luxury, Technology, and Towing Prowess

The Volkswagen Touareg is a luxurious SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional towing capabilities. With a braked towing limit of 3,500kg, it stands out as one of the most advanced luxury SUVs for towing. The Touareg boasts an array of features, including a 12.0-inch driver instrument cluster, a huge 15.0-inch infotainment screen, and an 800-litre boot.

The optional trailer assistant and electrically retractable towing kit make towing a breeze, while the air suspension provides added convenience when hauling a caravan or traversing rough terrain. The Touareg is available in petrol, diesel, and hybrid versions, all of which offer excellent towing performance.

Braked towing limit: 3,500kg
Unbraked towing limit: 750kg

Find Your Perfect Tow Car

Finding the perfect tow car doesn't have to be a daunting task. Consider your towing needs, budget, and desired features to narrow down your options. Whether you choose the SsangYong Rexton for its unmatched towing capacity, the Land Rover Defender for its legendary off-roading and towing capabilities, or any of the other excellent choices on our list, you can rest assured that you'll have a reliable and capable vehicle for all your towing adventures.

Remember to check the specific towing capacities, engine options, and additional features of each model to find the perfect fit for your towing needs. Happy towing!

IMPORTANT: The information provided in this article, titled "Best Cars for Towing: Find Your Perfect Tow Car," is intended to offer general guidance and recommendations for individuals seeking vehicles suitable for towing purposes. However, it is important to note that the automotive industry is constantly evolving, and specifications can change over time.

While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the details presented in this article, we strongly advise all readers to independently verify the information before making any purchasing decisions. Towing limits, power and torque figures, and boot space capacities may vary based on factors such as model year, updates, and regional variations.