Best cars for towing

Best cars for towing a caravan or trailer in 2024

Last updated May 16th, 2024


Whether you intend to tow a small trailer or a large caravan, it’s important to invest in a car that’s up to the task. If your current motor doesn’t quite have the towing capacity you need, you should research the market to find a model that can get the job done safely and capably.

To make your search easier, we’ve assembled a list of the 10 best cars for towing caravans and trailers in 2024. Some models on our list are built for luxury, whilst others lend themselves better to off-roading or family adventures. However, they all have powerful, high torque engines that make light work of most common towing requirements.

Please note: We’ve labelled the kerb weights and maximum towing capacities for each model on our list. However, you should check these figures yourself before towing, as they may vary slightly between trims and generations.

Our free towing capacity calculator can help you work out how much you can safely tow with your chosen car.

Exceeding the maximum towing capacity is illegal and highly dangerous, as you could damage your tyres, accelerate wear on the brakes – and even warp the chassis. You may also lose control of the vehicle, as the added strain could also cause key components to fail.

Get a free valuation

Dacia Duster

  • Kerb weight:  1480kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  1,500kg

The Dacia Duster is an affordable SUV that’s great for off-roading. Avoiding the base engine means your vehicle won’t struggle when fully laden. The higher spec models with all-wheel drive (AWD) can tow loads of up to 1,500kg.

The Duster’s tyres and suspension offer a smooth ride on hills and during lane changes but be cautious when navigating tight bends.

The 130bhp 1.3-litre model is a reliable, capable petrol vehicle. However, if you tow regularly, you may be more interested in a four-wheel drive (4WD). So, the 1.5-litre 115bhp diesel engine may be more suited to you.

Diesels tend to fare better at towing than equivalent petrol models, as they have more torque, which is delivered at lower engine revolutions. Diesel engines are more responsive in the middle of their rev range than petrol engines, making them better equipped to pull in a high gear whilst towing.

All in all, whilst the Duster isn’t a luxury SUV, it’s a great option if practicality and value sit high on your priority list.

Pricing starts from £17,375.

Check out the Dacia Duster here.

Dacia duster

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Kerb weight:  from 1,780kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  2,500kg

The Hyundai Santa Fe is an affordable seven-seater SUV with great towing capabilities. Older models were only available with a diesel powertrain - great for anyone seeking a towing workhorse, but less so for economy-focused drivers.

Luckily, newer generations come with a range of diesel and hybrid engine options, with all-wheel-drive (AWD) coming as standard for most configurations.

The Hyundai Santa Fe fares well when it comes to towing tasks, even in poorer conditions. It also handles steep inclines with aplomb, whilst delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. Whilst the diesel engines fare best of all, the other powertrains handle towing commendably too.

The all-new Santa Fe is now available to order and introduces a welcome touch of luxury. There are two fully reclining relaxation seats in the front – and pop-up calf support, which activates when fully reclined! The second row ‘captain’s chairs’ include armrests, along with ‘power adjust’ and ‘cushion tilt’ functionality.

The cabin features a smart, curved panoramic display with two 12.3” integrated screens: an infotainment touchscreen and a digital cluster.

It’s not the most economical SUV to run, yet its clever features, comfortable driving experience and spacious cabin certainly make up for this.

Pricing starts from £46,775.

Check out the Hyundai Santa Fe here.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Kia Sorento

  • Kerb weight:  from 1,954kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  1,650-2,500kg

The Kia Sorento is a roomy, luxurious SUV - and the diesel models are great for towing. They can tow 2500kg - almost 1,000kg more than the hybrid version.

Whilst the diesel variant is undoubtedly more capable, the hybrid is no slouch; it can comfortably pull a medium-sized caravan.

Step inside the cabin and you’ll find generous space and a good level of refinement. The cabin feels almost as premium as rival offerings from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. A clever camera placed under the mirror allows you to see what’s in your blind spot. There are air con vents for all three seating rows, so all passengers can ride in comfort, whatever the weather!

If you prioritise comfort, a seven-year warranty, practicality and a well-equipped car - the Sorento is a great choice.

Pricing starts from £40,535.

Check out the Kia Sorento here.

Kia Sorrento

Škoda Octavia

  • Kerb weight:  from 1,232kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  1,800kg

The Škoda Octavia offers a great deal of space for its price point. Whilst not super stylish, recent iterations of the Octavia have great technology. The 150bhp diesel and petrol engines are both good options for towing. Just be aware that the base engine may struggle slightly with some towing requirements.

If you want a towing car that’s also a good all-rounder, the Octavia is a great choice. It offers a solid driving experience, a good level of comfort and is well-equipped too. If you’re a hot hatch enthusiast looking for a sporty number, the vRS version may be up your street.

Pricing starts from £23,665.

Check out the Skoda Octavia here.

Skoda Octavia

Subaru Outback

  • Kerb weight:  from 1,641kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  2,000kg

The Subaru Outback could be the perfect choice if you’re after a capable all-rounder with towing prowess. It combines the best features of an SUV and an estate car. So, you get a spacious cabin, an elevated ride height and an AWD powertrain, which also makes the Outback ideal for off-roading.

Whilst the 2.5-litre petrol engine isn’t the most powerful, it’s still a great towing vehicle. If you don’t mind slightly higher running costs, the smart technology and spacious cabin, alongside its off-roading capabilities are sure to win you over.

Pricing starts from £41,330.

Check out the Subaru Outback here.

Subaru Outback

VW Touareg

  • Kerb weight: 2,092kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  3,500kg

If you want a modern towing SUV with the latest tech and safety features, the VW Touareg ticks all the right boxes. It can tow a variety of vehicles such as boats, caravans and trailers.

The new Touareg is available in five different powertrains: two V6 diesels, a turbocharged V6 petrol – and two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). If you’re looking to strike a balance between efficiency and performance, the 375bhp PHEV variant is the ideal choice.

Whilst the Touareg doesn’t offer a seven-seat configuration or a luxurious cabin, it has just about everything else you could want in a towing car.

Pricing starts from £68,065.

Check out the VW Touareg here.

VW Touareg

Land Rover Discovery

  • Kerb weight:  1,948kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  3,500kg

If you’re looking for a spacious, upmarket off-roader that can tow with ease, look no further than the Land Rover Discovery. With a staggering 3,500kg towing capacity, you can comfortably tow a twin-axle touring caravan.

You can choose from a variety of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The seven-seater configuration is perfect for family outings and countryside getaways. In terms of styling, the Land Rover Discovery sits between the rustic, adventurous Defender and the opulent Evoque.

The only thing to note is that Land Rover’s track record for reliability isn’t flawless, so make sure you’ve considered all other options carefully, if longevity sits at the top of your priority list.

Pricing starts from £42,295.

Check out the Land Rover Discovery here.

Land rover discovery sport

Volkswagen Multivan

  • Kerb weight:  from 2,123kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  up to 2,000kg

The Volkswagen Multivan is a great multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), offering a torquey diesel engine, a high kerb weight and plenty of utility. If you want a versatile towing vehicle that can easily double up as a large family car, this is an excellent choice.

The roomy, modern interior is available with up to seven seats, allowing larger families to explore the sprawling countryside with confidence.

If you opt for the diesel model or the 204hp petrol version, you’ll benefit from a mighty 2000kg towing capacity. If you’re more focused on fuel economy, the PHEV variant meets that requirement, whilst still managing to tow an impressive 1600kg.

Pricing starts from £46,704.

Learn more about the Volkswagen Multivan here.

VW multivan

Audi Q5

  • Kerb weight:  1,740kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  up to 2,400kg

Audi’s Q5 is a spacious, generously equipped premium SUV that can comfortably tow heavy caravans and boats. There are several variations available, but the 204bhp version provides the most towing prowess. What’s more, all Q5s are automatics, which makes towing even more intuitive.

On top of its towing credentials, the Q5 is also a comfortable, reliable family car, with ample space for luggage and passengers. It’s also loaded with plenty of clever technology, including a service interval indicator, power tailgate, traffic sign recognition camera, a Bluetooth interface – and Audi Connect.

Pricing starts from £46,700.

Learn more about the Audi Q5 here.

Audi Q5

Škoda Superb

  • Kerb weight:  1485kg

  • Maximum towing capacity:  2000kg

With a 2000kg towing capacity, the new Škoda Superb is well equipped for family caravan adventures and more. It tows well, offering great stability, even when travelling at speed. The Superb also boasts strong acceleration with the 2-litre diesel engine. All variations of the latest Superb are automatic, providing a hassle-free towing and driving experience.

The Superb is roomy on the inside, with plenty of passenger and boot space – and the interior is sturdy and well put together.

Standard features include heated front seats, three-zone climate control and an illuminated glovebox. Drivers will also benefit from ‘simply clever’ features such as an ice scraper, ticket holder and generous storage pockets.

The Superb scores high when it comes to safety, with eight airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), rain-sensing wipers and rear fog lights. There’s also a great eight-speaker entertainment system, with DAB digital radio, FM and web radio connection.

Pricing starts from £30,405.

Learn more about the Skoda Superb here.

Skoda Superb

Ready to switch to a towing-friendly car? Selling car to webuyanycar is easy and hassle-free!

webuyanycar is the UK’s most trusted car buying service. More than 3.5 million drivers have sold their car with us. Ready to switch to a new model? Selling your car couldn’t be simpler:

  • Get a free car valuation in under 30 seconds.

  • Book your appointment at any of our 500+ UK branches.

  • Happy to sell? We’ll assist with the paperwork and send the money to your bank.