Best Tow Cars UK, Towing Capacities by Make & Model

There is no single best tow car. The right choice depends on your caravan's MTPLM, the payload you carry, family needs, budget and the licence you hold. Larger diesel and PHEV SUVs such as the Volkswagen Touareg, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Kodiaq are popular because they combine a high braked towing limit with a kerbweight that meets the 85% guideline for heavier caravans. Always confirm the exact engine, trim and gearbox, as towing limits vary within the same model range.

Most mid-size SUVs and many estates can tow a 1,500kg caravan, including the Skoda Karoq, Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Volvo XC40. For the 85% guideline you want a car with a kerbweight of around 1,765kg or more. Check your exact car using the towing-capacity-by-reg tool before you commit.

Generally yes, within reason. A higher kerbweight helps the car stay stable when the caravan pushes or sways, which is why the 85% guideline compares caravan MTPLM to car kerbweight. Heavier does not mean safer on its own though, gross train weight, braked towing capacity and noseweight all still apply.

Many plug-in hybrids tow well thanks to strong low-down torque and high kerbweights, for example the Volvo XC60 and XC90 PHEVs. Range drops noticeably on electric when towing, so plan for shorter EV-only stints and check the braked towing capacity carefully because some hybrids tow less than the equivalent diesel.

Some electric cars can tow, but the choice is much smaller than for petrol, diesel or hybrid. Real-world range usually drops by 30 to 50 percent when towing a caravan, and charging infrastructure for an outfit is still limited. If you are committed to electric, check the manufacturer's braked towing capacity and plan stops around chargers that can accept the full outfit.

You need a braked towing capacity that comfortably exceeds your caravan's MTPLM, with enough kerbweight to satisfy the 85% guideline. Use the caravan match calculator to combine both checks, plus noseweight and gross train weight, before you buy.

Both. Towing capacity is the legal maximum braked weight the car can pull. Kerbweight is what supports the 85% stability guideline. A car can have a high towing capacity but a kerbweight that still leaves you over the 85% figure for a heavy caravan.

The 85% guideline suggests your caravan's MTPLM should not exceed 85% of the car's kerbweight for stable, confident towing. It is not a legal limit, but it is widely recommended for newer tow car drivers and for outfits used at motorway speeds.

You can find your car's towing capacity in the vehicle handbook, on the VIN plate inside the driver's door, or by using our towing capacity by reg tool for a quick registration lookup. Then use the towing calculator if you want to compare a specific car and caravan.

If you got your car licence from 1 January 1997, GOV.UK says you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM. This is category BE entitlement. You must also stay within the tow vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit and Gross Train Weight (GTW). If you got your car licence before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle-and-trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. Check your individual driving licence record because entitlements can vary.