The Best Cars for Towing

Ford Ranger:

– 3,500kg maximum braked towing weight

– Four-wheel drive as standard

– Five Star Euro NCAP rating

For a robust towing vehicle then the Ford Ranger is a great option; with strong off-road capabilities, the Ranger truly will take you anywhere. Unlike many pick-ups, the Ford Ranger is easy to drive with the same responsive steering featured across the Ford vehicle range.

The Ranger is fully-equipped with a range of entertainment which includes a DAB radio with full Ford SYNC3 infotainment and an eight-inch touchscreen display. While additional features such as adaptive cruise control ensure motorway miles are less stressful. 

Jeep Compass:

– Up to 1500kg tow weight

– Five Star Euro NCAP rating

– Reported 23 mpg – 32.2 mpg when towing

Equally, at home on the road or exploring more rugged terrains, the Compass is ideal for those searching for a smaller SUV that would have no problem towing a caravan. Jeep towing capacity is legendary and the Compass will help you handle any job that comes your way. The Compass will allow you to safely and confidently take on any towing job from inside a luxurious cabin. The Jeep Compass towing package offers:

• Standard ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera
• Jeep® Active Drive Low 4×4 System
• Optional ParkSense® Rear Park-Assist System
• Hill Descent Control is available

There’s plenty of kit on board the Compass, including a comprehensive infotainment system that helps to make those long journeys towing more bearable.

Volvo XC90:

– 2,400kg maximum tow weight

– Five Star Euro NCAP rating scoring 100% in safety assist category

– Reported 24mpg when towing

– Hybrid powertrain available

A luxurious seven-seater the Volvo XC90 is not only an accomplished tow car, but it is also ideal for larger families or those who regularly need to carry extras. The XC90 has an impeccable safety record. It achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating as well as scoring highly in each area of testing. Even more impressive is that no driver or passenger has been killed inside the XC90 in the UK within the past fourteen years.

What’s more, if you’re concerned about your carbon footprint or you just want to save on fuel costs you’ll be delighted to learn that the XC90 is available with a hybrid powertrain which does a very credible job of towing.

Volvo XC60:

– 2,400kg maximum tow weight

– Five Star Euro NCAP rating

– Reported 28.7mpg when towing

– Hybrid powertrain available

The Volvo XC60 is a well-regarded towing option for several reasons. First, it offers powerful engines, which provide ample torque for hauling heavy loads. This translates to good acceleration and the ability to maintain highway speeds comfortably, even with a trailer in tow.

Additionally, the XC60 boasts impressive stability thanks to its all-wheel drive system and well-balanced chassis. This is crucial for safe handling, especially in windy conditions or when making sudden manoeuvres. Finally, the XC60 is a comfortable car for both drivers and passengers, making long journeys with a trailer more enjoyable.

Kia Sportage:

–    2,200kg maximum tow weight

–    Five Star Euro NCAP rating 

–    Reported 26.5mpg when towing

The reasonably priced Kia Sportage is one of the top-selling large SUVs in Britain, with the Euro variant dropping in 2022. It benefits from Kia’s impressive seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty which is unbeaten by any other car manufacturer. Plus like the XC90 it comes with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. 

The Sportage manages to keep your caravan, trailer or horsebox stable even at motorway speeds. However, as the Sportage has a lower 2,200kg maximum tow weight, it may not be suitable for people with heavier loads to tow. 

Kia Sorento:

– 2,000kg maximum tow weight

– Five Star Euro NCAP rating 

– Reported 19.5 mpg when towing

The Kia Sorento makes a compelling case for itself as a tow vehicle. It combines strong pulling power with features that make the towing experience easier and safer. Engines, especially torquier diesel options, provide the muscle needed to haul trailers with confidence.

Kia doesn’t neglect the practical side either, offering features like self-leveling suspension to maintain stability when loaded down, and trailer stability systems to keep everything in check.

Spacious interiors with ample luggage room ensure there’s enough space for passengers and luggage, even when towing a trailer.

Dacia Duster:

– 1,500kg maximum tow weight

– Real-world towing mpg around 33.8mpg

– Unbeatable value for money

Dacia is a relatively new offering to the UK car market. However, they are already making waves in the car industry for their no-nonsense, low-priced cars. The Dacia Duster is the cheapest car to make our list and we challenge your jaw not to drop when you see how little you need to get your hands on a brand-new Duster. 

Prioritising function and practicality over frivolity and luxury the Dacia Duster is a great option for people who want a practical tow vehicle and aren’t bothered by the addition of gadgets and gizmos. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t useful options available like four-wheel drive. Not only does this make the Duster more useful for towing, but the extra weight the four-wheel-drive system adds to the vehicle helps to stabilise the towing ability.

Ford Puma:

–    1,100kg maximum tow weight

–    Real-world towing mpg around 28.9mpg

–    Four out of Five Stars on Euro NCAP Rating

The Ford Puma might surprise you as a towing option, but for smaller trailers, it can be a competent choice. While it’s not built for hauling enormous loads, its manoeuvrability and stability make it good for lighter caravans or trailers. It boasts a tow limit of 1100kg, which can handle smaller, unloaded caravans.

The Puma’s surefooted handling and firm suspension keep things stable on the road, even with a trailer in tow. However, keep in mind that hillier terrain or strong winds might push the limits of its 1.0-litre engine. If you’re planning on towing lighter loads and prioritising manoeuvrability, the Puma could be a good value option for your towing needs.