Guide to Choosing the Best Car for Towing a Caravan: Honest Tips
Let’s face it—towing a caravan isn’t just about horsepower or big wheels. It’s about confidence, safety, comfort, and control. The very moment you hitch your caravan to the back of your car, you’re no longer just a driver. You’re a captain navigating your ship on the road. And believe me, when you’re towing through steep mountain passes or narrow countryside lanes, the best car for towing caravan isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
When I started caravanning with my family, I learned the hard way that not all cars are built equal. On one trip, our underpowered SUV struggled on a windy hillside, shaking like a leaf in a storm. I remember my wife gripping the handle tightly, kids terrified in the back. That’s when I promised myself: Next trip, we’re getting the right car. And that promise turned into years of research, test drives, and trial runs across different terrains.
In this guide, I’ll help you avoid my mistakes. With practical insights, real-life stories, and expert tips, we’ll uncover what really matters when choosing the best car for towing caravan. So let’s dive in.
What Really Matters When Choosing the Best Car for Towing a Caravan?
Key Factors to Consider:
Towing capacity: This is non-negotiable. Always match your caravan’s weight to your car’s max towing capacity (check your manual or VIN plate).
Torque over horsepower: You want pulling power (torque), especially at lower RPMs.
Kerb weight vs. caravan weight: Your car should ideally weigh more than your caravan, or at least 85% of it.
Tow bar compatibility: Not every car allows a tow bar or factory tow assist system.
Stability and suspension: You want a car that stays flat and firm even with extra load.
Fuel economy: Towing drains fuel. Efficient engines save you money on long trips.
Transmission type: Some automatics are smoother and safer for towing. Avoid low-torque CVTs.
Cooling system: Towing generates heat. Good cooling protects your engine and transmission.
Think of towing like hiking with a heavy backpack. The stronger your legs and the sturdier your frame, the easier it feels. Same with cars—they need the right balance of muscle and structure.
Why Diesel Still Wins (But Hybrids Are Catching Up)
I know diesel gets a bad rap these days. But when it comes to towing caravans, diesel cars still have the upper hand in one key area—torque.
Torque is that grunt you feel when pulling a heavy load up a steep road. Diesel engines naturally produce more of it at lower revs, making them ideal for towing. Add in better fuel economy during long hauls, and you’ve got a reliable towing companion.
However, don’t rule out hybrids. Some of the latest plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have surprisingly good towing abilities, especially those paired with petrol engines. Just make sure to check the towing capacity—many hybrids are still not built for heavy-duty work.
My Top Picks: Best Cars for Towing a Caravan in 2025
Let’s now get to what you’ve really come here for—the best cars for towing caravans based on real-world performance, safety, and value. These aren’t just spec-based choices. They come from honest feedback from owners, road tests, and personal trips.
1. Land Rover Discovery – The King of Towing
The Land Rover Discovery is a legend for a reason. It’s robust, heavy, powerful, and beautifully stable under load. With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, it’s built like a beast but drives like a dream.
Why it works:
3.0L diesel engine offers massive torque at low revs.
Excellent air suspension adjusts automatically when towing.
Advanced Terrain Response System helps on rough ground.
Spacious, comfortable interior for long road trips.
Things to consider:
It’s not cheap.
Fuel economy isn’t great when fully loaded.
2. Škoda Kodiaq – Practical Power for Families
One of my personal favorites, the Škoda Kodiaq, is a dark horse in the caravan world. It doesn’t shout luxury, but it quietly delivers outstanding towing performance—especially with the 2.0 TDI engine.
Why people love it:
Tows up to 2,000 kg, ideal for medium-sized caravans.
Strong fuel efficiency.
Affordable price with top-tier safety features.
Spacious boot and comfy rear seats.
Bonus: You get VW-level engineering at a Škoda price.
3. Volvo XC60 – Smooth, Safe, and Stylish
If comfort is high on your priority list, the Volvo XC60 ticks all the boxes. It blends Scandinavian design with serious pulling power—perfect for stylish, safe caravanning.
What makes it shine:
Towing capacity up to 2,400 kg.
Intelligent Tow Mode adjusts suspension and braking.
Renowned for safety features and semi-autonomous driving aids.
One small warning:
The mild hybrid system may not suit extremely steep climbs with heavy trailers.
Table: Quick Comparison of Top Towing Cars
| Model | Max Towing Capacity | Engine Type | Torque (Nm) | Price Range | AWD Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Rover Discovery | 3,500 kg | Diesel | 600+ | $$$$ | Yes |
| Škoda Kodiaq | 2,000 kg | Diesel | 400 | $$ | Yes |
| Volvo XC60 | 2,400 kg | Hybrid/Diesel | 480 | $$$ | Yes |
The Emotional Side of Towing: What No Brochure Tells You
You can read all the specs in the world. But nothing replaces the feeling of a solid tow car.
I remember towing our caravan through the Yorkshire Dales in heavy rain. In our older sedan, every curve felt risky, and I could barely relax. With our current SUV—built for towing—there’s peace of mind. The car stays grounded, braking feels smooth, and I’m not constantly adjusting the wheel.
Towing isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. You want a car that feels like a partner, not a gamble.
Whether you’re heading to the Lake District or a remote beach in Pembrokeshire, a good tow car makes the journey part of the holiday—not just the struggle before it.
4. Ford Ranger – Tough, Rugged, and Ready for Anything
The Ford Ranger isn’t just a pickup truck—it’s a caravan-towing monster disguised as a weekday workhorse. If you’re someone who likes off-road adventures, beach campsites, or hauling extra gear, this is your dream ride.
Why it’s a favorite:
Maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg, rivaling premium SUVs.
High torque (up to 500 Nm) makes light work of uphill climbs.
Wide range of diesel engines to suit different budgets.
Heavy kerb weight gives amazing stability even with a large twin-axle caravan.
Bonus tip:
Its long bed means you don’t have to cram everything inside the cabin. You can load bikes, coolers, gas cylinders, or even your barbecue grill!
5. Kia Sorento – Feature-Packed and Family-Friendly
This is one of the most underrated SUVs for towing caravans. The Kia Sorento, especially in its diesel or hybrid versions, offers comfort, power, and tons of space without breaking the bank.
Why it works:
Towing capacity up to 2,500 kg.
Available with AWD, which is excellent for muddy or grassy campsites.
Standard features like rear camera, trailer sway assist, and lane-keeping tech.
Surprisingly quiet even when under load.
I took my Sorento for a two-week road trip from London to Cornwall with a 6-berth caravan—and it never once felt sluggish. Plus, the heated seats and panoramic sunroof made it feel premium without the premium price.
6. Toyota Land Cruiser – The Go-Anywhere Tank
The Toyota Land Cruiser is built for serious adventurers. This SUV doesn’t care if you’re towing a caravan up a rocky hill, crossing shallow rivers, or camping deep in a forest—it keeps going, no drama.
Why it’s legendary:
Huge towing capacity of 3,000 kg+.
Exceptional low-range gearbox and off-road capability.
Rock-solid reliability, especially in remote locations.
Engineered cooling and braking systems for towing in hot climates.
It’s not the cheapest, nor the most luxurious, but it’s the car you want when you’re far from the city and want to feel invincible.
How to Test Drive a Car for Towing
Here’s a tip that changed everything for me: test-drive with a loaded trailer or caravan—even if it’s a rental one from the dealership.
What to observe:
Stability at high speed: Does the car sway at 100 km/h?
Acceleration with load: Can it pull smoothly uphill?
Braking distance: Does it feel confident, or like you’re riding a sledge?
Reverse control: Try backing into a tight space to test maneuverability.
Visibility: Are the mirrors and camera enough to watch your caravan?
If your dealer doesn’t allow this, try renting the same model for a weekend and hit the road. It’s a small cost compared to years of stress-free towing.
Matching the Right Car to Your Caravan Size
One of the most important rules in towing is matching the right car to your caravan. Don’t just pick a car based on looks or brand—pick based on what your caravan needs.
General Rule of Thumb:
| Caravan Size | Recommended Tow Car |
|---|---|
| Small (under 1,200 kg) | VW Golf, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga |
| Medium (1,200 – 1,800 kg) | Škoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, Volvo XC60 |
| Large (1,800 – 2,500 kg) | Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Land Cruiser |
| Twin-axle (2,500+ kg) | Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Land Cruiser |
Make sure your car’s kerb weight is at least 85% of your caravan’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass). This helps avoid sway and keeps everything grounded.
Tips for First-Time Caravan Towers
If this is your first caravan-towing experience, trust me—I’ve been there. It can feel intimidating at first, but these tips will smooth the journey:
Practice reversing before your first trip.
Install towing mirrors for a better rear view.
Check tyre pressures (car and caravan) every trip.
Use a sway control device for extra peace of mind.
Always load heavier items low and near the axle.
Brake earlier—you’ll need more stopping distance.
And most importantly, stay calm. Like learning to ride a bike, the more you practice, the better you’ll get.
Real Story: Our First Family Towing Trip
I’ll never forget our first big trip with our new tow car—a shiny Škoda Kodiaq pulling a Bailey Unicorn caravan. We had no idea what to expect. I still remember pulling onto the motorway, heart pounding, hands stiff on the wheel.
About an hour in, the car settled into cruise control, and the caravan just floated behind us. Smooth. Effortless. Like a dance. The kids were watching movies, my wife was sipping tea from a travel mug, and for the first time—I felt like a proper road adventurer.
That’s the magic of the best car for towing caravan. It turns fear into freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best car for towing caravan under 30k?
You can’t go wrong with a used Kia Sorento, Škoda Kodiaq, or even a Ford Kuga. These models offer high value, excellent towing capacity, and comfort without overspending.
2. Is petrol or diesel better for towing a caravan?
Diesel is generally better due to higher torque and fuel economy. However, some turbo petrol engines and plug-in hybrids are catching up quickly.
3. Can I tow a caravan with an electric car?
Yes, but choose wisely. Models like the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, or Kia EV9 have towing capabilities. Watch out for reduced range when towing.
4. What licence do I need to tow a caravan?
If you passed your UK driving test before 1 January 1997, you can tow a combined vehicle + trailer weight of up to 8,250 kg. After that, check the DVLA website for current rules—category B+E may apply.
5. Should I get a 4×4 for towing a caravan?
If you’re camping in fields, hills, or wet areas—yes. AWD or 4WD gives better traction and confidence. On highways, FWD or RWD may be fine for lighter caravans.
6. How do I know if my car can tow a caravan?
Check your car’s VIN plate, owner’s manual, or speak to the manufacturer. You need to know the maximum towing capacity (braked and unbraked) and compare it to your caravan’s weight.
7. Is towing a caravan hard on your car?
Yes, it can put extra strain on your engine, brakes, and transmission. That’s why choosing the right car with proper cooling systems and towing packages matters.
8. Do I need caravan insurance?
Legally in the UK, no. But it’s highly recommended. Caravan insurance protects against theft, accidents, storm damage, and breakdown recovery.
Final Thoughts: Your Caravan Journey Starts with the Right Car
Towing a caravan is more than just a holiday—it’s a lifestyle. And choosing the best car for towing caravan is like picking a travel companion. It should be strong, reliable, supportive, and comfortable—because the road will challenge you.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the Cornish coast, camping in the Scottish Highlands, or exploring Europe with your home-on-wheels, the right tow car makes every journey smoother, safer, and more joyful.
Don’t just look at numbers—feel the car. Test it. Listen to its engine. Try a turn with a caravan behind. And when you find “the one,” you’ll know. Because suddenly, the road ahead won’t feel like a challenge. It’ll feel like freedom.
