People shopping for new cars often have different priorities. Some need a sensible traditional saloon, others a capacious estate or even a family-friendly seven-seater people carrier.
It’s the same if you’re looking for a suitable tow car – not everyone needs a brutish 4×4 if they’re only intending to pull a caravan along a few weekends each year.
In order to help you pick the best one for your need, we’ve selected six different types of car that each make great towing vehicles.
Family saloons: VW Passat
What is it?
Massive interior space rivalled only by supreme comfort levels, this is a car that makes even the longest journeys breeze by.
There’s plenty of go in this punchy 2.0-litre diesel engine and even a DSG automatic gearbox to give your left leg a break too.
Vital statistics
Rating: 5 stars
Model: 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Average fuel economy: 64mpg
Kerb weight: 1,501kg
Braked towing weight (max): 2,000kg
Large estates: Skoda Superb
What is it?
Similar to the Passat Estate in terms of loadspace but offering huge value for money, the Skoda Superb has long been one our favourite large load-luggers.
This generation has been given a styling update too, leaving the boxy wagon of old behind, so you can now add smart looks to an already convincing package.
Vital statistics
Rating: 4.5 stars
Model: 2.0 TDI SE L Executive
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Average fuel economy: 67mpg
Kerb weight: 1,410kg
Braked towing weight (max): 2,000kg
Crossovers: Audi A6 Allroad
What is it?
Audi’s A6 Allroad combines the body of the spacious Avant estate with the 4×4 looks of the ‘Q’ range. As compromises go, it’s not a bad one.
Vital statistics
Rating: 4.0 stars
Model: 3.0 BiTDI Quattro 5d Tip Auto
0-62mph: 5.3 seconds
Average fuel economy: 43mpg
Kerb weight: 1,955kg
Braked towing weight (max): 2,500kg
Seven-seater people carriers: SsangYong Turismo
What is it?
To say that the SsangYong Turismo is a big car would be an understatement. This car is huge. Designed to appeal as family, leisure and business transportation, the seven-seater’s three-metre wheelbase provides unrivalled interior space.
Vital statistics
Rating: 3.5 stars
Model: 2.2-litre 4WD ELX Auto
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Average fuel economy: 36mpg
Kerb weight: 2,245kg
Braked towing weight (max): 2,000kg
Small 4x4s: Volkswagen Tiguan
What is it?
A popular choice for people who need a good towing capacity in a relatively small car, the VW Tiguan has also been updated in 2016 and performs even better on the road.
A vastly improved cabin means you’ll be more comfortable behind the wheel too.
Vital statistics
Rating: 4.4 stars
Model: 2.0 TDI BMT (150) 4Motion SE Nav DSG
0-62mph: 9.0 seconds
Average fuel economy: 49mpg
Kerb weight: 1,598kg
Braked towing weight (max): 2,200kg
Large 4x4s: Land Rover Discovery
What is it?
Several large off-roaders can haul along an impressive 3,500kg payload but despite the Land Rover Discovery’s advancing years, it’s still superb at carrying seven passengers in comfort and is bafflingly capable off-road. Yes, the new Range Rover Sport is more luxurious and outstanding on-road, the Mitsubishi Shogun significantly cheaper and arguably more reliable, but the 2017 Discovery embraces an all-round appeal others struggle to match.
Vital statistics
Rating: 4.4 stars
Model: 3.0 TDV6 SE Auto
0-62mph: 7.7 seconds
Average fuel economy: 39mpg
Kerb weight: 2,230kg
Braked towing weight (max): 3,500kg
Parkers Top Tip:
Remember, if the trailer you’re towing has no brakes then refer to the unbraked towing weight figure. If the trailer or caravan has its own braking system, then you can refer to the maximum braked towing weight.
Your maximum unbraked towing weight should not exceed more than half the kerb weight of the towing vehicle. Braked trailers should ideally weigh less than 85 percent of your car’s kerb weight.
You also need to bear in mind the Gross Train Weight of any potential vehicle that you’re considering for towing use. This figure, which you can find in the handbook, is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, trailer and load. Read more information about vehicle and trailer weights here.
Lastly, don’t forget that if you took a driving test after January 1, 1997, you’re most likely going to need to take an additional test to be legally permitted to tow a vehicle/trailer combination. Read more about the changes here.
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Rating: Five stars
Model: 2.0 TDI SE Business DSG
Price (new): £26,840
0-60mph: 8.4 seconds
Average fuel economy: 64mpg
Kerb weight: 1,501kg
Braked towing weight (max): 2,000kg
