The top towing champions

20 November 2011

When people are looking to buy a car, they usually have different priorities. Some may need a family car, others an economical car for commuting.

If you want a car that's good for towing, however, it can be difficult to know where to start.

We've rounded up some of the most notable cars, which are ideal for towing, that have been recently tested by Parkers.

1. Land Rover Discovery

What is it?

The Discovery is one of the best 4x4s around. It feels like a premium product and offers superb refinement, along with that iconic badge. It's also comfortable, well behaved on the road and unstoppable off it. Its 3.0-litre diesel churns out 255bhp and 600Nm of torque, enough for pulling even the heaviest loads with ease. It can get expensive when you start ticking option boxes, however. Buyers could also consider Volkswagen's Touareg, which offers similar capabilities and refinement.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four and a half stars

Model: 3.0 SDV6 (255bhp) GS 5d Auto

Price (new): £37,995

0-60mph: 8.7 seconds

Average fuel economy: 32.1mpg

Kerb weight: 2,583kg

Unbraked towing weight (max): 750kg

Braked towing weight (max): 3,500kg

2. SsangYong Korando

What is it?

It's no surprise that many of you might be unfamiliar with the name SsangYong. It's been around since the fifties but has always sat in Kia and Hyundai's shadow. Aimed at taking on modern soft-roaders, the Korando packs a 2.0-litre diesel that outputs 175bhp and 360Nm of pulling power. Admittedly the Ssangyong isn't brilliant, but a strong engine and rugged powertrain make it a good budget choice for towing heavier loads. It also gets a five year/unlimited mileage warranty, and is available with 4x4.

Vital statistics

Rating: Two stars

Model: Korando S

Price (new): £16,995

0-60mph: 9.9 seconds

Average fuel economy: 47.1mpg

Kerb weight: 1,666kg

Unbraked towing weight (max): 750kg

Braked towing weight (max): 2,000kg

3. Volkswagen Jetta

What is it?

The sixth-generation Jetta, no longer just a Golf with a boot, is a polished and practical saloon. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine allows it to pull trailers and caravans without too much effort, thanks to 138bhp and 320Nm of pulling power, while it can return almost 60mpg in the right conditions. The Jetta's also cheaper than a Passat, while cleaner and more economical BlueMotion versions are available for the eco-conscious.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Model: 2.0 TDI CR (140bhp) SE 4d

Price (new): £20,210

0-60mph: 9.2 seconds

Average fuel economy: 58mpg

Unbraked towing weight (max): 700kg

Braked towing weight (max): 1,500kg

4. Skoda Superb Estate

What is it?

Skoda's Superb is a great value for money family car. It's spacious, refined, comfortable and reliable. Buyers can pick from an extensive range of engines, gearboxes and options. The Superb starts from £18,780, but we'd be inclined to go for the 138bhp diesel 4x4 version. With 320Nm of pulling power, and lots of traction, it makes a very capable towing vehicle. Its rapid-shifting automatic DSG gearbox also makes it stress-free to drive. Ideal for larger families, or those with lots of equipment to carry.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four and a half stars

Model: 2.0 TDI CR 4x4 DSG SE

Price (new): £25,440

0-60mph: 10.8 seconds

Average fuel economy: 44.8mpg

Unbraked towing weight (max): 750kg

Braked towing weight (max): 2,000kg

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

What is it?

The new Grand Cherokee is a strong, comfortable and well-equipped 4x4. While more expensive than some competitors, it comes with a vast amount of equipment that would be expensive options on other cars. Its 3.0-litre V6 diesel produces a substantial 237bhp and 550Nm of pulling power. Thanks to this, its weight and four-wheel drive system, the Jeep can pull up to a 3,500kg braked trailer. With its automatic transmission, and numerous driver aids, the Jeep is easy to drive in all conditions.

Vital statistics

Rating: Three and a half stars

Model: 3.0 V6 CRD Overland

Price (new): £43,995

0-60mph: 8.2 seconds

Average fuel economy: 34mpg

Unbraked towing weight (max): 750kg

Braked towing weight (max): 3500kg

6. Hyundai Santa Fe

What is it?

It's one of the best cars in the Hyundai line-up. The Santa Fe's available with a range of options, including four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes. Buyers can even get a seven-seat version. It's well-built, comfortable and comes with a five year warranty. The Hyundai's 2.2-litre diesel generates a useful 194bhp and 422Nm of pulling power, which helps grant the Santa Fe a useful maximum towing weight of 2,500kg.

Vital statistics

Rating: Four stars

Model: 2.2 CRDi Style (5 seat) 5d

Price (new): £23,195

0-60mph: 9.5 seconds

Average fuel economy: 41mpg

Unbraked towing weight (max): 750kg

Braked towing weight (max): 2,500kg

Note: Prices correct at the time of publication

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% 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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