While they make up the mainstay of the company car park, we’re fully aware many fleet drivers need more from their car than a vanilla hatchback or saloon. What if you regularly need to tow, for instance?
With that in mind we’ve collated our top five great-value four-wheel drive towing cars. All will pull at least 2,000kg of braked trailer, while you might be surprised just how little such a car is going to cost you to tax.
We’ve also picked our favourite version of the car with towing in mind. It’s the best combination of specification and low running costs.
Many of the cars we’ve mentioned are also available as two-wheel drive models. These are going to be cheaper to run, but aren’t as versatile as a 4×4 and usually can’t tow as much either.
To find out more about towing, including licences and maximum towing weights, please visit our Guide to Towing article.
Why buy?
The Outlander wasn’t a bad car to start with, but midway through the car’s life cycle Mitsubishi dropped a bombshell – the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is a 4×4 capable of fuel economy of over 100mpg in some conditions. The associated low CO2 emissions mean ultra-low company car tax, while the petrol engine and pair of electric motors deliver power to all four wheels.
Braked towing limit: 2,000kg
Tow kit cost: £475 (fixed bar and 13-pin harness)
Power: 186bhp (petrol and electric combined)
Torque: 522Nm (petrol and electric combined)
BIK tax band: 5 percent
Boot size: 591 litres
Monthly tax* (from): £28
Parkers pick: GX4h
Why buy?
The Sorento is a noble effort by Korean Kia to build a versatile, reliable family car. You’ve got the option of five, six or seven seats and just one engine – a 2.2-litre diesel. It’s a proper off-road-capable machine, too, and comes with an almost unbelievable amount of equipment. There’s also the extra peace of mind that comes from Kia’s seven-year transferable warranty.
Braked towing limit: 2,500kg
Tow kit cost: £307 for tow bar, £247 for 13-pin wiring harness
Power: 194bhp
Torque: 422Nm
BIK tax band: 27 percent
Boot size: 116 litres (with seven seats up)
Monthly tax* (from): £119
Parkers pick: KX-2 2.2 CRDi 5dr
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Why buy?
Volkswagen’s smaller 4×4 is a great package. It’s well-built and feels very solid on the road. Thanks to the introduction of the firm’s BlueMotion Technology it’s also pretty cheap to run, too. You’ll find two-wheel drive versions are cheaper, but they’ll also tow less and won’t be as capable off-road.
Braked towing limit: 2,200kg
Tow kit cost: £381 (fixed bar only)
Power: 138bhp
Torque: 320Nm
BIK tax band: 26 percent
Boot size: 470 litres
Monthly tax* (from): £106
Parkers pick: 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech S
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Why buy?
Toyota is a brand known for the impressive reliability of its vehicles. The Rav4 is no exception, built incredibly well and with more practical touches than ever to make life easy for families. Its sophisticated four-wheel drive system means it’ll handle the rough stuff too.
Braked towing limit: 2,000kg
Tow kit cost: £600 (fixed with 13-pin harness)
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 340Nm
BIK tax band: 25 percent
Boot size: 647 litres
Monthly tax* (from): £111
Parkers pick: Icon 2.2 D4-D AWD 150
Why buy?
The latest CR-V is a highly impressive machine. It’s been designed with practicality firmly in mind, so you get a huge boot along with a clever mechanism to fold the rear seats away for ultimate load room. The brilliant 1.6-litre diesel engine isn’t available with four-wheel drive, but the 2.2-litre impresses too.
Braked towing limit: 2,000kg
Tow kit cost: £475 (fixed with 13-pin harness)
Power: 148bhp
Torque: 350Nm
BIK tax band: 24 percent
Boot size: 589 litres
Monthly tax* (from): £104
Parkers pick: 2.2 i-DTEC SE-T
*Monthly tax bills are quoted at 20 percent pay scales and assume no optional extras
