See all Motoring AdviceIf you want to tow a caravan or trailer, then you're going to need a car that's up to the job. It will need pulling power, but it also needs to be easy to drive so that you can manage the extra weight that hitching a trailer involves.
There are rules that need to be adhered to when it comes to towing a trailer, too, and the first relates to your licence. The National Driver Licence Service states that if you hold a Category B (car) licence, you can tow a trailer up to 750kg, or you can tow a heavier one as long as the combination of vehicle and trailer doesn't exceed 3,500kg. Anything heavier will require you to hold a Category BE licence, which needs additional training to pass.
Cars that are certified to tow will have specific weight limits that they are permitted to haul. There are braked and unbraked weight limits, while a vehicle's nose weight determines how much load can be carried on its tow ball. If you are going to tow, it's best to have an evenly distributed load in the trailer for stability and safety.
The German firm's biggest SUV comes with a variety of engine options, but it's the diesels that offer a great mix of performance and economy. You're also getting a plush seven-seater with room to spare.
If you're towing a caravan, an estate gives you space for all of your gear. The 5 Series is roomy, while separately opening tailgate glass means there's easy access to the boot in tight spots. There are a variety of engines offered in the 5 Series, too.
An estate based on a compact family hatch is practical, while still offering a range of decent engines that will perform well with a heavy load. The sharp-handling Focus will make light work of a trailer, too.
Diesel power is available in the Sorento, but plug-in petrol drive is also on offer. The PHEV delivers instant torque from the electric motor, while the electronics manage energy flow between each source. The latest Sorento is an upmarket machine with a seven-seat cabin, so it's a great place to spend time.
Large diesel engines offer good torque for pulling heavy loads, and Mazda's philosophy of offering large-capacity engines in its cars is helpful here. The CX-60 SUV is now available with a straight-six diesel that offers plenty of punch.
It's getting on a bit, but the Ateca - and the very similar Skoda Karoq – offers diesel or petrol engines that are well suited to towing duties. At the top of the range there's even four-wheel drive to help with traction.
The Superb has some of the roomiest back seats in the family car class, and when you combine this with a vast boot – whether you choose the hatchback or estate - it's just about the perfect tow car for family caravan holidays.
An electric car for towing? The Enyaq is an EV that can. Instant torque is perfect for pulling a trailer, while the Enyaq is one of the most practical EVs on sale. If you're considering one for caravan holidays, you're going to eat into the 500-plus kilometre range the Enyaq has, though. Thankfully, fast charging means you can plough energy back into the pack quickly.
A pickup truck is designed with load-lugging in mind, and with most models able to haul up to 3.5 tonnes, there's nothing that a truck like the Hilux won't be able to tow. Top-spec models offer premium quality that's on a par with similarly priced SUVs, and if you get a suitable tonneau cover for the load bed, then it offers huge, secure cargo carrying, too.
The Multivan comes with six or seven seats plus room to spare in a vast van-like body. There are petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrains, all of which should be able to cope with a trailer, while the upmarket cabin offers lots of comfort.