Best Cars for Towing 2026

When it comes to towing, finding the right vehicle can make all the difference.

Whether you're planning a family trip with a caravan in tow, bringing a boat along for a weekend getaway, or just need to move heavy gear, having a car that's up to the task is essential.

Smaller cars will typically have a towing capacity of anywhere up to 900kg, with larger vehicles having a towing capacity of up to 2,200kg (or above). For mid-sized cars, you can meet in the middle with a 900 – 1,600kg towing capacity.

So given the towing capacities of each vehicle type, anywhere from mid-to-large vehicles are the most capable cars for towing.

This article will cover those vehicles that are the most optimal for towing, not just based on the towing capacity, but also when paired with their performance.

Best Towing Cars

1. Hyundai Santa Fe
2. Volkswagen Passat
3. Land Rover Discovery
4. Ford Focus
5. Isuzu D-Max

1. Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai is a Korean car manufacturer that has made its name on producing top-quality vehicles.

Introduced in 2000, Hyundai’s finest towing vehicle is their Santa Fe, a seven-seater off-road SUV with a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg.

The Santa Fe also has a fuel consumption of around 40 mpg, showing the SUV has great capabilities of long journeys while towing.

The large SUV employs a strong 249 bhp engine to aid with the towing of large items such as boats and caravans.

One of the bigger cars to make this list, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a fantastic option for towing.

2. Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen has many top quality vehicles throughout their model line-up, with perhaps one of their top models being the famous Passat.

Released in 1973, the Volkswagen Passat is a 5-door saloon that is greatly known for its towing capabilities.

The Passat is a three-time Tow Car Awards winner, spanning back to its inaugural 2007 awards and including wins at the 2011 and 2015 awards.

An engine power output of up to 268bhp sees the 0-60mph acceleration time as an impressive 6.9 seconds.

Having a towing capability of up to 2,200kg and being a relatively light car for its notable capacity, the VW saloon is a fantastic option for towing.

3. Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover has consistently delivered luxury vehicles with remarkable success.

A standout example of this success is the Land Rover Discovery, renowned for its off-road prowess and adaptability, making it an exceptional choice for towing.

First introduced in 1989, the Discovery quickly became a favourite among explorers and families alike.

With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the Discovery is a top contender for hauling heavy loads. Its 3.0-litre diesel engine, delivering up to 700 NM of torque, ensures a confident and smooth towing experience.

Combining luxury, performance, and impressive towing capability, the Land Rover Discovery remains a premier choice for those who need a reliable tow vehicle.

4. Ford Focus

Ford have made a name for themselves across the global motoring industry as a solid, reliable car manufacturer.

A leading model within Ford’s offering of vehicles is their Focus, a hatchback car introduced back in 1998.

Much like the Passat, the Focus is a smaller vehicle, offering towing capacities of up to 1,700kg.

In the mid-sized vehicle segment, the Focus is a fantastic towing vehicle along with the Passat, giving engine outputs of up to 179 bhp.

For a smaller vehicle in comparison to the likes of the Santa Fe or the Discovery, the Focus has the capabilities of solid towing along with being a very reliable car to own.

5. Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu, a Japanese manufacturer renowned for its expertise in crafting robust pick-up trucks, has made a name for itself in the world of durable vehicles.

Their flagship model, the Isuzu D-Max, first launched in 2002, has become a symbol of reliability and strength in the pick-up truck segment.

The D-Max offers an impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, making it one of the top choices for hauling heavy loads.

Powered by a 1.9-litre diesel engine that delivers substantial torque, the D-Max ensures a smooth and dependable towing experience.

The Isuzu D-Max stands out as a dependable and powerful vehicle, perfect for those in need of a trustworthy towing vehicle.

Final Thoughts

The cars we've highlighted in this article are some of the top choices for towing, offering a great mix of power, reliability, and everyday practicality.

From the mid-sized Volkswagen Passat and Ford Focus, which are perfect for those who want a bit more agility and efficiency, to the powerful SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Land Rover Discovery, there's something here for everyone.

Whether you prefer a smaller, more nimble car or need the sheer towing muscle of a larger SUV, these vehicles deliver.

Of course, these are just a few of the many great options out there – each offering its own strengths for those in need of a reliable towing vehicle.