Having the right car to accommodate you and your
caravan during your journeys can make or break your experience.
Whether you’re living full-time in the caravan, or just planning on short/long term trips with one, a car that has the optimal capacity to tow your caravan can only help with your travel plans.
On average, the weight of a caravan can be anywhere from 800kg to 2,000kg. A 2 to 4 berth caravan typically weighs between 800kg and 1,300kg, with a 4 to 6 berth caravan weighing in at around 1,300kg to 2,000kg.
Therefore, a big factor in the right vehicle towing your caravan is the car’s towing capacity.
This article will cover some of the most reliable and practical cars for towing caravans.
The
Isuzu D-Max is a rugged pickup with a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg, powered by a torquey 1.9-litre diesel engine. It pairs heavy-duty capability with a comfortable, tech-equipped cabin, making it ideal for large caravans and demanding tows.
The
BMW 5 Series blends luxury with towing capability, offering up to 2,000kg via its 3.0-litre diesel engine. Adaptive cruise control and a refined cabin make it a comfortable choice for long-distance caravan trips.
The
Land Rover Discovery tows up to 3,500kg thanks to its 3.0-litre diesel engine and 700Nm of torque. Renowned for off-road capability and family-friendly space, it’s a top pick for larger caravans.
The
Honda CR-V offers a towing capacity of up to 1,500kg from its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, suiting lighter caravans. Folding rear seats add practical cargo space for camping trips.
The
Toyota Land Cruiser can tow up to 3,500kg, powered by a 4.5-litre V8 diesel. Its rugged reliability and seven-seat cabin make it a strong choice for large families towing heavy caravans.
The
Skoda Superb offers up to 2,200kg towing capacity via its 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus a spacious, well-equipped cabin. It remains one of the best value options for caravan owners.
The
Skoda Kodiaq tows up to 2,000kg and brings SUV practicality with excellent boot space and a comfortable ride. It’s a strong mid-size alternative to larger SUVs like the Discovery, at a lower price point.
The
Kia Sorento combines hybrid efficiency with a 2,000kg towing capacity, making it one of the more fuel-conscious options for caravan owners. Seven seats and a well-appointed cabin add family appeal.
The
Land Rover Defender tows up to 3,500kg and is built for serious off-road towing, with a rugged chassis and available PHEV powertrain. It’s the premium pick for caravanners heading off the beaten track.
The
Volvo XC90 offers up to 2,400kg towing capacity with the option of a PHEV powertrain for improved efficiency. Its safety credentials and refined interior make it a popular luxury choice for family towing.
The
Volvo V90 estate tows up to 2,100kg and proves estates can match SUVs for towing, with a lower ride height and excellent stability. It’s ideal for caravanners who prefer a car over an SUV.
The
Kia EV9 tows up to 2,500kg, making it one of the highest-capacity electric tow cars on sale. Its seven-seat cabin and long range make it a genuine diesel alternative for family caravanning.
The
Skoda Enyaq offers up to 1,200kg towing capacity, making it a practical choice for lighter caravans. Strong efficiency and a spacious cabin make it an easy step up from a petrol or diesel SUV.
The vehicles on this list are some of the strongest and most practical cars on the market, contributing to making your towing experience seamless.
Cars like the BMW 5 Series, Land Rover Discovery, and the Skoda Superb have won at the “Tow Car Awards”, further cementing them as great options for caravanners.
Even if these are some of the best options available today, there are plenty of vehicles out there that are more than capable of holding their own when it comes to towing a caravan, small or large.
We just hope that this list helped you gain a better understanding of what the best cars for towing caravans are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tyres offer the best longevity for towing with an Isuzu D-Max?
For high-torque pickups like the D-Max, the
Michelin Agilis 3 or the
CrossClimate 3 offer the best mileage-to-grip ratio, built to withstand the scrub of hauling 3,500kg loads.
Which electric cars are good for towing a caravan?
The Kia EV9 tows up to 2,500kg, one of the highest capacities of any EV, while the Skoda Enyaq suits lighter caravans at 1,200kg. Both need HL-rated (High Load) tyres to manage extra battery weight and torque.
What are the best performance tyres for towing in the wet UK climate?
The
Continental PremiumContact 7 is the benchmark for wet-braking safety, with an adaptive tread pattern that keeps the vehicle and caravan stable on rain-soaked motorways.
How do I maximise my EV range while towing a caravan?
Fit A-rated rolling resistance tyres like the
Michelin CrossClimate 3. These can cut energy loss by up to 20%, which matters when the caravan’s drag is already depleting your battery.
What is the 85% towing rule and why does kerb weight matter?
The 85% rule says your caravan’s weight shouldn’t exceed 85% of your car’s kerb weight for safe, stable towing. Check your car’s exact kerb weight in the handbook before matching it to a caravan.
Is the Skoda Kodiaq a good car for towing a caravan?
Yes, the Kodiaq tows up to 2,000kg and suits family caravanning well, combining SUV practicality with a comfortable ride. It’s a strong mid-size alternative to the larger Discovery or Land Cruiser.
Land Rover Defender or Volvo XC90 – which is the better tow car?
Both tow 3,500kg-plus loads confidently. The Defender edges it for off-road stability with a heavy caravan, while the XC90 offers a more refined, family-friendly ride with PHEV efficiency options.
What licence do I need to tow a caravan in the UK?
Drivers who passed their test after January 1997 typically need a category B+E licence for heavier combinations. Always check your car and caravan’s combined weight against your licence category before towing.
Are hybrid or automatic cars suitable for towing a caravan?
Yes – automatics are often preferred for smoother, more controlled towing, and hybrids like the Kia Sorento or Volvo XC90 offer strong torque alongside better fuel efficiency than pure diesel equivalents.
What’s a good used or budget car for towing a caravan?
The Skoda Superb is a strong used buy from around £16,000, offering 2,200kg towing capacity and estate-like practicality. It’s one of the best value options on this list for budget-conscious buyers.
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