Finding the right car to tow your caravan can feel like a bit of a mission, especially with so many used SUVs, estates, and people carriers to choose from. The best tow cars need more than raw muscle. You’re looking for a healthy braked towing capacity, a comfortable ride for long motorway stints, plenty of luggage space for camping gear, and a reputation for reliability once the miles start racking up.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up ten of the best used tow cars on the market today, covering everything from family SUVs to load-lugging estates. We’ll also walk you through what actually makes a car good for towing, how fuel type affects your options, and the practical checks worth making before you buy.

In a hurry? Here’s what you need to know:

• Torque matters more than horsepower – look for strong low-down pulling power and a braked towing capacity that comfortably covers your caravan’s weight.
• Large SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery and Kia Sorento offer the highest towing capacities here, up to 3,500kg.
• You don’t need a huge 4x4 – estates such as the Skoda Superb and Volvo V60 can still tow 2,000kg or more.
• Electric towing is now a real option, with the Mercedes-Benz EQC managing 1,800kg and around 260 miles of range.
• Before you buy, check the service history, confirm your driving licence category, and follow the rule of 85 for safe loading.

What makes a car good for towing?

Torque is the number one thing to look for. You want plenty of pulling power at low revs to get a heavy caravan moving smoothly from a standstill, and a braked towing capacity that comfortably covers the weight of your loaded caravan – we’ll come back to exactly how to check that shortly.

Beyond raw pulling power, modern tow cars come with useful tech like anti-sway systems to keep you steady at speed, along with decent fuel economy and good all-round visibility for reversing onto a pitch. Fuel type makes a real difference too, so it’s worth weighing up your options before you buy.

For years, diesel has been the default choice for towing, and it’s easy to see why. Diesel engines produce strong torque at low revs, which is exactly what you need to get a heavy caravan moving smoothly from a standstill. If you’re covering long distances on tow, a diesel model like the Land Rover Discovery or Kia Sorento will usually prove more efficient than the petrol equivalent, especially once you factor in the extra drag of towing a caravan.

That said, petrol power shouldn’t be ruled out. Manufacturers have improved petrol engines significantly in recent years, and models like the BMW 5 Series and Volvo V60 offer strong towing figures alongside smoother, quieter running. If you do more short trips than long motorway hauls, a petrol tow car might suit you better and could work out cheaper to maintain over time.

Electric towing is still a newer concept, but it’s growing fast. Cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQC prove that EVs can handle caravans, offering instant torque that makes pulling away effortless. The main thing to weigh up is range, since towing significantly increases energy consumption, so you’ll want to plan charging stops carefully on longer journeys. If you’re weighing up the switch, our guide on whether you should buy an electric car is a useful starting point, and you can browse the full range of used electric cars we have in stock.

Hybrids sit somewhere in the middle, combining decent towing capacity with lower running costs than a full diesel or petrol model. The Kia Sorento hybrid is a good example, offering respectable pulling power without the fuel bills of its diesel sibling. Whichever fuel type you choose, always check the manufacturer’s official braked towing capacity rather than assuming a bigger engine automatically means a stronger tow car.

Our top 10 used cars for towing

Ready to find your perfect towing companion? Here are ten of our favourite used cars that make light work of pulling a caravan.

1. Land Rover Discovery (2017-Present)

It’s no surprise the Land Rover Discovery is on this list. These cars are famous for handling tough jobs with ease. With a mix of petrol and diesel engines, you can find a model that fits your life. The best part? They all boast an impressive braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, so you won’t have to compromise on power.

The Discovery is also incredibly practical and refined, with room for up to seven people and a massive 1,137 litres of boot space (with five seats in use). It feels premium, but if your budget is a bit tighter, an older Discovery 4 (2009-2016) is still a fantastic tow car.

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2. Skoda Superb (2015-2023)

If an SUV isn’t your thing, the Skoda Superb is a brilliant alternative. Available as a saloon or a super-practical estate, it’s well-built, spacious, and comfortable for long drives. Most models have a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg, but if you need a little extra, look for the ‘Scout’ versions, which can handle up to 2,200kg. The Superb is a great reminder that you don't always need a huge 4x4 to tow a caravan.

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3. Mercedes-Benz EQC (2019-2024)

If you’re thinking about going electric, the Mercedes-Benz EQC shows that you don’t have to give up your caravan adventures. This stylish electric SUV offers a braked towing capacity of 1,800kg and up to 260 miles of range. It’s packed with cutting-edge tech and offers a quiet, refined driving experience. While you’ll need to plan your charging stops on long trips, the EQC is a fantastic, future-proof choice.

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4. BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)

The BMW 5 Series is known as a luxury executive car, but it’s also a bit of a secret weapon for caravan owners. Offered as a saloon or a stylish 'Touring' estate, it combines sophistication with serious towing muscle. Most models can tow a braked weight of around 2,000kg. For extra grip on slippery surfaces, look for models with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It’s a refined choice for towing in style.

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5. Kia Sorento (2020-Present)

The Kia Sorento is a standout in the large SUV market, especially for towing. It’s practical, packed with features, and has some serious pulling power. Diesel models are the champions here, with a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000kg. Hybrid versions are still very capable, pulling between 1,350kg and 1,650kg. Plus, all-wheel drive comes as standard on recent models, and you might find one with the remainder of Kia’s fantastic 7-year warranty.

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6. Dacia Duster (2017-2024)

Finding a budget-friendly tow car can be tough, but the Dacia Duster is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune. It’s a no-nonsense SUV that can tow a braked weight of up to 1,500kg, which is perfect for many caravans. With a big boot and roof rails as standard, it’s ready for adventure. For towing, it’s best to go for one of the more powerful engine options and consider the capable 4x4 system if you plan on venturing off the beaten path.

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7. Volvo V60 (2018-2024)

Volvos are built to last, and the V60 estate is a perfect example. It blends practicality with a premium finish, making it a classy and dependable tow car. Towing capacities vary, but the B6 petrol models can pull a braked load of up to 2,000kg and come with all-wheel drive. Other versions can still tow between 1,300kg and 1,800kg. True to Volvo’s reputation, it’s also packed with safety features to protect you and your loved ones.

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8. Skoda Karoq (2017-Present)

The Skoda Karoq was named Towcar of the Year in 2023 by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, so it's fair to say it knows what it's doing. This mid-size SUV is a fantastic all-rounder, offering great value, practicality, and tech. Depending on the model, it can tow a braked weight of up to 2,000kg. We’d recommend finding one with the four-wheel-drive system, which can make manoeuvring your caravan on a grassy campsite pitch much less stressful.

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9. Nissan Qashqai (2021-Present)

As one of the UK’s best-selling cars, the Nissan Qashqai is a familiar and reliable choice. It's practical, user-friendly, and has a braked towing capacity of up to 1,800kg. To get that maximum pulling power, you’ll want to look for the 1.6-litre four-wheel-drive diesel models. The Qashqai is a family favourite for a reason, and higher-spec models often come with handy extras like roof rails.

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10. Volkswagen Caravelle (2015-2024)

Looking for something a bit different? The Volkswagen Caravelle is a people carrier that’s brilliant for towing. It offers tons of space for up to seven people and has an impressive braked towing capacity of up to 2,500kg, thanks to its strong 2.0-litre diesel engine. It might have van-like looks, but if you need maximum space for a large family and all their gear, the Caravelle is hard to beat.

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Things to consider before you buy

Finding the right car is just the start of the job. Here are a few final things worth checking before you commit to a caravan tow car.

• Check the history: Cars used for towing often cover more miles. This isn't a bad thing, but it’s always wise to check the service history to make sure it’s been well looked after. For extra peace of mind, it’s worth running a full HPI or vehicle history check too, so you can be confident there’s no outstanding finance or hidden write-off history.
• Think about practicality: Do you need roof rails for extra storage? Does the car have a tow bar already fitted? Think about what you’ll need for your trips and check if the car you’re looking at has it.
• Know the rule of 85: This is a guideline from caravanning clubs. It suggests that the weight of your loaded caravan should be no more than 85% of your car's kerb weight. This isn’t a legal rule, but it’s a good safety practice, especially for new towers. The Camping and Caravanning Club has more detailed guidance on safe towing weights if you want to dig deeper.
• Check your driving licence: If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive a car and trailer combination up to 8,250kg. If you passed on or after that date, you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg. It’s always best to double-check the official gov.uk towing rules to be sure, as licence entitlements can vary depending on when you passed your test.