The best cars for towing 2025
Whether you need to tow a trailer for work or a caravan at the weekends, you need a car that has the pulling power.
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 2 July 2025
Choosing the right tow car helps you make light work of driving with a trailer, caravan or boat behind.
If you’re planning on using your car to pull any type of trailer, you’ll need a car that's up to the job, because not all cars can legally tow.
Besides being aware of what your license allows you to tow, you'll also want to remember that the trailer should weight no more than 85% of your car's kerb weight.
Thankfully, manufacturers make it easy to know just how much you can tow by publishing the ins and outs for each engine and configuration, so bear this in mind when searching for your next tow car. Here are eight of the best:
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The best cars for towing
Škoda Kodiaq
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo V60
Audi Q5
Kia Sorento
BMW 5 Series Touring
Volkswagen Arteon
Land Rover Discovery
Best cars for towing
Škoda Kodiaq
 "Škoda Kodiaq")
Now in its second generation, the Škoda Kodiaq is an excellent value SUV available with up to seven seats. It shares many mechanical parts with the family-favourite VW Tiguan and seven-seat Tayron, but undercuts it on price.
All versions are rated to tow at least 1,800kg, which should be enough for many caravans, but if you need the extra oomph, consider the 2.0 TDI diesel, which can tow 2,000kg in 150hp form and 2,400kg in 193hp form. Sure, the petrols can tow more, but when you're towing something the same weight as your car, chances are you'll want the maximum MPG possible.
The best part is that, even with seven seats up, you get 340 litres of boot space, which is nearly as much as an entire VW Golf. Fold the middle row down too and you get 845 litres of space, or go for a five-seater for up to 910 litres.
Volkswagen Passat
 "Volkswagen Passat Estate")
A firm favourite among company car and long-distance drivers, the VW Passat is known for its excellent reliability and strong fuel efficiency.
Diesel might be gone, as is the saloon shape, but this estate has two very impressive plug-in hybrid powertrains capable of towing 1,800kg (204hp version) or 2,000kg (272hp version).
The best part is that they both have 77-mile electric-only ranges (in the best conditions, when not towing), so you get all of the benefits of an electric car around town with the flexibility of an engine for longer trips and towing. It's perfect if you ask us.
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Volvo V60
 "Volvo V60 driving")
The V60 sits in exactly the same class as the Passat, but offers a much more luxurious feel with high-quality materials and that stylish Swedish minimalism.
With the exception of the manual version of the D3 engine, which can only tow 1,600kg, all models can tow between 1,800kg and 2,000kg. Go for the B6 petrol, B4/D4 diesels or T6/T8 plug-in hybrids if you want the maximum pulling power.
It's already a smart-looking car, but if you want to add a bit off SUV flair, consider the Cross Country variants which have a raised ride height and rugged plastic body cladding.
 "Volvo V60 review banner")
Audi Q5
 "Audi Q5")
If you're in the market for a premium, mid-sized family SUV, the Q5 stands out for its elegant looks, strong reliability (backed by the VW Group) and comfortable ride.
The 265hp 50 TFSIe plug-in hybrid model can tow 2,000kg with ease, but if that's close to the weight of your trailer, you may wish to opt for one of the 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines, which have higher 2,400kg ratings.
Audi launched its third-generation Q5 in 2025 and the combustion models are still rated to tow 2,400kg, but if you're looking to spend less, the second-generation Q5 could be the perfect buy, and for less than you might think.
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Kia Sorento
 "Kia Sorento front")
The Kia Sorento is a highly regarded car in the world of towing, and that's because the 2.2-litre diesel engine can tow trailers up to 2,500kg.
It's the thinking person's car, because every trim comes loaded with equipment and high-end models even get real luxuries like ventilated seats.
The self-charging and plug-in hybrid options might not be able to tow as much, but they're well worth considering if you do a lot of shorter trips day-to-day.
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BMW 5 Series Touring
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It's hard to imagine a large estate as well-rounded as the 5 Series, but we think the best reason to buy one could just be because of how it drives – it's far more engaging and enjoyable than its key rivals.
The 5 Series Touring has won multiple awards for its towing credentials, with even the entry-level 520d diesel good for towing 2,000kg. It's available with or without 'xDrive' four-wheel drive, but we'd recommend finding a model with xDrive for added reassurance.
The latest generation no longer comes with diesel power, but most combustion or plug-in hybrids can still tow up to 2,000kg. Just be aware that the electric i5 Touring cars aren't so suited to towing heavier loads, like caravans or boats.
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Volkswagen Arteon
 "Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake")
Most tow cars tend to be large SUVs or heavy estates so when a sleek coupé-like car like the Arteon comes up, it proves that you really can have the best of both worlds.
It shares many parts with the outgoing Passat models, including the 2.0 TDI diesel engines that are best suited to towing up to 2,000kg.
Where it shines is in day-to-day life, because it's a real head-turner both in its saloon shape and as an estate. Few cars are as stylish while simultaneously offering the Arteon's levels of comfort, fuel efficiency and quality.
Land Rover Discovery
 "Land Rover Discovery")
Large SUVs are all the rage, but they can be very expensive to buy and just as costly to run. The Land Rover Discovery might just buck that trend, and here's why.
It's been around since 2017, so you can save thousands by buying an earlier model that looks almost indistinguishable from newer versions. Then, there's the 2.0-litre diesel engine that you can pair it with, which can be cheaper to fuel, tax and insure than the 3.0-litre units.
Better still, most models can tow up to 3,500kg, including the 2.0-litre diesels, and even the worst performers are rated to 3,000kg, which is way more than your average family SUV.
 "Land Rover Discovery review banner")
Best tow cars:
You've now seen that you don't need to buy a big, expensive SUV if you're in the market to tow. It's a great option, but there are saloons, estates and other body styles out there that are more than capable, cheaper to buy, and more importantly, cheaper to run.
That said, if the idea of a higher driving position, stacks of interior space and dominating road presence are up your street, consider browsing our selection of used SUVs for sale.
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