What is the Best Used Car for Towing a Caravan?

Caravan at night that was towed by the best used car for towing a caravan

Staycations are becoming increasingly popular at the moment – and what better British holiday is there than the classic caravanning trip? The best news is that you don’t even need a brand-new vehicle in order to do it – there are plenty of used cars that are excellent at towing a caravan.

What’s more, if you live in an urban area and are thinking you don’t have enough parking space for both a caravan and an SUV, you don’t need to worry. Many city cars will do the job nicely – and they’re not as gas guzzling as the 4x4s.

Below, we list eight of our favourite used cars for towing a caravan.

Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is a consistently popular choice for towing cars. The Discovery 4, in particular, is exceptionally stable, so aggressive cross winds or off-road conditions won’t cause any drama. The Discovery has a high kerb weight and powerful engines, making them great for towing. Furthermore, they can tackle all and any road surface – they overtake well, too.

If you find a model with the Terrain Response system, even better. This is because it modifies the car’s driving characteristics to suit the conditions facing you. What’s more, the car is supremely comfortable and can fit a large family with ease – and your luggage. It’s easy to see why this car has multiple tow awards to its name, including the 2016 Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year Award.

Volvo XC90

You’ll generally find a used Volvo XC90 for a reasonable price and will be well rewarded with an excellent tow car. This practical vehicle has a high kerb weight combined with fantastic suspension and a powerful engine. The result is a stable and secure vehicle for towing a caravan. It may be slightly less fuel efficient on longer journeys. However, the inner cabin is comfortable and provides plenty of space for families to stretch legs on longer journeys.

Dacia Duster

If you’re after an affordable used car that will nonetheless tow your caravan without any problems, the Dacia tops the list. Stable and secure, it’s a steady performer and extremely reliable. It tackles hills well, and the brakes do their job. Admittedly the interior is not the most glamorous. None-the-less, for a car at such a budget price, it’s difficult not to be impressed with the Duster.

Skoda Octavia

With a great kerb weight and an engine with plenty of torque, the Octavia stands up to pulling even the heaviest caravan. Even better, it will handle hill starts respectably. It’s also stable at speed – particularly given its light weight – and handles changing lanes well. The boot has enough room for lots of luggage, running costs are low, and you’ll find a model on the market at very affordable prices.

Ford Mondeo

An impressive family car, the Mondeo is nippy enough to work in urban areas, squeezing into tight parking spots. That said, it also tows a caravan, so is the best of both worlds. In addition, it’ll do it whilst keeping passengers comfortable. The engine is smooth and efficient but still powerful, handling better than most family cars. You’ll get stability even at high speed and can opt for a used model with the Titanium trim. Benefits include sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, and lane-keeping assistance.

Kia Sorento

For a car that won’t break the budget, you’re still getting a sharp-looking car with excellent towing capacity. The steering is great and the all-wheel drive copes well with variable weather conditions. Let’s admit, this is always a bonus when you’re heading on a caravanning holiday! The car is stable at speed and the engine has plenty of pulling power. Plus, the cabin is spacious and can seat seven people, and the car is fantastic over long-distances. It gets our thumbs up.

Vauxhall Insignia

A good-looking car that offers plentiful interior space and a comfortable ride? Sounds good – and the Insignia delivers. Capable and stable, it has a high kerb weight and torquey diesel engine. The biggest thing to write home about for the Insignia is its affordability – it’s hugely affordable and offers enough legroom for the wriggliest passenger.

Volkswagen Touareg

Add this SUV to your list of the best used cars for towing a caravan. It’ll stand up well to the likes of the Land Rover Discovery and the Volvo XC90. Even better, it will do so at a more affordable price point. It makes towing a breeze thanks to the four-wheel drive and high-power engine, and the gearbox makes hill starts seem almost effortless. As with most SUVs, there’s also plenty of space for passengers and their luggage.

BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series is another award winner of this list – in 2018 it won Tow Car of the Year Awards, so you can rest easy knowing it’s a great choice. You should find used models at excellent prices, too, which is always a bonus. Very stable, the 5 Series has a fuel-efficient diesel engine that will get you where you need to go without costing the earth. Furthermore, it manoeuvres extremely well. In fact, the 529d model saw off rivals in the 2018 competition with ease, proving ‘unshakeable at speed’ with no issues changing lanes and in fierce crosswinds.

On top of all that, the 5 Series will hold its speed on hills, and the gear changes are exceptionally smooth. Look out for the xDrive four-wheel model if you’re keen on holidaying all-year-round. This is because it offers improved traction and road holding – even in the muddiest of conditions. The car is also very comfortable to ride in and offers plenty of space with a great boot.

Financing your used car for towing a caravan

So, now you know which are the best used cars for towing a caravan. However, even when you’re opting for a used vehicle, buying a car to tow a caravan can be a hefty purchase. My Car Credit can help you spread the cost, comparing deals from our broad panel of trusted lenders to find you a great price for your car finance. Use our car finance calculator to get a better idea of the costs then get a no-obligation quote in minutes.

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Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

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Towing Green: 6 of the Best Electric Cars for Towing a Caravan

colourful caravan that was towed using an electric car

Ready to glide through the countryside with a near-silent vehicle that is more environmentally sound? We thought so. Electric cars are a regular sight on our roads. Moreover, many models are up to the task of towing caravans. However, only a handful are legally able to do so, so be sure you purchase one that sits within the law!

The reason why is their weight – electric cars are heavier. Furthermore, adding a caravan or trailer only adds to this, which can put brakes under strain. Be aware, too, that electric cars already have less range than those fuelled by petrol or diesel – and towing a caravan will only shorten this.

That said, there are still some strong contenders for the best electric cars for towing a caravan. Take a look at our list of six top contenders.

The best electric cars for towing a caravan

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is rated for towing, but be aware that it’s limited to 1,000kg. In addition, you do have to pay an extra £1,000 to be able to tow with it. You also have to request a towbar be added to the model when you first purchase it – you can’t do this retrospectively. Essentially, then, you’re less likely to find a Model 3 on the used market that’s been fitted to tow. As such, it’s best to double check before you buy. Also, while 1,000kg may sound like a lot, it’s on the lower side, covering smaller caravans and trailers.

The Long Range AWD is likely best for towing, as it’s got a 360-mile range per charge rate. It’ll get you around 253 miles on a single charge, and offers all-wheel drive. As with all Teslas, you also get access to the Supercharger network, which offers rapid charging and is available nationwide. The vehicle’s handling is excellent, and the performance is great, too, so the Model 3 still makes our list.

Polestar 2

Opt for either the entry-level single motor model or the four-wheel drive flagship – either will haul up to 1,500kg. Like the Tesla Model 3, you’ll be paying around £1,000 for your towbar, but it hauls significantly more than the Model 3. Arguably, it also handles better, with a great steer and good balance. The interior is very comfortable and swish, too, so you’ll experience a relaxed drive.

Plus, you should be able to go 335 miles between charges according to the WLTP test, which is a serious distance for an electric vehicle.

Audi E-Tron

With a towing limit of 1,800kg, the E-Tron offers the biggest pulling power of the cars surveyed thus far. It offers a rapid acceleration and a near 250-mile electric range without the caravan, all of which will serve you well when you’re towing. That said, the E-Tron is on the heavier side for an EV. As such, plan a recharge mid-trip if you’re on a particularly long journey.

One of the biggest selling points for this car is its plushness – the dashboard’s two central screens are swish and control all of the car’s functions. There’s also serious boot space for anything that doesn’t fit in the caravan. Be aware that this is a vehicle that’s on the pricier side. However, as with all of these electric vehicles, more models will start to pop up on the used marketplace as non-petrol and non-diesel cars become the norm.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Low running costs and high practicality are two of the biggest selling points for the Ioniq 5, which offers some real muscle too. Both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive models will pull up to 1,600kg. What’s more, all the Ioniqs are designed to take the addition of a towbar – even the entry-level model. The car is also particularly sleek, with equally sophisticated interiors.

Tesla Model X

The Tesla SUV Model X is consistently upheld as the best electric car currently around for towing a caravan. It’ll tow up to 2,250kg and even has a towing mode. This means you can adjust the car’s ride when towing. The model also has air springs as standard, which means you can adjust ride height accordingly.

Inevitably, it’s not the cheapest vehicle on this list, but the performance is exceptional. This model will cover 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds without a caravan. That said, we wouldn’t advise going pedal to the metal when towing. There’s also plenty of space in the vehicle, with 2,492 litres worth of space and an optional seven seats for larger families.

Mercedes EQC

Another electric SUV that boasts comfort and towing ability, these models can tow up to 1,800kg. Slightly slower than the E-Tron, you’re unlikely to notice this when towing, where it stands up to the test and offers respectable acceleration. The EQC is, most notably, an exceptionally quiet car. This can can be a big win on long journeys, as some electric vehicles have been reported to whine when travelling at higher speeds.

You’re looking at a range of around 250 miles. However, be aware that this might vary depending on how heavy the caravan is that you’re towing. There’s also plenty of space in this car, with a 500-litre boot for any overflow, and the drive is very comfortable.

Speak to a car credit specialist today

If you’re after car finance for your new electric vehicle, be sure to contact one of My Car Credit’s friendly team of car credit specialists. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have and get the ball rolling. Alternatively, our car finance calculator will give you a quote within minutes with no-obligation or impact on your credit score.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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My Credit Rating

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  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
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Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
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  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
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£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!