BEST CARS FOR TOWING

If you’re planning to tow a caravan, you’ll need a car that’s up to the job. We’ve put 40 through their paces to find the best

- David Motton

Welcome to the 2021 What Car? Tow Car Awards. Last year we named the best-used tow cars, but this year we’ve returned to new models, with everything from family hatchbacks to luxurious SUVs tested. And while we’ve once again partnered with the towing and caravanning experts at The Camping and Caravanning Club, this time we have a new technical partner, Adria, which supplied us with a fleet of its latest caravans for our test week.

To make it easier for you to find the best match for your caravan or trailer, our 40 contenders were divided into five classes by weight, with separate categories for pick-ups and electric vehicles (EVs). The heaviest weight class was further divided by price, with a £50,000 cut-off separating mainstream models from luxury cars and SUVs. The caravans were weighted to 85% of the car’s kerb weight or the legal towing limit, whichever was lower.

The trend towards electrification is reflected in the record number of hybrids and full EVs we assessed this year. Whatever the car, though, we put it through the same rigorous series of tests, including an emergency lane change, 30-60mph acceleration and 30-0mph braking. We also conducted a hill start on a one-in-six slope and a high-speed stability test.

The Camping and Caravanning Club checked over each car’s towing gear, while assessing how easily towing mirrors could be fitted and the suitability of the puncture repair provision for use while towing. Boot space was also checked with a typical load of camping luggage. These tests gave us each car’s practicality score.