Things are moving fast in the world of tow cars. Diesel’s position as the power source of choice for regular towing is being challenged by hybrids and even fully electric vehicles, and the current shortage of new cars means a long wait for many popular models. But plenty of cars have recently gone on sale or will arrive in the next few months, and the best look worth the wait. Here’s our guide to the hottest new tow cars of 2022.
KIA EV6
- On sale Now
- Price From £40,945
The number of electric cars capable of towing is growing fast, and the new Kia EV6 is one of the most exciting of the lot.
Offering a kerbweight of 2000kg for the rear-wheel-drive model, and 2105kg for the four-wheel-drive car, the EV6 is heavy enough to make a suitable match for a broad range of tourers. Often the maximum towing limit is restrictive with an electric vehicle, but the EV6 can legally tow up to 1600kg.
Driving the EV6 (we haven’t towed with it yet), we were impressed. The lengthy range should help to convince EV sceptics: the lighter, less powerful rear-wheel-drive model will go 328 miles between charges, according to official figures, while the 4×4 will go up to 314 miles.
Our drive in the 4×4 lasted 86 miles, and the battery charge dropped from 100% to 69%, suggesting we could have driven 277 miles before running out of juice. We were driving in cool weather, reducing the range, so even in less-than-ideal conditions, the EV6 can travel a long way between charges.
The hassle of recharging is another reason many think twice about switching to an electric vehicle, and again the EV6 could convert some naysayers.
It’s capable of using an ultra-rapid 350kW charger to take the battery from a 10% charge to 80% in just 18 minutes. Such powerful chargers are very rare, but using a more common 50kW charging speed can boost the battery from 10% to 80% in one hour and 13 minutes, Kia claims.
At most charging sites you will need a secure place to leave your van – charging bays won’t have space for the car and your tourer – but this is not insurmountable if you are determined to tow with an EV.
Pulling any well-matched caravan up to speed won’t be a problem, either. Even the less powerful version accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, according to Kia’s figures. The four-wheel-drive car takes just 5.2 seconds. Thanks to the instant power delivery of the electric motor, the EV6 feels even faster than these figures suggest.
It’s well made and roomy inside, although the infotainment system takes a little getting used to. There’s lots of legroom in the back and a 490-litre boot capacity, as well as extra storage under the bonnet where a petrol or diesel engine would be.
A Škoda Enyaq is cheaper and roomier, but can’t tow as much. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 uses the same platform and powertrains, and has more boost space, so is a tougher rival. Whichever is best, we look forward to towing with the new generation of EVs.
RANGE ROVER
- On sale Now
- Price From £94,400
The fifth generation of Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover promises greater refinement, lower emissions and the option of seven seats.
This Range Rover is the first Land Rover model to use the new MLA-Flex architecture, which has been designed to accommodate internal combustion, hybrid and pure-electric powertrains.
A fully electric Range Rover will drive in 2024. Meantime, there’s a pair of 3.0-litre diesel engines with mild-hybrid assistance and either 300hp or 350hp. The petrol options provide 400hp or 530hp.
To combine high performance with respectable economy, there are two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with 440hp or 510hp. Thanks to their 38.1kWh battery, the cars are claimed to be capable of 62 miles on electricity. Up to 87mph is said to be possible without needing the petrol engine.
Kerbweights start from 2454kg, and most models have a legal towing limit of 3500kg. Range Rover PHEVs are the exception, with a 2700kg maximum.
Both SWB and LWB versions are available, and the long version can be ordered with a third row of seats.
DACIA JOGGER
- On sale Now
- Price From £16,645
Dacia added a seven-seat SUV to its range this spring, in the form of the Jogger.
A big brother to the popular Duster, the Jogger is Dacia’s largest and heaviest model. But it remains true to the brands’s roots, with a rock-bottom price tag making it one of the most affordable SUVs of its size on sale.
The Jogger is available with two engines, a TCe 110 turbocharged petrol and a TCe 100 bi-fuel engine, which can be powered by petrol or LPG. In 2023, these engines will be joined by a hybrid model.
Dacia has not yet announced kerbweight or towing limits, but because this is a small car by seven-seat standards, powered by small petrol engines, it’s likely to be best suited to lightweight caravans and trailer tents.
Class of 2022
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Second-generation BMW MPV; expect more space and a plug-in hybrid
Ineos Grenadier
Not a fan of the new Defender? The Grenadier is aiming to out-Land Rover Land Rover
Nissan X-Trail
Based on the US market’s Nissan Rogue, the new X-Trail will feature mild-hybrid power
Peugeot 308
The new Peugeot will take on the Ford Focus and VW Golf, with distinctive looks and a plug-in hybrid
Volvo XC90
The third generation is expected to improve on the current car (pictured)
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