The best used car for towing a caravan should offer reliability, stability and practicality, providing caravanners with a budget-friendly way of entering the world of touring or upgrading an existing vehicle.
A lot of muscle will be required to remain stable while pulling a van. As a result, you’ll want to pick a used tow car that has a number of talents to ensure it can get you and your tourer safely from A to B.
To help you find the option for you, we’re sharing our pick of the best used tow cars, featuring options from leading brands such as Škoda, BMW, Kia and more. Whether you have a small caravan or a heavier twin-axle tourer, there’s going to be a pre-owned vehicle for you.
Alternatively, if you’re thinking about buying a new model instead, our best caravan tow car guide is sure to help.
The best used cars for towing caravans are:
Mercedes C-Class Estate
Škoda Karoq
Land Rover Defender
BMW X5
Jaguar XE
Kia Sorento
Ford Mondeo
Volkswagen Touareg
Ssangyong Rexton
Dacia Duster
Land Rover Discovery 4
The best used tow cars:
Mercedes C-Class Estate
- Kerbweight: 1615kg
- Towing limit: 1800kg
- Noseweight limit: 100kg
- 85% match: 1373kg
Reason to buy:
- Brilliant interior finish, plenty of equipment, competent at towing
Reason to avoid:
- Space is competitive in the rear seats, engine can sound harsh until you’re cruising
If you’re looking for the best used estate car for towing a caravan, the Mercedes C-Class Estate will most likely be on your radar.
It’s brilliantly finished inside, with plenty of space up front and a decent amount of boot space. However, we found room more competitive in the rear seats.
We’re impressed by the level of equipment that comes as standard – take the entry-level SE models, which offer automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, a reversing camera, electrically adjustable front seats, a seven-inch infotainment screen and a DAB radio!
We like that it has no problem moving briskly either, thanks to its 2.1-litre diesel engine and 295lb ft of torque. Until it’s settled down when you’re cruising, the engine does sound harsh though.
We’re impressed by its competency when towing too – only small corrections are required on motorways, and side winds don’t pose a problem. Hill starts are also a doddle, thanks to its electric handbrake.
Full review: Mercedes C-Class Estate
Škoda Karoq
- Kerbweight: 1561kg
- Towing limit: 2000kg
- Noseweight limit: 88kg
- 85% match: 1327kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers good tech, towing skills and a spacious interior
Reason to avoid:
- Requires finding an option with VarioFlex if you want to be able to remove the back seats
Coming with an interior that can only be described as classy, the Škoda Karoq is aimed at families. It provides plenty of room, both up front and in the rear, and we like the inclusion of wide-opening doors, which makes getting in and out of the car that bit easier.
Boot space starts at 479 litres but can be increased to 588 litres by sliding the rear seats forwards – alternatively, fold them down to achieve even more space. This does leave a ridge, but if that’s something you want to avoid, you could opt for the SE L or Edition model, which offers the flexibility of removing the rear seats. It was also an option on lower-spec models, known as VarioFlex, and we would recommend looking out for it just for the convenience it provides.
The entry-level SE models also come with an excellent level of kit, including dual-zone climate control, electric windows, cruise control, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are numerous engines to choose from, but our favourite is the 148bhp 2.0 TDI, especially if you can find a four-wheel drive with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox. This is one that takes hill starts in its stride and has just enough punch. Suspension is soft, ensuring it’s comfortable, and the light steering makes you feel in control, even if there can be the odd bit of movement on a windy day when towing at speed.
With a good mix of tech and towing abilities, as well as a spacious interior, we think Skoda makes a very impressive used car for towing a caravan.
Full review: Škoda Karoq
Land Rover Defender
- Kerbweight: 2380kg
- Towing limit: 3500kg
- Noseweight limit: 150kg
- 85% match: 2023kg
Reason to buy:
- Well-equipped, excellent at driving, great match figure
Reason to avoid:
- Acceleration is “stately”, thirsty to drive
Luxurious, rugged and spacious are just three of the words that can be used to describe the Defender. Opt for the 110 with its longer wheelbase and we’d have to label the amount of space you get up front as “vast” – and it’s nearly as good in the second row. An optional third row can also be found, but we should highlight that the rearmost two seats don’t offer huge amounts of space.
We’d recommend opting for the five, as you then have the option of as much as 1826 litres of boot space once you’ve lowered all of the seats. It also makes a well-equipped secondhand tow car, with features like dual-zone climate control, Pivi Pro infotainment, air suspension and electrically adjustable front seats.
The 110 is not going to be winning any races with its acceleration, which our reviewer described as “stately”, despite a 2.0-litre diesel engine that can produce 237bhp and 317lb ft of torque – this is because it comes to nearly 2.4 tonnes.
It’s also thirsty – particularly when towing. If these are traits you’re willing to work with, you’ll find this is a used tow car which is steady, no matter the conditions or tourer, with only mild tugging when passing large vehicles on windy days. Hill starts are easy, slippery surfaces pose no problem, and manoeuvres are simplified by a 360-degree camera system.
Full review: Land Rover Defender
BMW X5
- Kerbweight: 2185kg
- Maximum Towing Limit: 3500kg
- Towball limit: 140kg
- 85% match: 1857kg
Reason to buy:
- Good at hill starts, easy to access towbar electrics
Reason to avoid:
- Could be quieter on motorways, some rivals provide more luggage space
When we tested the BMW X5 in 2015, we praised the BMW for its “superb performance and stability”. Find an X5 that’s been well cared for, and the same should be true today.
The xDrive 40d we tested is very powerful – the 30d should be cheaper to buy, and will still have enough poke to pull a twin-axle caravan. Either way, try to find an example with a towball already fitted, as it can be expensive to add one to a used X5.
Without a caravan to tow, the X5 is more agile than any two-tonne 4×4 has a right to be. The ride may not be as plush as a Land Rover Discovery’s, but keen drivers will likely consider this a price worth paying for the BMW’s taut handling.
Jaguar XE
- Kerbweight: 1475kg
- Towing limit: 1600kg
- Noseweight limit: 75kg
- 85% match: 1254kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers a stable towing experience, fun to drive, good level of kit
Reason to avoid:
- Feels compact in the rear seats, limited luggage space
A used Jaguar XE offers some of the most valuable traits that you could want to have in a used tow car – it’s stable, good to drive and well-equipped, as well as coming at a good price and providing a great level of equipment.
We’d recommend opting for one with standard suspension fitted. When driving, it’s sharp and responds quickly. While the diesel engine can get a bit noisy sometimes, there’s some good stability when towing, something you’re always going to want in the best used tow cars.
However, there’s no getting away from it being a compact option. Those sitting in the rear seats will particularly feel this because the roofline slopes, leaving limited headroom. The boot is also on the smaller side of things – while perfectly adequate for the weekly shop, it’s less suited to transporting touring luggage.
If this will not bother you, though, there’s plenty to like inside, as it feels well-made and also comes with a great level of kit. Take the base-spec SEs, which offer cruise control, automatic lights and wipers and dual-zone climate control.
If you’re happy with a more compact option and can live with the diesel engine being noisy on occasion, we think a secondhand Jaguar XE makes a great used car for towing and one that is fun to drive.
Full review: Jaguar XE
Kia Sorento
- Kerbweight: 1953kg
- Maximum Towing Limit: 2000kg
- Towball limit: 100kg
- 85% match: 1660kg
Reason to buy:
- Great performance and towing abilities, provides space for seven
Reason to avoid:
- Other rivals are more fuel efficient
If you don’t own a Kia Sorento, the chances are you will know someone who does. It’s one of Britain’s most popular tow cars.
It makes a cracking buy if you want a used car for towing a caravan too. New examples are more expensive than they used to be, so if you want to grab a very capable towing vehicle at a bargain price, the pre-owned market is the way to go. And don’t forget, Kia’s warranty lasts for seven years.
The Sorento we tested in 2016 impressed us with its high kerbweight, slick automatic gearbox, and muscular diesel engine. We liked the roomy seven-seat interior, too.
Full review: Kia Sorento
Ford Mondeo
- Kerbweight: 1578kg
- Towing limit: 1600kg
- Noseweight limit: 75kg
- 85% match: 1341kg
Reason to buy:
- Good boot space, spacious interior, provides a smooth drive
Reason to avoid:
- Not as fun to drive as earlier generations, boot floor has a step
A used Ford Mondeo is well worth considering when you’re looking for a used car for towing, providing comfort, space, economy and good levels of equipment.
Ignoring the saloon hybrid, the Mondeo came as either an estate or a hatchback, and both options offer plenty of room, both upfront and in the row behind.
We think boot space is excellent too, ranging from 541 litres to 1437 litres when the back row isn’t being used, although one thing we will highlight is the step in the boot floor. One thing we did think about this generation of Mondeo – it’s not quite as fun to drive as earlier versions, even if it is more comfortable and refined. The result is that while steering is a little light and the response a little slower, it still matches the likes of the VW Passat once you’re on the motorway.
We think the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel in particular offers a smooth driving experience, and it can be found as either a 148bhp or 178bhp. With 258lb ft of torque, it can tow without trouble; opt for the 178bhp car and you’ll get 295lb ft of power.
It drives confidently, providing stability on the motorway and confidence on hill starts. Plus, the fuel economy is very good, with nearly 70mpg.
Full review: Ford Mondeo
Volkswagen Touareg
- Kerbweight: 2070kg
- Maximum Towing Limit: 3500kg
- Towball limit: 140kg
- 85% match: 1760kg
Reason to buy:
- Large boot, fared well in windy conditions
Reason to avoid:
- No third row
If you’re looking for a candidate for the best used 4×4 tow car to tow an upmarket twin-axle van without having to pay silly money, the Volkswagen Touareg would be our pick.
When we reviewed the 2019 model, we were impressed by just how well the tow car handled, despite the strong wind conditions – in fact, our reviewer noted that “few tow cars combine such strong acceleration with exceptional stability”.
Towing on the motorway was no issue either, with the VW just as adept as maintaining speed on hillier roads. The stability is excellent too – in fact, when we tested it in 2018, we found gusts and wet roads were no issue, with minimal movement.
Everyday driving is a pleasure too – acceleration is fast, cruising is smooth and we liked the precise steering.
Some people may want a vehicle with seven seats, in which case this isn’t going to be the used tow car for you – despite having room for a third row, it only offers five seats.
However, a choice of powerful diesel engines and a kerbweight the chunky side of two tonnes help the Touareg tow a caravan with pace and stability, two of the qualities we look for when searching for the best used car for towing a caravan.
What’s more, the VW is roomy and has a very large boot.
Full review: Volkswagen Touareg
Ssangyong Rexton
- Kerbweight: 2105kg
- Towing limit: 3500kg
- Noseweight limit: 128kg
- 85% match: 1789kg
Reason to buy:
- Spacious interior, plenty of kit, stable at towing
Reason to avoid:
- It has soft suspension for such a heavy tow car
A used tow car which offers a good price, decent levels of equipment and plenty of heft is always going to be an attractive proposition – and that’s exactly what the Rexton promises.
Everyone will benefit from good head- and leg-room, and thanks to a wide cabin, no one should feel cooped up. As a five-seater, it offers plenty of storage too – 820 litres to 1977 litres – but it’s also available as a seven-seater if you need those extra seats.
It’s not just good boot space and room inside though – there’s plenty of kit, even on the entry-level vehicle, where parking sensors, keyless entry, air con, automatic lights and wipers, and power-folding door mirrors are provided.
So far so good. Our only hesitation with this used tow car is the soft suspension. This is, after all, a heavy car, but if the road isn’t completely straight, the Rexton can get “a bit bouncy and wallowy”, while the steering can lead to “shudders through to the driver’s palms”. However, hit the motorway or head off-road and you’ll find this smooths off. Getting a good car/caravan match should be simple too, thanks to an 85% match figure of 1789kg. 310lb ft of torque from the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine impresses too.
We’d advise trying to get a model with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox – ok, it can make it a tad slow swapping ratios, but it takes the strain out when you’re pulling the caravan. Hill starts should pose no issue either, thanks to the electric parking break, while stability is pretty good too, even if that suspension can lead to movement on windy days.
The Rexton has never been recalled either. We’d consider this generation a big advance on previous iterations, offering plenty of space and kit. However, you could prefer one which offers a better driving and simpler towing experience.
Full review: Ssangyong Rexton
Dacia Duster
- Kerbweight: 1480kg
- Towing limit: 1500kg
- Noseweight limit: 75kg
- 85% match: 1258kg
Reason to buy:
- Inexpensive, provides a good ride
Reason to avoid:
- Lightweight, some may find it too basic
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option and have a smaller van, this Dacia, a winner in its class at the Tow Car of the Year Awards 2019, could be the best used tow car for you.
Headroom isn’t an issue, whether you’re sitting in the front or back – however, both could do with improved legroom.
We’d say the 130bhp 1.3-litre model is the best all-rounder petrol vehicle, but regular towers will probably be more interested in a four-wheel drive, in which case we’d suggest the 1.5-litre 115bhp diesel engine. It may not be pacey but it’s strong and doesn’t have too much of a thirst.
Thanks to the Duster’s high-profile tyres and soft suspension, it provides a good ride too, although twisty roads are more of a struggle.
Hill starts and lane changes pose no problems though, even if the suspension leads to wobbles from side winds.
However, something we should highlight is that it achieved a three-star Euro NCAP crash result.
It may be a bit too basic for some, as it doesn’t hide its budget origins – the entry-level Access range included no audio – but we think this makes a great used towing car.
Full review: Dacia Duster
Land Rover Discovery 4
- Kerbweight: 2583kg
- Towing limit: 3500kg
- Towball limit: 150kg
- 85% match: 2196kg
Reason to buy:
- Plenty of room, highly efficient at towing
Reason to avoid:
- Layout and equipment feel dated, thirsty tow car
Offering plenty of cabin space and practicality, this seven-seater is a good used tow car to consider.
We like that there’s plenty of legroom and headroom throughout, even if you’re in the rearmost seats – opt to fold these down instead and you get a huge load area.
Touring as a couple? Then fold down the middle row of seats to benefit from a 2558-litre space, ideal for taking all of those heavy caravan essentials on tour with you. Our only complaint in here would be that we think its layout and the tech provided feel a bit dated.
There’s no avoiding that this is a thirsty tow car too, and reliability isn’t a given.
However, it provides direct steering. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine is smooth and strong, working effortlessly with the automatic transmission. It’s comfortable when towing heavy tourers too – side winds are no problem, for instance. It takes hill starts in its stride, while traction is unwavering, even on a slippery surface.
Put all this together and it’s easy to see how our reviewer, Euan Doig, said “there are few finer tow cars than the Land Rover Discovery 4”.
Full review: Land Rover Discovery 4
How do I pick the best used car for towing a caravan?
Picking the right used tow car will enhance any towing experience, allowing you to enjoy a stable and reliable experience when you’re out on the road with your tourer. In contrast, the wrong model could result in an unstable and unenjoyable experience – the last thing anyone wants when towing a caravan.
The starting point will be the caravan you have, as you’ll need to ensure the used tow car you have in mind can legally pull your tourer. The two major caravanning clubs recommend abiding by the 85% guideline for safe towing – to work this out, take your caravan’s MTPLM, divide it by 85 and multiply it by 100 to work out the kerbweight you will need your car to provide
As an example, if your tourer has an MTPLM of 1350, divide it by 85, multiply it by 100, and you’ll get a kerb weight of 1588kg.
As well as this, you’d also have to make sure the legal towing limit is at least 1350kg.
After you know your tourer’s weight, you’ll be well on your way to finding a suitable used car for towing a caravan.
Do I want my used tow car to have 4WD?
Whether you want a four-wheel drive or not will, in many ways, come down to your touring habits.
For many, 4WD will be the right choice, particularly if you want to visit rural campsites and intend to tow a caravan in winter. Matching is also easier, as a 4WD will weigh more than a 2WD.
However, the counter consideration is that a 4WD will cost more and will also have worse fuel economy than a 2WD model. A 2WD car is also likely to be easier to find a pre-owned version of.
We’d say if you’re only planning to tow in the summer months and are intending to stay on hardstanding pitches, 2WD could be the way to go – otherwise, you may find it hard to justify the higher costs associated with a 4WD.
Should I pick a manual or automatic used car for towing a caravan?
Again, this comes down to personal choice. However, don’t make the mistake of assuming that the towing limits of a manual would be the same as the automatic version – it won’t necessarily follow. Take, for instance, the 2011- 2015 Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC manual, which comes with a legal towing limit of 1500kg – in comparison, the automatic offers 1100kg.
How we choose the best used cars for towing caravans
Since Practical Caravan launched in 1967, our expert team have carried out hundreds of tow car tests, encompassing everything from 4x4s and estate cars to SUVs and small crossovers. Heading to our tow car review section will let you see many of these.
Each vehicle in our guide will have been seen, tried and experienced by our experts, which puts us in a position to provide those qualities that are important when choosing a used car for towing a caravan.
These factors include the fuel economy provided, how well-suited it is to everyday use, whether it’s financially worth buying, the stability it provides, and, of course, its towing ability.
Combining this and then comparing the model with other towing options that have been tested puts us in an authoritative position to share the models that we think deserve to be in our best used car to tow a caravan guide.
Written with contributions from Peter Byrne
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