From SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery Sport to wafty saloons like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, we list the best tow cars available with a budget of £25,000.
If you’re looking to tow a caravan, having the right tow car can make or break your holiday. Whether you need an SUV big enough to carry all the family, or just want something that represents excellent value for money, we’ve compiled a list of the best tow cars for under £25,000.
To make your search easier, we’ve also provided the braked towing capacity of each model list. This is the maximum weight the car can officially tow. It’s usually advertised that inexperienced towers shouldn’t tow more than 85% of the car’s kerb weight and - if you passed your driving licence after 1997, you may want to double check that too.
Mazda CX-5
Year launched: 2017
If the Mazda CX-5’s head-turning looks don’t get your attention, maybe its superb interior and impressive towing capability will. With the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel, four-wheel-drive and automatic gearbox, the CX-5 can pull a caravan weighing up to 2100kg. Most other models can tug up to 2000kg.
Our £25,000 budget will get a top-spec 2.2 diesel Sport Nav automatic AWD (all the tow car you could possibly need). That’s for a two-year-old example in hardly-used condition and without many miles on the clock.
When a new one in the same spec costs close to £40,000, that looks like a bit of a bargain.
Skoda Octavia
Year launched: 2020
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually need a big SUV to tow a caravan. A normal hatch or estate car will be up to the job, especially if it’s only a small two- or four-berth caravan.
A new Skoda Octavia arrived in 2020 and, like all Octavias before it, it represents incredible value for money. It’s closely related to the new Volkswagen Golf, albeit with more interior space and a more affordable price tag.
Look out for one with the 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine and DSG automatic gearbox, and it’ll be able to tow a braked trailer (like a caravan) weighing up to 1600kg. Most other models - including the 1.5 TSI petrol - can officially tow up to 1500kg. Opt for an estate if you need the interior space, but even the hatch is surprisingly versatile.
Audi Q7
Year launched: 2015
If you need as much physical car as you can get for your cash, the Audi Q7 must be a contender. It’s simply huge, with seven seats and a massive boot. The latest model, launched in 2015, is now dropping within our £25,000 budget.
That’ll get you one with the 272PS 3.0-litre diesel engine, which’ll make light work of towing your caravan. Look for one with the optional air suspension and it’ll be able to tow a hefty 3500kg. Even without it, the Q7 will officially tow up to 2800kg, which is about the weight of a small house.
Alternatives include the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 - both of which are lovely; neither are which are as capacious as the Q7.
SsangYong Korando
Year launched: 2019
The SsangYong Korando has always been a favourite with caravanners. The Korean-built SUV represents very good value for money and the brand even offers a trim level dedicated to the towing fraternity.
The Pioneer trim level is sold with a 1.6-litre diesel engine and automatic gearbox, with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. It can tow up to 2000kg, while standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels (with all-weather tyres), a heated steering wheel and a full-sized spare wheel.
A new SsangYong Korando Pioneer Auto 4x4 will cost you close to £29,000 but we’ve seen ex-demo examples offered with delivery mileage for less than £24,000. That’s not a deal to be sniffed at.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Year launched: 2016
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular choice with family buyers looking for a crossover SUV that feels a bit classier than alternatives like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.
It’s also an exceptionally decent tow car, capable of towing up to 2500kg (depending on engine and specification). As is usually the case, we’d recommend a diesel for towing a heavy caravan, but the 2.0-litre TSI is a surprisingly strong performer. 4Motion four-wheel drive is standard with this engine, which helps with traction, particularly on wet grass (something you’ll have to deal with sooner or later when caravanning).
You’ll be looking at a two-year-old example in high-spec SEL trim with a £25,000 budget.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Year launched:
Combining the style of the Range Rover Evoque with the versatility of the older Freelander, the Land Rover Discovery Sport ticks a lot of boxes. While its external dimensions aren’t much bigger than a Tiguan, its interior is huge - with up to seven seats and 1700 litres of boot space with the rear seats dropped.
It’s also very capable off road, naturally, and also makes a decent tow car. The 5+2 model (the third row of seats really are for occasional use only…) can tow up to 2200kg, while the five-seat Discovery Sport is rated to tow up to 2500kg.
Our £25,000 budget will get you a 2017 model in desirable HSE trim with standard features including a panoramic sunroof, electrically-adjustable seats and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Year launched: 2014
You may have noticed, diesels are no longer in vogue. That could be an issue for caravanners, as the grunt and efficiency of a diesel usually makes them ultra desirable. However, there is an alternative - the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV. To get the best from it, this needs regular charging, like an electric car. But when it’s fully charged, it’ll be able to drive around town for short distances under electric power alone. This is great for both the environment and your wallet.
The instant torque provided by the electric motor means it also works well for towing, and you also have the backup of a 2.4-litre petrol engine for when the battery’s depleted.
Ford Mondeo
Year launched: 2014
As car buyers flock towards SUVs, the Ford Mondeo sells in much smaller numbers than it used to. But it still represents good value for money, providing a huge amount of physical car for your dosh.
Most models can tow up to 2000kg while the Mondeo’s kerb weight ranges from 1715 to 1826kg. That means, going by the 85% guide, you can look to pull a caravan up to around 1500kg.
Go for the estate model for extra weight, while we’d recommend the 190PS 2.0-litre diesel for plenty of pulling power. Avoid the hybrid as this can only tow 750kg.
Volvo XC60
Year launched: 2017
Just because you’re towing a caravan doesn’t mean you have to go out with a bit of luxury. The Volvo XC60 is a really desirable premium SUV that offers good value for money on the used market and won’t cost a fortune to run.
Unlike alternatives like the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace, the Volvo XC60 prioritise comfort and refinement over driver enjoyment. That’s ideal for caravanners - you don’t want a car with firm suspension and darty steering when you’re just trying to reach the campsite in comfort.
Depending on engine, the XC60 can tow a very generous 2400kg. Look out for one with the optional towing pack for things like a retractable towbar, mudflaps and a plastic luggage compartment mat.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Year launched: 2014
If you want to travel in luxury and turn heads at the campsite, why not treat yourself to a Mercedes-Benz C-Class? It’s a really lovely alternative to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, with a superb interior and an efficient range of engines.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class can tow up to 1800kg and is available as a saloon or practical estate model. With 245PS and 500Nm of torque, the C 300 d will make particularly relaxed tow car, and it’s even available with four-wheel drive - although you might have to stretch the budget to find one of these.
If you want a particularly sporty choice, look for a C 43 AMG model. Surprisingly, this performance model can tow a braked trailer up to 1800kg and, when it’s not lugging a caravan, accelerate to 62mph in 4.8 seconds (and that’s the estate model…).
For most drivers, a diesel engine is a good start. These have plenty of torque and are usually very efficient, so make a lot of sense for towing. A car which weighs a lot helps, too, while four-wheel-drive can make things easier - particularly if you’re planning to tow a caravan out of a field.
Four-wheel drive makes a lot of sense when towing. A 4x4 vehicle usually has more traction, which helps when pulling a caravan out of a grassy field, but it also provides more reassurance on hills or in poor weather, too. That said, it’s not strictly necessary to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to tow, and it could even be deemed excessive if you only own a small caravan.
There are some electric cars that are rated to tow. These include the Tesla Model X (which can tow an impressive 2270kg), Audi e-tron (1800kg), Mercedes-Benz EQC (1800kg) and Jaguar I-Pace (750kg). With their instant pulling power, electric cars can make a lot of sense for towing. Obviously, though, towing uses more energy so expect their range to drop significantly with a caravan.
