By Emma Dodd
After Admiral warned first-time caravan towers about the perils of not undertaking the task properly, some people set to depart on staycations may be considering purchasing a new car for the job.
There’s lots to consider when contemplating a vehicle to tow a caravan, including the kerbweight of the car and the weight of your caravan. As a general rule, you should not pull a caravan which exceeds 85 per cent of the tow car’s total kerbweight.
With this in mind, journalists at The Herald in Scotland have taken a look at some of the newest car models to hit the market. They have assessed each one for its suitability for towing and come up with a definitive list.
Volvo XC40 D4
It’s not surprising that the vehicle that won Towcar of the Year 2020 is right at the top. The Volvo XC40 D4 can tow up to 2,100kg of braked trailer, exceeding most caravan owners’ needs. Opt for the retractable towbar to ensure you don’t interfere with the sleek design while pulling your van.
Volkswagen Touareg
Make a statement with the Volkswagen Touareg, which is big and brash, as well as being capable of rather a lot when it comes to towing. This beast can easily pull 3,500kg of braked trailer, giving you numerous options when it comes to what to attach to your SUV.
Jaguar I-Pace
In contrast to the Volkswagen, the Jaguar I-Pace is an electric vehicle and if you thought that put it out of the running to tow a caravan, think again. While its pulling capacity is just 750kg, it’s perfectly adequate if that’s all you need.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq ticks an awful lot of boxes. It’s a seven-seater, can tow 2,000kg with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and boasts relatively low carbon emissions at 151g/km. You won’t get much better for the price.
Land Rover Discovery
If you need all the pulling power you can get, then the Land Rover Discovery is a good bet. Its braked trailer rating of up to 3,500kg is complemented by a high-end driving experience and all the off-road technology you could ever need.
