Whether you're hitching up a caravan for a weekend away, hauling a trailer full of garden waste, or pulling a horsebox across the a muddy gymkhana field, having the right car makes all the difference. A good tow car needs a potent engine with plenty of low-down pulling power, a sturdy chassis that stays stable under load, and ideally enough boot space to carry all your gear alongside whatever you're towing. The good news is that the used market is brimming with brilliant options that tick all these boxes without demanding a new-car budget.
From rugged SUVs with four-wheel drive to practical estates and even the odd MPV, we've rounded up the best used towing cars you can buy right now. Every car on this list has been chosen not just for its ability to haul heavy loads, but also for how well it performs as an everyday family car when there's nothing attached to the tow bar. After all, many towers need a car that can do the school run on Monday and pull a caravan on Friday: and these models manage both with aplomb.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
Best Used Towing Cars 2026
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Excellent engines deliver performance and economy |
Question mark over reliability |
| Class-leading infotainment system |
M Sport suspension is on the firm side |
| Luxurious and roomy cabin |
Strong resale values mean a used 5 Series is no bargain |
The BMW 5 Series has long been a favourite for those who need to tow, and this 2017-2023 version is no exception. Its real strength lies in its engine range, particularly the brawny and efficient diesels like the 520d, which delivers ample low-down grunt for pulling a caravan, while still returning upwards of 50mpg on a long run. For extra stability and all-weather confidence, look for an xDrive four-wheel-drive model, which provides superb traction when pulling a heavy load off a slippery pitch.
Beyond its towing muscle, the 5 Series excels as a long-distance companion. The luxurious and roomy cabin is a wonderful place to spend hours on the motorway, and the supple suspension soaks up bumps, ensuring you and your passengers arrive at your destination feeling fresh. While the saloon offers a decent 530-litre boot, the Touring (estate) model is the one to go for if you need to carry lots of holiday gear, with its more practical 560-litre load bay. It's this blend of power, comfort, and quality that makes the 5 Series a formidable used towing car.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The 5 Series is a terrific all-rounder, mixing the comfort you'd expect with the sort of handling that makes it a joy to drive. With an excellent range of engines, it's easy to see why we reckon the 5 Series is the best of its breed." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full BMW 5 Series review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Practical interior |
Seat Tarraco is better to drive |
| Third-row seats are roomier than most |
It's a big car to park |
| 4WD as standard |
Diesel-only engine range |
The Kia Sorento has carved out a niche for itself as a favourite among drivers who need to tow. It's a hefty seven-seat SUV that's beloved by caravan and boat owners, and for good reason. Every version comes with four-wheel drive as standard, providing the stability and traction needed for hauling heavy loads. It's a solid, sturdy machine that feels built for the job, making it a dependable choice for anyone who regularly hitches up a trailer.
Under the bonnet, you'll find a single engine option: a 2.2-litre diesel producing 197bhp. While it might sound a little clattery under acceleration, it's a proper workhorse that gets the job done. This engine has the muscle to pull the Sorento's considerable 2.6-tonne weight, and whatever you attach to the tow bar, without breaking a sweat. Practicality is also a strong suit; with the rearmost seats folded down, you get a very useful 660 litres of boot space, which should be plenty for all your gear.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It's well equipped, it should prove to be reliable, and it works well when used as a tow car. As a big family car that'll go anywhere and take as many people as you need, the Sorento is a great bet." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Kia Sorento review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Affordably priced as a used car |
Interior feels dated |
| Engaging to drive and comfortable to travel in |
Not as roomy as a Skoda Superb |
| Wide choice of engines |
Hybrid model isn't as economical as rivals |
The Ford Mondeo has long been a staple on UK roads, and its credentials as a tow car are strong. Being a large and relatively heavy car provides a stable platform, which is exactly what you want when pulling a caravan or trailer. For the best experience, look past the smaller petrol and diesel engines and aim for the brawny 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel units, like the 148bhp version, which have the torque needed for effortless towing. Some models were even available with all-wheel drive, providing that extra bit of traction and confidence when pulling away on a slippery campsite pitch.
It's not just about pulling power; a great tow car needs to be practical, too. The Mondeo Estate is the pick of the bunch here, serving up a massive 755-litre boot with the rear seats in place. That should be enough room for your holiday luggage, even with the car full of passengers. On the move, the Mondeo's plush, comfortable ride shines, soaking up bumps and making long motorway slogs to your destination feel relaxed and refined. It's a car that makes the whole towing experience less of a chore.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Ford Mondeo has a lot of strong points that will prove appealing to those wanting a large family or executive car. It's sensibly priced, well equipped, straightforward and won't break the bank when it comes to running costs." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Ford Mondeo review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Immensely capable off road |
Lots of reliability worries |
| Superbly comfortable on Tarmac |
High running costs demand deep pockets |
| Roomy and practical seven-seat cabin |
Not as sharp to drive as the equivalent Audi or BMW |
The Land Rover Discovery 4 is a true workhorse, equally at home on the school run as it is towing a horsebox across a muddy field. Its legendary status as a top-tier towing vehicle is well-earned, thanks to its powerful diesel engines, clever four-wheel-drive system and immense practicality. All Disco 4s came with seven seats as standard, and when the rearmost seats are folded down, you're left with a cavernous boot. The clever split tailgate is another bonus, making it easier to load heavy items or providing a handy perch at outdoor events. It's this blend of rugged capability and family-friendly features that makes it so desirable.
While the 3.0-litre diesel engine is the pick of the bunch for serious towing duties, be prepared for fuel consumption that rarely climbs above 30mpg. That's the trade-off for its effortless pulling power and supreme on-road comfort, which makes long-distance journeys with a caravan in tow feel stable and secure. However, ownership does come with a word of caution. The Discovery 4 has a reputation for patchy reliability, and running costs can be high. It's wise to budget for potential repairs and ensure any car you're considering has a full service history, paying close attention to the expensive timing belt change.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Its combination of practicality, comfort, off-road ability, and style make the Disco a perfect 4x4: well, almost. Find a reliable one, and you'll never want to sell it." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Land Rover Discovery 4 review
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CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable ride and composed handling |
Not as enjoyable to drive as a Mazda CX-5 |
| Lots of passenger and boot space |
Some reports of clogging diesel particulate filters |
| Efficient 1.6-litre diesel |
Pre-facelift cars lack some modern kit and safety features |
The Honda CR-V has always been a dependable choice, and for towing, it's a real dark horse. While the 2.0-litre petrol might struggle, the diesel engines are where the smart money goes. The earlier 2.2-litre unit is potent, but the pick of the bunch is the post-2013 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel, especially in its 158bhp, four-wheel-drive guise. This combination provides the grunt needed for confident towing, and the security of power going to all four wheels is a real bonus on slippery caravan sites. What's more, every model came with trailer stability assistance as standard, a feature that provides extra peace of mind when you've got a heavy load hitched up.
Beyond the oily bits, the CR-V is a masterclass in practicality. The boot is a generous 559 litres, but the real party trick is the one-pull lever system that drops the rear seats completely flat, opening up a van-like 1,648 litres of space for all your holiday gear. The cabin itself is impeccably well-built, and Honda's legendary reputation for reliability means you're buying a car that's less likely to let you down on a long haul to the coast. It's a comfortable and relaxing car to drive, too, which is exactly what you want after a few hours on the motorway with a caravan in tow.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Crucially, the cabin is roomy enough and clever enough to deal with pretty much anything a family can throw at it, making it one of the most practical cars in the class. Most importantly, Honda has a reliability record that's the envy of the motor industry, and when you're buying a used car, that sort of reassurance counts for a lot." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Honda CR-V review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Brilliantly packaged seven-seat space |
Not brilliant to drive |
| Excellent safety equipment |
Relatively expensive to run |
| A comfortable long-distance cruiser |
Even the newest models are getting on a bit now |
If you're looking for a tow car that feels solid and dependable, the original Volvo XC90 is a brilliant used choice. Weighing in at around two tonnes and equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, it has the inherent stability needed to pull a large caravan or trailer with confidence. The pick of the range for towing duties is undoubtedly the 2.4-litre D5 diesel engine. While it's not the most refined unit by modern standards, its strong pulling power is exactly what's required for hauling heavy loads up and down the country's motorways.
Beyond its towing muscle, the XC90 excels as a comfortable family workhorse. The ride is superb, soaking up bumps to make long journeys feel effortless, which is a real blessing when you've got a long trip to the campsite ahead. It's hugely practical, too, with a massive 615-litre boot that will swallow holiday luggage and camping gear with room to spare, plus the added flexibility of seven seats. While running costs can be higher than a newer SUV, owners report that the D5 diesel can achieve around 30mpg in the real world, which is perfectly reasonable for such a large and capable tow car.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The XC90's good build quality, impressive safety rating, comfortable ride and sheer degree of practicality means that there is still lots to like. In D5 diesel form, the fuel bills should prove sensible for a vehicle of its size and age." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Nimble handling and precise steering |
Petrol engines are a bit weedy at low revs |
| Every version is well equipped |
The cabin doesn't match the quality finish of premium rivals |
| Deserves its reputation for reliability |
A Honda CR-V has more space for people and luggage |
For anyone looking to tow, the engine is key, and the CX-5 delivers. Forget the 2.0-litre petrol; the real stars are the 2.2-litre diesels. Available with either 148bhp or a punchier 173bhp, both options provide the strong mid-range pull that's essential for hauling a caravan or trailer without breaking a sweat. For maximum towing confidence, seek out the higher-powered diesel, which came as standard with a capable four-wheel-drive system, giving you that extra traction and stability when you need it most.
Beyond the engine, the CX-5 is a well-rounded towing companion. Its handling is surprisingly agile for an SUV, yet it manages to provide a comfortable ride, especially on post-2014 models which benefited from suspension tweaks. This makes it a great partner for those long holiday slogs down the motorway. While its 503-litre boot isn't the biggest in the class, it's more than adequate for family clutter. The availability of both front-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive models also gives buyers plenty of choice to match their towing needs and budget.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Mazda CX-5 makes a really good used buy. Smart looks and sharp but comfortable driving manners make it desirable, while impressive reliability, generous space, family-friendly practicality and low running costs tick the sensible boxes." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Mazda CX-5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Versatile rear seats |
Spare wheel eats into a lot of boot space |
| Good to drive |
Petrol engines can have reliability issues |
| Gives the SUV look without being huge |
Can suffer from rust |
The Skoda Yeti might not be the first car that springs to mind for towing, but don't let its quirky looks fool you. Opt for one of the gutsy 2.0-litre diesel engines, or the 1.8-litre petrol, which comes with four-wheel drive as standard, and you've got a surprisingly capable tow car. Its robust chassis and optional four-wheel-drive system provide the necessary grip and stability for pulling a caravan or trailer. Beyond its towing prowess, the Yeti is a master of practicality; its clever individual rear seats can be tumbled forward or removed entirely, creating a van-like space perfect for stowing all your holiday gear.
On the move, the Yeti's firm suspension and good body control, designed to stop it leaning in corners, pay dividends when towing by providing a stable and secure platform. This, combined with crisp steering and excellent visibility from the raised driving position, inspires confidence on long hauls. While the smaller 1.2-litre petrol is a fine engine for daily duties, it's a bit weedy for pulling trailers, so those looking to tow regularly should stick to the more powerful diesel or 1.8-litre petrol models mentioned earlier. They provide the extra pulling power needed to ensure journeys with a caravan in tow are relaxing rather than a struggle.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Skoda Yeti is a brilliant family car that offers many of the benefits of a modern SUV without unmanageable dimensions, not to mention one of the most versatile and spacious interiors money can buy. It drives well, too, so you don't have to sacrifice driver enjoyment to own one." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Skoda Yeti review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Brilliant cabin, with space for seven and lots of clever features |
Not as fun to drive as a Ford S-Max |
| Soft suspension delivers a comfortable ride |
Steering is overly light and remote |
| Good looking for an MPV |
Some owners report electrical faults |
While it might be a practical MPV first and foremost, the Grand C4 Picasso makes a surprisingly capable tow car, particularly if you choose the right engine. The pick of the bunch for hauling a caravan is the 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine, which produces 148bhp. This unit has enough low-down grunt to handle a braked trailer of up to 1,500kg, with owners reporting impressive fuel economy of around 40mpg even when towing. For those who don't need to tow quite so much, the smaller 1.6-litre diesel is also a solid, economical choice.
Beyond its towing muscle, the Picasso's real strength lies in its family-friendly practicality. The cabin is vast, with three individual sliding and reclining seats in the middle row, meaning no more arguments about space on long holiday drives. Even with the third row of seats in use, there's a usable boot, but fold them away and you're left with an enormous load bay that will swallow camping gear, luggage, and everything else you need for a family getaway. The soft suspension and quiet cabin also make it a wonderfully relaxing car for covering long distances, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling fresh.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is an excellent family car. Its interior is extremely spacious and intelligently designed for maximum versatility." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review
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CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Keenly priced on the used market |
Not at all sporty to drive |
| Economical diesels are ideal for motorway driving |
The Country Tourer isn't necessarily four-wheel drive |
| Well equipped whichever model you choose |
A Skoda Superb is much more spacious |
While the Insignia was available in a few body styles, those looking to tow should seek out the Sports Tourer estate or the more rugged Country Tourer. The latter even came with the option of four-wheel drive, adding an extra layer of traction and stability for pulling a caravan off a soggy pitch. For engine choice, the diesels are the ones to go for. While several were offered, the pick of the bunch for towing duties is the potent 207bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel, which provides more than enough grunt to haul a heavy trailer or caravan without breaking a sweat.
The Insignia's real trump card on the used market is its value. Heavy depreciation when new means it's now a proper second-hand bargain, offering a huge amount of car for the money. All versions came generously equipped, making it a comfortable companion for the long-distance slogs that often come with towing holidays. While the Grand Sport hatchback has a decent 490-litre boot, the Sports Tourer estate is the true load-lugger of the range, with a much larger boot that's perfect for stashing all your holiday gear alongside the dog.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Insignia is a solid, sensible, and seemingly dependable family choice that gives you lots of space and equipment for not a lot of money." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport review
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FAQ
What makes a good tow car?
A good tow car needs a combination of strong low-down engine torque (typically from a diesel), a heavy kerbweight for stability, and ideally four-wheel drive for extra traction. Practical features like a large boot, a comfortable ride for long journeys, and electronic stability aids such as trailer sway control all contribute to making towing safer and more enjoyable.
Do I need a diesel car for towing?
While you don't strictly need a diesel, they remain the best choice for regular towing. Diesel engines produce more torque at lower revs, which is exactly what you need for pulling away with a heavy load and maintaining speed on hills. Petrol engines can tow, but they tend to work harder and use significantly more fuel when doing so.
How do I know how much weight my car can tow?
Every car has a maximum towing capacity listed in its owner's manual and on a plate usually found on the door frame or under the bonnet. This figure tells you the heaviest braked trailer your car is legally allowed to pull. As a general rule, for safe and stable towing, the weight of your caravan or trailer should ideally not exceed 85% of your car's kerbweight.
Do I need four-wheel drive for towing?
Four-wheel drive isn't essential for towing, but it's a significant advantage. It provides better traction when pulling away on slippery surfaces like wet grass on a caravan site, and can improve stability in poor weather conditions. Many capable tow cars on this list are available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, so you can choose based on your needs and budget.
Can I tow with an automatic gearbox?
Absolutely. Many drivers actually prefer an automatic for towing because it removes the need to constantly change gear, particularly in stop-start traffic or on hilly roads. Modern automatic gearboxes are well-suited to towing, and some even come with a dedicated tow mode that adjusts shift points for better performance when pulling a heavy load.
What should I check when buying a used tow car?
When buying a used car that's been used for towing, pay close attention to the clutch (on manual cars), as towing accelerates wear. Check the condition of the tow bar and electrics, look for signs of heavy use such as worn brakes and suspension, and always ask for a full service history. It's also worth checking the tyres for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment issues caused by regular towing.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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