Top tow vehicles 2023

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【Summary】The Caravan and Motorhome Club has announced the best tow cars to buy in 2023. This year's awards saw the inclusion of nine pure EVs, indicating the changing perceptions of electric cars and caravanning. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid won the overall Tow car of the Year award, praised for its agility, stability, and spacious interior. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz won in the Class Up to 1,100kg category, lauded for its retro style, smoothness, and practicality.

FutureCar Staff Sep 23, 2023 11:23 PM PT

Caravan holidays have become increasingly popular in the UK, offering convenience, affordability, and fun. However, with the changing landscape of motoring, it can be difficult to determine which models are the best tow cars to buy. That's where the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CMC) Towcar Awards come in. This year, the awards have taken a different turn, with nine pure electric vehicles (EVs) as contenders. In the past, there were concerns about the compatibility of electric cars and caravanning due to range and charger anxiety. However, perceptions are changing, and this year's competition demonstrates how seriously car makers are taking towing with electrified vehicles.

Nick Lomas, Director General of the CMC, emphasized the importance of providing professional and unbiased information to those who plan to tow. The Club's driving judges, including Auto Express, put cars and caravan combinations through rigorous tests at the Millbrook proving ground. These tests evaluate various aspects such as hill starts, handling, acceleration, braking, stability, and practicality, all in the pursuit of naming a Tow car of the Year champion.

The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Platinum Edition emerged as the Overall Tow car of the Year and Class winner for Caravan Weight Over 1,700kg. With a kerbweight of 2,500kg, noseweight of 140kg, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg, the Cayenne has always been an impressive tow car. The newest plug-in E-Hybrid version combines a petrol V6 engine with a battery and motor, offering 456bhp, 0-62mph in five seconds, and a top speed of 157mph. It can also drive up to 22 miles in electric-only mode. The Cayenne's chassis-control system ensures stability even when towing a large caravan.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz 204PS 77kWh Pro Style was the Class winner for Caravan Weight Up to 1,100kg. This retro-inspired electric vehicle shares the MEB platform with the VW ID.3 hatchback. While it has a limited towing capacity, it excels in terms of style, performance, and practicality. The ID. Buzz offers seamless acceleration, a spacious interior, and a claimed electric range of 251 miles, making it ideal for festivals and family campsites.

The Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV 82kWh vRS won in the Class for Caravan Weight 1,100kg-1,300kg. This sporty version of Skoda's Enyaq SUV is best suited for those with a relatively lightweight caravan habit and a sizeable budget. With a range of up to 309 miles (unhitched), four-wheel drive, and a low centre of gravity, it offers stability and comfort while towing.

The Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG SE L was the Class winner for Caravan Weight 1,300kg-1,500kg. This diesel-powered estate car is highly regarded for its all-round capabilities as a family car. It offers a punchy 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, a DSG automatic gearbox, and a spacious interior. The Octavia Estate's performance when hitched is exemplary, making it a reliable choice for traditional caravanners.