Top tow vehicles 2023

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CMC) Towcar Awards have revealed the best tow cars to buy in 2023. This year's awards included nine pure EVs, showing that electric cars are becoming increasingly popular for towing. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid won the Overall Tow Car of the Year award for its impressive performance and stability when towing. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz won in the Class for Caravan Weight Up to 1,100kg, praised for its style, smoothness, and practicality.

FutureCar Staff Sep 23, 2023 6:17 AM PT

Caravan holidays have become increasingly popular in the UK, offering convenience, affordability, and fun. However, with the changing landscape of the automotive industry, it can be difficult to determine which car models are the best for towing caravans. Fortunately, the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CMC) Towcar Awards are here to help. This year's awards have a unique twist, with nine pure electric vehicles (EVs) included as contenders. In the past, there were concerns about the compatibility of electric cars and caravanning due to range anxiety and a lack of suitable charging infrastructure. However, perceptions are changing, and car manufacturers are taking towing with EVs seriously.

The Director General of the CMC, Nick Lomas, highlighted the importance of providing unbiased information to help those who plan to tow. Auto Express, as a member of the Club's driving judges panel, is also committed to this goal. The judges put cars and caravan combinations through various tests at the Millbrook proving ground, including hill starts, handling, acceleration, braking, stability, and practicality assessments. The ultimate goal is to name 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 caravans weighing over 1,700kg. With a kerbweight of 2,500kg, noseweight of 140kg, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg, the Cayenne is a powerful and stable tow car. Its petrol V6 engine combined with a battery and motor provides 456bhp, allowing for impressive acceleration and a top speed of 157mph. Additionally, the Cayenne offers the option of driving up to 22 miles in electric-only mode, making it cleaner for city driving.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz 204PS 77kWh Pro Style was the Class winner for caravans weighing up to 1,100kg. This retro-inspired electric vehicle shares the MEB platform with the VW ID.3 hatchback. While its towing capacity is limited, the ID. Buzz handles well within its parameters and offers a comfortable and practical interior. The judges praised its smoothness, visibility, and large interior space.

The Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV 82kWh vRS won the Class for caravans weighing between 1,100kg and 1,300kg. It is a sportier version of Skoda's Enyaq SUV and features a high kerbweight and low centre of gravity, providing stability on the road. With a towing capacity of 1,200kg and a range of up to 309 miles, the Enyaq Coupé is a suitable choice for those with lightweight caravans.

The Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG SE L was named the Class winner for caravans weighing between 1,300kg and 1,500kg. This diesel-powered estate car offers excellent towing capabilities, a spacious interior, and a refined design. It is a popular choice among caravanners who prefer traditional diesel-auto configurations.