42nd staging of the industry’s premier towcar competition Supplement sponsored by Bailey of Bristol
AT THE TOP
XC60
T6 Plug-in Hybrid overcomes stiff
opposition to triumph in Club’s flagship competition
The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2025 competition was one of the most closely fought to date. But it was the Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus that eventually emerged as the overall winner. An unbeatable combination of towing power, luxury and practicality saw the Swedish maker return to the top of the podium for the first time since 2020.
The advance of electric power continued, with six of this year’s entrants being plug-in hybrids and nine being pure electric. And variety was the name of the game – from estate
cars to luxury SUVs, crossovers to MPVs, hard-core 4x4s like the Ineos Grenadier to the wind-cheating Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric saloon, Towcar of the Year 2025 had everything. Thirty-three vehicles were put through their paces over the course of four days at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, our judges assessing them in a variety of weight classes and categories.
Rigorous towing testing was undertaken on the venue’s ‘alpine’ hill course, while stability evaluations were carried out on the five-lane, two-mile bowl. Importantly, every car was ballasted to simulate the presence
of a family of four, with the boot and caravan similarly weighted to represent a typical amount of their luggage and caravanning gear. Meanwhile ‘caravanability’ judges reviewed the vehicles’ practicality and ability to accommodate typical items of touring kit.
Every one of the cars featured in this year’s competition has been extensively evaluated – for more information about each model, including technical data, visit camc.com/towcar.
A special thank you to Three Shires Leisure for the loan of a folding camper for Class One.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
BEHIND US ALL THE WAY...
Caravan and motorhome manufacturer Bailey is extremely proud of its long association with the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition
As the UK’s premier event of its type, this competition not only supplies caravan owners with important information on potential new towcars, but also provides a practical examination of Bailey’s product performance.
In addition to supplying the caravans used in the competition, the Bristol-based manufacturer fields a technical support team, which includes representatives from chassis manufacturer Al-Ko Kober, to work at the event. During the exhaustive four-day test, the caravans are taken on several
hundred circuits of the Millbrook Proving Ground, consisting of many laps of the high-speed circular track and demanding hill route. Throughout this period, Bailey ensures that its caravans remain in a road-safe condition and that each unit is correctly matched to the relevant tow vehicle.
Working at Millbrook, Bailey has first-hand experience of the lengths to which the Caravan and Motorhome Club goes to ensure that each car entered in the competition is examined thoroughly and fairly. From the initial scrutineering, through the
outfit preparation stages, assessment of ‘caravanability’ and on to the actual driving/towing itself, every aspect of performance is tested rigorously to arrive at the final result.
Simon Howard, Marketing Director of Bailey of Bristol, said: “We have really enjoyed playing our part in this prestigious event over the past two decades. The collective effort which goes into ensuring every entrant is tested both thoroughly and fairly during the competition makes this the definitive guide for a potential new towcar purchase.”
CLASS 1
Caravan Weight
Under 1,200kg – page 4
CLASS 2
Caravan Weight
1,200-1,300kg – page 5
CLASS 3
Caravan Weight
1,300-1,500kg – page 6
CLASS 4
Caravan Weight
1,500-1,600kg – page 7
CLASS 5
Caravan Weight
1,600-1,700kg– page 9
FOUR DAYS AT ‘TOWCAR’
A behind-the-scenes look at the judging process
–pages 10-11
CLASS 6
Caravan Weight
1,700-1,800kg – page 12
CLASS 7
Caravan Weight
over 1,800kg – page 13
CLASS 1 CARAVAN WEIGHT UNDER 1,200KG
Class Winner
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.7 MATCH PRO 77KWH 286PS
£53,270*
MODEL RANGE**: £51,550-£61,980
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,000KG
Three electric cars competed in this class, exhibiting three very different body styles. However, it was the brand new Volkswagen ID.7 saloon that easily took the win, coming out on top thanks to its spacious interior, huge boot, and beautifully supple ride. Depending on trim, the
VOLKSWAGEN
ID. BUZZ STYLE 77KWH PRO
204PS
£66,575*
MODEL RANGE**: £59,035-£64,795
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,000KG
Last year’s lightweight caravan class champ was nudged into second place by its more conventional sister this time around. The ID. Buzz still impresses, though, and delivers an assured driving experience when loaded up with ‘a family and belongings’. The interior scored high marks on account of its sheer size, practical loading ability and storage features, as well as deep windows that provide great
HYUNDAI
KONA ELECTRIC
ULTIMATE 65KWH
£45,890*
MODEL RANGE**: £34,995-£43,095
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 750KG
ID.7 can travel impressive distances on one charge – Volkswagen claims up to 436 miles unhitched. One judge commented: “Super stable,
great acceleration, and very nimble around the hill route... will comfortably tow a lightweight caravan or trailer tent.”
visibility. The 257-mile claimed range will be enough for most when driving solo. One year on from its first Towcar appearance and the retro feel-good factor hasn’t diminished; the only notable criticism was that acceleration could be sharper. A seven-seat long-wheelbase model due soon could impress further.
KEY INFORMATION
*Price as assessed including towing equipment and options beneficial to towing.
**Standard model price range.
***Based on 85% of car’s kerbweight (Club’s recommended towing limit) or manufacturer’s towing limit – whichever figure is lower.
One of two Konas competing in this year’s awards – and this electric version was by far the better model. With 215bhp available, the Kona Electric made light work of the trailer tent to which it was hitched, and the overall driving experience was wonderfully smooth. The car’s quality and well-laid-out interior accrued strong scores, as did the surprisingly spacious rear seats, while the car’s 300-mile-plus range (when driving solo) is
impressive. Negatives included brakes that needed a firm shove to bring the outfit to a halt.
Overall, a well-rounded crossover for trailers and lightweight caravans.
“ The overall driving experience was wonderfully smooth ”
Class Winner
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF ESTATE STYLE 1.5 ETSI 150PS DSG
£35,335*
MODEL RANGE**: £27,035-£37,040
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,224KG
The Volkswagen Golf has long been the default choice for those who want a well-engineered car with timeless styling and a quality, practical interior. However, the last Mk8 version exhibited some buggy
SEAT
ATECA 1.5 TSI SE TECH 150PS
DSG
£34,040*
MODEL RANGE**: £30,325-£37,145
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,205KG
While the Ateca isn’t the freshest SUV on the market, it’s still a cracking choice and compares favourably against newer rivals. The Ateca is a regular entrant in this
technology and so-so interior quality – so it’s good to see this latest Mk8.5 version addresses this, with a far better infotainment system and better cabin fit and finish. Judges liked the Golf’s nimble handling, comfortable ride, responsive mild-hybrid engine, and simply enormous boot. In terms of negatives, wind and tyre noise at cruising speeds were louder than expected, and there was limited towing information in the car’s handbook.
competition, scoring high marks for a number of features – and for 2025 that’s no different. The simple-styled dashboard is well put together, and the boxy dimensions translate into great rear-seat and boot space. The Ateca has always been one of the sportier SUVs to drive, and its firm suspension and sharp, accurate steering provide an enjoyable drive when solo and when hitched.
“ Firm suspension and sharp, accurate steering... ”
CUPRA
ATECA 1.5 TSI V2 150PS DSG
£39,075*
MODEL RANGE**: £36,480-£38,265
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,232KG
This is the sportier version of the Seat Ateca, and comes from the Spanish brand’s performance division, Cupra. There are spicy 296bhp four-wheel drive models in the range, but last year the brand added a more affordable engine option – Volkswagen Group’s
ubiquitous 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol with front-wheel drive.
The Cupra version of the Ateca flaunts a racy bodykit and plenty of copper detailing inside and out, while larger alloys give a firmer ride. The Cupra received good marks from the judges for handling, stability and interior practicality.
HYUNDAI
KONA N LINE S 1.6 HYBRID 141PS 6DCT
£36,779*
MODEL RANGE**: £30,385£36,435
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,300KG
While the Kona Electric impressed our judges with its smooth powertrain (see page 4), the same can’t be said for the Hybrid version. During the judging, the car’s petrol-
electric set-up frustrated on all fronts – it was slow to reach motorway speeds and, upon arriving at 60mph, the engine was coarse. On the steepest part of Millbrook’s hill route the Kona struggled to better 20mph with caravan in tow, while a firm, fidgety ride was also unwelcome. However, the Kona’s smart, well-made and roomy interior, coupled with great equipment levels, were positives.
Class Winner
SKODA
SUPERB ESTATE 1.5 TSI
E-TEC 150PS DSG
£42,080*
MODEL RANGE**: £34,875-£48,540
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,325KG
The Skoda Superb has long been a Towcar of the Year favourite. This generation of Superb has only just arrived in the UK and it boasts a larger interior than the outgoing model, as well as a new look. In this SE L guise, our judges liked its smooth and quiet driving manners, rear legroom and enormous boot. The 148bhp, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol is a family engine, providing good all-round performance and fuel economy. Judges loved the Superb’s stability at low and high speeds, and excellent rear visibility when reversing a caravan.
“ Judges loved the Superb’s stability at low and high speeds ”
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT R-LINE 1.5 ETSI
150PS DSG
£44,510*
MODEL RANGE**: £38,500-£51,170
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,336KG
The new Passat is very closely related to the winner of this class, the Superb. However, unlike the Skoda, the Passat only comes as an estate, featuring a more modern look on the outside and arguably
on the inside. It’s spacious and practical, but be aware that the boot is only 79l larger than the Golf Estate’s – and that car is nearly £10,000 cheaper. A Passat saw off the competition to be crowned Towcar of the Year 2017, and this new one would make for a fine choice – it’s very composed, has a supple ride and only the steepest of hills put a strain on the mild-hybrid engine.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN R-LINE 2.0 TDI
150PS DSG
£44,065*
MODEL RANGE**:
£34,085-£48,220
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,425KG
Another new model from Volkswagen, and a caravanners favourite. While the look inside and out is new and bold, the underpinnings are a development
of the old car’s – which is positive and negative. The spacious interior impressed the judges, as did its ability to keep its caravan in check and stable at all speeds. Enthusiasm was dampened by the car’s stiff ride (the 20-inch wheels on this trim level did not help) and lack of traction on the hill start test. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel – the only DERV available – lacked low-down grunt, too.
Class winner Electric winner
Luxury winner
BMW
I5 EDRIVE40 M SPORT PRO TOURING
£83,855*
MODEL RANGE**: £61,705-£99,995
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG
The 5 Series Touring has traditionally been a great towcar and the brand new electric version (the first ever electric 5 Series) keeps up the tradition. It’s a luxurious estate car with a wonderful blend of desirable features that bowled over the judges. BMW’s latest interiors offer outstanding tech and fantastic build quality, while there’s loads of space in the back seats and boot (although, it must be said, this G61 generation sadly does without earlier models’ opening rear glass in the tailgate). Engaging handling just seals the deal. It also took the Electric and Luxury category wins for its fantastic drive, a claimed solo 324-mile range from its 81.2kWh battery, and plush feel.
FORD
KUGA 2.5L FHEV ST-LINE X 5DR 190PS AWD AUTO
£42,415*
MODEL RANGE**: £32,095-£42,455
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG
Although the facelifted Kuga failed to really shine in the towing stakes, there was still plenty to like. It has
HONDA
CR-V PHEV (ADVANCE TECH)
£54,920*
MODEL RANGE**: £53,995-£54,990
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG
“ It has sharp handling and plenty of room in the back ”
sharp handling, there’s plenty of room in the back seats, and there’s a wide range of trims and engines; speaking of which, this full-hybrid is the best option. Extra marks were given for easy-to-find towing and weights info, but a fidgety ride in ST-Line X trim and patchy build quality inside disappointed.
The Japanese carmaker, which had been absent from Towcar for a number of years, made a very welcome return. The latest CR-V impressed for the most part, exhibiting engaging handling,
stability at all speeds, and a very practical interior with a large boot and versatile rear seats. Rear visibility when reversing was good, too. When driving solo, the hybrid system is smooth, but when hitched and on the steeper sections of our test route it felt a bit overwhelmed, and noise levels are high at greater speeds.
HYUNDAI
IONIQ 6 ULTIMATE
325PS AWD
£54,400*
MODEL RANGE**: £47,040-£55,290
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG
It was great to see some variety in this year’s competition with cars like the Ioniq 6 showing it’s not just SUVs that make for good towcars. And good, not brilliant, is the way to describe this car, for it has a number of pleasing features. Its progressive acceleration impressed the judges, as did its stable handling at speed, and the surprisingly large boot. Meanwhile, the interior is spacious despite that sloping roofline. A bouncy ride drew criticism and the car’s electric handbrake in auto-hold mode struggled with the extra weight of the caravan.
POLESTAR
2 LONG RANGE DUAL MOTOR
£51,050*
MODEL RANGE**: £44,950-£57,950
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG
While the Polestar 2 couldn’t claim a class or category win this year, it’s still a highly recommendable car. With 416bhp from its twin electric motors you’d expect it to
feel overwhelming, but that’s not the case – it deploys its power in a smooth and manageable way. It’s sharp to drive, rides well and has a fabulous interior. Disappointingly, there was limited rear visibility and all-round visibility was affected by the stick-on towing mirrors (the only mirrors that can be attached).
“ Spacious interior, comfortable seats, strong build... ”
TOYOTA
RAV4 PLUG-IN DESIGN
£44,805*
MODEL RANGE**:
£44,175-£48,990
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,500KG
Toyota was another Japanese carmaker to return to Towcar this year after a long absence. The RAV4 drew strong marks for its
spacious interior, comfortable seats, strong build and a sense of quality and solidity. It was let down by its CVT transmission, which wailed its way around our test route, and a stiff ride. Tested here was the plug-in hybrid which has a lower towing capacity than the four-wheel drive full-hybrid version. The latter might be the better option.
Class Winner
HYUNDAI
IONIQ 5 ULTIMATE 77.4KWH
328PS AWD
£56,772*
MODEL RANGE**: £43,445-£57,945
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,600KG
Another electric car taking class honours, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 really impressed our judging panel this year. Here in 77.4kWh all-wheel
drive form, we liked the car’s smooth performance, super-fast charging capability, cool looks, driving range and hugely spacious interior. Like the Ioniq 6, the 5 is a little soft through corners, but that makes for a generally refined drive, although large wheels on top-spec models do make a bit of noise. A couple of things to note are that it’s a deceptively large car, and 2025 model year vehicles get a larger 82kWh battery pack and longer range.
VOLVO
EX30 TWIN MOTOR PERFORMANCE
£47,100*
MODEL RANGE**: £35,150-£45,850
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,600KG
This is a major new car for Volvo as it puts the Swedish brand into the small premium electric SUV class. On the surface, it’s a winner with desirable looks, but it struggled a bit in this competition. The minimalist interior – that relies on the touchscreen for nearly all of the controls – won’t appeal to everyone, while rear space is a little on the tight side. The judges were disappointed at the car’s handling when towing, while the limited rear visibility and wing mirror design (which, like the Polestar 2, means stick-on towing mirrors are the only options) meant curved reversing was difficult. This Twin Motor version is undeniably fast but it feels a little wayward when towing – the lesser powered Single Motor might be the better choice if you really want an EX30.
SKODA
KODIAQ SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS 4X4 DSG
£48,820*
MODEL RANGE**: £37,505£46,225
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,603KG
The Skoda Kodiaq has long been a favourite among caravanners, so expectations were high for this all-new, second-generation model.
The Kodiaq comes with a choice of two diesel engines and in this 190bhp form the powerplant was a strong performer. There’s the option of five and seven-seat versions, while interior space is very good, as is the layout of the controls. But the Kodiaq was let down a little by a firm ride when towing, patchy build quality and the fact the DSG gearbox struggled with hill starts.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
1984 Citroën BX 16 TRS
1985 Volvo 360 GLE
1986 Ford Sierra XR 4x4
1987 Renault 21 GTS
1988 Vauxhall Senator 3.0i CD
1989 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi
1990 Vauxhall Cavalier 4x4 2.0i
1991 Rover 416 GTi 16v
1992 Volvo 940 SE Turbo
1993 Vauxhall Calibra Turbo 4x4
1994 Citroën Xantia 1.9 TD VSX
1995 Renault Laguna RT 2.0
1996 Vauxhall Vectra 2.0i 16v
1997 Peugeot 406 GLX Dt 2.1
1998 Citroën Xantia V6 Exclusive
1999 Audi A6 Avant 2.5 TDi
2000 Seat Toledo V5
2001 Volkswagen Golf V6 4MOTION
2002 Peugeot 406 2.2 GTX HDi Est
2003 Škoda Superb V6 2.5 TDI Elegance
2004 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT
2005 Mazda6 2.0-D Estate TS2
2006 Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XE
2007 Volvo V50 D5 Sport
2008 Ford Mondeo Titanium X Estate
2009 Škoda Superb 2.0 TDI
2010 Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0TDI
2011 Škoda Superb Estate Elegance 2.0 TDI CR
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0TDI DSG
2014 Škoda Superb Elegance Estate
2.2 TDI DSG 4x4
2015 SEAT Leon ST FR 2.0 TDI
2016 Land Rover Discovery HSE Lux
2017 Volkswagen Passat Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI SCR 4MOTION
2018 Škoda Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG
2019 Volvo XC60 D5 PowerPulse AWD R-Design
2020 Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
2021 Škoda Superb Estate SE L Executive 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
2022 Seat Leon Estate FR 1.5TSI 150PS
2023 Škoda Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4x4SCR
2024 Porsche Cayenne E- Hybrid Platinum Edition (below)
Special delivery!
Behind
TOWING TRENDS
We had a broad range of entries this year, including the latest highefficiency petrol and diesel models, plus electric vehicles with everimproving capability (including our first able to tow in excess of 2,000kg – Kia’s EV9 AWD). Then there were problemsolvers, like Volkswagen’s Multivan (for those needing six/seven seats and some boot space), or Ineos’ Grenadier, if you need rugged off-road capability.
Two technological trends dominated the event. First, the strength of the hybrid sector, from which our overall winner came for the second year running. Plug-in hybrids represent the new car sales sector showing the biggest percentage growth this year, largely at the expense of diesels. That’s a trend apparent in Club member choices too – while only around 5% currently tow with a hybrid, 25% say their next towcar will be one. Second, I’m pretty sure this is the first time we’ve had no manual cars at all.
Martin Spencer, Club Technical Manager
the scenes
A huge amount of work goes on in the background during the Clubs annual Towcar competition – here’s just a brief snapshot!
Bailey’s caravans arrive
Each vehicle is meticulously scrutineered
MEET THE TEAM
Selected from the world of motoring and caravanning journalism and training, our experienced judges put the towcar entries through their paces at Millbrook. Heres a quick introduction...
JAMES BATCHELOR
Freelance journalist, experienced road tester and presenter; James was previously on Auto Express magazine. Hes also the Clubs towcar reviewer.
LEE DAVEY
A road tester for numerous motoring titles, Lee raced nationally before switching to caravanning. He has towed in over 30 countries.
SAMMY FAIRCLOTH
Sammy is a freelance writer whose work includes writing practical articles for this magazine. In 2021, she selfpublished her first book, The Caravan Handbook
CHRIS ROSAMOND
Representing Auto Express, Chris is an experienced national motoring journalist.
DAN CARTWRIGHT
A passionate caravan advocate since 1989, Dan founded Caravan Times in 2010 and is its chief car tester.
TECHNICAL JUDGES
Mark Sutcliffe (regular Towcar judge and former editor of Which Caravan) and Deborah Black from the Club’s Events Committee measured the cars’ acceleration and braking capabilities using specialised apparatus
CARAVANABILITY JUDGES
Keith and Caroline Rogers spend hours checking whether each car will accommodate a typical caravanner’s kit, as well as access to such things as spare wheels, towing electrics and technical information.
The Towcar team for 2025
Checking noseweights
Club Director General Nick Lomas with special guest Annabel Croft
Class Winner
VOLVO
V90 T8 PLUG-IN HYBRID AWD ULTRA
£72,180*
MODEL RANGE**: £62,280£70,780
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,764KG
Volvo took the sad decision to remove its estate cars from the UK in August 2023, citing falling
ISUZU
NEW-LOOK D-MAX V-CROSS
£37,601*
MODEL RANGE**: £29,939-
£44,338 (+VAT)
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,789KG
Isuzu entered the ‘New Look’ version of the D-Max pick up this year. Sporting subtle changes it didn’t have enough to take the ‘Pick-Up’ category win, but our
“ It's a solid, dependable option ”
appetite for load-luggers. But now the V60 and the larger V90 estates have returned – and we’re glad, as Volvo estates have always made for great towcars. The V90 now only comes with plug-in hybrid power, and that means silky smooth performance even when the batteries are depleted. It’s a classy, traditional choice that tows confidently and has a fantastically practical interior.
judges still appreciated its rugged charm. It’s a solid and dependable option and more than up to the job of hauling a large caravan. In fact, our judges felt it bossed the caravan around the tight and twisting hill route – but it’s a lot more agricultural than other pick ups in its class, with a harsh engine at high revs, heavy steering and bouncy suspension.
MAZDA
CX-60 3.3D 254PS AWD HOMURA AUTO
£51,948*
MODEL RANGE**: £45,320£53,070
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,721KG
Mazda’s CX-60 is a great choice for those who want a large SUV that has a blend of involving handling, strong power, and very competent towing characteristics. The CX-60 is
unusual as it has a newly developed, high-capacity diesel engine that packs a punch and delivers creamy smooth acceleration and quietness. The CX-60 waltzed up the steeper sections of our test route, and it kept its caravan in check all of the time. Small black marks were awarded for the car’s stiff ride, and – weights plate aside – the fact there was no data available in the car’s handbook or in the online manual.
KIA
SORENTO DIESEL ‘3’
2.2-LITRE CRDI 8-SPEED DCT
£47,151*
MODEL RANGE**: £41,995-£51,370
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,703KG
Another traditional choice for caravanners, the Sorento is a very competent and dependable SUV but it doesn’t sparkle as much as it perhaps should. It has plenty to
recommend it – there’s the choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and (tested here) diesel power; it’s very spacious; and is very well equipped. But that diesel engine is a little bereft of torque at times and, when towing, isn’t a great match for the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also felt a little unwieldy on fast flowing roads, and cumbersome on tighter ones.
“ It kept its caravan in check all of the time ”
Overall Towcar of the Year Class winner
Family winner Hybrid winner
VOLVO
XC60 T6 PLUG-IN HYBRID AWD PLUS
£61,455*
MODEL RANGE**: £47,615-£69,385
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,839KG
The XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid narrowly missed out on class honours last year, but 12 months on it has won its weight class, the Family and Hybrid category gongs, and been voted overall Towcar of the Year 2025! It’s an impressive car, towing just as, if not more competently, than far larger cars in this class; it’s also luxurious, practical and exudes ‘cool’. A minor black mark was awarded for rear visibility during the curved reversing manoeuvre, as the car’s rising waistline prevented a completely clear view, but there’s no better towcar on sale right now.
“ It’s luxurious, practical and exudes ‘cool’ ”
BMW
X5 XDRIVE30D M SPORT
£72,080*
MODEL RANGE**: £66,230-£87,210
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,951KG
Not only did BMW return to Towcar this year fielding the fabulous i5 Touring but also this excellent X5. In some ways the definitive sports utility vehicle, the X5
“ The X5 seriously impressed the judges ”
seriously impressed the judges. One said, “Extremely engaging to drive –steering, braking and power delivery all spot on. Body roll was present but it’s very well controlled and the stability at speed is excellent.” It was also praised for its large boot, easy-to-find towing data and well designed door mirrors that facilitated simple towing mirror attachment. It’s a superb all-rounder.
INEOS GRENADIER TRIALMASTER
£76,630*
MODEL RANGE**:
£76,000-£79,420
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,404KG
This is a brand new car from a brand new carmaker, and yet it looks like itʼs from a different age. For a first effort the
Grenadier feels well put together, and it’s a proper off-roader – there are buttons and levers galore to control things. Light steering (that doesn’t self-centre) and a choppy ride are from a bygone era and can make towing feel a bit unpredictable. But if you want a proper old-school off-roader then few can match it.
KIA
EV9 GT-LINE AWD
£74,265*
MODEL RANGE**: £65,025-£78,775
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,328KG
There was such variety in this category this year – from the old-fashioned (but very able) Ineos to this forward-looking electric SUV. The EV9 is positively huge and it can pull an equally enormous caravan with ease on
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY METROPOLITAN
£78,795*
MODEL RANGE**: £54,960-£78,020
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,139KG
The Discovery is a classic towcar, and for those who want luxury travel for seven people and great driving characteristics there’s little better. The 3.0-litre straight-six mild-hybrid diesel
paper. However the car disappointed the judges a little, particularly with its handling. The EV9’s sheer size let it down in terms of stability, with too much body roll and weight transfer through fast, flowing corners unsettling the outfit. Meanwhile, rear visibility wasn’t the best. The interior’s sheer size did impress, though (it can carry seven with room to spare), as did the EV9’s acceleration and stopping power.
(as shared with the Defender) is a wonderfully smooth and refined engine, and the car is serene on long touring trips. This class was hugely competitive this year, so small marks against counted heavily – these included wallowy handling on twisty roads, a high rear-quarter window that limited rear visibility, and sparse towbar and roof load data.
LAND ROVER
“ It has superb on-road driving manners ”
DEFENDER 110 D300 HSE D MHEV AUTO
£74,765*
MODEL RANGE**: £60,470-£117,260
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,071KG
Land Rover rejoined the competition this year and fielded two of its towing legends. The Defender scored very highly in this year’s competition (there was one mark in it for second place) and it’s
easy to see why. It has superb on-road driving manners while also being pretty unstoppable when off it. The judges loved the car’s spacious, hard-wearing and practical interior, and how composed it was at towing at all speeds – it really is a fantastic vehicle. Criticisms were made for limited rear visibility during curved reversing, and the fact there was no towing data available in the handbook or online manual.
PORSCHE
CAYENNE E-HYBRID
£84,269*
MODEL RANGE**: £70,400£130,200
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,125KG
Although the 2024 winner has been knocked off its perch as Towcar of the Year, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is still an outstanding vehicle. In fact, if you’re looking for a luxurious, high-performance five-seat SUV
Pick Up winner
VOLKSWAGEN
AMAROK PANAMERICANA
3.0 TDI 4MOTION 240PS AUTO
£63,492*
MODEL RANGE**: £42,114-£59,418
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 2,025KG
Some caravan owners want a workhorse during the week and a vehicle that can easily haul a caravan at weekends and over summer holidays – and the Volkswagen Amarok is the best
then it’s hard to beat. Updated with tweaked looks inside and out and a larger battery for more pure-electric motoring, the Cayenne mixes a thrilling drive with hugely composed towing manners. Judges felt it was slightly too cumbersome in tighter, low-speed driving tests, and there was a lack of towing and roof load data available. These were tiny negatives, though.
pick up for that this year. It’s built as part of a technology partnership with Ford, with the Amarok being very closely related to the Ford Ranger, but the Amarok has that certain extra little something. Its upmarket looks are matched to an equally upmarket interior, which shows pick ups don’t have to be unrefined and agricultural. It has good on-road manners, is hugely capable off-road, and tows with serious competency. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is punchy, and the ride is decent when hitched.
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG BLACK EDITION
3.0 TDI 286PS TIPTRONIC
£74,070*
MODEL RANGE**: £68,065-£72,530
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,800KG
It’s been a while since Volkswagen’s flagship SUV has appeared at Towcar – for the 2025 edition the latest model seriously impressed the judges. One remarked, “The Touareg is very composed and stable. It’s
“ Updated with tweaked looks inside and out ”
effortless at all speeds with a lovely ride quality, great ergonomics, clear and intelligible controls and screen information – a pleasure to tow.” Another said it was “almost faultless in every area” and was a “yardstick by which others were judged”. It’s a little brash in the styling department, but there’s no denying it’s a fine towcar. Superb traction, stability and driving manners are matched to a lovely, gutsy 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.
Large Family winner
VOLKSWAGEN
MULTIVAN STYLE 2.0 TDI
150PS DSG
£65,134*
MODEL RANGE**: £48,375-£61,090
CARAVAN WEIGHT***: 1,840KG
This is the third year running that the Multivan has walked off with a Large Family towcar category
win, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great vehicle, being easy to drive and park, well-mannered on different road types and simply enormous inside. The interior can be configured in various ways, boosting flexibility too. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel is a good engine – it’s a little breathless on very steep roads, but more than good enough for the most part. If you need space, the Multivan can’t be beaten.
Tailored & elegant
Tailored to perfection
The new Unicorn Deluxe offers a seamless blend of luxury and practicality. From plush interiors to full spec amenities, we ensure that every mile travelled feels like a home from home.
Wherever you want to go, go with The Nation’s Favourite, Scan or go to baileyofbristol.co.uk/unicorn-deluxe to find your nearest Retailer and discover more.
