Whether you’re a keen caravanner or need to tow trailers for work, choosing a vehicle that’s up to the job is critical. It needs to be strong and heavy enough to pull substantial weights, while also having the best combination of torque and fuel economy to help it tow with ease while remaining reasonably affordable to run.
Here are the 10 SUVs on sale in 2018 that can tow the most – each with a 3,500kg towing capacity, which is enough for the biggest of caravans or a fully-laden car trailer.
10. Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport isn’t cheap, but it combines the best of both worlds, with stunning good looks, high levels of standard equipment and opulent luxury. While most people will buy it for its image rather than its work credentials, it’s reassuring to know that it still does what a Land Rover is supposed to. There’s no better car with which to tow your speedboat to Monaco…
9. BMW X5
Not all X5s are capable of towing 3,500kg so if you need to tow heavy things, check you’re choosing the right one. Go for the 3.0d and 4.0d models and you are doing… Despite being marketed as one of the sportiest SUVs on the market, the big BMW is also one of the most competent when it comes to hauling things around.
8. Volkswagen Touareg
The new Touareg builds on the previous model’s impressive combination of utilitarianism and luxury, with a smart, well-appointed cabin and excellent road manners, coupled to a no-nonsense approach to off-roading and towing. It has a huge boot, too, making it perfect for larger families who enjoy caravan holidays.
7. SSangyong Rexton
The cheapest 4x4 on the market with the ability to tow 3,500kg is the latest generation Rexton – a more than competent SUV that is leagues ahead of its predecessor in terms of quality and refinement, yet retains its ability to haul almost anything. It’s the perfect working SUV, as well as a decent family car in its own right.
6. Mitsubishi Shogun
Beloved of farmers and the equine community, the Shogun is showing its age but is also still showing its mettle. The cabin is outdated compared to rivals and the ride is a bit bouncy, but stick a horsebox, farm trailer or twin axle caravan on the back and the Shogun shrugs it off almost as if it isn’t there. It’s a truly superb towcar.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota’s full-sizer is one of the world’s most popular big SUVs, with a choice of diesel or V8 petrol engines, both capable of pulling 3,500kg. The V8 is aimed more at the luxury market and is popular with those who want a well-appointed SUV without appearing pretentious, while the diesel model is second only to the Mitsubishi Shogun as a farmers’ favourite.
4. Mercedes-Benz GLE
The GLE is Mercedes’s most competent SUV when it comes to the rough stuff, as well as when it comes to towing. It can haul 3,500kg with ease whichever engine you go for, while it’s also beautifully appointed and extremely well made. It’s also cheaper like-for-like than a Range Rover Sport, making it a desirable premium option.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The current Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s best model yet, with far higher levels of quality and much better road manners than ever before. But becoming more polished hasn’t dampened the Jeep spirit, meaning it’s also as good as ever in the rough stuff and is a truly terrific towing vehicle. It’s great value, too.
2. Volvo XC90
The XC90 is one of the finest SUVs in the world – it’s stunning to look at inside and out, is extremely luxurious and is supremely competent. Volvo absolutely nailed it when the XC90 came out, and it remains one of the most desirable SUVs on the market. As for towing? A walk in the park for the big Volvo, with the ability to match any Land Rover model in the hauling stakes.
1. Land Rover Discovery
Good as the XC90 is, though, it can’t beat the king of the off-roaders, with the iconic green oval meaning a lot more than just branding. Any car that gets to wear the Land Rover badge has to be the very best when it comes to off-roading, towing and working for a living, and while the new Discovery is more luxurious than ever, it hasn’t lost sight of its roots…