Hybrid cars

Mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid? There is quite a discussion on the Independant Caravan Talk forum however I tow with a Toyota RAV4 PHEV and it is one of the best tow cars I have had and definitely the most economical. We towed to Austria this summer and north of Scotland in the spring. The only downside with some PHEV’s is they tend to have low tow weight limits (the RAV is 1500kg). Normal hybrids are usually higher although Peugeot Citroen hybrids are low to the point of ruling them out for most towing  - mild hybrids are pointless IMO although will probably have decent tow weights. 

Toyota?, yes peerless as a mid sized reliable workhorse imho👍🏻

We tow with a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 PHEV and a 1500kg Swift conqueror 480, not quite in the same league as the Toyota Rav4 PHEV but a viable option.

Just be aware Mitsubishi are no longer on sale or imported into the UK. 

but they are supporting servicing and warranty for the foreseable in the UK

Lots of good hybrid towcars out there. But not all hybrids are equal. From mild (like the Volvo B series engines) to full hybrid (like some Ford Kuga), to Plugin Hybrid (like a Rav4 PHEV, or Outlander PHEV, or Volvo Twinengine). 

There are different modes of powertrain, different levels of electric power, different levels of range and different modes for charging. 

If you are looking for a new car, have seen a hybrid and you are wondering if its any good, best to identify the specific car. If you are interested in a hybrid in general for other reasons (economy, green credentials, lower VED) then figuring our what is important for your usage pattern (90% towing vs 90% solo, most journeys under 20 miles round trip vs most over 50 round trip, offroad home parking vs street parking) and how that relates to the benefit you want to achieve will help narrow your search. 

In general

- mild or regular hybrid - just a bit more economical that a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) based car. Mostly petrol, may have lower power engine than pure ICE so may be less suitable for towing. Fill it with fuel and forget its electric component. 

- Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - may be optimised for power (see the Volvo PHEVs) or efficiency (See the VW GTE series), or electric driving (see the Outlander PHEV). Lots in the tow car of the year awards. Needs a place to plug in and charge overnight every night to get the best out of them. Can be VERY economical to run if the battery range matches or is better than your daily usage. 

We're about to replace a 2007 diesel Rav 4 which is absolutely wonderful at towing a 1500kg caravan. Toyota no longer make diesel Rav 4 so we are considering a 2019 2.5VVT-i Hybrid AWD Rav 4. Has anyone any experience of towing with one of these? I've heard mixed views on towing with a hybrid and most relate to the gearing/drive train. Would be interested in any views. Has the Club done a towcar test on one a hybrid Rav 4? I can't find one! 

Any comments or experiences much appreciated.