Towcar of the Year Awards 2026

Towcar of the Year Awards 2026

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The Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG has won this year’s overall trophy and been crowned Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2026. The Passat also claimed victory in the Family Towcars and Caravan weight 1300kg-1500kg categories.

The Passat has been a common sight on Britain’s roads for 50 years – in many ways it’s the definitive, practical family car, and the latest ninth-generation version is the best of the lot. It’s so good that the judging panel for the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2026 overwhelmingly voted it as the overall winner.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year, the leisure vehicle industry’s original and longest-standing towcar testing awards, saw 37 high-quality entrants put through their paces at the world-class UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground testing facility in Bedfordshire.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2026

Rather than being listed by price, the vehicles were split into categories by caravan weight – this makes it easier for potential buyers to work out which cars can tow their own caravans. There were also special award categories for Pick-Up Towcars, Family Towcars, Large Family Towcars, Electric Towcars, Hybrid Towcars and Luxury Towcars.

Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

Overall winner:
Towcar of the Year 2026

 

Judges' comments:

"This traditional estate car with a low centre of gravity is a superbly capable towcar. Its ability to positively respond to sudden lane changes and unexpected undulations in the road gave us confidence. The 2.0TSI engine is lively and responsive, delivering plenty of power as and when required."

Estate, Volkswagen retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1984
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 7 / automatic DSG
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Drive Train: Front Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 202
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 236 @ 1500 - 4400
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 14.56s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 7.37s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 45.43m
  • CO2 g/km: 159

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 1663
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2220
  • Caravan (kg): 1414
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £44,390 - £51,420
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,095 towing gear charges: £48,810
  • Insurance group: 30
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Three

Read more about the Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

Check with your local Volkswagen retailer for the latest prices and availability

Class Winners

ŠKODA Enyaq SportLine 85x 82kWh 210 kW 4x4

Class winner:
Caravan weight under 1300kg

 

Judges' comments:

"Great little car!"

SUV, ŠKODA, retractable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 2
  • Total maximum power (kW): 210
  • Drive Train: All wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 286
  • Torque (lb/ft: 402
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 10.55s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 4.48s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0:  48.81m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2384
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2750
  • Caravan (kg): 1200
  • Noseweight (kg): 75

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £39,010 - £51,660
  • £ (price as tested) includes £750 towing gear charges: £50,690
  • Insurance group: 37
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Three
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the ŠKODA Enyaq SportLine 85x 82kWh 210 kW 4x4

Check with your local ŠKODA Retailer for the latest prices and availability

Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

Class winner:
Caravan weight 1300kg - 1500kg

 

Judges' comments:

"This traditional estate car with a low centre of gravity is a superbly capable towcar. Its ability to positively respond to sudden lane changes and unexpected undulations in the road gave us confidence. The 2.0TSI engine is lively and responsive, delivering plenty of power as and when required."

Estate, Volkswagen retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1984
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 7 / automatic DSG
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Drive Train: Front Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 202
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 236 @ 1500 - 4400
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 14.56s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 7.37s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 45.43m
  • CO2 g/km: 159

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 1663
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2220
  • Caravan (kg): 1414
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £44,390 - £51,420
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,095 towing gear charges: £48,810
  • Insurance group: 30
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Three

Read more about the Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

Check with your local Volkswagen retailer for the latest prices and availability

Nissan ARIYA e-4ORCE EVOLVE 87 kWh

Class winner:
Caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg

 

Judges' comments:

"A great car.  Made light work of towing the Pegasus."

SUV, Nissan, detachable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 1
  • Total maximum power (kW):  225
  • Drive Train: All wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 389 
  • Torque (lb/ft: 443
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 11.09s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 4.7s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 60.77m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2222
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2665
  • Caravan (kg): 1500
  • Noseweight (kg): 75

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £39,655 - £56,845
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,195 towing gear charges: £58,040
  • Insurance group: 41A
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the  NISSAN ARIYA e-4ORCE EVOLVE 87 kWh

Check with your local Nissan dealer for the latest prices and availability

Genesis GV60 Sport Plus

Class winner:
Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg

 

Judges' comments:

"I love the interior styling with its crystal ball.  The images when indicating left/right are useful. Excellent acceleration and copes with hills with ease."

UV, Horizon, detachable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 2
  • Total maximum power (kW): 360
  • Drive Train: All wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 490
  • Torque (lb/ft: 516
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 8.1s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 3.4s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 53.88m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2220
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2640
  • Caravan (kg): 1600
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £54,115 - £70,525
  • £ (price as tested) includes £598.99 towing gear charges: £68,264
  • Insurance group: 50
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two
  • NCAP safety rating: Five

Read more about the Genesis GV60 Sport Plus

Check with your local Genesis Retail Partner for the latest prices and availability

BMW X3 M50

Class winner:
Caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg

 

Judges' comments:

"A really fun car to drive that offers class-leading acceleration performance. The X3 M50 remained perfectly in control of the outfit during the emergency braking test, giving the judges absolute confidence in its abilities."

SUV, BMW retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: Inline six
  • Size of engine in cc: 2998
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 8 / automatic Steptronic
  • Fuel: Petrol with mild hybrid
  • Drive Train: All Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 398 @ 5200 - 6250
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 428 @1900 - 4800
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 8.84s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 4.35s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 60.84m                        
  • CO2 g/km: 177

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2055
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2625
  • Caravan (kg): 1747
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £51,605 - £71,005
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,025 towing gear charges: £73,505
  • Insurance group: 42
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two

Read more about the BMW X3 M50

Check with your local BMW dealer for the latest prices and availability

Porsche Macan Electric

Class winner:
Caravan weight 1800kg - 2000kg

 

Judges' comments:

"Beautifully smooth and responsive. Its braking performance was class leading."

SUV, Porsche retractable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 1
  • Total maximum power (kW):  265
  • Drive Train: Rear wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 360 
  • Torque (lb/ft: 833
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 10.95s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 5.14s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 54.42m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2295
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2810
  • Caravan (kg): 1951
  • Noseweight (kg): 80

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £68,565 - £96,965
  • £ (price as tested) includes £945.00 towing gear charges: £69,445
  • Insurance group: 44
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Three
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the Porsche Macan

Check with your local Porsche dealer for the latest prices and availability

BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport

Class winner:
Caravan weight over 2000kg

 

Judges' comments:

"Lovely big windscreen and side windows giving great visibility and light. Very smooth and comfortable."

SUV, ACPS, retractable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 2
  • Total maximum power (kW): 400
  • Drive Train: All wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 536
  • Torque (lb/ft: 564
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 8.11s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 3.29s                      
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 47.19m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2580
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 3145
  • Caravan (kg): 2193
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £75,405 - £119,805
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,150 towing gear charges: £94,700
  • Insurance group: 50
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport

Check with your local BMW dealer for the latest prices and availability

BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport

Class winner:
Electric towcar

 

Judges' comments:

"Lovely big windscreen and side windows giving great visibility and light. Very smooth and comfortable."

SUV, ACPS, retractable

Performance

  • Number of motors: 2
  • Total maximum power (kW): 400
  • Drive Train: All wheel drive
  • Power (bhp): 536
  • Torque (lb/ft: 564
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 8.11s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 3.29s                      
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 47.19m
  • CO2 g/km: 0

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2580
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 3145
  • Caravan (kg): 2193
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £75,405 - £119,805
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,150 towing gear charges: £94,700
  • Insurance group: 50
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport

Check with your local BMW dealer for the latest prices and availability

Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra

Class winner:
Hybrid towcar

 

Judges' comments:

"Absolutely superb towcar. It is as compromise-free as you could wish for. It handles superbly with the caravan, whilst remaining comfortable and sure-footed. The interior is absolutely beautiful and feels like somewhere that you could enjoy a long distance cruise to the Continent with a caravan in tow."

SUV, Volvo retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1969
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 8 / automatic torque converter
  • Fuel: Petrol-electric plug in hybrid
  • Drive Train: All Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 314 @ 6000 (petrol engine); 147 @ 15900 (electric motor)
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 295 @ 3000 - 4800 (petrol engine); 228 @ 0 - 3280 (electric motor)
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 11.19s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 5.45s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 57.39m
  • CO2 g/km: 30-36

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (kg): 2365
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2950
  • Caravan (kg): 2010
  • Noseweight (kg): 110

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £65,450 - £84,260
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,400 towing gear charges: £85,660
  • Insurance group: 43E
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Four
  • NCAP safety rating: Not tested yet

Read more about the Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra

Check with your local Volvo dealer for the latest prices and availability

Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

Class winner:
Family towcar

 

Judges' comments:

"This traditional estate car with a low centre of gravity is a superbly capable towcar. Its ability to positively respond to sudden lane changes and unexpected undulations in the road gave us confidence. The 2.0TSI engine is lively and responsive, delivering plenty of power as and when required."

Estate, Volkswagen retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1984
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 7 / automatic DSG
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Drive Train: Front Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 202
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 236 @ 1500 - 4400
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 14.56s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 7.37s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 45.43m
  • CO2 g/km: 159

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 1663
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2220
  • Caravan (kg): 1414
  • Noseweight (kg): 100

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £44,390 - £51,420
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,095 towing gear charges: £48,810
  • Insurance group: 30
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Three

Read more about the Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

Check with your local Volkswagen retailer for the latest prices and availability

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TSI 204PS

Class winner:
Large family towcar

 

Judges' comments:

"It's easy to see why the Volkswagen Multivan is so popular with caravanners, because it's probably the most practical and well considered towing vehicle on the market.  The interior offers a seemingly endless amount of configurations for all family requirements."

MPV, Volkswagen, retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1984
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 7 / automatic DSG
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Power: Front wheel drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 201 @ 5000
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 236 @ 1600 - 4350                      
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 20.31s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 10.19s                          
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 58.8m
  • CO2 g/km: 146

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2117
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 2850
  • Caravan (kg): 1799
  • Noseweight (kg): 80

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £50,743 - £67,063
  • £ (price as tested) includes £960 towing gear charges: £66,427
  • Insurance group: 23 - 38
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Six
  • NCAP safety rating: Five stars

Read more about the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TSI 204PS

Check with your local Volkswagen retailer for the latest prices and availability

Isuzu D-Max STEEL Edition 

Class winner:
Pick-Up towcar

 

Judges' comments:

"The Isuzu D-Max is capable, strong and has a great amount of load space."

Pick-Up, Isuzu, fixed

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Size of engine in cc: 1898
  • Number of gears / gearbox: 6 / Aisin automatic
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Drive Train: All Wheel Drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 163 @ 3600
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 360 @ 2000 - 2500
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 25.19s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 13.79s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 70.94m
  • CO2 g/km: 235

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver) (kg): 2090
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 3100
  • Caravan (kg): 1777
  • Noseweight (kg): 245

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £32,926 - £47,926 (including VAT)
  • £ (price as tested) includes £641.25 towing gear charges: £51,246
  • Insurance group: 50D
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two
  • NCAP safety rating: Five

Read more about the Isuzu D-Max STEEL Edition

Check with your local Isuzu retailer for the latest prices and availability

Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner

Class winner:
Luxury towcar

 

Judges' comments:

"Absolute perfection! The Bentayga EWB Mulliner was not phased by a caravan on tow in the slightest."

Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner

SUV, Bentley, retractable

Performance

  • Number of cylinders: 8
  • Size of engine in cc: 3996
  • Number of gears, gearbox: 8 / automatic CVT
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Power: All wheel drive
  • Power (bhp@rpm): 542 @ 6000                        
  • Torque (lb/ft@rpm): 568 @ 2000                       
  • Towing acceleration 0-60mph: 8.21s
  • Towing acceleration 40-60mph: 3.79s
  • Towing deceleration 60mph-0: 52.32m
  • CO2 g/km: 296

Weights for towing

  • Kerbweight (including driver)(kg): 2501
  • Gross vehicle (kg): 3250
  • Caravan (kg): 2126
  • Noseweight (kg): 140

Pricing

  • Price range of vehicle: £207,745 - £276,155
  • £ (price as tested) includes £1,415 towing gear charges: £259,520
  • Insurance group: 50
  • ISOFIX Mountings: Two

Read more about the Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner

Check with your local Bentley dealer for the latest prices and availability

Gallery

(Overall winner and winner of caravan weight 1300kg - 1500kg. Winner of Family Towcars) Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0 TSI 204PS DSG

(Winner of caravan weight under 1300kg) ŠKODA Enyaq SportLine 85x 82kWh 210 kW 4x4

(Winner of caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg) Nissan ARIYA e-4ORCE EVOLVE 87 kWh

(Winner of caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg) Genesis GV60 Sport Plus

(Winner of caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg) BMW X3 M50

(Winner of caravan weight 1800kg - 2000kg) Porsche Macan Electric

(Winner of caravan weight over 2000kg and winner of Electric towcars) BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport

(Winner of Hybrid Towcars) Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra

 

(Winner of Large Family Towcars) Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TSI 204PS

(Winner of Pick-Up Towcars) Isuzu D-Max STEEL Edition

 

(Winner of Luxury Towcars) Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner

 

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