Best Hybrid and Electric Cars for Towing in 2026
22nd Apr 2026
By Edward Cook
There are around 550,000 touring caravans in the UK. Then, there are horseboxes and bike trailers. That adds up to a lot of towbars, and a growing number of them are attached to hybrid and electric cars.
Conventional wisdom has long held that electric and hybrid cars don't make good tow cars. And while it is true that many EVs still fall short, the picture is changing. Plug-in Hybrids in particular offer a compelling blend of everyday efficiency, low emissions and impressive towing muscle. Here are ten standout options — hybrid and electric — for drivers who refuse to choose between conscience and capability.
- Toyota RAV4
- Audi Q7
- Kia EV9
- BMW X5
- Volvo XC90
- Mercedes-Benz GLE
- Jaguar F-PACE
- Land Rover Defender
- Range Rover Sport
- Porsche Cayenne
Toyota RAV4
Towing capacity: 1,500kg
For many weekend caravanners, cyclists with a towbar-mounted rack or those pulling a small trailer to the allotment, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is the ideal solution. It is consistently rated among the top five most-recommended tow cars by UK caravan specialists — ahead of many premium SUVs costing twice the price. Reliability and stability are cited as reasons for approval more often than towing capacity alone.
The 2.5-litre engine uses two electric motors, one on each axle, which means the rear wheels are driven purely by electricity. It is a configuration that delivers instant, controllable torque: exactly what you want pulling away from a muddy field.
The system delivers a combined 302bhp and up to 46 miles of official electric range, making most daily commutes entirely emissions-free. It is also the most fuel-efficient car here when towing. No other car on this list offers this much towing credibility for this little money.
Search Used Toyota RAV4Audi Q7
Towing capacity: 3,500kg
The Q7 was one of the first large premium SUVs to offer seven seats, a 3,500kg tow rating and a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the same package. Five years on, that combination still is not as common as you might expect.
The 55 TFSI e pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with an electric motor for a combined 381bhp. You get approximately 38 miles of pure electric range (WLTP), which covers most everyday driving before the petrol engine kicks in for longer towing trips.
That 3,500kg rating means a large family caravan, a substantial boat or a twin-stall horsebox are all within reach, while the Quattro all-wheel drive system gives real confidence on wet, muddy or loose surfaces down at the yard or campsite.
Search New Audi Q7 Search Used Audi Q7Kia EV9
Towing capacity: 2,500kg
When the EV9 launched in the UK, it became one of only a handful of fully electric cars ever rated to tow more than 2,000kg. The GT-Line AWD version produces 388bhp, while the 98.8kWh battery delivers a claimed range of up to 311 miles unloaded.
As with all EVs, expect that figure to drop meaningfully when towing, so route planning around charging opportunities remains essential. As a rule of thumb, towing halves an EV's range — so plan for about 150 miles between charges. That said, the EV9 is one of the very few EVs to offer bidirectional charging, which means it can power equipment at a campsite or charge devices off-grid — an extremely useful feature for an outdoor lifestyle.
The interior is impressive too, with a panoramic roof, three-row seating and massaging seats in upper trims. For committed EV drivers who need to tow a mid-size caravan, a boat, or a loaded trailer, the EV9 suggests that the all-electric future for towing is already here.
Search Used Kia EV9BMW X5
Towing capacity: 2,700kg
The X5 is the UK's most popular tow car in the premium SUV segment, consistently appearing in towing award shortlists. The 50e PHEV is also now recommended by many caravan clubs for long-distance towing.
The xDrive50e pairs a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 483bhp — enough to haul a mid-to-large caravan with ease. It covers around 40 miles on electricity alone, more than enough for most weekday commutes, before transitioning seamlessly to hybrid mode for the long haul. When towing, the X5's adaptive air suspension keeps things remarkably composed, and the eight-speed automatic transmission makes short work of long inclines.
A common complaint with many cars among experienced towers is sluggish overtaking. The X5’s hybrid powertrain largely eliminates that concern, delivering strong mid-range acceleration even with a heavy load attached.
Search New BMW X5 Search Used BMW X5Volvo XC90
Towing capacity: 2,400kg
The seven-seat XC90 T8 was the first plug-in hybrid to win a major UK towing award — not just in the hybrid category, but beating all comers. The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 455bhp, extraordinary for a family SUV. As a result, this car feels effortlessly quick whether loaded or unloaded.
Volvo has long been associated with caravanning in Northern Europe, where towing is part of everyday life. That heritage still influences how models like the XC90 are engineered and tuned. No wonder towing specialists consistently praise the XC90 for its stability under load.
With around 30 to 35 miles of real-world electric range, the school run and local errands are easily covered before the engine takes over for longer caravan trips. Safety tech becomes even more valuable when towing, too. Features like trailer stability assist can detect and correct snaking before the driver fully registers it, adding a reassuring layer of control.
Search Used Volvo XC90Mercedes-Benz GLE
Towing capacity: 3,500kg
The GLE 350 de is something of a sweet spot in the world of electrified towing. Combining a diesel engine with plug-in hybrid technology, it offers both efficiency and exceptional pulling power. The diesel engine produces peak torque at barely above idle — around 1,600rpm. When you're pulling a loaded caravan up a long motorway gradient, that kind of effortless low-down pulling power is worth more than those headline horsepower figures.
The electric motor adds extra punch and allows for zero-emission driving around town. Mercedes-Benz claims up to 62 miles of electric range for the GLE 350 de — more than enough for the average UK daily commute of around 17 miles. In theory, a driver using this car for work and weekend towing could go weeks without visiting a petrol station.
The interior is quintessential Mercedes-Benz: spacious, beautifully finished and loaded with technology. It may lack the showroom drama of a Porsche or the off-road romance of a Defender, but as an all-round towing proposition, it is quietly outstanding.
Search New Mercedes-Benz GLE Search Used Mercedes-Benz GLEJaguar F-PACE
Towing capacity: 2,000kg
Horse & Hound magazine — the publication that arguably knows more about practical towing requirements than any motoring title — gave the F-PACE P400e a glowing verdict, noting that a typical two-horse trailer sits well within its 2,000kg limit. It occupies an interesting position on this list as a premium PHEV SUV with genuine towing ability, but also one of the most driver-focused cars here.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine teams up with a 141bhp electric motor for a combined 398bhp, covering 0 to 62mph in five seconds, unloaded. Up to 40 miles of electric range covers weekday commuting cleanly, and the 32kW DC rapid charging capability — a rarity among PHEVs — means a useful top-up takes around 30 minutes. Adaptive suspension ensures stability when towing, and the Pivi Pro infotainment system makes the F-PACE a genuinely pleasant long-distance companion.
For horse owners who want something more characterful than a Land Rover and more practical than a sports car, the F-PACE P400e is definitely well worth a look.
Search Used Jaguar F-PACELand Rover Defender
Towing capacity: 3,500kg
If you're pulling a large horsebox, a twin-axle caravan, or anything that demands maximum towing muscle, the Defender 110 P400e is the obvious answer. For equestrian users, muddy fields, uneven terrain and tight access routes are where it truly justifies its reputation.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor combine for 404bhp and 472lb ft of torque — more than enough for the most serious loads. With up to 27 miles of pure electric range, the school run or trip to the yard can be done silently and cleanly. Uniquely among PHEVs, it can also engage low-range gearing in pure electric mode — meaning silent, zero-emission off-roading that even dedicated EV SUVs can't match.
The interior is refined and spacious, with 853 litres of boot space. For horse owners and serious caravanners who need genuine off-road ability, nothing else on this list — or arguably any list — comes close.
Search New Land Rover Defender Search Used Land Rover DefenderRange Rover Sport
Towing capacity: 3,000kg
The Range Rover Sport sits at the intersection of prestige, comfort and towing capability. The PHEV version adds efficiency to that list of outstanding qualities.
With a combined output of 440bhp from its 3.0-litre petrol and electric motor combination, it covers the 0 to 62mph sprint in 5.8 seconds — more than sufficient when towing a large touring caravan or a single horsebox. Electric-only range sits at around 40 miles (WLTP), making local journeys genuinely emissions-free before the petrol engine takes over on longer runs. The Range Rover Sport's air suspension can effortlessly raise the car's ride height by up to 40mm at low speeds — useful when reversing a horsebox or caravan onto uneven ground. It then automatically lowers at motorway speed to improve stability and reduce drag.
Inside, the Sport P440e PHEV offers a luxurious environment, including heated and cooled massaging seats, a stunning floating console and a panoramic roof. For country pursuits and long-haul caravan trips, it is deeply satisfying on every level.
Search New Range Rover Sport Search Used Range Rover SportPorsche Cayenne
Towing capacity: 3,500kg
The Cayenne was the car that proved a Porsche could be practical without ceasing to be a Porsche. When it launched in 2002, it was widely mocked by purists, but by 2010, it was outselling every other model in the range. The E-Hybrid continues that tradition of pragmatic brilliance — and with a 0 to 62mph time of around five seconds, it is the quickest car on this list.
At 3,500kg, the Cayenne E-Hybrid matches the maximum legal towing limit for a standard UK driving licence. This means it can pull the heaviest caravan, horsebox or boat trailer you're legally allowed to tow, without needing a specialist licence or additional training. Porsche's Traction Management system and standard adaptive air suspension ensure excellent stability even when towing.
The 25kWh battery provides around 42 miles of electric-only range in official tests, and the seamless transition between electric, hybrid and petrol modes means you rarely think about which is doing the work. For those who want the ultimate hybrid tow car — and are prepared to pay for it — the Cayenne E-Hybrid has no credible rival.
Search New Porsche Cayenne Search Used Porsche CayenneFrequently Asked Questions
There isn't a single 'best' option, as it all depends on your budget and towing needs. For those taking their first steps into hybrid towing, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is consistently rated among the top five recommended tow cars by UK caravan specialists — and costs significantly less than many premium rivals. For families needing more space, the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 is a popular choice, while for heavier towing, the Land Rover Defender 110 P400e offers a class-leading 3,500kg towing capacity and exceptional off-road ability.
For fully electric cars, towing a caravan typically reduces range by around 40 to 60 percent — so a car with a 300-mile range might manage 150 miles or fewer under load. Plug-in hybrids are less affected, as the petrol engine can take over once the battery is depleted, making PHEVs a more practical choice for long-distance towing.
Yes, some electric cars can tow caravans and trailers, but not all are suitable. Models like the Kia EV9 offer up to 2,500kg towing capacity, making them viable for medium-sized loads. Bear in mind that towing can halve your range, so you always need to plan for longer journeys carefully.
In most cases, yes. Plug-in hybrids such as the BMW X5 xDrive50e or Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de combine electric efficiency with petrol or diesel power, offering greater range and sustained performance when towing heavy loads over long distances.
Since December 2021, anyone with a standard category B driving licence can tow a trailer or caravan with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg. Several cars on this list — including the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, Audi Q7 55 TFSI e and Land Rover Defender 110 P400e — are rated to tow at the full 3,500kg limit.
Electric and hybrid cars now pulling their weight
The age of the hybrid and electric tow car has well and truly arrived — and it is more capable than most people realise. Whether you are pulling a horsebox through a muddy field or a tourer down to the south of France, there is now a plug-in or fully electric option that can handle the journey with composure and confidence.
PHEVs — particularly from Land Rover, BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz — offer the greatest day-to-day versatility: electric power for the daily routine and petrol muscle when the towbar is on. Fully electric options like the Kia EV9 are increasingly credible too — though as a rule of thumb, towing roughly halves an EV's range, so planning your route around charging infrastructure remains an essential part of longer journeys.
For expert guidance on any of the models featured here, please contact your nearest Stratstone retailer and an associate will be happy to help you find the perfect match.
