Towcar of the Year 2007 - Over 1900kg

Time for the heavyweights. The odd estate and MPV enter this class, but essentially this is the battle of the big 4x4s.

Land Rover Discovery TDV6 HSE auto
Price    £43,715
Target Price    £40,570
Kerbweight    2717kg
Max towing weight    3500kg
Towball limit    150kg

The Discovery manages that rare feat - to be all things to all people. During the week, it will handle the school run with ease thanks to its spacious, seven-seat cabin. The stadium seating, which places each row a little higher than the one in front, means everyone gets a good view out.

Once you've dropped the kids off, the Disco drives as well as most executive saloons, giving a smooth ride and unflustered performance.

Come the weekend, it will happily tow at 60mph all day. There are plenty of quicker 4x4s, but the Discovery never feels out of its depth. In a straight line, stability is commendable, although the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg were more comfortable through the lane-change test.

However, neither of those big 4x4s can hold a candle to the Discovery's ride comfort. With or without a trailer in tow, it smooths away bumps that are felt with a thump in many other 4x4s.

Our test car came in plush HSE trim, which pushes the price tag above £40,000. If that's a bit rich, prices start from under £30,000.

Buyer's file
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Other contenders
Chrysler 300C Touring 3.0 V6 CRD Auto
List price    £27,815
Target Price    £27,266
Kerbweight    1945kg
Max towing weight    2000kg
Towball limit    100kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A big bruiser of a towcar, but surprisingly good value.

Lexus RX400h
List price    £36,393
Target Price    £34,171
Kerbweight    2040kg
Max towing weight    2000kg
Towball limit    80kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary V8 power with the economy of a diesel, but a disappointing towcar

Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XS
List price    £22,995
Target Price    £21,378
Kerbweight    2065kg
Max towing weight    3000kg
Towball limit    120kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Good value, but soggy suspension and poor brakes are disappointing.

Volvo XC90 D5 SE Geartronic
List price    £36,695
Target Price    £33,987
Kerbweight    2069kg
Max towing weight    2250kg
Towball limit    90kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Other 4x4s are quicker, but this is a comfortable, composed towcar.

Nissan Navara 2.5 dCi Doublecab Aventura
List price    £25,226
Target Price    £23,662
Kerbweight    2135kg
Max towing weight    2600kg
Towball limit    104kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Practical and well equipped, but slow and short of stopping power.

Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi LS
List price    £19,495
Target Price    £18,320
Kerbweight    2168kg
Max towing weight    2000kg
Towball limit    85kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Those awkward seats aside, the Sedona is practical, if uninspired.

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Di-DC Warrior LWB auto
List price    £32,084
Target Price    £30,576
Kerbweight    2255kg
Max towing weight    3300kg
Towball limit    135kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Lots of kit and plenty of space, but let down by the gruff engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 CRD Overland
List price    £34,075
Target Price    £31,123
Kerbweight    2310kg
Max towing weight    3360kg
Towball limit    140kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A superbly stable towcar, but not as spacious or classy as the best.

Land Rover Range Rover TDV8 HSE
Price    £53,120
Target Price    £52,064
Kerbweight    2717kg
Max towing weight    3500kg
Towball limit    150kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Immense in every respect. Pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI
List price    £32,322
Target Price    £30,354
Kerbweight    2321kg
Max towing weight    3500kg
Towball limit    140kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Strong engine, good stability and fine value, but only five seats.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S line
List price    £41,475
Target Price    £40,360
Kerbweight    2325kg
Max towing weight    3200kg
Towball limit    130kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Incredibly capable, but so it should be at this price.

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