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best-hybrid-and-electric-cars-for-towing

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

DISCOVERY

However, if you only need to tow occasionally, or have something lighter to tow, such as a small trailer or cycle carrier, you could reap the fuel, emissions and money-saving benefits of a hybrid or electric car much of the time and still be able to use it to tow every now and then.

You’ll have to choose your car carefully, though, because not all alternative-fuel cars are approved for towing and some of those that are have low legal towing limits. For example, the Toyota Prius Hybrid can only tow a braked or unbraked trailer weighing up to 725kg, while the larger, heavier Lexus RX450h has a maximum towing limit of 2000kg.

Here we name the best hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars for towing:

If you own a caravan that you take on regular trips and want an affordable car to tow it with, you’re best off choosing a diesel model, such as our current Tow Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TDI.

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

CR-V

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Maximum towing weight: 750kg

The hybrid version of the CR-V has replaced the diesel-engined options in the latest line-up. However, with less than half of the towing capacity of the old diesel (which could tow 2000kg), the new model doesn’t provide a viable alternative for anyone towing a heavy caravan.

Fuel economy is average at 41mpg, but its CO2 emissions of 120g/km are higher than you might expect.

Hybrids:

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

IONIQ

Maximum towing weight: 750kg

The hybrid version of the Ioniq uses a petrol engine and an electric motor to provide better acceleration than a Toyota Prius.

However, like the Prius, it's not able to tow a larger caravan. Its combination of good driving manners and value for money helped it gain our award for Hybrid of the Year 2019. It's worth noting that the pure electric Ioniq isn't able to tow at all.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Maximum towing weight: 2000kg

Equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and a pair of electric motors, the RX450h isn’t as accomplished to drive as German luxury SUV rivals, but it’s surprisingly frugal, achieving 40mpg in our True MPG tests. That figure will drop if you’re towing, though.

Lexus RX450h

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

C-HR

Maximum towing weight: 725kg

Although the C-HR can’t tow much, it performs well when towing a lighter trailer. It feels secure and corners and pulls well, although the engine makes a lot of noise under hard acceleration. The hybrid C-HR accelerates slower than the 1.2-litre petrol version, though, so we actually recommend the latter.

Toyota C-HR Hybrid

PRIUS

Maximum towing weight: 725kg

The Prius is restricted to towing small trailers or bike carriers. With a combination of a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, its performance isn’t sparkling. It’s similar in ability to the C-HR, though, feeling safe at motorway speeds, although the engine gets vocal when pushed hard.

Toyota Prius Hybrid

RAV4

Maximum towing weight: 1650kg

The RAV4 doesn’t have the best towing capacity and when tested for the What Car? Tow Car Awards, it didn’t perform as well as rival SUVs.

It feels unsettled at motorway speeds, makes a lot of noise under hard acceleration and takes longer to stop than other large SUVs. It’s roomy, though, and fairly economical to drive around town when the electric motor can kick in more often.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Maximum towing weight: 1600kg

Powered by an electric motor and a 1.4-litre petrol engine, the plug-in hybrid version of the A3 doesn’t quite have the handling prowess of its petrol and diesel siblings, but it’s a relatively roomy family-sized car with a plush interior.

It’s best suited to those who do lots of fairly short journeys; its batteries will be depleted after 15-20 miles, or less if you’re towing.

Plug-in hybrids

Maximum towing weight: 2800kg

The big Audi SUV combines a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with a battery pack that will let you travel for 34 miles before it needs to be recharged; this is the official figure, though, so expect to cover fewer miles in real-world driving.

That short pure electric range means you’ll have to have deep pockets if you’re going on a long trip, because fuel economy will plummet once the batteries are depleted.

Audi Q7 e-tron

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Maximum towing weight: 2700kg

The X5 is one of the best luxury SUVs to drive and unsurprisingly it’s also one of the best for towing, feeling safe and secure with a caravan behind it.

At low speeds, it’s powered by an electric motor, which is aided by a 2.0-litre petrol engine if you accelerate hard or travel faster than 44mph. Its electric range is 19 miles.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

Maximum towing weight: 750kg

Like the conventional hybrid version of the Ioniq, the plug-in has a towing capacity limited to small trailers or caravans.

It drives well and has plenty of pulling power. However, it's not as quick off the line as the pure electric Ioniq, although that version isn't able to tow.

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in hybrid

While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.

There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.

More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.

MITSUBISHI

OUTLANDER PHEV

Maximum towing weight: 1500kg

The plug-in hybrid Outlander doesn’t cost much more to buy than its 2.0-litre petrol sibling and is more economical, thanks to its batteries and two electric motors, which let it travel for up to 28 miles (officially) on pure electric power.

Its maximum towing capacity isn’t huge, but it’s enough for a wide range of caravans.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

CAYENNE

Maximum towing weight: 3500kg

The hybrid Cayenne has the best towing capacity of any alternative-fuel car and the sportiest handling, making it feel more controlled and predictable through bends than a BMW X5 or Range Rover Sport.

Its official electric-only range is 27 miles, although you won’t achieve that in the real world, especially towing a caravan.

Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid

RANGE ROVER SPORT

Maximum towing weight: 2500kg

The Range Rover Sport hybrid gained the accolade of our Hybrid Tow Car of the Year 2019. Our judges said: “Epic performance meets unshakeable stability. The Range Rover Sport P400e tows brilliantly and, in the right conditions, promises excellent economy and low emissions.”

Range Rover Sport P400e HSE Dynamic

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC90

Maximum towing weight: 2100kg

The T8’s combination of a petrol engine and electric motor make it the fastest XC90 you can buy, and its 5.8sec 0-62mph time outpaces the Range Rover Sport P400e but isn’t quite a swift as the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid.

That and its impressive towing capacity make it a good choice as a tow car. It only did 18 miles on electric power in our Real Range test, though, so it’s best suited to shorter journeys.

Volvo XC90 T8

E-TRON

Maximum towing weight: 1800kg

The E-tron is Audi’s answer to the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. As well as a pretty good towing capacity, it has plenty of power, tidy handling and a Real Range of 196 miles between charges.

Electric cars

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

I-PACE

Maximum towing weight: 750kg

The I-Pace isn’t quite as swift off the line as the Model X, but it sprints past 62mph in 4.5sec and its standard passive suspension is good enough to mean you don’t need to splash out on the optional air setup.

In our Real Range test, the I-Pace managed 253 miles on a single charge – better than almost every other electric car we’ve tested.

Jaguar I-Pace

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Maximum towing weight: 1800kg

The EQC isn’t on sale yet, but we’ve been told prices will start at £65,650, which is more affordable than the Tesla Model X. It is powered by a newly developed electric powertrain that’ll be used across the Mercedes EQ range.

Consisting of two electric motors – one powering the front wheels and another the rears – it gives the EQC four-wheel drive capability when required.

Mercedes EQC

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

MODEL X

Maximum towing weight: 2270kg

Not only does the Model X have an impressive towing capacity, but it also has a trailer mode, which automatically shuts off some advanced driver assistance aids, such as parking assist and automatic steering, and sets the suspension rather than letting it automatically adjust for height.

With a starting price the wrong side of £100,000, it’s not going to be within many people’s budgets, though.

Tesla Model X

Best hybrid & electric cars for towing

So, you want to do the right thing and buy an electric or hybrid car, but you also need to tow a caravan or trailer occasionally. What’s the best alternative-fuel car for you?...

Best hybrid & electric cars for towing

So, you want to do the right thing and buy an electric or hybrid car, but you also need to tow a caravan or trailer occasionally. What’s the best alternative-fuel car for you?.....

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