Tow Car Awards 2026: Best for towing up to 1700kg
If you’re looking for a great tow car that will also be enjoyable to drive solo, you need one of our Tow Car Awards winners. Here we look at the best buy for towing up to 1700kg...
Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 193 Sportline 4x4 DSG
KEY FACTS: List price £51,575 Best price £45,390 Kerb weight 1852kg 85% match 1574kg Towing capacity 2400kg Towball limit 100kg
When our judges met to decide the winner of this class, the conversation was a short one. The Skoda Kodiaq is, quite simply, one of the best tow cars you can buy.
The sale of new diesel models will be banned in the not too distant future, but the Kodiaq makes us glad you can still buy them right now. Its muscular engine pulls car and caravan from 30-60mph in 10.6sec. Plus, the Kodiaq easily holds 60mph into a headwind.
Stability has to be top priority when choosing a tow car, and this is another area in which the Kodiaq excels. At our test track, the big Skoda was comfortable at speeds which would be illegal on the motorway, and it bosses the caravan in an emergency lane-change. Accurate and well weighted steering helps the driver to place car and caravan precisely.
Hill starts are also straightforward. The electronic parking brake holds the outfit still and releases smoothly. Although there’s a little more noise when pulling away compared with some hybrids there’s no arguing with the Kodiaq’s pulling power and 4x4 traction.
The Skoda scored highly with our practicality judges, too. The drop-down tow bar’s electrics are easy to reach without the bumper getting in the way, and with seats six and seven folded away there’s room for a full load of holiday luggage.
The Kodiaq is easy to enjoy as an everyday drive as well as a tow car. Although it’s big, it doesn’t feel unwieldy around town, and the ride is smooth on all types of road. Long drives are relaxed and comfortable.
The interior has plenty of room for five, and the sixth and seventh seats add extra flexibility. It’s a bit tight for adults in the third row, but the same applies to most of the Kodiaq’s alternatives.
In Sportline spec, the Kodiaq diesel now costs more than £50,000. However, we can put you in touch with dealers who will knock several thousands pounds off.
However much you pay, it’s reassuring to know that the Kodiaq has a five-star rating from Euro NCAP’s safety experts.
OUR RATINGS: Towing 5/5 Solo driving 5/5 Practicality 4/5 Buying and owning 4/5 Overall 5/5
Best of the rest in this class
Volkswagen Tayron 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line Edition 4/5
Kia Sorento HEV Pure AWD 4/5
Audi A5 Avant eHybrid quattro Vorsprung S tronic 4/5
Citroën C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid 195 Max 3/5
Subaru Forester 2.0i Touring 2/5
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