Tow Car Awards: overall winner 2009

Kerb weight 1960kg Max towing weight 2000kg Towball limit 90kg

After two years of estate cars winning the Tow Car Awards, we had our first SUV champion – the 2008-2017 Volvo XC60 – in year three. Here's what we said at the time:

Many cars made our judges sit up and take notice during the 2009 testing, but one stood out over all the others: the Volvo XC60.

First and foremost, it’s a cracking tow car, with a strong engine and unshakeable stability. Unlike some alternatives, however, it combines this control with comfort; it’s the kind of car you’d happily tow with from one end of the country to the other.

It should look after you in an emergency, too. Stand on the brakes, and the XC60 stops in just 10.6 metres. When car and caravan together weigh more 3.5 tonnes, that’s impressive.

The XC60 is also safe in other ways, with clever features such as City Safety which, at low speeds, will actually stop the car completely if it’s about to hit the car in front. And the crash-test experts at Euro NCAP have given the XC60 their seal of approval with a five-star rating.

You don’t just choose this SUV for sensible reasons, though. The design, both inside and out, is fresh and engaging: a world away from Volvos of 10 or 15 years ago. What's more, it’s fun to drive, with an impressive turn of speed and agile handling for such a big, heavy car; anyone trading in a saloon or hatchback will feel right at home.

Great to look at, to travel in and tow with, the Volvo just had to win.

Our ratings

Towing 4/5 Solo driving 5/5 Practicality 5/5 Buying and owning 4/5 Overall 5/5

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

See the latest Tow Car Awards winners >>