The best petrol tow cars have come a long way. Most modern petrols are turbocharged, which helps the engines to deliver strong mid-range pulling power and impressive economy.
While hybrids and fully electric cars now account for a high proportion of new car sales, there are good reasons to choose petrol power when you’re looking for the best caravan tow car.
As a general rule, petrol tow cars are cheaper (although that’s not always the case). They often have higher towing capacities than hybrid models and electric tow cars, even when they are less powerful.
If you plan to stick with the internal combustion engine, these are five of our favourite petrol-powered tow cars.
Please note: Vehicles pictured may not be exact model or year
The best petrol tow cars
Volkswagen Passat 1.5 eTSI R-Line
Cupra Terramar 2.0 TSI VZ2 265PS 4Drive DSG
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi Pure
Škoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE L Edition
BMW 320i M Sport Touring
The best petrol tow car
Volkswagen Passat 1.5 eTSI R-Line
- Price: £45,220
- Kerbweight: 1573kg
- 85% match figure: 1337kg
- Maximum towing weight: 1600kg
It’s far from the most powerful or heaviest of tow cars, but the Passat is an excellent all-rounder. While there are no fireworks from the 1.5-litre petrol engine, there’s enough poke for towing a sensible car/caravan match. The 85% match figure of 1337kg means tourers such as the Bailey Discovery D4-4 and the Sprite Alpine 4 DB make sensible matches.
Although it’s not the quickest of tow cars, the Passat is also fuel efficient. We saw 28.5mpg while towing. It’s stable, too. The long wheelbase and controlled suspension contribute to excellent towing manners. Long journeys are straightforward and relaxed.
In solo driving, the Passat does most things well. It corners neatly without sacrificing comfort, and the petrol engine is smoother and quieter than the VW Group’s 2.0-litre diesel. That’s just as well, because the Passat isn’t available with diesel power.
The cabin is very spacious for people and luggage. You’ll find ample head and legroom in the back of this petrol tow car, while the 690-litre boot makes the VW one of the roomiest estate tow cars on sale.
An early Passat Mk9 is available at big savings compared to new. We’ve seen a 2024 example with 27,000 miles for £23,949.
Cupra Terramar 2.0 TSI VZ2 265PS 4Drive DSG
- Price: £51,120
- Kerbweight: 1750kg
- 85% match: 1488kg
- Towing limit: 2200kg
The Cupra Terramar deserves a wider audience. It’s closely related to the Volkswagen Tiguan, but it costs significantly less and it’s more fun to drive.
Company car drivers will probably prefer the plug-in hybrid, which costs less in benefit-in-kind tax. However, the lighter petrol model is more agile. It also has a bigger boot, as there’s no need to find room for the high-voltage battery.
As a tow car, the Cupra pulls with determination thanks to the 2.0-litre TSI engine’s 265hp and 295 lb ft of torque. Car and caravan easily reach 60mph before the end of a motorway slip road.
This model is four-wheel drive, which makes for fuss-free hill starts and helps the Terramar put its power to the road cleanly.
Sending power to all four wheels is a benefit in solo driving as well as while towing, contributing to brisk and unflustered cross-country journeys. Compared with a Tiguan, the Terramar is sportier and lower to the ground.
The cabin is stylish and solidly made, while equipment is generous, but it’s a shame there’s not more legroom in the back.
Used models are good value. We spotted a 2025 car with 12,500 miles advertised online for £34,594.
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi Pure
- Price: £31,395
- Kerbweight: 1552kg
- 85% match: 1319kg
- Towing limit: 1650kg
While the Sportage petrol tow car is much less powerful than the hybrid version, it’s the model that relies on internal combustion which has the higher towing capacity.
The 1.6 T-GDi is approved for towing 1650kg, which is 140kg more than the hybrid – although we do still consider the Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi HEV (207hp) 2WD ‘3’ to be one of the best hybrid tow cars. In the case of the petrol Sportage, we’d recommend abiding by the 85% guideline for stability, which makes caravans weighing up to 1319kg a prudent match.
We haven’t towed with this specific model, but every Sportage we have used to pull a caravan has proven stable. With 147bhp, the entry-level petrol car won’t have huge reserves while towing but it should cope with a carefully matched caravan.
In solo driving, the petrol tow car holds its own compared with the hybrid. It’s slower, of course, but the ride is more comfortable, especially if you choose ‘Pure’ spec with its smaller wheels and taller tyres.
There’s plenty of space front and rear, along with a decent luggage capacity of 591 litres. Despite Pure being the entry-level version the car is still well equipped, with touch screen sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Add in some good towing equipment and you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable experience on the road.
Nearly new cars on 75-plates with just a few hundred miles cost around £25,000.
Škoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE L Edition
- Price: £34,310
- Kerbweight: 1402kg
- 85% match: 1192kg
- Towing limit: 1500kg
For many drivers, the Karoq is the sweet spot in the Škoda range. And you can make a good case for the 1.5 TSI SE L Edition being the best buy in the Karoq line-up.
The 1.5-litre engine punches above its modest capacity and will comfortably tow lightweight tourers, so could be a good petrol tow car for owners of small caravans. They will need to be quite light if you take a belts and braces approach to outfit matching, as the 85% match figure is a modest 1192kg.
So long as that weight is adequate for your needs, the Karoq makes an excellent petrol tow car. It’s stable at speed – in fact, you’d think it were a heavier car from the way it tows.
The Karoq excels in daily driving. Without the weight of a tourer to hold it back the engine delivers strong acceleration and impressive economy. It handles well and rides comfortably.
The Škoda is a fine family SUV, with lots of space front and rear. Adults can travel in the back without feeling cramped, and the boot has a healthy 521-litre capacity.
Shop for a used example, and you’ll have a wide choice. A 72-reg used Škoda Karoq from 2023 with 60,000 miles will cost around £14,400.
BMW 320i M Sport Touring
- Price: £46,750
- Kerbweight: 1660kg
- 85% match: 1411kg
- Towing limit: 1600kg
This is the keen driver’s choice. Of the five cars that we’re recommending here, the BMW 3 Series is the one to choose for a solo drive on a twisty country road.
It’s also a very capable tow car. The BMW keeps its weight low to the ground, which together with firmly controlled suspension makes for excellent stability at speed.
There’s plenty of power for towing, with strong acceleration all the way to the legal limit. Maintaining speed on a hilly road is straightforward.
This may be the least powerful engine available in the 3 Series, but the 184hp petrol is punchy enough to keep most drivers happy.
Inside, the driver and front-seat passenger have plenty of space. You sit low to the floor, which may not suit everyone, but does contribute to the feeling of connection with the car on a winding B-road.
Rear seat space isn’t a traditional strength of the 3 Series, but the current generation is more accommodating. Just don’t expect it to match the legroom of the VW Passat.
Look for a used BMW 3 Series and you’ll pay around £28,000 for a 23-reg car with 30,000 miles on the clock. That’s almost £20,000 less than a brand new example.
One thing you will want to avoid when you’re on the road is the dreaded snake. Take a look at what our expert has to say about caravan snaking, including what it is, how to avoid it, and what to do if it happens.
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