Are hybrid cars any good for towing?

Some hybrid cars are good for towing, but not all. As this list shows, there are lots of good options if you want a hybrid towcar, but some hybrids aren’t homologated for towing whatsoever. Hybrid cars are also efficient in day-to-day driving, so you don’t need a big thirsty diesel towcar any more.

Are there any hybrid cars that can tow?

Yes, there are plenty of hybrid cars that can tow. Some can tow 750kg or a tonne, which’ll be enough for a small trailer, while more powerful cars can tow more than two tonnes – the same as a big diesel engine.

Is there a hybrid car that can tow a caravan?

Yes, there are hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars that can tow a caravan. If you’ve got a small caravan, a midsize hybrid SUV will manage that, while more premium models can hook up to a double axle caravan thanks to big engines.

Which hybrid can tow 3,500kg?

The Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover Defender, Audi Q7 and Audi Q8 plug-in hybrids can tow 3,500kg.

What hybrid has the best towing capacity?

A few luxury SUVs, such as the Land Rover Defender and Audi Q7, can tow a 3,500kg braked trailer – which is the maximum legal limit for a car on UK roads.

Hybrid Cars

Best hybrid tow cars

• 5 min read

Ben Custard

Content Editor

Ben is a Content Editor at Motorpoint. He's written for Top Gear and Auto Express, and has written a book. He likes hot hatches, estates and weird Japanese cars

Want a car that’s economical most of the time, and has plenty of power for towing? Sounds like a hybrid tow car could be perfect for you.

There are still a few hybrid cars that can’t tow at all but, thankfully, a growing number can – and there are some very good tow cars on this list.

We’ve included plug-in-hybrid cars – which need recharging from the mains to be most efficient – and ‘self-charging’ hybrid cars that have a smaller battery but only need refuelling, not recharging.

Best plug-in hybrid cars for towing
Best hybrid cars for towing

Best plug-in hybrid cars for towing

Volkswagen Touareg eHybrid

Towing capacity: 3,500kg
Kerb weight: 2,360kg
85% match: 2,006kg
Electric range: 29 miles

The Volkswagen Touareg is a card-holding member of the 3,500kg towing capacity club, and that’s true whether you pick petrol, diesel or plug-in power (even the Touareg eHybrid has a grunty 3.0-litre engine). With a full battery, the Touareg will manage close to 30 miles of EV power – not loads, but if you mainly do short journeys the eHybrid will cost less to run than a petrol or diesel Touareg.

Fancy a bit more luxury? The Audi Q7 55 TFSI e and Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid use the same engine and have the same 3,500kg maximum braked towing capacity.

Shop used Volkswagen Touareg cars for sale at Motorpoint

BMW X5 xDrive50e

Towing capacity: 2,700kg
Kerb weight: 2,495kg
85% match: 2,120kg
Electric range: 64 miles

One of our favourite PHEVs, the plug-in-hybrid BMW X5 combines a creamy six-cylinder engine with over 60 miles of zero-emission running – suppressing the X5’s high fuel costs if you can charge regularly. There is nothing the X5 doesn’t excel at: it’s peerless on the motorway, quite good fun for its size and it can tow more than many of its contemporaries – especially if you stick to the 85% match guideline. Whether it’s a project car on a trailer or a twin-axle caravan, the X5 won’t even break a sweat.

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Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge

Towing capacity: 2,400kg
Kerb weight: 2,365kg
85% match: 2,010kg
Electric range: 43 miles

The Volvo XC90 T8 is the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s hybrid tow car of the year for 2026, where it was praised for its sure-footedness while hooked up, its beautiful interior and long-distance cruising ability.

If you don’t need the XC90’s seven seats, or need a slightly more affordable option, go for the XC60 T8 – it has the same engine as the XC90 and nearly the same towing capacity.

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Mazda CX-60 PHEV

Towing capacity: 2,500kg
Kerb weight: 2,133kg
85% match: 1,813kg
Electric range: 39 miles

The CX-60 is Mazda’s premium SUV, and it certainly feels like it when you sit inside. While it aims to balance comfort and sportiness, the CX-60’s real plus point is its versatility – especially when it’ll tow even a large caravan with ease. The PHEV and the 3.3-litre inline-six diesel engine both give you up to 2,500kg of braked towing capacity. As an extra plus point, parking the CX-60 next to your caravan gives you something nice to look at every time you go outside.

Shop used Mazda CX-60 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Mazda CX-60 review

Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid

Towing capacity: 1,800kg
Kerb weight: 1,866kg
85% match: 1,586kg
Electric range: 77 miles

Alright, so the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid’s towing capacity is a bit lower than the other cars we’ve just mentioned, but the Tiguan is cheaper to buy and a bit easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. It doesn’t have luxury car running costs like the Touareg does, and it’s a lot easier to park, too. Without anything on the towbar, the Tiguan can be used as a pure electric car for many journeys if you can charge regularly.

Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review

Best hybrid cars for towing

Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Towing capacity: 1,800kg
Kerb weight: 1,988kg
85% match: 1,690kg

Nissan’s hybrid engine isn’t like other brands’. Whereas most hybrids can be driven briefly by the electric motor but more often by the engine, Nissan’s e-Power setup only uses the motor – with the petrol engine used in a supporting role. This works well – you get the smoothness of fully electric driving with the flexibility of the petrol engine. A good towing capacity, too, ensuring that the X-Trail is a great all-rounder for families or drivers who regularly tow.

Shop used Nissan X-Trail cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Nissan X-Trail review

Ford Kuga FHEV

Towing capacity: 1,600kg
Kerb weight: 1,689kg
85% match: 1,436kg

The Ford Kuga gives you the choice of ‘self-charging’ and plug-in-hybrid engines, and both can tow a 1,600kg braked trailer. We’ve picked the non plug-in option here, because it’ll suit drivers who can’t recharge regularly – and the PHEV’s 40-mile electric range isn’t the best you’ll find. Whichever you choose, the Kuga brings a simple-to-use interior and pleasingly direct handling.

Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Ford Kuga review

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Towing capacity: 1,510kg
Kerb weight: 1,698kg
85% match: 1,443kg

One of our favourite midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Tucson is another car that gives you the choice of hybrid engines. Around town, the Tucson Hybrid can manage close to 50mpg, and the electrical assistance gives you a satisfying boost of power at low speeds. This midsize SUV has a midsize towing capacity, so it’ll be fine for you if your caravan isn’t the towed equivalent of a palace. A big boot, spacious rear seats and a premium interior make the Tucson fit for all the family.

Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Hyundai Tucson review

Lexus RX350h

Towing capacity: 2,000kg
Kerb weight: 2,040kg
85% match: 1,734kg

If you’ve got deeper pockets but still want an efficient car, the Lexus RX promises well over 40mpg and a smooth, restrained driving experience. It doesn’t spur you on to drive fast, but you’ll likely feel very relaxed – even after a long drive with a heavy trailer on the back. The RX is a bit more exclusive than the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, but that means you’ll notice its handsome styling even more.

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Kia Sportage HEV

Towing capacity: 1,510kg
Kerb weight: 1,649kg
85% match: 1,401kg

Sharing engines and parts with the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage is another boldly styled SUV with plenty of space and plenty of screens. Kia’s seven-year warranty adds another string to the Sportage’s bow, so you’ve got plenty of peace of mind, too.

Shop used Kia Sportage cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Kia Sportage review