The 10 best SUVs for towing you can buy in 2025

Plus, modern SUVs are usually just as good on the road as their hatchback, saloon and estate counterparts. They also have the same creature comforts, helping make light work of long journeys.

Here are our 10 favourite SUVs for towing – starting with the brawny and building up to the heaviest haulers you can buy – all available either as new or used cars.

Nissan X-Trail

• Towing capacity – up to 2,000kg

The latest Nissan X-Trail has ditched diesel engines entirely but, unlike rivals that've done the same, it hasn't lost any claimed towing capacity. You'll want the cheaper mild-hybrid model with the five-seat interior for the maximum 2,000kg braked towing capacity – adding third-row seating drops this total by 200kg. Our favourite engine for the X-Trail – the EV-like E-Power self-charging hybrid – also achieves respectable figures for a hybrid SUV, with four-wheel-drive E-4orce cars pulling 1,800kg, or 1,650kg if you pick the seven-seat interior.

Check out used Nissan X-Trail cars or read our Nissan X-Trail review

Ford Kuga

• Towing capacity – up to 2,100kg

The overhauled Ford Kuga gets updated styling and a slimmed-down engine range. Thankfully, the car's well-judged ride and handling remains unchanged, with intuitive steering and superb body control. You'll no longer find torquey diesel engines in the lineup, with just the entry-level petrol plus self-charging and plug-in-hybrid options. Other cars that've lost their diesel options have usually lost towing capacity with it, but the Kuga's PHEV setup has been beefed up so it can pull the same headline 2,100kg figure as older diesel models.

View used Ford Kuga cars or read our Ford Kuga review.

Mazda CX-5

• Towing capacity – up to 2,100kg

Considering it's a practical family SUV, the Mazda CX-5 has no right looking this good – especially in the brand's signature 'Soul Red' colour. Backing up the sculpted looks is the CX-5's driving experience, with excellent road holding and more agility than you might expect from a tall SUV. Space is good for passengers – even for the fifth seat occupant – and the boot can easily handle holiday luggage or a portly pooch. Most versions apart from the entry-level model can pull 2,000kg, while the range-topping auto diesel can muster 2,100kg.

Search used Mazda CX-5 cars or read our Mazda CX-5 review

Skoda Kodiaq

• Towing capacity – up to 2,500kg

The Skoda Kodiaq is a supremely practical SUV with the option of seven seats. All versions are easy to use, keeping key physical controls on the dashboard, while other VW Group cars are ditching them in favour of totally screen-based setups. Every Kodiaq apart from the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol and plug-in-hybrid models can tow at least 2,000kg. For the most pulling power, however, you'll want either a 2.0-litre petrol or a four-wheel-drive diesel version – these can pull 2,300kg normally, or 2,500kg if the tow bar was factory fitted.

Shop used Skoda Kodiaq cars or read our Skoda Kodiaq review

Mercedes GLC

• Towing capacity – up to 2,500kg

Full-size Mercedes SUVs can easily run into six-figure territory. Thankfully, the mid-sized Mercedes GLC still has a muscular towing figure and the kind of plush, luxurious you'd expect from a car bearing the three-pointed star – all at prices that are a little more down to earth. All versions – even the plug-in hybrid – can pull a two-tonne braked trailer. However, for the maximum 2,500kg capacity, you'll want either the 220d or 300d diesel engines with their low-down grunt. Alternatively, the sporty 300 petrol can pull a respectable 2,400kg.

Take a look at used Mercedes GLC cars

Kia Sorento

• Towing capacity – up to 2,500kg

The Kia Sorento is the sister car to the Hyundai Santa Fe. While it might not be as hip as its blocky sibling, the Sorento is still available with the stout 2.2-litre diesel engine, where the Santa Fe has gone hybrid-only, losing some towing capacity in the process. This brawny setup delivers 191hp and lots of lot-down grunt, with a rated towing capacity of 2,500kg. It's also one of the few seven-seat SUVs that can fit full-sized adults in the third row, compared to many in the class that struggle to fit even taller children back there.

Browse used Kia SUVs for sale or read our Kia Sorento review

Audi Q7

• Towing capacity – up to 3,500kg

It's hard to think of an area where the Audi Q7 underperforms – perhaps its premium price is the only thing holding it back from true greatness. If your budget can stretch to the brand's big seven-seater, however, you won't regret the investment. It's easy to drive and cruises with grace and sophistication, and there's acres of room inside, with space for adults in all seven seats. Equip it with one of the muscly 3.0-litre diesel engines and you can pull up to three-and-a-half tonnes – the maximum permitted by regular UK driving licences.

See a selection of used Audi Q7 cars for sale

BMW X5

• Towing capacity – up to 3,500kg

The BMW X5 scales up the brand's typical user experience into a spacious, practical SUV format. That means you get physics-defying handling that masks the X5's significant mass, while maintaining a well-judged ride quality that tunes out road bumps without upsetting the car's stability. Interior quality is excellent and recent models get the brand's latest iDrive infotainment system, which looks bang up to date and comes stocked with functions. Torquey diesel engines give the X5 a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

Shop used BMW X5 cars

Range Rover

• Towing capacity – up to 3,500kg

If you have a big budget for your tow car, why compromise? The 'full-fat' Range Rover is truly imperious with a stately presence, ultra-luxurious cabin and a commanding driving experience. You sit up high, lording it over lesser SUVs while enjoying an unhindered view of the road ahead. All versions apart from the plug-in hybrid can tow the maximum 3,500kg braked-trailer figure and, with such road-hugging weight, they'll feel as stable as a rock while doing so. Of course, it's also unstoppable off-road – if you're brave enough to risk the bodywork.

Search used Land Rover and Range Rover cars for sale

Volkswagen Touareg

• Towing capacity – up to 3,500kg

Under the skin, the Volkswagen Touareg shares engines and parts with the Audi Q7 but, by omitting the four-ringed badge, you have a lower purchase price and better value for money. There's little sacrifice in capability, either, with the Touareg still offering an excess of space for passengers and a huge boot. In fact, the only downside is that the big Volkswagen misses out on the Audi's seven-seat cabin layout. That won't matter when towing, however, with a maximum capacity of 3,500kg when outfitted with the punchy 3.0-litre diesel engine.

Browse used Volkswagen SUVs for sale

Load-lugging power without the price tag

Motorpoint has an enormous choice of used SUVs, all with warranty cover. If you want to tow while cutting your environmental footprint, check out our picks for the best electric 4x4s.