Towcar of the Year 2025
20/09/2024
The Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus led the way at this year’s awards
Victorious Volvo wins a host of trophies in the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025 Awards
The Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus has won this year’s overall trophy and been crowned Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025 as well as winning three other categories; Caravan weight over 1800kg, Family Towcars and Hybrid Towcars.
The mightily impressive Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus wowed the judges with its effortless performance, towing capability, ease of driving, comfort levels and roomy interior which is ideal for discerning caravanners. The XC60 is a seriously impressive towcar.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year, the leisure vehicle industry’s original and longest standing towcar testing awards, put 33 top class entrants through their paces around the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground’s demanding and world-class testing facilities.
The 33 entrants were put into caravan weight categories – rather than being listed by price – to make it easier for buyers to know which cars could tow their caravans. Cars were divided into seven weight categories, plus categories for Pick-Up Towcars, Family Towcar, Large Family Towcar, Electric Towcar, Hybrid Towcar and Luxury Towcar.
Electric power continued its advance with six of this year’s entrants being plug-in hybrids and nine being pure electric. And variety was the name of the game across all the entries – from estate cars to luxury SUVs, crossovers to MPVs, hard-core 4x4s like the Ineos Grenadier to the wind-cheating Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric saloon, the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025 had everything.
Every one of the cars featured in this year’s competition has been extensively evaluated – for more information about each model, including technical data, visit camc.com/towcar.
The complete winners’ line-up:
Caravan weight under 1200kg
Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro 77kWh 286PS
The Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro 77kWh 286PS easily took the category win. It came out on top on account of its spacious interior, huge boot, and beautifully supple ride. And depending on trim, the ID.7 can travel impressive distances on one charge – Volkswagen claims up to 436 miles unhitched.
Caravan weight 1200kg - 1300kg
Volkswagen Golf Estate Style 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG
The Volkswagen Golf has long been the default choice for those who want a well-engineered car with timeless styling and a quality, practical interior. Judges liked the Golf’s nimble handling, comfortable ride, responsive mild-hybrid engine, and simply enormous boot.
Caravan weight 1300kg - 1500kg
ŠKODA Superb Estate 1.5 TSi e-TEC 150PS DSG
The Skoda Superb has long been a Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year favourite. This generation of Superb has only just arrived in the UK and it boasts a larger interior than the outgoing model, as well as a new look. In this SE L guise, the judges liked its smooth and quiet driving manners, rear legroom – it rivals that of a limousine – and enormous boot. The 148bhp, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine provides good all-round performance and fuel economy. Judges loved the Superb’s stability at low and high speeds, and excellent rear visibility when reversing a caravan.
Caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg & Luxury Towcars & Electric Towcars
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
The 5 Series Touring has traditionally been a great towcar and the brand new electric version (the first ever electric 5 Series) keeps up the tradition. It’s a luxurious estate car with a wonderful blend of desirable features that bowled over the judges. BMW’s latest interiors offer outstanding tech and fantastic build quality, while there’s loads of space in the back seats and boot. Engaging handling just sealed the deal. It also took the Electric Towcar and Luxury Towcar category wins for its fantastic drive, a claimed solo 324-mile range from its 81.2kWh battery, and plush feel.
Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ultimate 77.4kWh 328PS AWD
Another electric car taking class honours, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 really impressed the judging panel this year. Here in 77.4kWh all-wheel drive form, the vehicle was praised for its smooth performance, super-fast charging capability, cool looks, driving range and hugely spacious interior and refined drive. It’s a deceptively large car, and 2025 model year vehicles get a larger 82kWh battery pack and longer range.
Caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg
Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra
Volvo took the sad decision to remove its estate cars from the UK in August 2023 citing falling appetite for load-luggers. But now the V60 and the larger V90 estates have returned – and it’s great news because Volvo estates have always made for great towcars. The V90 now only comes with plug-in hybrid power, and that means silky smooth performance even when the battery is depleted. It’s a classy, traditional choice that tows confidently and has a fantastically practical interior.
Pick-Up Towcars
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 240PS auto
Some caravan owners want a workhorse during the week and a vehicle that can easily haul a caravan at weekends and over summer holidays – and the Volkswagen Amarok is the best pick-up for that this year. It’s built as part of a technology partnership with Ford, with the Amarok being very closely related to the Ford Ranger, but the Amarok has that certain extra little something. Its upmarket looks are matched to an equally upmarket interior, which shows pick-ups don’t have to be unrefined and agricultural. It has good on-road manners, is hugely capable off-road, and tows with serious competency. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is punchy, and the ride is decent when hitched.
Large Family Towcars
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
This is the third year running that the Multivan has walked off with a Large Family Towcar category win, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great vehicle, being easy to drive and park, well-mannered on different road types and simply enormous inside. The interior can be configured in various ways, boosting flexibility too. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel is a good engine. If you need space, the Mulitivan can’t be beaten.
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025 & Caravan weight over 1800kg & Family Towcars & Hybrid Towcars
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
The Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus won the Family and Hybrid category awards and was also voted overall Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025. It’s an impressive car, luxurious, practical and just exudes ‘cool’. The XC60 was universally praised as an excellent towcar for the discerning caravanner. One judge described it as ‘a really impressive towcar with effortless performance on all parts of the circuit.’ It has the potential to carry family-sized luggage loads, has a level stance when hitched to a suitably sized caravan, and has excellent visibility for pitch reversing procedures. There's no better towcar on sale right now.
Link to images: TCOY 2025
Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said, “We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to all the worthy winners in the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025 Awards. Our panel of independent judges were able to evaluate the entrants in order to provide professional, qualified and unbiased information to help everyone who plans to buy a towing vehicle. Leisure vehicle holidays continue to be hugely popular and here at the Caravan and Motorhome Club we know our 1m+ members eagerly await the results of these awards in order to help them make an informed decision and help them to find the perfect towcar for their needs.”
Each car was put through its paces at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, which provides a variety of testing driving environments. Manufacturers were invited to submit for testing any vehicle that was capable of towing a trailer over 750kg and on sale on 1 October 2024.
The Club’s Scrutiny team thoroughly checked each vehicle before handing it over to the ‘caravanability’ and driving judges.
Caravanability judges tested whether a car’s boot could swallow the bulky accessories normally needed on a caravan trip. They also measured the towball height, both solo and hitched up, and checked the towing information provided in the manufacturer’s handbook.
The cars were then hitched up to caravans ballasted to 85% of their kerbweight, or towing limit if lower. Using specialised apparatus the technical judges then measured the cars’ acceleration and braking capabilities. The car/caravan combinations were then passed over to the driving judges who set off around the UTAC Millbrook circuit to put the vehicles through their paces. The cars were tested at speeds of up to 55mph on the ‘Alpine route’, which featured various gradients culminating in a 17% hill start and a 26% downhill brake test. The ability to join fast traffic from a standstill was also assessed.
Judges then took the vehicles to the high-speed bowl to further assess their capabilities at speeds in excess of UK legal limits. In the safety of a controlled environment, the judges could induce some instability at 60mph to see how the cars reacted. The vehicles were also put through reversing examinations. All-important issues of driver and passenger comfort and visibility were also assessed.
During the exhaustive four-day test, the vehicles are taken on several hundred circuits of the Millbrook Proving Ground, consisting of many laps of the high-speed circular track and demanding alpine hill route.
The results of the competition were announced at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London on 20 September. The awards were presented by British former professional tennis player and current radio and television presenter, Annabel Croft.
The judging panel:
James Batchelor: freelance journalist, experienced road tester and presenter; James was previously on AutoExpress magazine, he’s also the Club’s chief towcar reviewer.
Dan Cartwright: a passionate caravan advocate since 1989, Dan founded Caravan Times (Axonn Media) in 2010 and is its chief car tester.
Lee Davey: a road tester for numerous motorhome titles, Lee raced motorbikes nationally before switching to caravanning. He has towed in over thirty countries.
Sammy Faircloth: freelance journalist, passionate about caravanning and a highly experienced towcar user.
Chris Rosamond: representing Auto Express, Chris is an experienced national motoring journalist.
Technical judges: Deborah Black from the Club’s Events Committee measured the cars’ acceleration and braking capabilities using specialised apparatus along with Mark Sutcliffe, a regular Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year judge and former editor of Which Caravan.
Caravanability judges: Caroline and Keith Rogers spend hours checking whether each car will accommodate a typical caravanner's kit, as well as access to such things as spare wheels, towing electrics and technical information.
Members who own any of the Caravan and Motorhome Club category winners since 2014 (T’s&C’s apply) are eligible for a 10% discount on the Club's Car Insurance. Visit Car Insurance for more details.
For more information about the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year competition please visit https://www.camc.com/towcar/
For further information and details about the Caravan and Motorhome Club visit www.camc.com
Thanks: The Caravan and Motorhome Club would like to thank Bailey of Bristol for supplying all the caravans used in the competition, and for providing staff on-site throughout the event. The Bailey team ensured the caravans were correctly ballasted, that their noseweights were kept in trim and that they were in general good working order. Thanks also to AL-KO who ensured brakes were adjusted, wheels were kept tight and all undergear was properly fettled.
-Ends-
Media enquiries
Nikki Nichol, External Communications and Sponsorship Manager at the Caravan and Motorhome Club on 07771 834443 or email nikki.nichol@camc.com
Notes to editors
About Caravan and Motorhome Club
Championing and helping its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring, the Caravan and Motorhome Club represents the interests of over 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan and trailer tent owners across the UK. With over 117 years of knowledge and expertise, the Club has a wealth of experience and prides itself on offering great value and high quality campsites for tourers and glampers. Caravan and Motorhome Club membership is just £63 per year and provides members with access to over 2,700 quality campsites across the UK and Europe. As the UK’s No. 1 rated touring club* it makes sure members get the most from their membership, saving them money with great value offers whether touring or at home. The Club also offers a range of escorted European tours which are protected by ABTA. Plus escorted and independent tours in Australasia, North America and Southern Africa which are also fully protected, either by ABTA or ATOL when a flight is included. All members can take advantage of expert advice, overseas travel services, cover and insurance and exclusive member offers and discounts.
For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.
*As rated on Trustpilot
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025
Winners
Caravan weight under 1200kg
Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro 77kWh 286PS
Caravan weight 1200kg - 1300kg
Volkswagen Golf Estate Style 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG
Caravan weight 1300kg - 1500kg
ŠKODA Superb Estate 1.5 TSi e-TEC 150PS DSG
Caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ultimate 77.4kWh 328PS AWD
Caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg
Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra
Caravan weight over 1800kg
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Electric Towcars
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
Hybrid Towcars
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Pick-Up Towcars
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 240PS auto
Family Towcars
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Large Family Towcars
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
Luxury Towcars
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
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Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2025
Entry List
Caravan weight under 1200kg
Hyundai KONA Electric Ultimate 65kWh
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz Style 77kWh Pro 204PS
Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro 77kWh 286PS
Caravan weight 1200kg - 1300kg
CUPRA Ateca 1.5 TSI V2 150PS DSG
Hyundai KONA N Line S 1.6 Hybrid 141PS 6DCT
SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI SE Tech 150PS DSG
Volkswagen Golf Estate Style 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG
Caravan weight 1300kg - 1500kg
ŠKODA Superb Estate 1.5 TSi e-TEC 150PS DSG
Volkswagen Passat R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
Caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
Ford Kuga 2.5I FHEV ST-LINE X 5dr 190PS AWD Auto
Honda CR-V PHEV (Advance Tech)
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Ultimate 325PS AWD
Polestar 2 long range dual motor
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Design
Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ultimate 77.4kWh 328PS AWD
ŠKODA Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS 4x4 DSG
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance
Caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg
Isuzu New-Look D-Max V-Cross
Kia Sorento Diesel ‘3’ 2.2-litre CRDi 8-speed DCT
Mazda CX-60 3.3D 254ps AWD Homura Auto
Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra
Caravan weight over 1800kg
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD
Land Rover Defender 110 D300 HSE D Mhev Auto
Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 240PS auto
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
Volkswagen Touareg Black Edition 3.0 TDI 286PS DSG
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Categories:
Electric Towcars
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ultimate 77.4kWh 328PS AWD
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Ultimate 325PS AWD
Hyundai KONA Electric Ultimate 65kWh
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD
Polestar 2 long range dual motor
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz Style 77kWh Pro 204PS
Volkswagen ID.7 Match Pro 77kWh 286PS
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance
Hybrid Towcars
Honda CR-V PHEV (Advance Tech)
Hyundai KONA 1.6 Hybrid 129PS 6DCT
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in GR Sport
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Pick-Up Towcars
Isuzu New-Look D-Max V-Cross
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 240PS auto
Family Towcars (5 seater, can tow over 1400kg with ISOfix points)
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
Ford Kuga 2.5I FHEV ST-LINE X 5dr 190PS AWD Auto
Honda CR-V PHEV (Advance Tech)
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Ultimate 77.4kWh 328PS AWD
Hyundai IONIQ 6 Ultimate 325PS AWD
INEOS Grenadier Trailmaster
Land Rover Defender 110 D300 HSE D Mhev Auto
Mazda CX-60 3.3D 254ps AWD Homura Auto
Polestar 2 long range dual motor
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
ŠKODA Superb Estate 1.5 TSi e-TEC 150PS DSG
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in GR Sport
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
Volkswagen Touareg Black Edition 3.0 TDI 286PS DSG
Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance
Volvo V90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Ultra
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
Large Family Towcars (6 or 7 seats, can tow over 1500kg with ISOfix points)
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD
Kia Sorento Diesel ‘3’ 2.2-litre CRDi 8-speed DCT
Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan
ŠKODA Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS 4x4 DSG
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG
Luxury Towcars
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro Touring
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid