Last updated October 03, 2025 by
Neil Briscoe
What are the best SUVs with the highest towing weights you can buy in the UK in 2025
A great reason for buying a big SUV is towing. There are lower slung cars that can tow heavy loads (a Skoda Superb Estate can manage a fairly hefty 2,200kg for instance…) but there’s a bit of security in the size, weight, and the four-wheel drive of a proper SUV, and it means you’re sticking closer to the golden 85% rule for towing — that’s a recommendation, rather than a rule, but people who know towing often say that it’s best to make sure that your trailer and its load (or caravan or horsebox etc) weighs 85% of the kerb weight of your car. It’s a good rule of thumb for towing stability, if nothing else. Cars such as the Land Rover Defender, Hyundai Santa Fe, and BMW X5 fit this category rather nicely.
The maximum towing weight, on a trailer with its own braking system connected to your car’s brakes, is 3,500kg (it’s 750kg without brakes) and as long as you passed your test since January 1997, you should be able to tow up to that maximum weight without upgrading your licence. If you passed your test before Jan 1997, that’s also the case, but as a bonus you can also drive bigger, heavier vehicles too. Remember too that you’re limited in speed when towing — 50mph on single carriageways, and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Here’s Carwow’s list of the best big SUVs for towing, ranked by how much they are officially rated to haul behind them, rather than how highly we rate them overall.
1. Land Rover Defender. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Land Rover Defender 110 review
Land Rovers are born to tow, and so it proves with the Defender. The current Defender has been a runaway sales success, and little wonder. It looks great — a clever bit of styling work that gives it a modern shape but with neat visual nods to classic Defenders.
It has one of the best interiors around, mixing utilitarian powder-coated materials that can survive all the rough and tumble you can throw at them with the sort of comfort and refinement that you’d — almost — expect of a Range Rover.
The Defender is, of course, wildly practical. Seven seat versions, or the eight-seat Defender 130 with its stretched back end, are versatile, even if the extra seats in the boot aren’t quite as roomy as you’d like them to be.
The plug-in hybrid can only tow 3,000kg, so the regular diesel — or the mighty V8 petrol — are necessary if you’re planning on doing lots of towing. Just remember that the Defender is big and thirsty, and that’s not going to get any better with a horsebox on the back of it.
The Defender is very well set up for towing though, with the option of a fold-away tow-bar under the back bumper, which also comes packaged with some very helpful electronic assistants, such as Tow Assist, which uses the car’s camera systems and sensors to help you reverse with a trailer attached, and Hitch Assist, which helps you aim the car at the trailer correctly when hitching up. It’s an expensive option, though, so be prepared to pay an extra four figures to have it fitted to your car, although there is the cheaper option of a simpler detachable tow bar.
As well as the reversing assistant, there’s also a built-in electronic helper in the shape of Trailer Stability Assist, which as the name suggests recognises when the Defender has a trailer hitched up and can adjust the car’s stability control system to help keep any trailer sway under control as you drive. The Land Rover Defender is like the Carlsberg of big, hefty towing vehicles — the best there is? Probably…
It has one of the best interiors around, mixing utilitarian powder-coated materials that can survive all the rough and tumble you can throw at them with the sort of comfort and refinement that you’d — almost — expect of a Range Rover.
The Defender is, of course, wildly practical. Seven seat versions, or the eight-seat Defender 130 with its stretched back end, are versatile, even if the extra seats in the boot aren’t quite as roomy as you’d like them to be.
The plug-in hybrid can only tow 3,000kg, so the regular diesel — or the mighty V8 petrol — are necessary if you’re planning on doing lots of towing. Just remember that the Defender is big and thirsty, and that’s not going to get any better with a horsebox on the back of it.
The Defender is very well set up for towing though, with the option of a fold-away tow-bar under the back bumper, which also comes packaged with some very helpful electronic assistants, such as Tow Assist, which uses the car’s camera systems and sensors to help you reverse with a trailer attached, and Hitch Assist, which helps you aim the car at the trailer correctly when hitching up. It’s an expensive option, though, so be prepared to pay an extra four figures to have it fitted to your car, although there is the cheaper option of a simpler detachable tow bar.
As well as the reversing assistant, there’s also a built-in electronic helper in the shape of Trailer Stability Assist, which as the name suggests recognises when the Defender has a trailer hitched up and can adjust the car’s stability control system to help keep any trailer sway under control as you drive. The Land Rover Defender is like the Carlsberg of big, hefty towing vehicles — the best there is? Probably…
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Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended
2. Toyota Land Cruiser. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Toyota Land Cruiser review
The latest Toyota Land Cruiser has taken a bit of inspiration from its great rival, the Land Rover Defender, by throwing in some pleasing retro-look nods to its heritage on the outside, while also being incredibly rugged, yet comfortable on the inside.
The Land Cruiser isn’t as immediately pleasing to look at inside as the Defender, but there are lots of big, chunky buttons which make it far easier to operate, even though you also get a generously-sized touchscreen as well.
In quality terms, it looks a touch plastic-y in there, but there’s no doubting the sheer heft and solidity of the way everything’s put together — Land Cruisers just don’t break.
Kudos too, to Toyota, for fitting this chunky, hard-working car with a pair of incredibly comfortable leather seats in the front, which feel more like reclining armchairs than car seats.
It’s a shame that, in the third row of the seven-seat versions, space isn’t quite so generous, but adults will fit in there in a pinch (literally). The boot is usefully large when those extra seats are folded away though, and the Land Cruiser has one major advantage over others when it comes to towing — the rear window glass opens separately to the main tailgate, which means you can pop that open for throwing lighter items in without worrying about having to open up the whole boot when you have a trailer attached.
As with the Defender, the Land Cruiser has a maximum 3,500kg towing weight, and a full suite of electronic safety aids and assistants to keep everything on the straight and level when you’re hauling a load.
If there’s a weak link, it’s the 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is actually relatively smooth for a big four-pot diesel, but noisier and less easy on the ears than the straight-six diesels of some others. It’s also lacking a bit in power, so the Land Cruiser never feels quite as lively to drive as a Defender or X5, although that said it’s better around corners than you might expect.
The Land Cruiser isn’t as immediately pleasing to look at inside as the Defender, but there are lots of big, chunky buttons which make it far easier to operate, even though you also get a generously-sized touchscreen as well.
In quality terms, it looks a touch plastic-y in there, but there’s no doubting the sheer heft and solidity of the way everything’s put together — Land Cruisers just don’t break.
Kudos too, to Toyota, for fitting this chunky, hard-working car with a pair of incredibly comfortable leather seats in the front, which feel more like reclining armchairs than car seats.
It’s a shame that, in the third row of the seven-seat versions, space isn’t quite so generous, but adults will fit in there in a pinch (literally). The boot is usefully large when those extra seats are folded away though, and the Land Cruiser has one major advantage over others when it comes to towing — the rear window glass opens separately to the main tailgate, which means you can pop that open for throwing lighter items in without worrying about having to open up the whole boot when you have a trailer attached.
As with the Defender, the Land Cruiser has a maximum 3,500kg towing weight, and a full suite of electronic safety aids and assistants to keep everything on the straight and level when you’re hauling a load.
If there’s a weak link, it’s the 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is actually relatively smooth for a big four-pot diesel, but noisier and less easy on the ears than the straight-six diesels of some others. It’s also lacking a bit in power, so the Land Cruiser never feels quite as lively to drive as a Defender or X5, although that said it’s better around corners than you might expect.
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3. BMW X5. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
BMW X5 review
Battery range up to 45 miles
You have to be slightly careful which BMW X5 you pick if you’re buying with towing in mind, as the maximum allowable weight varies a little from model to model. If you’re buying a diesel version, then the maximum towing weight is indeed the full 3,500kg.
If, however, you’re after the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e version of the X5, then that falls to 2,700kg. Which is still a generous weight allowance, but it’s not quite the full-house of towing weight.
Whichever version of the X5 you go for, you’re getting an exceptionally good car. Even though it’s something of an ageing model now, the X5 still manages to look pretty youthful.
The 3.0-litre diesel straight-six of the xDrive30d version is something of an all-time-classic engine, with all the pulling power you could want, but also with refinement and surprisingly reasonable fuel economy on its side. It’s very tempting to trade-up to the more powerful xDrive40d model, though, with its 352hp, and to be fair, you won’t cost yourself all that much more in fuel if you do.
When not connected to a trailer, an X5 is smooth and swift to drive, with uncommonly sharp steering responses and body control for a big SUV. That does mean that, at times, it’s not quite as comfortable over bumps as some others, but that’s a small price to pay for a bit of driving precision.
The cabin is also excellent — neatly laid out, and really well-made with excellent levels of quality, although it’s a shame that BMW doesn’t offer a seven-seat version of the X5 in the UK. If you need seven seats, you’ll have to trade-up to the bigger, pricier, uglier X7, which can also tow 3,500kg as it happens.
There’s a handy Trailer Assist function too, which automatically sorts the steering out when you’re backing up to attach a trailer, while you just work the accelerator and brake.
If, however, you’re after the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e version of the X5, then that falls to 2,700kg. Which is still a generous weight allowance, but it’s not quite the full-house of towing weight.
Whichever version of the X5 you go for, you’re getting an exceptionally good car. Even though it’s something of an ageing model now, the X5 still manages to look pretty youthful.
The 3.0-litre diesel straight-six of the xDrive30d version is something of an all-time-classic engine, with all the pulling power you could want, but also with refinement and surprisingly reasonable fuel economy on its side. It’s very tempting to trade-up to the more powerful xDrive40d model, though, with its 352hp, and to be fair, you won’t cost yourself all that much more in fuel if you do.
When not connected to a trailer, an X5 is smooth and swift to drive, with uncommonly sharp steering responses and body control for a big SUV. That does mean that, at times, it’s not quite as comfortable over bumps as some others, but that’s a small price to pay for a bit of driving precision.
The cabin is also excellent — neatly laid out, and really well-made with excellent levels of quality, although it’s a shame that BMW doesn’t offer a seven-seat version of the X5 in the UK. If you need seven seats, you’ll have to trade-up to the bigger, pricier, uglier X7, which can also tow 3,500kg as it happens.
There’s a handy Trailer Assist function too, which automatically sorts the steering out when you’re backing up to attach a trailer, while you just work the accelerator and brake.
4. Volkswagen Touareg. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Volkswagen Touareg review
Normally, we’d skip over the VW Touareg and tell you to go and buy one of its more glamorous sister cars, such as the Audi Q7 or the Porsche Cayenne (or even the Bentley Bentayga) which all share the same basic set of mechanical bits and pieces and engines. However, this is about towing, not about posing, and so the Touareg wins because it can haul the maximum UK braked towing weight for less money than the others.
That’s a maximum tow weight that applies across the entire Touareg range, including the plug-in hybrid models, which isn’t always the case with other big SUVs. The Touareg might not have the glamour of a Porsche nor the badge appeal of an Audi, but it’s still a handsome big SUV, and the VW badge is not without its own appeal.
Equally, the Touareg’s cabin is really nice. The enormous touchscreen is surprisingly easy to use, and it’s an exceptionally comfortable car. There’s also the powerful and sporty-looking Touareg R plug-in hybrid, which is sharper to drive than you might think, but that’s hardly the point if you’re looking for a good towing machine.
The Touareg also has a Trailer Assist system that uses the parking sensors, reversing cameras, and steering to help you get hitched up and also helps when reversing with a trailer.
That’s a maximum tow weight that applies across the entire Touareg range, including the plug-in hybrid models, which isn’t always the case with other big SUVs. The Touareg might not have the glamour of a Porsche nor the badge appeal of an Audi, but it’s still a handsome big SUV, and the VW badge is not without its own appeal.
Equally, the Touareg’s cabin is really nice. The enormous touchscreen is surprisingly easy to use, and it’s an exceptionally comfortable car. There’s also the powerful and sporty-looking Touareg R plug-in hybrid, which is sharper to drive than you might think, but that’s hardly the point if you’re looking for a good towing machine.
The Touareg also has a Trailer Assist system that uses the parking sensors, reversing cameras, and steering to help you get hitched up and also helps when reversing with a trailer.
5. INEOS Grenadier. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
INEOS Grenadier review
Is the INEOS Grenadier an SUV, specifically? Rather like the Land Rover Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser, it looks and feels like it’s in a bit of a different category. A Nissan Qashqai is an SUV. A Grenadier is something else, something far more hard-working.
As with its great sparring partner (and kind of its inspiration) the Land Rover Defender, the Grenadier has a maximum 3,500kg towing weight, and it has Trailer Stability Assist electronics for helping to keep everything under control and quelling any trailer sway. The split rear tailgate doors, with one smaller, narrower door, also makes access to the rear a bit easier when towing a bulky load.
The Grenadier has smooth BMW straight-six diesel or petrol engines, but it’s no smooth motorway cruiser, especially if you’ve picked the super-knobbly off-road tyres. Really, it’s more of a working tool with just enough comfort to be able to use it as a family car when needed — just like an original 1950s Land Rover in fact. The odd steering (no feel, and no self-centering) is designed for serious off-roading, not sharp cornering, and it’s noisy when you’re travelling at speed, but possibly not as uncomfortable nor as loud as you might think.
It’s a strange car, in some ways, the Grenadier, and something of a throwback, but appealing all the same.
As with its great sparring partner (and kind of its inspiration) the Land Rover Defender, the Grenadier has a maximum 3,500kg towing weight, and it has Trailer Stability Assist electronics for helping to keep everything under control and quelling any trailer sway. The split rear tailgate doors, with one smaller, narrower door, also makes access to the rear a bit easier when towing a bulky load.
The Grenadier has smooth BMW straight-six diesel or petrol engines, but it’s no smooth motorway cruiser, especially if you’ve picked the super-knobbly off-road tyres. Really, it’s more of a working tool with just enough comfort to be able to use it as a family car when needed — just like an original 1950s Land Rover in fact. The odd steering (no feel, and no self-centering) is designed for serious off-roading, not sharp cornering, and it’s noisy when you’re travelling at speed, but possibly not as uncomfortable nor as loud as you might think.
It’s a strange car, in some ways, the Grenadier, and something of a throwback, but appealing all the same.
6. Ford Ranger. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Ford RANGER review
One note of caution here — the model that everyone wants to buy, the sporty, rapid, incredibly-good-off-road Ford Ranger Raptor, can’t haul 3,500kg on a braked trailer. In fact, its maximum towing weight is reduced to 2,500kg, mostly because of its off-road tuned suspension. So, yes, a Raptor will happily do ‘The Fall Guy’ leaps and bounds over off-road crests and bumps all day long, but it won’t actually pull a maximum weight trailer when you need it to.
However, the rest of the Ranger lineup — including the new plug-in hybrid model — will tow up to 3,500kg, and because they’ve been designed together and are built alongside one another in the same factory in South Africa, so too will the Volkswagen Amarok.
If you’re fancying a pickup truck that can also work as an everyday car, then these two are definitely the best to choose from. The Toyota Hilux might be more of a legend for its reliability and it can definitely tow 3,500kg, but it’s not as comfortable nor as well-appointed inside as the Ranger or Amarok.
You can buy the Ranger as a two-seat, single-cab model if you like, but the Amarok comes only in four-door crew-cab versions, and both cars are surprisingly comfortable and quiet inside. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine is quite smooth, if a bit loud at times, and while you’d call neither of the Ranger nor the Amarok a sports car, they’re both actually not that bad to drive, as long as you remember to allow for a bit of body roll and a slightly ‘bobbly’ ride quality if you’ve nothing to weigh down the back of the truck.
However, the rest of the Ranger lineup — including the new plug-in hybrid model — will tow up to 3,500kg, and because they’ve been designed together and are built alongside one another in the same factory in South Africa, so too will the Volkswagen Amarok.
If you’re fancying a pickup truck that can also work as an everyday car, then these two are definitely the best to choose from. The Toyota Hilux might be more of a legend for its reliability and it can definitely tow 3,500kg, but it’s not as comfortable nor as well-appointed inside as the Ranger or Amarok.
You can buy the Ranger as a two-seat, single-cab model if you like, but the Amarok comes only in four-door crew-cab versions, and both cars are surprisingly comfortable and quiet inside. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine is quite smooth, if a bit loud at times, and while you’d call neither of the Ranger nor the Amarok a sports car, they’re both actually not that bad to drive, as long as you remember to allow for a bit of body roll and a slightly ‘bobbly’ ride quality if you’ve nothing to weigh down the back of the truck.
7. Mercedes-Benz GLE. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S review
If you’re buying a Mercedes GLE for towing purposes — and why wouldn’t you, given that it topped the recent Driver Power Top 50 Cars To Own list? — you need to remember that there are only certain specific models within the lineup that can tow the maximum 3,500kg.
Specifically, those are the AMG GLE 53 and 63 models. Yes, that’s right, the powerful, sporty straight-six and V8 versions. The ones with the full bodykits and massive alloy wheels. These are the GLEs to which you can hitch your biggest horsebox or caravan. The rest of the GLE range, the diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, the ones you might assume you’d be buying for towing work, well those can only handle up to 2,700kg of braked trailer load.
So, yes, you can have a Mercedes GLE that can tow the maximum allowable weight, but it just seems a bit incongruous that it’s also the two versions which are designed for high speed and driving pleasure, neither of which are going to be that high on your mind if you’re towing a trailer along.
You’ll also have to contend with the fairly hefty thirst of both AMG models being ramped up because the extra weight and aerodynamic drag of a towed load will push your fuel consumption up. Happily, the bigger GLS will tow 3,500kg in regular diesel form, but that’s a much more expensive car altogether.
Still, you’ll have the coolest car at the campsite, so there’s that.
Specifically, those are the AMG GLE 53 and 63 models. Yes, that’s right, the powerful, sporty straight-six and V8 versions. The ones with the full bodykits and massive alloy wheels. These are the GLEs to which you can hitch your biggest horsebox or caravan. The rest of the GLE range, the diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, the ones you might assume you’d be buying for towing work, well those can only handle up to 2,700kg of braked trailer load.
So, yes, you can have a Mercedes GLE that can tow the maximum allowable weight, but it just seems a bit incongruous that it’s also the two versions which are designed for high speed and driving pleasure, neither of which are going to be that high on your mind if you’re towing a trailer along.
You’ll also have to contend with the fairly hefty thirst of both AMG models being ramped up because the extra weight and aerodynamic drag of a towed load will push your fuel consumption up. Happily, the bigger GLS will tow 3,500kg in regular diesel form, but that’s a much more expensive car altogether.
Still, you’ll have the coolest car at the campsite, so there’s that.
8. Mercedes G-Class. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Mercedes-Benz G-Class review
The big, expensive G-Class somewhat fixes the issue of the GLE when it comes to towing weights. Both the ‘standard’ G450d diesel and G500 petrol can tow 3,500kg, and so can the high-performance 585hp V8 turbo G63 AMG.
The G-Class that’s left out in the cold, somewhat, is the all-singing and dancing new all-electric G580 EQ. It may well have four electric motors, allowing it to do a ‘tank turn’ 360-degree spin on the spot, but it can’t do it with a trailer, so it’s no good to us here. In fact, the G580 is not rated for towing at all.
Which is fine, as the standard G450d — preferably in retro-look ‘Stronger Than Time’ form with the big, black plastic grille and seventies styling — is the best of the G-Class lineup, and while it’s still a wildly expensive thing, it certainly looks right when towing, just like a Land Rover Defender.
The cabin manages to be both utilitarian and luxurious at the same time, and there’s a specific trailer stability setup in the electronic safety systems, as standard, as is preparation for a tow-hitch.
The G-Class that’s left out in the cold, somewhat, is the all-singing and dancing new all-electric G580 EQ. It may well have four electric motors, allowing it to do a ‘tank turn’ 360-degree spin on the spot, but it can’t do it with a trailer, so it’s no good to us here. In fact, the G580 is not rated for towing at all.
Which is fine, as the standard G450d — preferably in retro-look ‘Stronger Than Time’ form with the big, black plastic grille and seventies styling — is the best of the G-Class lineup, and while it’s still a wildly expensive thing, it certainly looks right when towing, just like a Land Rover Defender.
The cabin manages to be both utilitarian and luxurious at the same time, and there’s a specific trailer stability setup in the electronic safety systems, as standard, as is preparation for a tow-hitch.
9. Audi Q8. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
Audi Q8 review
Putting a trailer on the back of an Audi Q8 is tantamount to dressing Henry Cavill in a tuxedo and then asking him to carry a massive backpack. Sure, he can do it, but it just somehow looks wrong…
Nevertheless, the handsome Q8 can haul the maximum allowable 3,500kg of braked trailer load, which makes it one of the most capable SUVs around. It’s such a handsome, glowering car though that you’re going to have to choose some kind of really good-looking trailer, or maybe an Airstream caravan, to hitch behind it.
You can have the standard Q8 in either V6 diesel or petrol form, and both will tow the maximum weight, as will the sporty SQ8 and even the V8 twin-turbo, ultra-sporty RSQ8. Even the plug-in hybrid TFSIe versions can manage the maximum weight, and that’s not the case for all plug-in hybrid models.
The Q8 has a gorgeous, and spectacularly well-made interior. Even away from the S and RS models, the Q8 feels sporty and rewarding to drive. It’s also worth noting that a VW Touareg is identical under the skin, just as capable, and a good chunk more affordable.
Nevertheless, the handsome Q8 can haul the maximum allowable 3,500kg of braked trailer load, which makes it one of the most capable SUVs around. It’s such a handsome, glowering car though that you’re going to have to choose some kind of really good-looking trailer, or maybe an Airstream caravan, to hitch behind it.
You can have the standard Q8 in either V6 diesel or petrol form, and both will tow the maximum weight, as will the sporty SQ8 and even the V8 twin-turbo, ultra-sporty RSQ8. Even the plug-in hybrid TFSIe versions can manage the maximum weight, and that’s not the case for all plug-in hybrid models.
The Q8 has a gorgeous, and spectacularly well-made interior. Even away from the S and RS models, the Q8 feels sporty and rewarding to drive. It’s also worth noting that a VW Touareg is identical under the skin, just as capable, and a good chunk more affordable.
10. KGM Rexton. Maximum towing weight: 3,500kg
KGM Motors Rexton review
If you’re keen on towing, and want to keep the budget under control, then just possibly a KGM Rexton is the car for you. However, there are some penalties involved…
The good news is that a Rexton, by big 4x4 standards, is pretty affordable with prices around £20,000 cheaper than the cheapest Land Rover Defender. It’s also well-equipped, has a fairly comfortable — if rather cheap-feeling — interior, lots of space (an 820-litre boot) and it can tow the maximum 3,500kg trailer weight as standard. There’s also a dedicated Trailer Sway Control for keeping everything stable behind you.
However, there are some serious downsides. The Rexton’s cabin is cheap, its touchscreen is baffling, and worst of all it’s just dreadful to drive. Cars such as the INEOS Grenadier and the Toyota Land Cruiser feel a bit rugged to drive, maybe a bit rough around the edges, but the way the Rexton deals with a bumpy British B-road is hard to forgive.
KGMs tend to be ruggedly reliable, and you can’t ignore the price tag in this company, but you should probably move past the Rexton and just buy used if you’re looking for a bargain tow car.
The good news is that a Rexton, by big 4x4 standards, is pretty affordable with prices around £20,000 cheaper than the cheapest Land Rover Defender. It’s also well-equipped, has a fairly comfortable — if rather cheap-feeling — interior, lots of space (an 820-litre boot) and it can tow the maximum 3,500kg trailer weight as standard. There’s also a dedicated Trailer Sway Control for keeping everything stable behind you.
However, there are some serious downsides. The Rexton’s cabin is cheap, its touchscreen is baffling, and worst of all it’s just dreadful to drive. Cars such as the INEOS Grenadier and the Toyota Land Cruiser feel a bit rugged to drive, maybe a bit rough around the edges, but the way the Rexton deals with a bumpy British B-road is hard to forgive.
KGMs tend to be ruggedly reliable, and you can’t ignore the price tag in this company, but you should probably move past the Rexton and just buy used if you’re looking for a bargain tow car.
Factors to consider when choosing an SUV to tow
Choosing your towing SUV really comes down to two things — how much weight can the car officially tow, and does it come with a bevvy of electronic trailer safety aids to take the mental strain out of longer journeys with a towed load?
Once you’ve figured those two out, the choice becomes more one of personal preference, and also personal use. It may be that you want a car that does it all — one that can tow a heavy trailer, but also drives nicely and looks smart for when you’re not towing. Or it could be that you’re always pulling a load, and so the style and driving enjoyment thing becomes a bit more academic, and brings hard-working vehicles such as a Ford Ranger pickup, or an INEOS Grenadier into the frame.
Don’t forget too, that you’re going to be speed-limited when towing a trailer, caravan, or horsebox. You’ll have to stick to 50mph on single-carriageway roads, and 60mph on dual-carriageways and motorways, which makes the fact that, in the Mercedes GLE lineup, only the AMG models can tow the maximum 3,500kg look a touch daft.
You won’t need to upgrade your licence to tow at the maximum braked trailer weight of 3,500kg, but it would certainly be a good idea to go on a trailer driving course if you’re going to be regularly pulling a load, as there will be all manner of hints, tips, and safety items that you’ll learn which will make your task both easier and safer.
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