Award-winning electric tow cars, ready for the open road

Whether it's a caravan, a trailer tent, or bikes on the back, today's electric and plug-in hybrid models are proving they've got the pulling power to match. Here's our pick of this year's award-winning tow cars, all available across John Clark Motor Group.

Electric cars and towing didn't use to mix. This year's results say otherwise.​ Independent tow car experts have spent the last year putting EVs and plug-in hybrids through their paces — hitching up caravans, testing range with a load on, and comparing them against the best diesel and petrol tow cars on the market. The results speak for themselves: models from our own showrooms have picked up top honours across every major UK tow car award. 

Here's this year's winners, and what makes each one worth a test drive.

Award Winners

Non-electric Winners

• Volkswagen Passat (non-electric): Class winner, caravan weight 1,300kg–1,500kg, and overall winner, Family Tow Car, Caravan and Motorhome Club 2026
• BMW X3 (non-electric): Class winner, caravan weight 1,700kg–1,800kg, Caravan and Motorhome Club 2026
• Volkswagen Multivan (non-electric): Overall winner, Large Family Tow Car, Caravan and Motorhome Club 2026
• Skoda Kodiaq (non-electric): Tow Car of the Year, What Car? 2025

Model Spotlight

Kia EV9

This year's most decorated electric tow car, and it's easy to see why. With a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg on AWD versions, the EV9 has topped Practical Caravan, Octopus Energy, and What Car?'s large electric category all in the same year.

Kia EV6

A worthy runner-up at the Practical Caravan awards, the EV6 can tow up to 1,600kg on its larger-battery, all-wheel-drive versions — enough for a good number of touring caravans, with sharp handling to match.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz 

This year's Practical Caravan runner-up brings genuine load-lugging ability to its retro looks, with the all-wheel-drive GTX rated to tow up to 1,800kg.

BMW i4

A finalist with both Practical Caravan and Octopus Energy, the i4 offers a consistent 1,600kg towing capacity across the range, paired with a genuinely refined ride.​

Skoda Elroq

What Car?'s Small Electric Tow Car of the Year, and an Octopus Energy top pick. Towing capacity varies by trim, but the range-topping SE L 85 is rated up to 1,800kg.

BMW iX

A double winner at the Caravan and Motorhome Club awards, taking both its weight class and the overall electric tow car crown, with a towing capacity of up to 2,500kg across the range.

Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid)

Named overall Hybrid Tow Car of the Year, the T8 Recharge XC90 combines electric-assisted pulling power with a 2,400kg towing capacity.

Range Rover Sport P550e

Winner of the "money no object" category at the What Car? awards, and with good reason: fitted with the optional electric tow bar, it can tow up to 3,000kg.

Nissan Ariya

A Caravan and Motorhome Club class winner, the e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive Ariya is rated to tow up to 1,500kg, making it a strong match for family four-berth caravans.

Why go electric for towing?

Instant torque: Electric motors deliver maximum pulling power from a standstill, which matters more for towing than outright horsepower.

Smoother, quieter journeys: No gear changes to hunt for under load, and a noticeably calmer cabin with a caravan behind you.

Lower running costs: Even accounting for reduced range while towing, electric and plug-in hybrid tow cars can work out significantly cheaper per mile than diesel.

Improving range: This year's award winners are proof that manufacturers have made real progress on the one thing that used to hold EVs back for towing.

Images are for illustrative purposes only. Specifications, including towing capacities, vary by trim and are subject to change — please confirm exact figures with our sales team before purchase. Award details relate to the specific model tested by each publication at the time and may not reflect current specification. Correct at time of publishing. E&OE.