Skoda, Volkswagen and Kia take 2026 Tow Car Awards wins
Skoda, Volkswagen and Kia have taken category wins in the 2026 What Car? Tow Car Awards, with the Kodiaq, Elroq, T-Roc and Sportage all recognised for their towing ability.
The awards tested cars with caravans through a series of towing exercises, including emergency lane changes, braking, acceleration, hill starts and stability assessments. Practicality, running costs, safety, boot space and towing equipment were also considered.
Macaulay Nichol Content Editor: Caravans
Macaulay Nichol Content Editor: Caravans
Try using our Towmatch tool
Understanding which caravans your car can safely tow is essential to enjoying a stress-free tour or holiday. Think of it like shopping for shoes – you'd only look in your specific size, or risk discomfort and injury.
Enter your registration number now, or your make and model, to see a comprehensive list of caravans that your car can safely tow.
Skoda Kodiaq wins up to 1,700kg category
The Skoda Kodiaq won the category for caravans up to 1,700kg, repeating its 2025 success.
The winning model was the Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 193PS Sportline DSG 4x4. Judges praised its towing stability, diesel pulling power, cabin space and long-distance comfort.
What Car? tow car judge, David Motton, said,
“Stability has to be top priority when choosing a tow car, and in this respect the Škoda Kodiaq excels. What’s more, the diesel engine confidently pulls car and caravan up to speed.”
Skoda Elroq named electric tow car winner
Skoda also won an electric category with the Elroq, which was named Best Electric Car for Caravans up to 1,400kg.
The Elroq 85 SE L was tested for the awards and scored strongly for stability, performance and day-to-day practicality. It had previously won the up to 1,200kg title in 2025.
David Motton said,
“The Škoda Elroq remains our favourite EV for towing a lightweight caravan. Most importantly, it’s very stable. There wasn’t so much as a twitch from the back of the car while towing. The Elroq has power to spare, too.”
Volkswagen T-Roc takes up to 1,300kg title
The Volkswagen T-Roc won Best Car for Caravans up to 1,300kg.
The award went to the T-Roc with the 1.5 eTSI 150 PS engine and automatic DSG gearbox. Judges highlighted its stability at speed, emergency manoeuvre performance, comfort and practicality.
What Car? Editor, Steve Huntingford, said,
“It’s clear the Volkswagen T-Roc is the new benchmark for small tow cars; anyone with a lightweight caravan or trailer to tow will be delighted with the T-Roc.”
Kia Sportage wins up to 1,500kg class
The Kia Sportage was named Best Car for Caravans up to 1,500kg.
The model highlighted by What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club was the Sportage HEV GT-Line S AWD. It has a maximum braked trailer weight of 1,510kg, five seats, 587 litres of boot space with the seats in place and combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg.
Steve Huntingford said,
“Freshly updated with a new look, better tech and more power, the Kia Sportage takes top spot in this class. Whatever quality you value most in a tow car, the Sportage delivers.”
Latest caravan news
Explore our magazines
Enjoy expert tech help, travel and campsite inspiration, buying advice, reviews, and more with our best-selling magazines and guides.
Buying Your Perfect Caravan
Buying Your Perfect Caravan is the ultimate guide to finding your ideal caravan. From layouts and storage to finance, insurance, and essential kits, it has everything you need to make your dream caravan adventure a reality.
Caravan magazine
Caravan magazine is perfect for caravan enthusiasts. Make the most of your caravan lifestyle with expert advice, unforgettable road trips, must-see attractions and top maintenance tips to keep your ‘van adventure ready.
