The Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year is the longest-running towcar testing competition in the leisure vehicle industry. This year 42 vehicles were assessed and put through their paces at the world-class UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground testing facility in Bedfordshire.
The vehicles were split into categories according to caravan weight, making it easier for potential buyers to identify which cars are suitable for towing their caravans. There were also award categories for Pick-Up Towcars, Family Towcars, Large Family Towcars, Electric Towcars, Plug-in Hybrid Towcars and Luxury Towcars.
The caravanability assessment considers the practical aspects of using each vehicle for touring, including boot capacity, towball height, towing information and the ability to accommodate equipment commonly carried on a caravan holiday. The vehicles are then paired with caravans ballasted to 85% of the vehicle's kerbweight, or the vehicle's towing limit where that is lower, and throughout the week of assessment, are put through their paces across the proving ground's varied and demanding test routes.
Categories and Winners:
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2027
(and Family Towcars and Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg Winner)
SKODA Superb Estate SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS DSG 4x4
The Skoda Superb is no stranger to Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar honours. A multiple class winner in the past and previous overall winner, Skoda can add more gongs to its trophy cabinet as this year the Superb took two category wins and the overall title. Here, in 2.0-litre TDI four-wheel drive guise, the Superb romped off with the win as it ticked every single box. It made light work of towing, remained calm and controlled, it had gutsy diesel power, excellent ride quality, four-wheel drive traction, class-leading boot space and it’s engaging enough to drive whilst remaining refined. It's a hugely accomplished towcar.
Caravan weight under 1100kg Winner
MINI Countryman John Cooper Works
The MINI Countryman John Cooper Works seriously impressed the judges. It was a very sure-footed machine once hitched, remaining planted and confidence-inspiring. It scored well for practicality including impressive storage space and easy-to-find towing data. Seriously fun to drive with precise steering, a muscular 296bhp and an agile chassis.
Caravan Weight 1100 – 1400kg Winner
Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7spd DSG
This stylish compact SUV has long impressed caravanners and the latest model continues this. The car tested used Volkswagen's perennial 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine and it really shone. There was more than enough power for hill starts and the car handles well with good refinement.
Caravan Weight 1400 – 1500kg Winner
Volvo XC40 B4 Mild Hybrid FWD Plus Pro
A previous overall Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year champion, the XC40 again impressed in the 2027 competition, this time around taking a class win. Despite its advancing years, the XC40 is still a highly appealing car. It's good to drive, spacious and practical, garnished with a load of Swedish cool. The 2.0-litre, mild-hybrid petrol engine delivered great pulling power and supportive seats and well-tuned suspension gave a comfortable ride and excelled at high-speed braking - a hugely talented all-rounder.
Caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg Winner
Toyota bZ4X Touring AWD
The bZ4X Touring is a very quick car – it completed the 0-60mph test in just 7.55 seconds when hitched meaning it has performance comparable with far more expensive cars. Braking was impressively controlled and the car handled very well – agile and stable. The bZ4X is another example of how EVs are really developing as towcars.
Caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg Winner
SKODA Kodiaq IV Sportline 1.5 TSI 204PS DSG
Tested in plug-in hybrid form, the Kodiaq had decent acceleration – particularly in the 40-60mph acceleration test – while braking outperformed many other entrants. During the most arduous tests, it remained stable and controlled; add in a comfortable interior, excellent visibility and large door mirrors, it was an easy decision to make it a class winner.
Caravan Weight 1800kg - 2000kg Winner
Volkswagen Touareg Final Edition 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 286PS Tiptronic
This SUV has always impressed, but especially so this year as it had an unbeatable combination of power, refinement, comfort and driving dynamics. It excelled in this class, delivering effortless acceleration and smooth six-cylinder refinement. Despite its size, the big Volkswagen recorded one of the shortest stopping distances of the competition and remained beautifully controlled throughout. Opulent inside and brimming with tech, the Touareg ticks nearly every single box.
Caravan weight over 2000kg Winner and Electric Towcars Winner
BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
The BMW iX3 is a new era for the German brand – new styling, new EV car platform and new state-of-the-art technology. As a towcar it's exceptional – acceleration was phenomenal, both from rest and particularly from 40-60mph, where the instant torque made progress effortless. Braking was similarly impressive, while the iX3 also felt extremely well planted and agile.
Plug-In Hybrid Towcars Winner
Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
A previous overall Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year winner, Volvo's best-seller again impressed this year. Its engine and electric motor combo are a good match for towing, providing grunt and refinement in equal measure. The XC60 was a fine all-rounder – spacious, comfortable, easy to reverse and typically luxurious. Throw in an enjoyable driving experience and classy image, and it's easy to see why the XC60 impresses year after year.
Large Family Towcars Winner
Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus Pro
The XC90 is still a class act. The T8's electric motor and petrol engine work seamlessly together, delivering seriously strong acceleration while keeping everything impressively relaxed. Braking was seriously impressive, too, and the XC90 took command of its heavy caravan with confidence. The seven-seat layout offers enormous flexibility and a recent tech overhaul means the XC90 feels modern and luxurious. It’s a family go-to for those who want a car with a cool, respectable and upmarket image, but one that can do the job required as well.
Pick Up Winner
INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster
The Ineos is unapologetically built for hard work and adventure – its large load bed, full-size spare wheel, huge 350kg noseweight allowance and extraordinary roof-load capability underline that point. There's no doubting that if you want a tough pick-up that can tow supremely, the Quartermaster is unmatched.
Luxury Winner
Bentley Bentayga EWB Atelier Edition
For those who like to tour and still have a vehicle that is as opulent as a stately home, the Bentayga is the best. Performance is exceptional – acceleration is best described as alarming thanks to a 542bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. But it's also regal and refined, the Bentayga takes so much control over the outfit that you forget that you're towing. The long-wheelbase cabin also provides enormous space and genuine luxury. As a demonstration of just how capable a luxury towcar can be, the Bentley is staggeringly good.
Harvey Alexander, CEO of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said, "The pace of change in vehicle technology continues to be remarkable, and this year’s competition has again showcased the breadth and capability of today’s vehicles. We thank all the manufacturers who supported the awards and put their vehicles through our rigorous testing. Club members rely on their cars for all kinds of journeys and adventures, from family trips and weekends away to towing and roof-tent adventures, so they need vehicles that are capable, comfortable, practical and dependable. Our expert judges provide trusted, independent insight to help them make the right choice."
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 18 September.
So there we have it , the full list of class winners for 2027 as decided by the Caravan and Motorhome Club - let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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