Talk to me about everyday cars for towing

[Joyous70]

My car (Hyundai Santa Fe) is very old and tired, and needs to be upgraded, options are to get another Santa Fe, or look for something else. My trailer is an Ifor HB506, my mare is under 500kg. I need my tow car for everyday driving i do roughly 250 miles a week and tow 3 or 4 times a month.

I have considered the following

Mistubishi Outlander
Ssang Yong Rexton
Ford Kuga
another Santa
Edit to add also considered Kia Sorrento

Anyone tow with any of the above have any useful insights to share, which of the above are a good bet, or are there some i should steer clear of, expensive on parts etc? Unfortunately I don't have the budget for a proper 4x5

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I would advise against a Kuga for towing, Ford stands for 'Fix or Repair Daily' and I know some models tow up to 2.1t but I don't know and have never known anyone to tow with one, so there must be a reason for that. If you go for an Outlander, please make sure you don't get the make with a CVT transmission, it's hideous to drive with, let alone tow with.

I have a VW Tiguan which tows up to 2.2t and is a 2.0l diesel, I have a 1t trailer (510 Classic) and Dex weights 656kg on the weighbridge and it's been really nice to tow with so far both on road and on the grass, it's felt like it has enough oomph at all times and the automatic gearbox works well. I got a 2014 version, fully 4x4, 65k miles, towbar already fitted, parking sensors/heated seats and water pump/belt done for £8k in January of this year, so they're not too expensive. I know they can have electrical issues, but the older ones are simpler electrically of course, and mine does 35mpg on average - that incl around town, some motorway driving and 2 x towing trips.

 

[Joyous70]

I have a VW Tiguan which tows up to 2.2t and is a 2.0l diesel, I have a 1t trailer (510 Classic) and Dex weights 656kg on the weighbridge and it's been really nice to tow with so far both on road and on the grass, it's felt like it has enough oomph at all times and the automatic gearbox works well. I got a 2014 version, fully 4x4, 65k miles, towbar already fitted, parking sensors/heated seats and water pump/belt done for £8k in January of this year, so they're not too expensive. I know they can have electrical issues, but the older ones are simpler electrically of course, and mine does 35mpg on average - that incl around town, some motorway driving and 2 x towing trips.

I do like the look of the Tiguan, but didn't think i would get one for that sort of money, maybe i will add those to my search as well, my SIL uses one to tow with.

 

[Annagain]

With the weight you're towing, I'd look at some estate cars - especially 4wd drive ones. The Skoda Octavia and VW Passat are both very decent (they're basically the same car but the Skoda is much cheaper) but there are a few others worth looking at too. Just make sure you check the towing capacity for the specific model as it can differ wildly from one to another.

 

[TheHairyOne]

My mechanic told me to avoid the Kuga at all costs for towing (and for every day driving too!)

I have a Tiguan that does 2T thats fantastic. 2010 plate, but has had very, very little wrong with it! My sister and my friend both have the older and more powerful sorrento's. My sisters one hasnt been quite as good as my friends, but Kia parts are relatively cheap which helps.

 

[Joyous70]

With the weight you're towing, I'd look at some estate cars - especially 4wd drive ones. The Skoda Octavia and VW Passat are both very decent (they're basically the same car but the Skoda is much cheaper) but there are a few others worth looking at too. Just make sure you check the towing capacity for the specific model as it can differ wildly from one to another.

This is where it all gets really confusing, some models tow more than others. Some of the websites are really good and will give you the towing info, others not so great, I need to find ROG's page im sure he tells you how to work it out.

 

[webble]

What about a Skoda Yeti/ Yeti Outdoor?

 

[IrishMilo]

Some of the A6s will tow 2500kgs.

 

[HorseMaid]

I've got a rexton. If you're only ever planning on towing the one horse then I think a rexton would be overkill as it's rated for 3.5 tonnes - the only reason I've got it is because it'll tow two. Otherwise it's been really reliable (mine's old, 2006 model), I do use it for my daily car but it wouldn't be economical for travelling/commuting long distances, it's also in the highest tax bracket. I'd be looking for something smaller in your shoes (there are other Ssangyongs that maybe you'd consider, I think the Korando is meant to be a good tow car).

 

[TPO]

I'm in my second Kia Sportage (made a mistake selling the first one!).

It has 2.2t towing capacity. I tow ifor Williams 511 and only one horse ~500kg. Although I've towed the other heavier horses alone too.

I can barely feel the trailer. My passenger has to look every 10 seconds to check on the horse since I can't feel anything.

My mpg is a bit wonky with towing. The towing obviously brings it down. I think I average 45mpg including towing.

I have an electric suv for commuting so the kia is just the horse/dog car. I did a 800 mile return journey to see Milliepops the other week and it was <£100 of diesel. I usually only fo short trips in it.

My current one is older than my last, this one is 2016 and it's ULEZ compliant. I really like them to drive and heated seats are a bonus!

 

[Joyous70]

I'm in my second Kia Sportage (made a mistake selling the first one!).

It has 2.2t towing capacity. I tow ifor Williams 511 and only one horse ~500kg. Although I've towed the other heavier horses alone too.

I can barely feel the trailer. My passenger has to look every 10 seconds to check on the horse since I can't feel anything.

My mpg is a bit wonky with towing. The towing obviously brings it down. I think I average 45mpg including towing.

I have an electric suv for commuting so the kia is just the horse/dog car. I did a 800 mile return journey to see Milliepops the other week and it was <£100 of diesel. I usually only fo short trips in it.

My current one is older than my last, this one is 2016 and it's ULEZ compliant. I really like them to drive and heated seats are a bonus!

i looked at Sportage before, i bought my current car, but someone put me off by saying that they had bad electrical issues, is it just the older ones that will tow?

 

[Jambarissa]

I'd get another santa fe, they're lovely cars.

Someone on my yard tows a 550kg with the highest powered Qashqai and says it's excellent.

 

[abbijay]

I'd recommend the Passat Alltrack if you can find one in budget. I've posted before but it was a great tow car for us and not overly thirsty when not towing. 2.2t towing capacity and I used to tow approaching 2t with it. With your set up you have more spare capacity for hills and on dodgy grass. I never got stuck but I was careful about what I did fully laden.

 

[dottylottie]

i love my kuga!! i have an ifor williams 505, both horses under 500kg - i absolutely wouldn’t take 2 though. mine is a 2L AWD diesel with a 2.1t towing capacity.

the furthest we’ve gone is about an hour and a half and we chugged along without a problem. we’ve got one very steep hill to get up, with a junction at the top, to get anywhere and it manages but i wouldn’t like to be going up and down loads of hills.

everyone i’ve spoken to with a kuga absolutely loves them, i’ve not heard anyone say a bad word against them personally

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I'd get another santa fe, they're lovely cars.

Someone on my yard tows a 550kg with the highest powered Qashqai and says it's excellent.

My mechanic warned me off the Santa Fe but for the life of me I can’t remember why now which is annoying

 

[Carrottom]

We have just bought a 10 year old Rexton. Husband loves it for towing, much better than previous Izuzu pickup. It's easy to drive, and fuel consumption seems okay so far. I'm just praying it will be reliable and not rust away

 

[Alibear]

My day-to-day and local (up to 2 hours away) tow car is a LandRover Freelander. I can hear the groans already, but it works just fine for my needs. But I do live in the flat lands of east anglia.

 

[TPO]

i looked at Sportage before, i bought my current car, but someone put me off by saying that they had bad electrical issues, is it just the older ones that will tow?

I've not had any problems. n=2

No, all the 2L manual diesels have at least 2t capacity. My 2018 & 2016 were 2.2t.

I needed to buy a car in a rush and struggled to find anything newer than 2016 quickly. I got lucky as the 2016 only had 50k mileage. I put the towbar on and touch wood it's been as good as new.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Had an X-Trail until it basically gave up the ghost on me.

Admittedly it had higher mileage on the clock when I bought it. Was OK for a while, but towards the end of its time with me it seriously wouldn't have pulled a bloomin' toilet chain let alone anything else. Had to have a serious conversation with Jesus to get me up the hills around here (Devon). Wouldn't have another as a gift.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

@MiJodsR2BlinkinTite your post had me chuckling!

There's a reason I've stuck to Disco's despite all their faults (I have experienced many) they are fab tow vehicles. I have looked at cheaper alternatives and spent some time researching them but always come back to them. I test drove a Tiguan about 18 months and didn't like it. I am quite attracted to a Volvo but the price tag and running costs are as high.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

My day-to-day and local (up to 2 hours away) tow car is a LandRover Freelander. I can hear the groans already, but it works just fine for my needs. But I do live in the flat lands of east anglia.

The problem is (as someone who worked for JLR for a few years) their vehicles are life or death, you either get a golden one or you have no end of issues and by the time you know which it's too late. The older Freelanders and Defenders are about the best bet, and maybe a Disco 2 or previous but other than that barge pole would be my recommendation, especially if you're not in the know about cars or have anyone close to you that knows what they're looking at

 

[rabatsa]

Not a car car but I have loved my Shogun. We are test driving something to replace both our cars on Saturday. I may have it to sell in two to three weeks.

 

[TheMule]

I've had an Outlander, a Kuga and now a Ssanyong Kornado.
I bought older and high mileage for the first 2 and they did both die, but they towed very well up to that point. The Kornado is easily the cheapest to run, it is very good for fuel economy. It tows fine- it wouldn’t cope with heavy duty towing, but with 1 horse on it's absolutely fine.

 

[Jinx94]

I currently have a Kuga and cannot wait to be rid of it.

Some will be better than others, and I have enjoyed driving/towing with it BUT it has cost me an absolute fortune.
Avoid powershift gearboxes like the plague- break easily and cost a fortune (3.5k) to replace.

I have also gone through a ridiculous number of tyres with the Kuga and can't figure out why. The roads I drive aren't good, but I was driving them with previous cars and didn't have the same issues, nor do my friends.

I like the look of the Outlander though they are huge. Based on insurance etc, I'll be getting a freelander next.

 

[Sealine]

I’ve towed a 511 and 2 big horses with both an older Kia sorento and a newer ssang Yong rexton. They are both great towing cars. For the weight you want to tow I’d recommend the newer Kia sorento. I know of four people who currently use them and would recommend them.

 

[HorsesRule2009]

I tow with a seat ateca has 2T capacity and does well with my 510 and 545kg horse.
I commute with it daily to work and get a decent mpg.
It's essentially a ve tiguan under seat brand.
Seat also do a torroco? Which is slightly bigger.

 

[lannerch]

I've not had any problems. n=2

No, all the 2L manual diesels have at least 2t capacity. My 2018 & 2016 were 2.2t.

I needed to buy a car in a rush and struggled to find anything newer than 2016 quickly. I got lucky as the 2016 only had 50k mileage. I put the towbar on and touch wood it's been as good as new.

I second this , I tow with a 2017 2l awd Kia sportage with 2.2t capacity .
It does indeed tow my ifor 510 and a single horse (my largest is about 650kg) very well.
I get about 28mpg towing and 42mpg if not .
I do use it as my only car and do a lot of miles. I love the extras you get too on kx3 , gls upwards, rear camera ( makes hitching a doodle ), lane assist , heated seats, hill start , sat nav , cruise etc.

 

[fredflop]

A member of my family has had numerous kugas, and never had a problem with them. Not used for towing thougj

 

[NeverSurrender]

I'm currently towing with the AWD 2.0L Kuga (2100kg towing capacity) - generally only take the trailer (900kg) and one horse (no more than 600kg) and it doesn't struggle with the peak district hills (until I tried to use cruise control after a bad run up at the large hill on the way to Beaver Hall - lessons were learned!)

It also does around 40mpg in daily life, and isn't so big as to cause issues in public carparks etc

 

[Annagain]

This is where it all gets really confusing, some models tow more than others. Some of the websites are really good and will give you the towing info, others not so great, I need to find ROG's page im sure he tells you how to work it out.

UK Car Towing Capacity & Weight Limit Information

The Biggest & Most Up To Date List of All UK Cars Along With Their Braked / Unbraked Towing Capacity.

www.towingcapacity.co.uk

This website is useful but you do need the exact model - as you'll see, the slightest difference (even whether it has 5 or 7 seats in some cases!) can mean a few hundred kgs of towing capacity difference.