Top Picks for Lightweight Towing Vehicles: Our Recommendations
Affordable Compact SUVs and Crossovers Shine as Lightweight Caravan Towing Champions
When it comes to towing lightweight caravans, small and affordable vehicles are becoming increasingly popular choices. Compact SUVs and crossover cars with modest towing capacities (around 1,000 to 1,200 kg) are proving to be the best options for those seeking a balance between affordability and functionality.
The Renault Captur TCe 90 is a standout example, offering a towing limit of 1200 kg, stability at 60 mph, and a quiet ride for daily driving. Priced around £22,000, it's an excellent small car option for light caravans or micro campers.
Ultra-light campers, such as the Prolite Mini, eMini, Cool, and GO Camping Trailer, weigh under 1,000 lbs and can be towed by a wide range of cars, including subcompact and compact models, expanding the pool of tow vehicles beyond traditional SUVs.
Many small SUVs, like the Suzuki Vitara and Subaru Crosstrek, may have limited towing capacity due to kerb weight or hybrid system restrictions, but they can handle lightweight caravans if within limits.
The Dacia Jogger, priced within the range of £20,000 in mid-spec Expression trim, is another contender in this category. Despite a one-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, it offers enough space for adults, even in the third row, and is the only lightweight seven-seater currently available. However, luggage space is somewhat limited.
The Ford Puma mHEV 155 ST-Line is a stable tow car with a maximum towing weight of 1100kg, suitable for lightweight caravans. Its ride can be firm, especially around town, but it's great fun to drive on a twisting country road.
The Škoda Kamiq, while not as much fun to drive as the Ford Puma, rides more comfortably and is quieter at speed. Its interior space is surprisingly generous, and there's plenty of room for luggage. With a towing limit of 1250kg, it's a small tow car weighing less than 1300kg, making it very stable.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid Advance, with a kerbweight of 1485kg and a towing limit of 1300kg, is suitable for a wider variety of tourers. However, its engine can be noisy while towing, and the automatic gearbox sometimes forces the engine to hold high revs.
In summary, small compact SUVs or petrol-powered crossover cars with towing limits around 1,000–1,200 kg, like the Renault Captur, are among the best affordable vehicles for towing lightweight caravans. Pairing these with ultra-light, sub-1,000-lb caravans or micro campers ensures manageable towing without requiring large or expensive vehicles. This combination can also make financial sense due to lower running costs.
In the automotive industry, compact SUVs and crossovers, such as the Renault Captur and Ford Puma, have emerged as efficient lightweight caravan towing champions, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking a balance between affordability and functionality. Many other models, including the Dacia Jogger, Škoda Kamiq, and Hyundai Kona Hybrid, also serve as viable options for those looking to tow lightweight caravans within their specified towing limits. This trend in transportation extends to the lifestyle of travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, who can now consider various affordable and finance-friendly vehicles for car-maintenance and sports-related endeavors like camping and touring.
