For many caravanners, choosing a tow car is about more than outright towing capacity. Comfort on long journeys, confidence on motorways and hills, and the reassurance that a vehicle will not lead to unexpected repair bills all play a key role in enjoying time on the road.
Understanding how different tow cars perform once they are in regular use can help buyers choose models that offer not just strong towing ability, but dependable and affordable ownership over the long term.
Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has analysed real-world claims data from some of the UK’s most popular tow cars to understand how different vehicles perform once they are in everyday use by caravanners.
Rather than focusing solely on towing limits or manufacturer specifications, the analysis looks at how often vehicles require repairs and what those repairs typically cost, providing a clearer picture of long-term ownership.
SUVs remain popular, but repair costs vary
Large SUVs continue to dominate as tow cars, thanks to their strong towing limits, kerbweight advantages and inherent stability. Models such as the Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Amarok and Volvo XC60 are frequently chosen by caravanners, but WSG’s data shows that ownership costs can differ markedly between vehicles in this category.
The Porsche Cayenne recorded one of the highest claim rates at just under 32%, with an average repair cost of £887. The Volkswagen Amarok followed closely, with a claim rate of around 31% and average repair costs of £784. By comparison, the Volvo XC60 showed a lower claim rate of 25%, with average repairs costing £551, suggesting a more predictable ownership profile for many caravanners despite its strong towing credentials.
Across all of the most commonly used tow cars analysed, WSG found an average claim rate of 20.7%, with the average repair costing £716. These figures highlight the additional strain towing places on vehicles over time and underline the importance of choosing a tow car that balances capability with durability and manageable running costs.
Estate cars offer strong value
Estate cars remain one of the most cost-effective and practical towing options, combining stability, good visibility and long-distance comfort with lower running costs. Vehicles such as the Skoda Superb, Skoda Octavia and Volvo V90 continue to appeal to caravanners towing mid-weight caravans and covering longer touring distances.
WSG’s data shows average repair bills of £597 for the Skoda Superb and £511 for the Skoda Octavia, while the Volvo V90 averaged £621 per claim. These figures reinforce the long-standing reputation of estate cars as dependable tow vehicles that deliver strong performance without the higher repair costs often associated with larger SUVs.
Electric and hybrid – capability improving, costs evolving
Electrified tow cars are becoming an increasingly common sight on UK campsites, offering smooth power delivery and strong low-speed torque. However, WSG’s claims data suggests that repair costs for electric and hybrid models can still be higher than some traditional alternatives.
The Polestar 2 recorded an average repair cost of £552, while the Hyundai IONIQ averaged £731 per claim. While these figures reflect improving reliability as technology matures, they also highlight the need for buyers to consider specialist parts, labour and repair expertise when choosing an electrified tow car.
Average repair trends across popular tow SUVs
WSG’s wider repairs data shows that SUVs used for towing tend to generate higher and more complex repair bills than estate cars, largely due to their additional weight, drivetrain complexity and increased load on suspension, braking and transmission components. Popular tow SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Amarok and Volvo XC60 all record above-average claim frequencies, with repair costs typically ranging from the mid-£700s to close to £900 per claim.
While these vehicles deliver excellent stability and towing confidence, the data suggests caravanners should factor in the long-term impact of heavier towing on components such as clutches, gearboxes, brakes and cooling systems. By comparison, estate cars towing similar loads often show lower average repair costs, reinforcing the importance of balancing towing capability with ownership costs when choosing a tow car.
CAMC tow testing supports the real-world data
When viewed alongside the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2025 results, WSG’s findings provide reassurance for caravanners choosing from award-winning models. The Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus, crowned overall Towcar of the Year, also demonstrates moderate and predictable repair costs in real-world use.
Judges praised the XC60 as a roomy and comfortable tow car with strong towing ability, a verdict supported by WSG’s data showing it sits below the average repair cost for popular tow vehicles. Other CAMC class winners reflect similar trends, with the Skoda Superb Estate standing out for its balance of stability and affordability, and the Volvo V90 Plug-in Hybrid offering strong towing confidence without the highest repair costs seen among larger SUVs.
Pick-ups such as the Volkswagen Amarok continue to deliver excellent towing capability and versatility, but WSG’s data suggests caravanners should be prepared for higher repair costs compared with estates and mid-size SUVs.
What caravanners should consider
By combining independent tow testing with real-world claims insight, WSG believes caravanners can make better-informed decisions when choosing their next tow car. Looking beyond headline towing figures and awards, and understanding how vehicles perform over years of ownership, can help reduce unexpected costs and ensure more confident, enjoyable touring.
