The new Škoda Kodiaq has shown it’s more than just a family SUV – it’s now officially the best in the business for towing, according to What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club. The Czech SUV has been named overall Tow Car of the Year 2025 after seeing off a raft of competition and impressing a panel of expert judges.
The new Kodiaq, which was tested in 2.0 TDI 193PS SportLine DSG 4x4 form, topped the ‘1,700-1,999kg’ category, and scored higher than any of its 35 rivals to drive off with the overall crown of Tow Car of the Year. Remarkably, Škoda has now won eight overall Tow Car of the Year titles, and recorded 36 category wins – making it one of the most successful marques in the history of the awards.
The judging panel, comprised of car and towing experts from What Car? and the Camping and Caravan Club, conducted a series of tests at the Horiba-MIRA proving ground in Warwickshire with a range of caravans. Trials included an emergency lane-change, 30-60mph acceleration, 30-0mph braking, and a hill start on a 1-in-6 slope. All test vehicles were also rated for their towing suitability, with boot space and trailer stability systems also taken into account.
Referencing the Kodiaq’s towing ability, Huntingford added: “The Kodiaq ticks all the right boxes while towing. It’s very stable at the legal limit, and the engine has enough poke for nipping past dawdling traffic.”
The Kodiaq wasn’t the only Škoda model recognised by the What Car? and Camping and Caravan Club judges. The new Elroq, launched earlier this year, took its first tow car award by winning the ‘Electric car up to 1200kg’ category.
Škoda has long been a supporter of owners who use their vehicles to tow. All models in the current range can be specified with a factory-fitted tow bar and electrics, with selected models adding the option of an electrically-retractable tow hitch.