Latest from Horse & Hound in Vehicles

Ford Kuga review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:13:06 +0000

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Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue AWD ST-Line

The Ford Kuga is a chunky SUV with good towing capability. It’s good to drive and well equipped, with a great choice of engines.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1996 diesel

Towing capacity: 2,100kg

Power: 187 bhp

Gearbox: 8-speed auto 4×4

0-60mph: 8.7secs

Top speed: 129mph

Economy: 49.6 miles

CO2: 150g/km

Economy

About average for this size of SUV, but decent for an all-wheel drive car. The diesel engine is punchy so economy shouldn’t suffer too much when towing a horse box. The range of petrol plug-in hybrids is excellent and, when not towing (1800kg limit) can travel for up to 41 miles on electric power only. Use the hybrid system to its full extent and you could get close to 100mpg.

Towing ability

Good – with a 2,100kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with one 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 550kg spare.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine and all-wheel drive are a great combination for easy towing. Opt for one of the petrol hybrid models and, although you lose some towing capacity and all-wheel drive, you gain in refinement and potential fuel economy for the days when you’re commuting or going for a family day out.

Performance

Good. Ford makes cars which are good to drive. Okay a 0-60mph time of 8.7secs means this Kuga is no flying machine, but it’s quick enough for most people and is an effortless cruiser. If you go for a high-ish spec like the one we had, the ride can be firm because ST-Line models err on the side of sportiness. If you prefer comfort, choose Zetec, Titanium or extremely plush Vignale

Day-to-day

Excellent. As SUVs go, it’s hard to fault the Ford Kuga. If you can manage with a lower towing capacity, the PHEV models make terrific sense. They’re economical, refined and good to drive. You also sit quite high up in the Kuga which makes for easy punting around towns and country lanes. The rear seats slide backwards and forwards which allows you to either have more legroom or more boot space.

Value for money

Good. Even in entry level Zetec trim, the Ford Kuga is well equipped. Air conditioning, sat nav, powered windows and mirrors, DAB radio, heated windscreen (shifts frost in about 30 seconds), cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors all come as standard. Move up to ST-Line trim and you get LED headlights, B&O sound system, rear view camera, sports seats and roof rails. If you are a business driver go for a petrol PHEV model and, thanks to lower CO2 emissions, your BIK rate will benefit.

Verdict

As a family holdall, the Ford Kuga is one of the best. It also ticks the box as a Monday-Friday commuter machine. Go for a diesel Kuga and your towing capacity will suit most horse owners, while even the petrol hybrid models will cope with a decent weight. The Kuga, even in entry level trim, gets loads of goodies as standard and also comes with plenty of safety kit, It’s roomy, comfortable, has a commanding driving position and is good to drive, all of which explains why the Kuga is one of the most popular models in the Ford range.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk, motorpoint.co.uk or cazoo.co.uk

Who tested the Ford Kuga for towing?

Graham Courtney has road tested in excess of 2,000 cars in his career so far. He writes for a number of magazines and newspapers that require a motoring expert and coming from a farming community, he’s well placed to advise equestrians seeking a towing vehicle.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Jaguar F-Pace P400e review

Graham Courtney — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:30:21 +0000

creditUnknown

Jaguar F-Pace P400e AWD Dynamic S

The Jaguar F-Pace P400e is a classy, all-wheel drive SUV with plug-in hybrid power that gives the potential for high economy levels and good towing.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1997 petrol

Towing capacity: 2,000kg

Power: 398 bhp

Gearbox: 8-speed auto

0-60mph: 5secs

Top speed: 149mph

Economy: 176 miles (potentially)

CO2: 37g/km

Economy

Really good. Even while towing, Jaguar reckon you should manage around 56mpg. However, this is a plug-in hybrid, which means you can fully charge the battery in around 30 minutes and drive for up to 40 miles on electric power only. If your commute is around 25–30 miles per day, you won’t use any petrol if you drive carefully and don’t use all of the available power.

Towing ability

Good. A towing limit of 2,000kg will suit most horse owners. A typical horse box weighs around 860kg so you’ll be able to carry two average size (500kg) horses. You get all-wheel drive, which will cope with boggy and slippery / loose surfaces, and a reversing camera makes hitching a trailer really simple. Adaptive suspension means the car feels extremely stable when towing. Trailer Stability Assist comes as standard.

Performance

Good. A 0–60 time of five seconds is impressive for what is quite a heavy vehicle. When you add in the power of the 2.0 litre engine and the battery driven electric motor, it’s not surprising that it feels quick off the mark. You can adjust the handling characteristics to suit your driving style. Handling is safe, secure and predictable. Good to drive.

Day-to-day

Excellent. Build quality of Jaguars has improved markedly in recent years. There’s a seriously premium look and feel to the interior. It’s roomy and very comfortable. A heated windscreen clears frost in around 30 seconds. Heated front seats, DAB radio, sat nav and a powered tailgate all come as standard. The large touchscreen is clear but whereas some are very sensitive, this one needs a good prod to make anything happen.

Value for money

Only average when compared to some other PHEVs. The entry level diesel model is £12k less and will actually tow more (2,400kg), but you take a hit when it comes to economy, kit and refinement. The higher prices reflect that Jaguar now sees itself as a contender to enter the luxury market.

Verdict

Impressive car. Roomy, comfortable, and good to drive – fun, actually. Add in the fact that you can have some serious fuel economy Monday to Friday and then plenty of weekend towing capacity, means the Jaguar F-Pace in PHEV guise is an ideal all-round car for a family and for a horse enthusiast. It’s not cheap, but it’s a quality product. It looks smart, too.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk, motorpoint.co.uk or cazoo.co.uk

Who tested this car?

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Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi review

Graham Courtney — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:15:10 +0000

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Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi AWD GT-Line

This Kia Sportage is a good-looking SUV for towing with a sporty flavour, all-wheel drive, an efficient plug-in hybrid engine and a cracking 7-year warranty.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1598 petrol

Towing capacity: 1,650kg

Power: 261 bhp

Gearbox: 6-speed auto

0-60mph: 7.9secs

Top speed: 120mph

Economy: 252 miles (potentially)

CO2: 25g/km

Economy

This Kia Sportage is the plug-in hybrid model which means you can charge the battery and switch the car to electric mode only. Kia reckon you can squeeze just over 40 miles on battery power alone although you’ll get a lot less when towing. If you have a daily commute of around 30 miles, you can drive without using the petrol engine at up to 87mph. Kia predict 252mpg if you can use the hybrid system to its full extent.

Towing ability

This is the only slight downside of the Kia Sportage because the towing limit of 1,650kg will limit some horse owners. A typical horse box weighs around 860kg, so you’ll be limited to a single horse (assuming average 500kg) or two smaller ponies. On the plus side you do get all-wheel drive and a reversing camera that makes hitching a trailer really simple. If you can cope with the towing capacity, the Sportage will be an excellent hauler.

Performance

Good. You have either Eco or Sport driving modes. Hit Sport and the Kia Sportage comes to life. It feels quicker than the 0–60 time of 7.9secs suggests. The all-wheel drive also helps with roadholding and allows keen drivers to push on in the right conditions. Flick into Eco mode and you’ll cruise happily over long distances – it’s quiet too. The ride just edges towards the firm-ish side, but it’s good to drive.

Day-to-day

Terrific. If you thought the only reason to buy a Kia is because of the brilliant 7-year warranty, think again. Build quality is excellent; materials feel and look good. You also get plenty of space and plenty of kit. Kia even offer the potential to customise the car to suit your lifestyle. When it comes to family motoring it really is hard to think of a better car.

Value for money

About average. It’s not cheap in GT-Line trim, but bearing in mind that this particular Sportage comes fully loaded, with all-wheel drive and a complicated but efficient plug-in hybrid system, then it starts to stack up. You get sat nav, sunroof, suede leather upholstery, powered, ventilated and heated front seats, heated outer rear seats, heated steering wheel, 360 degree monitor and a rear view camera. There are some attractive finance deals out there and it will also make a sensible used car purchase.

Verdict

Great car. The interior quality is up to premium standards and the car is fully loaded. It may be a tad expensive when compared to the competition, but remember this particular Kia Sportage is an all-wheel drive vehicle with the potential for excellent economy if you make full use of the hybrid system and can keep the battery fully charged. The towing limit will restrict some owners, but when it comes to family motoring, this is arguably one of the best SUVs out there.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk, motorpoint.co.uk or cazoo.co.uk

Who tested the Kia Sportage for towing?

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Mercedes EQS SUV review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:26:58 +0000

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Mercedes EQS SUV

The Mercedes EQS SUV is a big, battery powered, seven-seater, all-wheel drive, which is one of the new breed of electric cars that can tow. It has an incredibly futuristic, hi-tech interior.

Seats: 7

Engine: Battery powered electric vehicle

Towing capacity: 1,800kg

Power: 355 bhp

Gearbox: Single-speed auto

0-60mph: 6secs

Top speed: 130mph

Economy: Up to 365 miles on a full charge (not towing)

CO2: 0g/km

Economy

In day-to-day use, Mercedes estimate a range of up to 365 miles which, bearing in mind that the average commute is around 30 miles, means you can charge the car on a Sunday night and be fine until the weekend. When towing a horse box, however, you can easily halve that overall figure. Our score is based on the car’s most likely main usage as a commuter mobile, school bus, shopping trolley etc.

Towing ability

The 1,800kg towing capacity will be fine for many people unless you need to haul a couple of sizeable horses. Due to the car’s weight, it feels extremely stable on the road. Electric cars develop 100% of their power instantly so pulling away from standstill is effortless. The all-wheel drive will help on slippery surfaces.

Performance

Good. This is a big car and tips the scales at around 2.7 tonnes, so a 0–60mph time of six seconds is impressive. So is the top speed of 130mph. The handling is excellent because the car has a low centre of gravity – the chunky battery is part of the car’s floorpan. Motorway cruising is a perfect example of serene travel – quiet, smooth and unflustered.

Day-to-day

Seven seats is always a bonus, as is all-wheel drive and excellent road manners. If you use the third row of seats, it’ll eat into the available boot space, but it’s handy to have those extra seats if you need them.

The EQS SUV is also supremely comfortable. As with every electric car, range anxiety – how far you can travel before the battery dies – is a problem. This is even more relevant when towing horses. You need to plan ahead. If your round trip is more than, say, 125 miles, you’ll need to find somewhere to top-up the battery to be on the safe side. However, when not towing, the range is excellent. You also ride along in near silence.

Value for money

The Mercedes EQS SUV looks expensive when compared to similar models, but if you are in the market for something like this and are getting a bit fed-up of waiting for the electric Range Rover, then this will be a great option. It comes with every bit of kit that you could realistically need.

Verdict

If you are wanting a big 7-seater SUV with reasonable towing ability, a cosseting interior and one of the most refined rides on the market, look no further than this Mercedes – although you will need very deep pockets.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

Who tested this car?

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Hyundai Tucson review

Graham Courtney — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:25:25 +0000

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Hyundai Tucson 1.6T AWD N Line S

This Hyundai Tucson is a really smart, all-wheel drive SUV for towing. It’s roomy and has a touch of quality. Don’t compare it to the previous Tucson – this is a massive improvement.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1598cc (Petrol)

Towing capacity: 1,650kg

Power: 176 bhp

Gearbox: 7-speed auto

0-60mph: 9secs

Top speed: 125mph

Economy: 39.6mpg

CO2: 162g/km

Economy

Not startling but okay for an all-wheel drive car. Make use of the hybrid system and go easily and you’ll improve on the 39.6 mpg figure. A 5-year unlimited mileage warranty points to the car being reliable.

Towing ability

The Hyundai Tucson 1,650kg towing capacity will limit some horse owners who want to transport a pair of horses, but towing a single horse in a typical horse box will be simple for the Hyundai Tucson. The 4×4 system will help you on soggy fields and in tricky weather.

Performance

When it comes to mixing towing ability, town driving and motorway cruising, the Hyundai Tucson gets it spot on. There’s sufficient low-rev power to get you rolling from standstill when towing, but there’s also a decent dollop of performance for when you need to hit the motorways for a longer trip. The self-charging hybrid system works well (a battery powered electric motor joins in with the petrol engine when you need additional power) and allows the engine to cut out when you don’t need it. It’s seamless – you won’t know it’s happening.

Day-to-day

Excellent. If you’ve not recently sat in a Hyundai, you need to go on a bit of a refresher course. In terms of build quality, standard of fitment and quality of materials, Hyundai is now aiming fair and square at the premium market. The Tucson is seriously roomy with a large boot for tack. Okay, the ride is a tad on the firm side and it’s not the most involving car to drive, but customers in this sector of the car market don’t tend to prioritise that – they want something that will be a family friend.

Value for money

The one we chose (we wanted an all-wheel drive facility) was one of the top-specification models, so it looks a bit on the pricy side. If you can manage without AWD and be prepared to dispense with some of the goodies (Premium trim is still well-equipped though) you can save around £7,000.

However, when compared like-for-like with the competition, the Tucson stacks-up really well. Hyundai is also improving in the used car market, too, so the Tucson should hang onto a decent chunk of its value. In N Line S trim you get sat nav, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery, reversing camera, air con, LED headlights, sunroof, smart cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. Not much else you need really!

Verdict

Hyundai is a marque that more and more people are finding offers a really good blend of value, style, economy and performance. The Tucson is a perfect example of this. A long warranty and great reliability record are no longer the only reasons to consider a Hyundai. The Tucson stands out in what can be a bit of a lacklustre SUV marketplace where everything looks the same. It’s roomy, comfortable, well equipped even in standard entry level trim, and is a capable tow car which has all-wheel drive available. For most owners it will be a great companion.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested the Hyundai Tucson for towing?

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:18:31 +0000

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2D AWD Sprint

This sporty SUV for towing is from a manufacturer that a lot of folk forget about. It’s a pity because the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is roomy, looks different and has a decent all-wheel drive towing ability.

Seats: 5

Engine: 2143cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 2,300kg

Power: 187 bhp

Gearbox: 8-speed auto

0-60mph: 7.6secs

Top speed: 130mph

Economy: 47.1mpg

CO2: 156g/km

Economy

Stick with Sprint trim and you can get the excellent 187bhp 2.2 litre diesel that returns a pretty good 47.1mpg. This is one of the most flexible engines around and will give you effortless performance and towing ability. It’s not the quietest diesel engine we’ve tried – it’s a bit old-school in that respect – but it’s up to the task of motorway cruiser or horse trailer hauler.

Towing ability

Good. The 2,300kg towing capacity will be great if you need to transport two decent sized (500kg) horses. The horse box we used for our most recent towing guide had an unladen weight of 855kg, so this Alfa Romeo will easily cope with two horses, plus some tack. Add the fact that it has all-wheel drive as standard and you can see that the Stelvio really is worth considering. A reversing camera makes hitching a trailer really simple.

Performance

Good. A 0–60 time of 7.6secs is healthy for any car, but when you have something like this chunky SUV with 4×4 automatic transmission, then it’s even more than respectable. The steering wheel has paddles behind it that allow you to either move up and down the gears yourself or just let the car make the decisions for you. The steering is light and requires very little twiddling when entering corners – it takes a bit of getting used to because it feels sensitive. Because the Stelvio is aimed at the sportier end of the market, the ride is firmer than a lot of the competition.

Day-to-day

Really good. Alfa Romeo had a bit of a reputation for things falling off or not working, but this Stelvio has a premium look and feel to it. Okay, it’s not Germanic quality, but it’s a big improvement on previous Alfas. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road. There’s also ample space for four adults although those in the back have slightly reduced headroom due to the sloping roofline. The rear seats easily flop forward if you need to carry a sizeable load.

Value for money

About average. A sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, DAB radio, cruise control, powered tailgate and a rear view camera come as standard on Sprint trim. I would avoid moving up to Veloce or Estrema trims because at £52.5k and almost £59k, they’re starting to look pricy.

Verdict

A very welcome alternative to the crowded SUV marketplace. You’ll get a lot of people asking you what it is. Stick with the entry level model and it is reasonable value. You still get the same all-wheel drive towing ability as the more expensive models but miss out on some goodies like leather upholstery or heated front seats and steering wheel. The suspension set-up is aimed at people who enjoy a sporty ride so it feels a tad firm at slow speeds but once you get moving, it settles nicely. Comfy seats and plenty of room make for good commuting and holiday jaunts. In other words, it’s a decent all-rounder.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested the Alfa Romeo Stelvio for towing?

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Toyota Land Cruiser review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:21:50 +0000

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Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial Active 4×4

The Toyota Land Cruiser is arguably the toughest 4×4 for towing available anywhere – and very reliable. This one is the commercial version so the rear compartment is ideal for carrying tack.

Seats: 2

Engine: 2755cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 3,000kg

Power: 201bhp

Gearbox: 6-speed auto

0-60mph: 9.9secs

Top speed: 108mph

Economy: 31.3mpg

CO2: 240g/km

Economy

Not brilliant but bearing in mind the sort of vehicle it is, it’s not disastrous. Towing a fully loaded trailer won’t make much difference either.

Towing ability

Brilliant. Strong diesel engine with loads of low-end pulling power. The automatic gearbox also makes for easy motoring. It has terrific all-terrain ability which will make easy work of seriously boggy, muddy or flooded fields. The reversing camera comes as standard in Active trim so hitching the trailer is simple. The high seating position helps when reversing because you can see over other vehicles, farm gates, hedges etc.

Performance

Pretty good actually for something that weighs over two tonnes. As with most diesels, it tends to feel quick off the mark but loses power when the revs rise. Just use the low-end power and change up. Motorway cruising at a steady 70mph is surprisingly refined. It’s also good to drive and even though the suspension is built to cope with the most extreme conditions, the ride is well-controlled and even verges on the soft side. A low-range gearbox comes as standard to help you get out of seriously tricky conditions.

Day-to-day

If you buy this commercial version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, you need to view it as the van equivalent of the normal model. You only get two (very comfortable) front seats and the boot space is kitted out for carrying dirty equipment, dogs, hay, water containers etc. There’s a cage bulkhead behind the front seats and the load area floor is covered in heavy rubber matting that you can hose down.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

You also get several lashing points and cubby holes. If you want rear seats, you can get the same vehicle but in normal passenger mode. It only costs £100 more but you lose the utility capability. If you need a serious workhorse, the commercial version will be brilliant. If you need more space, there’s a long wheelbase version, too.

Value for money

It’s not cheap, but this Toyota Land Cruiser is decent value for the simple reason that it will tackle anything. If you watch a TV report on a war zone or a major rescue in some inhospitable area, you’ll see a Toyota Land Cruiser. Their reputation for toughness and reliability is unsurpassed. Add in the fact that it comes well equipped with reversing camera, parking sensors, colour touchscreen, air con, smartphone integration, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a tyre pressure warning system. Second-hand values are also very strong. If you can manage without the goodies and don’t mind a manual gearbox, you can save £4,200 for the Utility version.

Verdict

See the Toyota Land Cruiser as a working vehicle or an alternative to a pick-up and you will fall in love with it. The fact that the interior looks a bit old-school is actually part of the charm and also shows that buttons and knobs are sometimes much easier to use than some hi-tech touchscreen, especially if it’s a cold day and you’re wearing gloves. The rear door has a handy function in that the window can flip open and allow you to carry a well-secured longer load. If you own a livery yard or a farm, the Land Cruiser will be an ideal tool. For toughness, nothing beats it.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested the Toyota Land Cruiser for towing?

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Dacia Duster Expression review

Graham Courtney — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 11:33:04 +0000

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Dacia Duster Expression dCi 115 4×4

The Dacia Duster Expression is a value for money SUV for towing horses. It is surprisingly well equipped and built for the price. The recently updated model looks particularly smart.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1461cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 1,500kg

Power: 113 bhp

Gearbox: 6-speed manual

0-60mph: 10.2secs

Top speed:108mph

Economy: 53.3mpg

CO2: 139g/km

Economy

Not bad actually for an all-wheel drive car. You should easily crack 50mpg (we did, despite some heavy work). The diesel engine is punchy so the economy shouldn’t suffer too much when towing a horse box.

Towing ability

Good. The Dacia Duster 1,500kg towing capacity may limit some horse owners, but if you’re okay with that figure, the Expression will be a really handy tool. The 4×4 system is tried and tested and works well, so towing a loaded horse box across a muddy field should be a doddle. A lot of horse owners need to get to destinations out in the sticks or park in questionable fields, so all-wheel drive can be a bonus in slippery/wintery weather.

Performance

This particular Dacia Duster is no flying machine and you’d never call the handling or driving experience exciting, but that’s not what the Dacia Duster is all about. The handling is very safe and predictable; the ride is comfy and, thanks to light steering and a high driving position, it’s easy to punt around town or along lanes with high hedges. It will happily cruise along a motorway and will make for excellent family holiday transportation.

The rear seats flop forward for extra space but do not lie flat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Day-to-day

Excellent. It’s roomy, well equipped and decent to drive – what’s not to love? You couldn’t say that the interior was plush, but it’s all nicely finished and feels as though it’s well put together. The materials certainly don’t look or feel cheap – they should also be hard wearing and easily shrug off any scuffs. Five adults will easily find comfort. The boot is large enough to cope with all of your tack and, if you flop the rear seats forward, you can carry much bigger and longer loads. It’s a shame, however, that the seats don’t lie flat.

This 8in display mirrors your smartphone (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Brilliant. As long as you go for something like the Expression trim as we have here, this all-wheel drive Dacia Duster is stunningly good value. The higher spec models start to get a tad pricey, but even they compare really well against a very basic, smaller and less capable car from other manufacturers. The Duster has a reputation for holding onto its value, too.

In terms of kit there’s a smart 8in display that mirrors your smartphone, cruise control, rear parking camera (which is great for hitching a trailer), air con, Bluetooth, DAB radio, powered and tinted windows, roof bars and rear parking sensors. If you think you can manage without 4×4 capability, you can get the same car for £2,300 less and economy improves to close to 60mpg – cracking value.

Verdict

In terms of a 4×4 SUV, this could very easily rank as one of the best towing vehicles that’s available for the money. Granted, some are better equipped and more lavishly finished off, but the Duster is still smart, relaxing to drive and with a good towing ability. Throw in the fact that it will easily double-up as a Monday to Friday commuter machine, holiday holdall and school shuttle, and it’s easy to understand why the Duster has built a loyal band of followers. As all-rounders go, this Dacia is hard to fault.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested this car?

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Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:02:57 +0000

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Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

This smart coupé style estate is from a new brand name in the UK. The Genesis G70 is a really a posh Hyundai with good low-end power from a sizeable diesel engine. Bet you haven’t seen one.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 2199cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 1,500kg

Power: 197 bhp (engine and battery combined)

Gearbox : 8-speed auto – rear-wheel drive

0-60mph: 7.5secs

Top speed: 140mph

Economy: 41.8mpg (officially)

CO2: 175g/km

Economy

About average for this size of car and for the available amount of power and performance. Go easily and you’ll crack the 40 mpg barrier. A strong diesel engine won’t be overly affected when towing either.

Towing ability

The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is a really good car but the 1,500kg towing capacity will limit the amount of people for whom it would be relevant. However, if you have one of the smaller horse boxes (the Equi-Trek we have used previously had an unladen weight of 855kg) and a small-ish horse, then the Genesis will be a wonderful tool. It has loads of low-end power. It feels as though it could easily tow a heavier load – it really does make things effortless. The rear camera is situated low down and is perfect for hitching a trailer. It’s only rear wheel drive, which is better than front wheel drive, but all-wheel drive would have been handy. It’s rumoured that the next version will be AWD.

Performance

Good. The Genesis G70 pulls away sharply from standstill and actually feels quicker than the figures suggest. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is seamless and makes for smooth progress. As you’d expect it handles very much like a Hyundai which means that it is very predictable, is quite softly sprung and über comfy.

Day-to-day

One typical comment is that the G70 feels a bit old school, but that is actually part of the attraction. Under the handsome exterior you’ll find a Hyundai. The Korean manufacturer is trying to do what Toyota do with Lexus. Genesis are marketing themselves as an alternative to BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar. This means there is a quality look and feel to the interior. It’s really smart, and quiet, too. If you flop down the seats, you end up with 1,535 litres of space in the boot, which is pretty good. The sloping roofline does mean you sacrifice some height for the good exterior looks though.

Value for money

Decent. Buying the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is unlike anything you’ll have done previously in terms of a vehicle purchase. There are no dealerships with flashy showrooms. The company attends events and they have “pop-up” displays at shopping centres or where there’s going to be a lot of footfall (you can find events near you on their website), but if you fancy a test drive, give them a call and they’ll bring a car to your home or office. Everything is done online. When the car needs servicing or a repair, Genesis will collect it.

You get plenty of kit as standard including a head-up display which means vital information like speed and sat nav directions are projected onto the windscreen. There are front and rear parking sensors, powered front seats, electric tailgate, a 360° camera and a clever gadget called a blind spot detector that shows you a camera image on the dashboard in front of you whenever you change lanes. The smart cruise control adjusts whenever you approach a corner or get too close to the car in front. Clever huh?

Verdict

We’ve included the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake in our round-up of the cars for towing horses for the simple reason that it’s different. Yes, it will do the job of towing a horse box as well as working really well as a day-to-day commuter/school run shuttle or holiday transportation, but it also gives you the option of having a car that encourages people to ask “What is it?” It tends to be more of a family car that will tow, rather than a workhorse that suits for the Monday–Friday routine, but it you are looking for an alternative model that has a premium feel and, because it’s from the Hyundai stable, should be very reliable, it’s certainly worth considering. Good value, too.

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Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 12:41:29 +0000

creditUnknown

Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

The Volvo XC40 is a chunky, roomy, family friendly SUV that has petrol and battery hybrid power. It majors on safety, standard kit and a decent towing limit, making it one of the best cars for towing horses.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 1500cc (Petrol)

Towing capacity: 1,800kg

Power: 258 bhp (engine and battery combined)

Gearbox : 7-speed auto

0-60mph: 7.3secs

Top speed: 112mph

Economy: 134.5mpg (officially) and up to 28 miles on battery power alone

CO2: 49g/km

Economy

If you use the battery-only mode, you’ll waft along in silence. Volvo reckon you can manage up to 28 miles before the petrol engine cuts in. So, if your daily commute is a 20-odd mile round trip, you can get to work and back without using any petrol. Real world driving using a mix of battery and petrol will probably leave you in the low-50s for mpg, although Volvo say the car will achieve 134mpg if you use the hybrid system to its full extent – you won’t.

There’s a clever trick with the sat nav, though. Key in your destination and the car will judge when it uses the battery. It means you don’t use-up the battery power straightaway and only uses it when you need to. You can even keep some juice in the battery if the latter part of your journey is in normally slow, town traffic.

Towing ability

It’s decent. Okay, the use of the battery on its own will just about disappear due to the added weight of a loaded horse box so it means the engine will run most of the time and therefore hit your economy. But in terms of hauling power, when the battery and electric motor work in unison, this Volvo SUV has plenty of grunt. The downside is that the XC40 PHEV is front wheel drive only, so you need to be careful if you’re travelling on soggy or loose surfaces.

Performance

Good. A 0-60mph time of just over seven seconds means the car feels lively. The 1.5 litre petrol engine may seem small, but add in the power from the battery driven electric motor and you end up with a car that will easily cruise on the motorway and allow some fun on backroads. It’s quiet too – very refined – but if anything it could do with a bit of character being injected into it.

For most folk though, they’ll enjoy the cushy ride and predictable handling. The on-board battery only has a very limited range so you’ll need to recharge on a regular basis. A charge takes around 4 hours.

Day-to-day practicality

Excellent. All Volvos are easy to live with and this XC40 is no exception. It is lovely to drive, very comfortable and, as mentioned earlier, is packed with safety kit. When the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) tested the XC40 it came out with flying colours and rated as one of the safest cars they’d ever had.

There’s a premium feel to the interior and there’s a good level of standard kit. It will happily pile on the miles on a long journey or trundle around town. A great all-rounder.

Value for money

Okay, the Volvo XC40 isn’t cheap, but it’ll hold onto its value like a limpet and comes with an impressive level of goodies as standard including a 360° parking camera (it looks like a satellite is staring down at the car). Auto braking is handy if you are reversing into an obscured spot and the car detects anything crossing behind. There’s a powered tailgate that is also really handy when you’ve got your hands full.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Roof rails come as standard, as do LED headlights, cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, sat nav, air con, a really smart 9in centre display screen, reversing camera, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, a power outlet in the boot, DAB radio and powered driver’s seat. There’s not much else you could need really.

Verdict

Safe, well equipped, comfortable, lively and with a decent towing limit. What’s not to love? This Volvo XC40 is at its happiest when either cruising along the motorway or using battery power around town. However, if you regularly do long, fast journeys, your mpg will suffer because you’re carrying around a hefty battery as part of your load. As a day-to day car for work commuting, going to the tip, school run, shopping and weekend towing or an outing to the beach, it’ll be perfect. Make use of the hybrid system and it will also be seriously economical. It’s one of our favourites.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

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Isuzu D-Max V-Cross AWD review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 08:13:32 +0000

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Isuzu D-Max V-Cross AWD Auto

Th Isuzu D-Max is a tough, uncompromising, all-wheel drive pick-up that has brilliant towing ability, making it one to consider when looking into the best vehicles for towing horses. It’s surprisingly good to drive, with a decent level of equipment as standard, and feels safe, too.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 1898cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 3,500kg

Power: 162 bhp

Gearbox : 6-speed auto with all-wheel drive

0-60mph: 12.7secs

Top speed: 112mph

Economy: 33.6mpg

CO2: 220g/km

Economy

It’s a pick-up truck so it’s never going to be brilliant. The diesel engine is designed to develop power at low revs – and it does – but you need to work it quite hard which soaks up the fuel.

Towing ability

Excellent. Anything that can tow 3.5 tonnes and all-wheel drive will always get full marks in this section from us. A powerful engine, plus the ability to carry a hefty load in the flat-bed area really does mean this Isuzu is great for anyone who needs to tow and carry two sizeable horses and a lot of kit.

Performance

As with the economy, it’s never going to be great, but 0–60mph performance isn’t what a pick-up truck like the Isuzu D-Max is really designed for. It’s supposed to be a workhorse. Having said that, it’s reasonably quick off the mark but, as speed builds, it tends to run out of puff. However, for day-to-day work, that won’t be a problem. It will also cruise nicely at 70mph.

Day-to-day practicality

If you need a vehicle to do a job, this Isuzu pick-up is excellent. However don’t be fooled, it will also be a decent alternative to an SUV or estate car. The previous D-Max was a tad agricultural and focussed on the workhorse aspect, but Isuzu has made this latest version much more ‘lifestyle’ focussed. The ride is surprisingly well controlled and, yes, it’s good to drive – fun, actually.

The rear of the pick-up is great for loading up feed and bedding, plus you can get a lockable cover for when you go away (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A lot of pick-ups will never see a field or tow a trailer but it’s nice to know that it has go-anywhere ability if you need it. Oh, and children love riding in a pick-up, too. You can also get a lockable load area cover to keep your belongings secure if you’re going on holiday or heading to a stay-away show.

One minor snag for people who are less mobile is that the Isuzu D-Max is higher off the ground than a car. Rather than flopping down into a seat, you need to climb up and in. Side steps, as on this V-Cross version, will help.

Value for money

If you have a business you may be able to reclaim the VAT. Pick-up trucks, despite being a serious family transport alternative, are classed as a commercial vehicle and are, therefore, taxed as such – hence why they’re becoming popular as day-to-day transportation. In comparison to other pick-ups, the D-Max is well priced.

The version we’ve reviewed here has a lot of bells and whistles included as standard, but if you want the D-Max to be used as a tool and earn its keep, then head lower down the range. Prices start at just over £23,000 before VAT if you can manage without all-wheel drive and with no rear cab. You can spend around £27,000 (ex VAT) for a cab that has rear seats, 4×4 transmission and exactly the same engine and towing ability as the more expensive versions.

The V-Cross version shown here is well equipped and comes with air con, reversing camera (great for hitching a trailer), DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, side steps and a 9-inch multifunction touchscreen.

Verdict

UK sales of pick-ups are rising, while a pick-up has been the top selling vehicle in the US for more than 30 years. As vehicles like the Isuzu D-Max become less workhorse focussed and more family and commuter friendly, they are starting to find buyers who simply like the look and versatility of a pick-up.

The cabins are more car-like and the ride is now forgiving rather than firm. There’s also a marked step-up in the interior quality. Yes, this D-Max will do a stunning job as a towing vehicle, but it will also be a great alternative to anyone who is fancying a change from their normal car. No wonder sales are on the up.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

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Mazda CX-5 Sport review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:02:21 +0000

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Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.2D AWD

The Mazda Cx-5 is a mid-size SUV is powered by a diesel engine and benefits from all-wheel drive. It has a good towing ability and an excellent level of equipment and safety kit as standard.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 2191cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 2,100kg

Power: 181 bhp

Gearbox : 6-speed auto with all-wheel drive

0-60mph: 9.6secs

Top speed: 129mph

Economy: 42.6mpg

CO2: 173g/km

Economy

Decent, bearing in mind that this is an all-wheel drive car. The manufacturer’s 42.6mpg figure should be easily achievable. Go easily and you’ll get close to 50mpg. Diesel also works well for towing.

Towing ability

Good. With a towing limit of 2100kgs and a powerful diesel engine, this Mazda would easily manage most horse boxes with a decent sized horse on board. All-wheel drive helps you cross muddy fields and improves traction on slippery roads. Reversing camera makes hitching a trailer simple.

Performance

Decent. A 2.2 litre diesel engine will always give you good low-speed lugging power. No need to rev the engine. This is great for setting off when towing a hefty load. All-wheel drive also helps when traction is reduced – for example, in wintery weather, rutted tracks or getting out of a muddy field. The diesel engine sounds a bit gruff when cold or under hard acceleration, but it’s refined when cruising.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Day-to-day

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best driving SUVs around. If you enjoy driving, you’ll love it. There’s a sporty feel to the car and, although the suspension has a slightly firmer set-up than some of the rivals, the ride is comfortable and the handling very predictable. There’s a surprising amount of interior space and, thanks to the five seats, it ticks the boxes when it comes to sensible family transport. Great for the school run or holiday outings. The boot isn’t the biggest for this size of SUV, but it should cope with most of your day-to-day stuff.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Good. If you compare like for like with other SUVs, make sure you check out the level of standard kit. Every CX-5 comes with satellite navigation, LED headlights, DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning and auto lights and wipers. The Sport trim this adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, reversing camera, front wiper de-icer, tilt and slide sunroof, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, and a head-up display that projects information onto the windscreen. The whole interior has a premium feel and look, and it’s roomy too. If you don’t need such a high towing capacity, take a look at the petrol models.

Verdict

Mazda isn’t a name a lot of people think of when it comes to buying a car for towing– it’s a pity as they don’t know what they’re missing. This CX-5 is a typical Mazda in that it’s good to drive, well equipped and has an excellent reliability record. It’s a handsome thing, too. It’s roomy and, thanks to a good towing ability, it will make for a terrific family all-rounder and workhorse. If you can manage a slightly lower towing limit, you can do without the all-wheel drive – and if you’re prepared to ditch some of the goodies, take a look at the entry level SE-L. The petrol engine is smoother and quieter and you’ll save around £7,000, but there’s no reduction in driver appeal.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

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Lexus RX 450h F-Sport review

Graham Courtney — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:17:32 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Lexus RX 450h F-Sport

The Lexus RX 450h is a large self-charging hybrid 4×4 SUV that is powered by a petrol engine and battery-driven electric motor. It has a premium image and decent towing ability.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 3456cc (Petrol)

Towing capacity: 2,000kg

Power: 309 bhp

Gearbox : CVT auto

0-60mph: 7.7secs

Top speed: 124mph

Economy: 35.3mpg

CO2: 178g/km

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Economy

Only average figures at first glance, but this is a sizeable car, so they’re actually okay. If you can make full use of the on-board battery that charges itself as you go along, you’d trundle around at town speeds using no petrol so those figures will be achievable. 35mpg will probably be close to your overall average.

Towing ability

Good. With a towing limit of 2,000kgs, this Lexus RX 450h would easily manage most horse boxes with a decent sized horse on board. All-round cameras make hitching simple, while the 4×4 capability is always a bonus.

Performance

Good. At town speeds or setting off from traffic lights, you use battery power only and ride along in near silence. If you need more “oomph”, the 3.5 litre engine bursts into life. The CVT gearbox needs the revs to rise to a high level to produce performance, but once you settle into a cruise, the revs will drop. It’s not noisy… it just sounds a bit odd.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Boot space and day-to-day practicality

You get five seats. Rear seats slide and recline for extra comfort and legroom. The boot is 539 litres, which is okay although other big SUVs offer more. The rear seats flop forward on the press of a handy button in the boot to increase your load area to 1,579 litres. The boot opening is quite high above the ground so care is needed with heavy items. It’s a wonderfully relaxed long-distance cruiser and the ride is super-cushy. You can also choose various driving modes between comfortable and sporty.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Lexus models retain their value. Standard equipment is decent with sat nav, air con, parking sensors, LED headlights, heated, ventilated and powered front seats, heated steering wheel, and an electronic tailgate, which handy if you’ve got your arms full of tack. Keyless entry also means the car senses when you’re approaching and unlocks the doors and boot automatically. A really clever device, and useful when attaching a trailer, is a camera system that shows the car’s exterior on the dashboard colour touchscreen. Yes, it’s not cheap, but compared to other luxury cars of this ability and specification, it’s pretty good. Go for the entry level models and they’re even better value.

Verdict

Lexus has been named as the UK’s most reliable car brand in the What Car? 2022 Awards. If you buy new, you can extend the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years. The Lexus RX 450h is good to drive, reasonably economical if you’re careful, and well equipped. The all-wheel drive transmission makes towing very assured. If luxurious 4×4 motoring is something you fancy, this is a good place to start.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

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Škoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDi review

Graham Courtney — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:50:35 +0000

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Škoda Octavia Estate SE L 2.0 TDi

The spacious Škoda Octavia estate car won the 2021 Auto Express magazine Estate Car of the Year title. The boot area is sizeable and, if you drop the rear seats into the floor, you end up with a truly enormous load space, which is ideal for loading up bedding and feed.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 1968cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 1,600kg

Power: 148 bhp

Gearbox : DSG auto

0-60mph: 8.6secs

Top speed: 139mph

Economy: 63.2mpg

CO2: 117g/km

Economy

Excellent. Despite being a sizeable car, as long as you stick with a diesel engine, this Škoda Octavia is seriously economical. Even the petrol versions are pretty good, too. If you go easily, you’ll crack 60mpg.

The Skoda Octavia we tested has a towing limit of 1,600kg, but the 4×4 model boosts this to two tonnes (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Towing ability

Good. With a towing limit of 1,600kgs, this particular Škoda Octavia would easily manage, for example, an Equi-Trek Apollo horse box with a 15hh horse on board. We used that model for our 2022 towing guide. If you like the look of this car but needed additional towing flexibility, you can fork out an additional £1,500 (we would) and go for the 4×4 model. This bumps-up your towing limit to a useful two tonnes.

Performance

Good. The 2.0 litre diesel engine feels really punchy. The power arrives at low revs, which means the car pulls away effortlessly even with the loaded horse box attached. It comes with an automatic gearbox as standard. You can either let the gearbox work on its own or you can have some fun and switch the ratios by using paddles behind the steering wheel. All-wheel drive is an option.

With the seats folded down, the boot capacity is 1,740 litres (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Boot space

Škoda has earned a great reputation for building solid, family friendly cars that are also versatile. The Octavia Estate one of those cars that manages to easily fit the bill as a daily commuter, school bus, holiday express and weekend workhorse. The big bonus is the boot space. Even with the rear seats in place it is still a very useful 640 litres, however flop them into the floor and it rises to a staggering 1,740 litres. It will easily cope with all of your tack or holiday luggage. Taking rubbish to the tip or collecting your feed was never so easy!

The SE L trim includes an infotainment system with satnav, DAB radio and Bluetooth (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Good. It’s not cheap but standard equipment is decent and has the sort of stuff that horse owners will find are really handy. How about a storage area within the front doors for umbrellas, lashing hooks in the load area and, flip open the fuel flap to reveal an ice scraper. The SE L trim adds sat nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist, cruise control and heated front seats. There’s also a 12v socket in the boot and there are roof rails. You can release the boot lid electronically from inside the car. A rear view camera is positioned in the boot lid handle, which is handy for hitching up.

Verdict

The Škoda Octavia Estate car is good to drive, economical, well equipped and with a vast load area. The all-wheel drive model will tow 2000kgs, but even the slightly cheaper version shown here is an extremely capable towing vehicle. Terrific all-rounder.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

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