Which SUV should I buy to tow an older Jayco 'van?

Question: We have purchased an older Jayco van (tare 750kg, max weight 1100kg), and had intended to tow it with our 2013 Hyundai ix35 two-wheel drive with 230,000km.

But our mechanic has suggested we will probably kill the car with the towing and has suggested if we were thinking of buying a new car (which we sort of are) now is probably the time.

He has suggested a Toyota RAV4 hybrid or a Hyundai hybrid or even a Mitsubishi Outlander, but to make sure we get all-wheel drive.

Our budget is probably max $50,000.

He also suggested a diesel engine if we don't get a hybrid.

With little or no car knowledge, I would like your opinion. – Kate

Answer: Something fresher is certainly worth considering, in part because the 2.0-litre engine in your ix35 will be working pretty hard to lug around another tonne.

I’m assuming you’re looking at near-new used cars given the openness to diesel (not many new medium SUVs offer diesel anymore).

With any mid-sized SUV, though, you have to be wary of tow capacities and payloads when towing.

That’s likely why your mechanic suggested an all-wheel drive.

In the case of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, the front-drive model is only rated to tow 480kg whereas the all-wheel drive can lug 1500kg. Even then, you need to keep an eye on the payload; with 1100kg out the back you could have as little as 360kg of payload left for people and luggage (assuming 10 per cent of the caravan weight is pushing down on the towball).

Of all those mid-sizers the RAV4 hybrid is a great place to start. It’s great to drive, reliable and represents solid value. Prices hold up well on the used car market, so you may not necessarily pick up a bargain, but there should be plenty to choose from within your budget.

Also check out the current shape Kia Sportage (it went on sale in 2021). It’s excellent buying and also offers a great hybrid system, albeit only in front-drive guise. That said, it’s rated to tow 1650kg and shouldn’t have any issues with your van.

There’s also a diesel all-wheel drive with a 1900kg tow capacity. It’s a great engine that’ll work nicely for towing, but it won’t be as economical as the hybrid when you’re not towing and driving around town.

The Hyundai Tucson hybrid is also worth sticking on your shortlist. It’s the sister car to the Sportage so uses the same hybrid system – and it was also offered as an all-wheel drive.

The Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER is another one worth looking at. It’s all-wheel drive and has a different hybrid system because the engine never drives the wheels; it’s only used to charge the battery. There are two electric motors that provide more of an EV-like driving experience. There’s also great cabin space and plenty of features.