Carvendo

For caravanners who not only want to drive comfortably and safely, but also want to be economical, there are several smart options available in 2025. With limited fuel consumption or a hybrid powertrain, you can save both your wallet and the environment, while still towing your caravan carefree. In this Carvendo blog, we compare six models that stand out for their efficiency, practicality and reliable performance: the Volvo V60 T6 Recharge, Škoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI PHEV, Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 BlueHDi, Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI and the Dacia Duster TCE 130.

We'll dive deeper into important features such as bullet pressure management, braked towing weight, power & torque and how these features actually help you as a caravanner on the road. Whether you're taking short weekend trips or long summer vacations, we'll show you which fuel-efficient cars are reliable, comfortable and practical to keep your caravan safely behind you. With this overview, you'll know exactly which models best suit your driving style, caravan and travel needs.

Volvo V60 T6 Recharge — economical, powerful and comfortable for caravanners

The Volvo V60 T6 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid that offers both efficiency and comfort and is therefore ideal as a caravan tractor. With a braked towing weight of around 1,600 kg, you can transport medium-sized caravans safely, while the combination of petrol engine and electric motor ensures a smooth and responsive ride. The direct torque of the electric motor helps accelerate smoothly, even with a loaded caravan, while the total power of around 340 hp also effortlessly tackles challenging slopes.

In terms of bullet pressure management, the V60 T6 Recharge scores highly. The low center of gravity due to the battery in the subfloor and the balanced suspension ensure that the caravan stays stable behind the car, minimizing swaying. This provides confidence on both motorways and winding roads, and makes long journeys a lot more relaxing.

Inside, the V60 offers a premium and comfortable cab. The seats are well supported, the interior is quiet and organized, and there is plenty of storage space for luggage and travel essentials. For long summer vacations or short weekend trips, everything feels comfortable and well thought out.

Thanks to the hybrid drive, you can also drive more economically and environmentally aware. You can do short trips mostly electrically and combine long trips with the gasoline engine, keeping your fuel costs low without sacrificing performance.

In short: the Volvo V60 T6 Recharge is a smart choice for caravanners who want to combine efficiency, comfort and reliability. It tows your caravan safely, drives stably and offers a luxurious driving experience, making every trip relaxing and carefree.

Volvo V60 T6 Recharge

Braked towing weight: up to 1,860 kg
Power & Torque: With 340 hp and a hybrid drive, the V60 offers powerful performance.
Bullet pressure management: Excellent, with a recommended bullet pressure of approximately 100 kg.
Ideal for: Caravanners who value sustainability and efficiency.

See all Volvo V60s ->

See all Skoda Kodiaq ->

Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI PHEV — spacious and economical trailer tractor

The Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that is ideal for caravanners who value both space and economy. With a braked towing weight of approximately 1,800 kg, it is suitable for medium-sized caravans and offers enough power to drive smoothly and safely with a full load. The combination of petrol engine and electric motor provides instant torque, which ensures smooth acceleration when overtaking or turning off on hills without sacrificing the comfort of the ride.

The Kodiaq's bullet pressure management is well tuned, partly thanks to the battery's low center of gravity and a stable chassis. This means that the caravan will sway less quickly, even at higher speeds or crosswinds. It makes long trips with the caravan less stressful and gives you, as a driver, a lot of confidence in the combination.

Inside, the Kodiaq offers plenty of space and practical comfort. The interior is well-organized, ergonomic and has plenty of storage space, ideal for luggage and travel essentials. The seats are comfortable, making long vacation trips relaxing.

You also benefit from the plug-in hybrid drive: short trips can be fully electric, while longer distances can be driven smoothly with the petrol engine. This ensures attractive fuel consumption and a lower environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

In short: the Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI PHEV is a reliable, spacious and economical caravan tractor. It combines practical use, stable handling and comfortable rides, making you well prepared for both short weekend trips and long summer vacations.

Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI PHEV

Braked towing weight: up to 1,800 kg
Power & Torque: The plug-in hybrid drive provides sufficient power for medium-duty caravans.
Bullet pressure management: Good, with a stable chassis.
Ideal for: Medium sized caravans and longer rides.

‍

Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 BlueHDi — elegant and efficient trailer tractor

The Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 BlueHDi is a stylish station wagon that is ideal for caravanners who value comfort, elegance and economical consumption. With a braked towing weight of approximately 1,600 kg, it is suitable for medium-sized caravans and offers sufficient power to drive smoothly and safely, even with a full load. The 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine provides nice mid-range torque, providing smooth acceleration when overtaking and accelerating smoothly on slopes without feeling tense.

The 508 SW's bullet pressure management is well tuned, partly thanks to the low center of gravity of the estate body and the stable chassis. This helps to minimize swaying and provides a predictable, quiet driving experience, even at higher speeds or in light crosswinds. For caravanners, this means more control and less stress along the way.

Inside, the Peugeot 508 SW offers a spacious and comfortable interior. Ergonomic seats, a well-organized dashboard and a large luggage compartment make it a practical choice for both short weekend trips and longer vacations. The interior is stylishly finished, which contributes to a pleasant and luxurious driving experience without sacrificing the comfort of the driver and passengers.

In addition, the 1.5 BlueHDi engine is extremely efficient, keeping your fuel costs low during long caravan trips. It combines modern technology with reliable performance, making the 508 SW a wise choice for those looking for an elegant and practical towing vehicle.

In short: the Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 BlueHDi is a reliable, comfortable and economical caravan tractor. Its stable handling, pleasant bullet pressure management and practical interior make it suitable for both short and long vacation trips, with the certainty that your caravan is transported safely and in a controlled manner.

Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 BlueHDi

Braked towing weight: up to 1,330 kg
Power & Torque: The 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine offers efficiency and sufficient power for light caravans.
Bullet pressure management: Limited; possibly insufficient for a well-loaded caravan.
Ideal for: Lightweight caravans with low bullet pressure.

‍

See all Peugeot 508's->

Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI — reliable and stable tractor for caravans

The Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI has been a favorite among caravanners for years, and for good reason. With a braked towing weight of approximately 2,000 kg, this station wagon is very suitable for medium to somewhat heavier caravans. The 2.0 TDI engine provides strong torque, making acceleration, overtaking and driving on hilly terrain smooth and stress-free. For caravanners, this means that you always have confidence in the performance of your car while on the road, regardless of the load.

The Passat Variant's bullet pressure management is well thought out. The station wagon's low center of gravity and stable chassis help to minimize swaying, while the combination with a caravan remains predictable. Even at higher speeds or light crosswinds, the Passat feels stable, allowing you to drive relaxed and safely, even over longer distances.

Inside, the Passat Variant offers a spacious and practical interior. Comfortable seats, plenty of legroom and a well-organized dashboard make long journeys enjoyable. The large luggage compartment offers plenty of space for luggage, camping gear and extra equipment, which is particularly useful for longer caravan holidays.

The 2.0 TDI engine is also economical and reliable, making the Passat Variant not only a practical towing vehicle, but also a financially wise choice for those who drive a lot of miles. The diesel power and torque are perfectly suited to towing a caravan, without affecting the comfort of the ride.

In short: the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI is a stable, comfortable and reliable caravan tractor. With excellent bullet pressure management, powerful power and practical interior features, it offers both short weekend trips and long vacations a safe and relaxing experience. A classic choice for caravanners who value security and comfort.

Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI

Braked towing weight: up to 2,000 kg
Power & Torque: The 2.0 TDI engine offers powerful power and torque, suitable for medium duty caravans.
Bullet pressure management: Good, with a recommended bullet pressure of approximately 90 kg.
Ideal for: Medium sized caravans and longer rides.

‍

See all VW Passats ->

Dacia Duster 130 TCE - affordable and practical trailer tractor

The Dacia Duster 130 TCE is a surprisingly capable SUV for caravanners looking for a reliable, affordable and practical towing vehicle. With a braked towing weight of approximately 1,300 kg, it is ideal for light caravans or smaller trailers. The 1.3 liter TCE engine provides pleasant torque and 130 hp, which offers enough power to accelerate and overtake a caravan smoothly, even on hilly routes. For caravanners, this means you can hit the road with confidence, without the car having trouble towing a lightly loaded caravan.

The Duster's bullet pressure management is solid and well thought out for its segment. Thanks to the relatively short wheelbase and stable suspension, the combination remains predictable, even at higher speeds or crosswinds. Swinging is limited, making for a safe and relaxing ride. The Duster's compact size also makes maneuvering on narrow roads or campsites a lot easier than larger SUVs.

Inside, the Duster offers a practical and well-organized interior. Comfort is simple but sufficient for short and medium trips. The seats are well supportive, and while the finish isn't as fancy as more expensive models, the Duster is functional and reliable for everyday use and vacation trips. The luggage compartment offers enough space for basic equipment, making it easy to carry all your camping gear.

The 1.3 TCE engine combines economical consumption with sufficient power, making the Duster a smart choice for those who regularly travel by caravan but don't want to invest too much in a large or expensive SUV.

In short: the Dacia Duster 130 TCE is an accessible, practical and reliable towing vehicle for light caravans. With good bullet pressure management, sufficient power and a compact, maneuverable format, it offers caravanners a safe and relaxing ride, ideal for short weekend trips or summer vacations.

Dacia Duster 130 TCE

Braked towing weight: up to 1,300 kg
Power & Torque: The 1.3 TCE engine offers plenty of power for light caravans.
Bullet pressure management: Solid, suitable for light caravans.
Ideal for: Light caravans and short trips.

‍

See all Dacia Dusters ->

Carvendo Tip

Driving a caravan is a different story than driving with just your car. Even the most capable automatic or hybrid requires a little extra attention. It all starts with good preparation: always check the load and the bullet pressure of your caravan. Place heavy items close to the axle and low to the ground so that the caravan remains stable and prevents swaying as much as possible.

While driving, you will immediately notice that a loaded caravan has a longer braking distance. That is why it is important to keep an extra distance from other road users and to brake calmly and in a controlled manner. Accelerating and cornering also requires adjustment: take turns a little wider and anticipate the caravan's movements. Abrupt maneuvers can be unnecessarily dangerous, so driving slowly is key to a safe ride.

Good preparation doesn't stop with driving itself. Check the tires, lights and other technical aspects of both the car and caravan before departure. Modern automatics and hybrid models often offer convenient driver assistance systems, such as trailer stability, AWD or hill assist — use this to make your ride even safer and more comfortable.

Plan your route carefully and take plenty of rest, especially on longer vacation trips. This way, you stay alert and always have control over the combination. Also, keep an eye on the weather: wind, rain or slippery roads affect the stability of the caravan, so adjust your speed and driving style where necessary.

With a well-prepared caravan, a suitable tow car and a quiet driving style, every trip becomes a lot more relaxing. With attention to bullet pressure, loading and technology, you can hit the road with confidence and enjoy your caravan vacation to the fullest.

Carvendo conclusion‍

When you're looking for an economical towing vehicle for your caravan, it's not just about fuel consumption. Stability, braked towing weight, power and torque are also important, so that your rides are always safe and comfortable. The models we looked at — from the Volvo V60 T6 Recharge hybrid and Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI PHEV to the efficient Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 Blue HDI, the reliable Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI and the compact Dacia Duster TCE 130 — show that there is plenty to choose from within this segment.

For those who value space and premium comfort, the Volvo V60 T6 Recharge is an excellent option. The combination of a powerful engine, hybrid efficiency and stable chassis makes long caravan trips particularly relaxing. The Skoda Kodiaq PHEV offers plenty of interior space and a practical interior, while the PHEV system also allows you to drive more economically, ideal for families with medium-sized caravans. The Peugeot 508 SW 1.5 Blue HDI excels in driving comfort and economy, with low CO₂ emissions and sufficient traction for a smooth ride. The Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI is a stable, spacious and reliable choice, perfect for longer vacations with lots of luggage. If you're looking for a compact, budget-friendly solution, the Dacia Duster TCE 130 is a surprisingly capable partner, with a good balance between traction and agility.

The beauty of this segment is that there is a suitable, economical towing car for every caravan driver. Whether you choose luxury and hybrid efficiency, spacious family practice or compact reliability, each of these models offers security, comfort and control on the road. With a smart choice in bullet pressure management, correct loading and attention to towing weight, you are assured of a relaxing holiday with your caravan.

‍