The multi-award-winning Volvo XC40 has been honoured for another aspect of its performance, being crowned the Best Car for Towing in the 2022 Auto Trader New Car Awards.
The accolade was determined by the real-world opinions and experiences of more than 150,000 UK motorists who rated their cars across key ownership and lifestyle criteria, making the XC40 a true consumer champion.
Announcing the award in London, Auto Trader Editorial Director, Erin Baker, said: “Safety, comfort and quality were the top attributes for consumers searching for the best car for towing, and it was the Volvo XC40 that ticked all three boxes this year, offering a premium interior, great technology, a small footprint and that all-important ability to tow.”
The owners responding to the awards survey also commended the XC40 for its smooth driving performance and its safety features – recognised by Auto Trader as “the hallmark of Volvo”.
The XC40 might be the most compact member of Volvo’s SUV line-up, but it is not lacking in muscle. For the petrol-powered versions, the capacity for towing a braked trailer extends up to 2,100kg for the 197hp all-wheel-drive B4 model. The new generation of pure electric Recharge XC40s are also excellent tow cars, with the 408hp Recharge Twin all-wheel-drive model capable of pulling caravans or braked trailers up to 1,800kg.
While this level of performance might be expected from an SUV, Volvo heightens the appeal with the XC40’s cool Scandinavian design, the peace of mind provided by its extensive safety provisions, and its intuitive technologies for on-board connectivity, comfort, entertainment and information.
The XC40’s towing capability is combined with generous space for luggage, with 452 litres in the load compartment with all the seats in place, or up to 1,328 litres with the rear seats folded down. Even more can be added with a range of load-carrying accessories, including roof boxes (which provide up to 500 litres of additional storage space) and bike and ski carriers.
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “Positive customer opinions are critical for the success of any car, and it is very rewarding to see the XC40 praised so much by owners for its towing ability and all-round quality. No matter which XC40 you choose – petrol, plug-in hybrid or pure electric – it is a super tow car.”