Toyota’s all-wheel-drive bZ4X Touring has won its class in the 2027 Towcar of the Year Awards, putting electric towing capability firmly into the outdoor-lifestyle conversation.
Toyota’s bZ4X Touring all-wheel-drive model has won the 1,500–1,600kg class in the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s 2027 Towcar of the Year Awards. The result is relevant beyond caravanning because trailer-boaters face many of the same questions about stability, traction, load carrying and the practicality of towing with an electric vehicle.
The award does not automatically make the bZ4X Touring suitable for every boat and trailer combination, and owners still need to check the vehicle’s approved towing limits carefully. It does, however, provide useful independent evidence that electric SUVs are moving into jobs that outdoor users once assumed required petrol or diesel power.
Testing focused on towing behaviour
The Toyota was assessed at the UTAC Millbrook proving ground as part of a wider programme covering towing performance and practicality. Judges reported controlled braking and stable handling, while the car completed the 0–60mph test in 7.55 seconds when hitched.
Acceleration is not the main issue for a trailer-boater, but predictable control under load matters on wet roads, hills and long journeys to launch sites. All-wheel drive can also be useful where access roads, campsites or slipway approaches are less forgiving than normal urban driving.
Boat trailers create their own considerations
A caravan award should not be treated as a substitute for boat-specific checks because a trailer boat has different weight distribution, dimensions and launch-site demands. The legal gross trailer mass, nose weight and manufacturer limits remain the numbers that determine whether a particular combination is suitable.
Electric towing also makes route planning more important because energy consumption rises substantially when towing. Charging locations need to work with the trailer attached or provide enough space to unhitch safely without turning a simple stop into an obstacle course.
Cars belong in the LBG ownership picture
For many boats under 12 metres, the tow vehicle is part of the ownership system rather than a separate lifestyle purchase. A capable car can widen where a boat is used, reduce dependence on permanent berthing and make weekend exploration much easier.
LBG will therefore treat cars selectively, focusing on towing, carrying gear and reaching the places small-boat owners actually use. The bZ4X Touring is a timely example because it shows how electric vehicles are beginning to compete for that practical outdoor role.
Source
Toyota UK Media