Hi Marie,

Well, not wishing to sound like we’re taking the easy way out, you’re very much on the right track. For towing, what you want are the combined attributes of a heavy car (hence why SUVs are popular, as they are invariably knocking on the door of two tonnes on their own), a strong turbodiesel engine (box checked by the XC60 D4 or D5 models) and four-wheel drive for maximum traction. Most large SUVs with 2.0-litre turbodiesels (or larger) and AWD can haul anything up to 3.5 tonnes, so the Volvo is a fine choice. But if you want a leftfield alternative that the country brigade appreciates for its no-nonsense ability to haul heavy loads, try the SsangYong Rexton. It’s not massively refined, but its proper off-roader 4x4 underpinnings and lusty turbodiesel engine allow it to lug 3,500kg of braked trailer with little difficulty.