The Ford Galaxy AWD ticks an awful lot of boxes as a tow car.

It’s heavy, sends power to all four wheels, and there’s space inside for seven. Judging from the spec, it has a lot going for it.

For the most part, it lives up to that promise while towing. With 295lb ft of torque the 2.0-litre diesel engine isn’t as punchy as some, but it builds speed with steady determination.

There’s enough muscle to cope with starting on a 1-in-6 slope, albeit with some vibration through the seat and steering wheel.

At speed, the big Ford feels firmly in charge of the caravan, unless a stiff breeze picks up. Even then, movements are slight.

In everyday driving the Galaxy isn’t quite as rewarding as the smaller S-Max, but nonetheless it handles well for such a big car and rides very comfortably.

The Galaxy’s size is an advantage when it comes to carrying people, and there’s more space in the third row than in many rivals. With the third row stowed away there’s lots of room for bags.

However, the Ford lost lots of marks with our practicality testers, because the handbook warns against towing with the space-saver spare.

This high-spec Galaxy is very expensive, although that is reflected in the specification and standard equipment. However, we think the slightly smaller S-Max is better value for most caravanners.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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