Towing Differences Across Range Rover Powertrains: What Owners Need to Know Now

Why towing rules are changing for Range Rover owners

Range Rover owners have long expected serious towing capability as part of the brand's DNA. Recent model updates and electrified variants mean the headline towing number now depends heavily on which powertrain you choose. This guide explains the certified limits published by Land Rover, what independent testing shows about electric-range penalties when towing, and practical steps owners should take before hooking up a trailer.

What the official figures say — read the placard, not just the brochure

Manufacturer technical documents and spec sheets show clear variation by drivetrain. Land Rover’s official specification sheet lists unbraked trailer limits (750 kg) and confirms many petrol/MHEV Range Rover variants are homologated to tow up to 3,500 kg, while PHEV (plug‑in hybrid) short‑wheelbase variants are certified to tow up to around 3,000 kg depending on trim and market. The same documents also list maximum coupling (nose) weights (typically 120–150 kg) and combined vehicle+trailer gross figures for each variant [1].

Independent spec listings for 2026 PHEV Range Rover call out a maximum towing figure in the same ballpark (about 6,613 lbs, i.e., roughly 3,000 kg) for markets where that variant is homologated—again, check the specific model and market sheet for exact numbers [4].

BEV Range Rover: capable, but usually rated lower for towing

Land Rover has confirmed a battery electric Range Rover is part of the family and that capability goals (including towing) remain a priority, but the company also urges owners to never exceed a vehicle’s permissible towing capacity [2]. Early reviews of the Range Rover BEV prototype indicate a large usable battery (~118 kWh) and twin motors, with JLR aiming for real‑world ranges around 300 miles in mixed driving but noting motorway use and towing will reduce that substantially [3].

Critically, manufacturers commonly homologate lower tow limits for electrified models because of packaging, weight and thermal-management constraints. In Land Rover’s broader lineup the company already differentiates tow limits: for example, the new Range Rover Sport is quoted as towing up to 3.5 tonnes for ICE variants but about 3.0 tonnes for Electric Hybrid versions—an indicator of how electrification alters certified capability in practice [5].

Real‑world electric towing: expect big range penalties

Independent towing tests of large EVs and SUVs show towing can dramatically reduce electric range. Carwow’s towing trials and associated summaries demonstrate that a trailer’s aerodynamic drag and vehicle speed have outsize effects on energy consumption — in some cases cutting range by more than half depending on conditions and load. That means even a BEV with a large battery can see motorway towing range fall well below advertised mixed‑use figures, and JLR has acknowledged towing will further erode BEV range in real use [6][3].

Practical advice for Range Rover owners who tow

1. Verify your vehicle’s certified limit. Look at the towing placard, the owner’s handbook and the model‑specific technical sheet before assuming a generic number. Limits can differ by wheelbase, trim and market [1][4].
2. Check accessory compatibility for your drivetrain. Dealer towbar kits, wiring modules and deployable accessories are sometimes not applicable to PHEV or BEV variants; accessory instructions explicitly note which items cannot be fitted to electrified cars. Confirm part numbers and fitment before ordering [7].
3. Plan for reduced EV range when towing. If you intend to tow on battery power, expect heavy penalties at motorway speeds—plan additional charging stops or accept shorter legs. If your PHEV’s battery depletes, the ICE will continue to provide motive power but initial EV‑only towing range will be limited [6][3].
4. Use manufacturer tools and driving aids. New Range Rover models provide tow‑assist features and software that estimate range impact when towing; use these tools and the vehicle’s weight distribution guidance to stay within safe limits [5].
5. Factor thermal management and payload. Electrified powertrains have additional thermal constraints; prolonged heavy towing at high speeds can trigger power limiting. Where possible, moderate speed and avoid sustained full‑power climbs to reduce stress on batteries and electric drive units [3].

Bottom line

Range Rover towing capability remains strong across the line-up, but electrification changes the rules: PHEVs are typically rated a little lower than ICE counterparts and BEVs are often homologated to tow less than the same model with an internal‑combustion engine. Always consult the exact model’s technical sheet and accessory fitment notes before towing, and treat BEV towing as a planning exercise—expect significant range impacts and use JLR’s onboard guidance and towing aids to stay within safe, legal limits.