What qualifies an SUV as a good towing vehicle? While an SUV's high towing capacity is important, especially if you plan to haul a heavy load like a boat or horse trailer with a roof, it's not the only factor that makes this vehicle ideal for this task.
When you factor in that the average weight of a trailer in the United States is just 3,000 pounds, the options expand beyond the robust truck-based SUVs that usually come to mind when the subject is brought up. In light of this need, we researched and identified the best SUVs in each class that are capable of towing adequately and excel in every other aspect as well. Here are some of the best options for towing SUVs:
2023 Dodge Durango SRT 392
Towing Capacity: 8,700 Pounds
There are several trim levels available for the 2023 Dodge Durango, but the SRT 392 is the best option for towing among new cars for sale. The premium package's 6.4L HEMI V8 engine generates 475 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, and an impressive 8,700-pound towing capability. If you have the cash to spare, you can have the 2023 Durango SRT Hellcat with a supercharged HEMI V8.
The Hellcat can tow up to 8,700 pounds, but its maximum power output is 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, all owing to its forced induction system. The most affordable towing service is not the best. The base SRT 392 model of the Durango starts at an MSRP of $70,295; the top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat model costs at least $15,500 more. Performance brakes, a limited-slip differential, all-wheel drive, and an adjustable suspension are just some of the extras you receive for the money. There are various Durango versions with less power available at a slightly lower price for the used cars.
2023 Chevrolet Suburban
Towing Capacity: 8,300 Pounds
The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the greatest SUVs for towing, despite having somewhat less pulling power than the Tahoe. With a large family or plenty of belongings, you won't find a better cabin than this one. With the front bench seat folded down, the Suburban can comfortably accommodate nine passengers. When the back seats are collapsed, there are 144.7 cubic feet of storage space. Towing up to 8,300 pounds requires the Max Trailering Package and the 2WD 5.3L V8 engine, which produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
You can have 4WD or a 3.0L Turbo Diesel in your Suburban if you don't mind a little lower maximum towing capability. Be sure to choose the Max Trailering Package, which adjusts the axle ratio and comes with a built-in trailer brake controller. The six available options on the 2023 Suburban let you tailor it to your towing and financial requirements, with prices ranging from $58,695 for the LS to $80,345 for the High Country. Ensure that you check the VIN number before buying the vehicle.
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Towing Capacity: 8,400 Pounds
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a powerful and attractive SUV that can accommodate large amounts of cargo. There are three motor options for either two- or four-wheel propulsion. There is a 5.3L V8 engine that pumps out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and it comes as standard equipment. Upgrade to a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L Duramax diesel offers 277 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow 8,200 to 8,400 lb.
The Max Trailering Package, together with the 2WD 5.3L gas engine or Duramax diesel vehicle, is required to achieve the massive 8,400-pound maximum towing capability. Without the Max Trailering Package, the 2023 Tahoe can still tow between 7,600 and 7,900 pounds. The Max Trailering Package from Chevrolet includes a trailer brake controller, the Advanced Trailering System software for use when towing, hitch guidance with a view of the hitch, and a larger capacity air conditioner. Additional towing details, such as individualized trailer profiles, pre-trip checklists, and tire pressure/temperature monitoring, may be set up via the Advanced Trailering System app.
2023 GMC Yukon
Towing Capacity: 8,400 Pounds
The GMC Yukon, a full-size SUV from Chevrolet's sibling brand, is an excellent choice if you need a trailering vehicle that doesn't skimp on luxuries. Some examples of these customizations are unique room layouts and a total of thirteen camera angles, one of which is High Definition Surround Vision. When you're behind the wheel of a Yukon, you'll quickly forget that you're riding in one of the finest SUVs for towing because of the luxurious and refined ride it provides.
The basic 5.3L V8 engine produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing a rear-wheel-drive vehicle to pull up to 8,400 pounds. To get the most out of it, you'll need to upgrade to the Max Trailering Package. That is if you don't mind that your towing capacity will marginally reduce. When equipped with the Max Trailering Package, the Yukon AT4, and Denali can tow up to 8,200 pounds. The AT4 is an AWD vehicle powered by a 5.3L V8. The Denali is rear-wheel drive and powered by a 6.8L V8 engine that generates 420 hp.
2023 Nissan Armada
Towing Capacity: 8,500 Pounds
The body-on-frame Nissan Armada is the greatest option for trailering. A 5.6 liter V8 under the hood generates 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Its maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds is due to this reserve of power. Choosing rear-wheel drive will give you the maximum pulling power.
Auto-leveling suspension, a trailer brake controller, and trailer sway control monitoring are all excellent extras to have once you've outfitted your Armada with all the towing capabilities. These may be especially useful if you're towing in less-than-ideal situations, such as crosswinds. Nissan's assertion that the Armada's luxury look and tough capability make it the greatest SUV for towing is borne out by the vehicle's starting price of $49,900.
2023 Ford Expedition
Towing Capacity: 9,300 Pounds
The maximum trailering capacity of the 2023 Ford Expedition is 9,300 pounds, making it one of the best in its class among full-size SUVs. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine revs up to deliver 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition is more than capable since it can carry eight passengers and their belongings.
This SUV's full towing capability is only available with the addition of the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, which costs around $800. An electronic limited-slip differential, digital rearview camera, integrated trailer brake controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and reverse brake assist are all included in this package. If you don't have a tow package, the maximum weight of your trailer is 6,600 pounds.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Towing Capacity: 9,520 Pounds
The Land Cruiser was Toyota's premier towing SUV until 2020. It lost its crown to the Sequoia in 2022 and has been on the outs ever since then. The new Sequoia is built on a completely boxed frame similar to the one seen in the Tundra. The maximum trailer weight that can be pulled by this powerful SUV is 9,520 pounds. The power is delivered by the i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine, which generates 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque.
The 3.4L twin-turbo V6 and conventional 10-speed automatic transmission in the i-FORCE MAX are essentially crammed in between a 48-horsepower electric motor. Our analysis of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia delves deeper into these and other topics. Among Toyota's Sequoia trims, the top-tier SR5 version boasts the highest maximum trailer weight rating. The maximum weight that may be transported by a vehicle of Limited or Platinum quality is 9,300 pounds. Toyota's new towing king more than makes up for the Land Cruiser's removal from the lineup thanks to its seven-seat capacity and high-end cabin.
2023 Land Rover Range Rover P530
Towing Capacity: 8,200 Pounds
The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover is not only an excellent luxury car, but also a strong candidate for the title of finest towing SUV. The P530 can tow up to 8,200 pounds thanks to its 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8. The legendary Land Rover all-wheel-drive system is powered by an exhilarating 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, allowing the vehicle to conquer virtually any terrain.
Range Rover's high-end trim packages, together with a laundry list of pricey additions, provide a plush interior that is an elegant haven from the stresses of daily life. The newest Range Rover will not let you down if you're looking for a luxurious and capable towing vehicle.
2023 Cadillac Escalade
Towing Capacity: 8,200 Pounds
The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is the pinnacle of American automobile grandeur for those who want the best features. The 6.2-liter V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission inside this beast are good for 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The engine is identical to the one found in the Yukon Denali. Choose the Escalade with rear-wheel drive and the Heavy-Duty Trailering Package, and you'll be able to tow up to 8,200 pounds in comfort and luxury.
The Escalade's luxurious cabin and smooth driving experience make it seem like a genuine Cadillac. There's no denying the unique and dramatic aesthetic. The inside has some engaging technology, like the driver's cockpit's trio of interactive, 38-inch OLED screens. Also, your passengers will be pleased. With optional features like the AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system and the Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive suspension that smooths out the bumps, it's hard to find fault with this vehicle.
The Escalade-V, with its supercharged 6.2L V8 and 682-horsepower output, will make its debut in 2023. The maximum torque produced by the supercharged monster is 653 lb-ft, allowing it to tow a trailer weighing up to 7,000 pounds. The Escalape-V can haul a lot and also accelerates quickly (0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds). Read our assessment of the Escalade-V to get a better idea of what it can do for you.
2023 Infiniti QX80
Towing Capacity: 8,500 Pounds
If you want the comforts of a luxury SUV without sacrificing practicality, the Infiniti is hard to beat. The Infinity QX80 has been overhauled for 2023 to seem even larger, and the interior is now more luxurious than ever. A reliable 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque is housed under the hood. When combined with the seven-speed automatic gearbox, this award-winning engine provides a luxurious ride and impressive towing capacity.
The QX80 can pull up to 8,500 pounds when equipped with rear-wheel drive and a Class IV trailer hitch. You can fit up to eight people inside, and there's a lot of storage space behind the second row. The QX80 may be customized to meet your every need, whether you're looking for basic transportation or a cutting-edge luxury vehicle.
2023 Lincoln Navigator
Towing Capacity: 8,700 Pounds
With its body-on-frame SUV, Lincoln truly excelled. The Navigator 2023 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that is twin-turbocharged for 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox is standard equipment. The comfortable cabin has a high-end design, an intuitive media interface, and supportive seats.
A rear-seat entertainment system is an available extra, making it great for extended car rides with the family. The towing capability of a normal 2WD Navigator increases from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds when the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing kit is installed. The towing capacity drops to 8,300 pounds if you have the all-wheel-drive system. Safety features including trailer sway control, a heavy-duty radiator, a trailer brake controller, and a backup camera are all part of the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing package.
2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
Towing Capacity: 10,000 Pounds
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are unrivaled in the premium SUV class. Jeep's luxury SUV is priced in the six figures, but don't allow that or the vehicle's reincarnated namesake to put you off. The buttery-smooth ride and powerful V8 could persuade you to make this your next family car. To get down to business, the Wagoneer is equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and a mild hybrid system as standard equipment.
The belt/generator produces 12 kilowatts of electricity and 130 newton-meters of starting torque. The combined system output is a substantial 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. To take advantage of the Wagoneer's class-leading trailering capability of 10,000 pounds, be sure to get the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package. The Grand Wagoneer is every bit a Jeep as its more compact sibling. The engine is a 6.4L V8 that can produce 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Wagoneer's upgraded Ram chassis and factory tow kit allow it to pull an impressive 9,850 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
The towing capacity of most SUVs is less than that of many available trucks. However, many SUVs have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds or more, making them suitable for transporting a wide range of small to medium-sized boats.
A truck's fuel efficiency is estimated to drop by 2% for every 100 pounds of increased weight. It's not hard to assume that your fuel efficiency will suffer much more while hauling a huge trailer.
The greater the vehicle's mass, the more securely it can pull a load. SUVs and trucks now are lighter than in the past, yet they can still haul significant weight.
Installing a factory tow package means equipping your SUV or vehicle with components developed by the manufacturer specifically for towing. These components have been tested and validated specifically for your car model.
