When it comes to towing RVs, boats, and other trailers, you need a vehicle that combines power, stability, and versatility. SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) have become popular as tow vehicles due to their spacious interiors for passengers and gear, robust engines, and towing capabilities and technologies. In this post, we’re looking at some of the best SUVs for towing in all three classes – large, mid-size, and compact.
How to Choose the Best SUV for Towing
In addition to your own needs and desires based on your style of travel, when choosing an SUV for towing, there are a couple of essential pieces of information you need to know, including the weight (both overall and tongue weight) of the loaded RV or trailer you intend to tow and the tow rating of the SUVs you’re considering.
This is essential information because if your travel trailer weighs more than your SUV is capable of towing, you and your family won’t be safe as you’re moving down the road, and neither will those who are traveling around you.
The towing capabilities of the SUV must be able to handle the weight of your loaded trailer/travel trailer. The problem is that this information isn’t always cut and dry. Let’s take a look at a few things that you may need to factor into your decision.
Models May Be Rated Differently
SUV towing capacity needs to be considered for very specific vehicles because not all models of a particular SUV are rated equally. This means that not all models can tow the target weight. This may be especially true for many base models or engine and package options.
Manufacturers tend to hype the maximum tow rating for their vehicles. But, again, you need to be aware that not every model is rated to tow the same weight. A particular model of an SUV may be offered with different engines, tow packages, and cooling abilities.
Take the 2023 Toyota Sequoia as an example. This full-size SUV is rated with a tow capacity of 9520 pounds. However, to be able to tow that maximum weight, you’d need to choose the SR5 model with rear-wheel drive and the tow package.
It’s important to carefully note what each model of the SUV you’re interested in has to offer because you may need to choose an optional engine, suspension, or tow package. A 10-speed automatic transmission may sound super capable, but if can only be paired with the smallest engine option, that may not work for your towing needs.
Most Powerful Engines
Different models of an SUV may come with different engines, which could be the difference between whether an SUV is capable of its maximum tow capacity listed in the manufacturer’s marketing materials. For example, the GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV with a fairly broad towing capacity across its models. The 4-cylinder Acadia models can only tow up to 1,000 pounds, but a V6 model with a specialized tow package can tow up to 4,000 pounds. That’s a significant difference!
Tow Packages
Optional tow packages and engine options often determine the best towing capacity. If you’re buying an SUV to tow a travel trailer, opting for the factory-installed tow package is generally the best choice. Some tow packages include the trailer hitch as well as special wiring (in fact, with some manufacturers, a factory-installed hitch is required to achieve the maximum tow rating). They may also include a transmission cooler or a higher-capacity alternator.
Some may even include trailer sway control systems and hitch guides with cameras that help you hitch up the rig (for much more about trailer hitches, see our posts on proper trailer hitch height, weight distribution hitches, the trailer drop hitch, and hitch extenders). These are all crucial details when you’re shopping for an SUV that you’ll use to tow an RV or any other trailer.
Trailer Braking Systems
You’ll also need to note that tow capacity ratings can also be based on braking capabilities. This refers to the heaviest load a vehicle can tow when the trailer has its own braking system.
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, or 4-Wheel Drive
Some manufacturers require rear-wheel, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive to get the maximum tow rating. There are a lot of options and packages, so it’s important to figure out what you’ll need to tow your particular trailer.
Payload Capacity
A vehicle’s payload capacity is the maximum weight it can carry. This includes people, cargo, and the weight that the trailer’s tongue puts onto the receiver. Keep in mind that maximum payload and towing capacity are not the same thing.
It’s important to know your tow vehicle’s payload because it includes the tongue weight of the trailer. Tongue weight refers to the downward force that the tongue of a trailer applies to the hitch ball that’s attached to the tow vehicle. That force/weight has to be taken into consideration when looking at maximum payload.
Improper tongue weight can make the difference between a safe towing experience and a dangerous one. It shouldn’t be too much… or too little. In general terms, a travel trailer’s tongue weight should be between 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight. However, that tongue weight can’t cause the towing vehicle’s maximum payload or gross weight to be exceeded.
This means that an SUV towing a 5,000-pound trailer should have roughly 500-750 lbs of tongue weight on the hitch ball. You need to know this information so you can determine how much payload is left for carrying passengers and cargo. For much more on this topic, see our post What Is Tongue Weight?
Most manufacturers of vehicles that are engineered for towing have factored in a reasonable cushion to carry people and cargo when towing. However, if you plan to carry lots of people and heavy gear, make sure the SUV’s payload rating is up to the challenge. A trailer tongue scale is a great way to check tongue weight, which can help keep you and your rig safer on the road.
Now, let’s take a look at several of the best towing SUVs in each class.
NOTE: There are many (sometimes confusing) options for engines, trim, transmissions, towing packages, etc. In many cases, vehicles must be specifically configured to achieve maximum towing capacity. And specifications can change, even mid-model-year. Check with each manufacturer’s website or your local dealer for up-to-date specifics on any vehicle you’re considering for towing your RV. All prices listed are in US dollars.
Best Full-Size SUVs for Towing
There are many full-size SUVs with upgrades for 2024 that are excellent for towing and offer comfortable interiors for traveling. We begin with some of the highest towing capacity SUVs on the market.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer is at the top of the large SUV class with an available maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. The Wagoneer offers a smooth ride, lots of room for passengers and luggage/gear, and a comfortable interior.
The Jeep Wagoneer is at the top of its class for large SUVs with a maximum available towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. (Photo Source: Jeep)
US News & World Report named the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer the best large SUV, and the current Wagoneer isn’t significantly different from the ’23.
The real highlight may be the Wagoneer L, which is 12 inches longer and has a 7-inch longer wheelbase than the standard Wagoneer. Both versions offer similar seating space in all three rows, but the Wagoneer L offers more cargo room in the rear.
Prices for the Jeep Wagoneer currently start at $59,945, with the Grand Wagoneer starting at $84,945.
2026 Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 pounds. The Sequoia underwent a complete makeover for 2023, which is largely carried over to the current model, featuring a powerful engine, a refined ride, a premium interior, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
In a class of large SUVs powered by V-8 engines, the Sequoia is unique for its standard V-6 hybrid powertrain, a combination that doesn’t sacrifice performance but does offer excellent fuel efficiency. The 437-hp iForce MAX powertrain (also found in the Tundra Hybrid pickup truck) can tow and haul with gusto.
There’s a well-designed tech package, and there’s decent room for kids in the back seats. However, adults may not be as comfortable, especially in the third row, which is quite cramped. The cargo space behind the third row is also limited, so compared to its competitors and others in its class, the Sequoia falls short in terms of seating capacity and cargo space.
To tow the maximum weight of 9,520 pounds, you’ll need the SR5 with rear-wheel drive, as well as the Tow Tech package, which includes a trailer backup guide, straight path assist, and other towing assist technologies.
The Toyota Sequoia starts at $64,025.
2025 Ford Expedition
Ford’s largest SUV, the Expedition, has a max towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. It can carry up to eight people with room left over for luggage and gear. Although it has a blocky, truck-like exterior, the interior is full of high-quality materials and an advanced infotainment system
The 2024 Ford Expedition, Ford’s largest SUV, has a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. (Photo Source: Ford).
The Platinum model is equipped with Ford’s heavy-duty trailer tow package (optional on others). The optional Max Trailering Package includes upgraded cooling, a trailer brake controller, and additional trailering technology features.
The Expedition offers plenty of interior space, a high towing capacity, and a capable powertrain. It starts at $62,400, with Platinum models starting at over $74,850.
Towing Capacities of Other Full-Size Options
Other full-size SUVs with significant towing capacities include the following:
- 2025 Lincoln Navigator: up to 8,700 lbs
- 2026 Nissan Armada: up to 8,500 lbs
- 2026 Infiniti QX80: up to 8,500 lbs
- 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe: up to 8,400 lbs
- 2026 GMC Yukon: up to 8,400 lbs
- 2026 Land Rover Range Rover: up to 8,200 lbs
- 2026 Cadillac Escalade: up to 8,100 lbs
- 2026 Lexus LX: up to 8,000 lbs
Best Mid-Size SUVs for Towing
If a mid-size SUV suits your style of travel, there are several great offerings in this class as well.
2025 Lexus GX550
The 2025 Lexus GX550 can tow up to a whopping 9,096 pounds when properly equipped, making it the most capable mid-sized SUV available.
The 2024 Lexus GX 460 gets a boost to a more powerful engine and a higher towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. (Photo Source: Lexus)
Available in six different trim levels, the GX559 offers only a single 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 (a change from the V8 engines found in earlier models). The V6 boosts the GX 460’s power to 349 hp, an improvement over the previous generation’s V8 engine with 301 hp.
The 9,096-pound towing capacity is available only on the Overtrail trim level. Towing capacities for other trim levels are:
- Premium: up to 9,063 lbs
- Premium+: up to 9,041 lbs
- Luxury: up to 7,844 lbs
- Luxury+: up to 7,601 lbs
- Overtrail+: up to 9,063 lbs
The Lexus GX550 offers a rugged exterior style, with the interior full of luxurious appointments and full of top-notch infotainment/media features. Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and Luxury+ trims offer three rows of seats with space for up to seven when equipped with the second-row bench seats (which come standard). A pair of captain’s chairs is optional for the Premium+, Luxury, and Luxury+ trims, reducing the seating capacity to six. Overtrail & Overtrail+ trimss have two rows with seating for up to five.
Prices for the 2025 GX550 start at $66,185 for the Premium trim, rising to a starting price of $82,650 for the Luxury+ trim.
2026 Dodge Durango
The maximum available Dodge Durango towing capacity of 8,700 pounds provides significant towing capability in a slightly smaller package. For a mid-size SUV, it has a pretty spacious interior, with three rows of seats and room for seven people plus luggage/gear.
The 2026 Dodge Durango GT equipped with the V6 engine can tow up to 6,200 pounds. Models with the 5.7 V8 can tow up to 7,200 pounds, while those with the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8, when paired with the Tow ‘n Go Package, can tow up to 8,700 pounds, making the SRT Hellcat models some of the best midsize SUVs for towing.
Prices for the Dodge Durango start at $38,995… but rapidly climb, with the top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Jailbreak AWD starting at $81,585
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds with a gasoline engine. The plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee, the 4xe, with a combination of combustion engine and electric motors, has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.
The gasoline-powered 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum available towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. (Photo Source: Jeep)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a versatile SUV well-known for its off-road capabilities, and it’s a great choice for towing in more challenging terrain. The Grand Cherokee also offers a comfortable and upscale interior, along with a variety of trim levels, allowing you to choose the features that suit your needs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing starts a bit over $36,000.
Towing Capacities of Other Mid-Size SUV Options
Other midsize SUVs with considerable towing capacities include:
- Land Rover Defender: up to 8,201 lbs
- Land Rover Discovery: up to 8,200 lbs
- Mercedes‑Benz GLE: up to 7,700 lbs
- Audi RS Q8: up to 7,700 lbs
- Lincoln Aviator: up to 5,000 lbs
- Nissan Pathfinder: up to 6,000 lbs
- Genesis GV80: up to 6,000 lbs
- Infiniti QX60: up to 6,000 lbs
- Ford Explorer: up to 5,000 lbs
- Kia Telluride: up to 5,000 lbs
- Acura MDX: up to 5,000 lbs
Best Compact/Crossover SUVs for Towing
And finally, we highlight three of the best compact/crossover SUVs for towing.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a maximum towing capacity of 4,409 pounds. The P250 powertrain features a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard on every Land Rover Discovery Sport, and output is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has a towing capacity of 4,409 pounds and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 246 hp. (Photo Source: Land Rover)
The Discovery Sport is rugged on the outside, full of luxurious premium features on the inside, and packed with high tech. Behind the second row, the Discovery Sport shows off one of the roomiest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.6 cubic feet of space (the segment average is around 24 cubic feet). Fold down the rear seats and you’ve got an impressive 60 cubic feet of space (if the optional 3rd-row seats are occupied, however, available cargo space drops to a minimal 6.8 cubic feet).
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport starts at $49,900.
2026 Jeep Cherokee
Although production of the Jeep Cherokee ended after the last 2023 model rolled off the line, the Jeep Cherokee is a popular contender in the compact SUV space… and it returns for the 2026 model year! It has a maximum available towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. (Photo Source: Jeep)
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is powered by a 1.6L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine with two drive electric motors that also feature regenerative braking. Inside is a massive 68.3 cubic feet of storage with the second-row seats folded down… or leave them in the upright position so you can carry up to 5 people. And with up to 20 inches of water-fording capability, you can take those passengers just about anywhere!
The 2026 Cherokee will be available starting in late 2025 (i.e. soon!) with a starting price of $36,995.
2026 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow package and 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine. Engines offered in 2026 include the 1.5L EcoBoost I3, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, and a 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid. The 1.5L and hybrid models offer up to 1,500 lbs. of towing ability.
The 2024 Ford Escape has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped with the 2.0L engine and a tow package. (Photo Source: Ford)
The 2.0L EcoBoost I4 turbo engine option delivers 250 hp while the 1.5L engine offers 180 hp and the hybrid models offer a total system horsepower of 192.
The Ford Escape isn’t a luxury SUV but it comes in strong with features like standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, FordPass Connect® with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to connect up to 10 devices, selectable drive modes, and second-row sliding seats with 60/40 split-fold down.
The 2026 Ford Escape starts at a price of just over $30,350.
Towing Capacities of Other Compact SUV Options
Other compact SUVs with fairly significant towing capacities include:
- 2026 Mercedes‑Benz GL: up to 7,700 lbs
- 2026 Jeep Wrangler: up to 5,000 lbs
- 2026 Ford Bronco: up to 4,500 lbs
- 2026 Audi Q5: up to 4,400 lbs
- 2026 BMW X3: up to 4,850 lbs
- 2026 Jaguar E‑PACE: up to 2,968 lbs
- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek: up to 2,600 lbs
- 2026 Volvo XC60: up to 3,500 lbs
- 2026 Cadillac XT5: up to 3,500 lbs
- 2026 Genesis GV70 (gas or electric): up to 3,500 lbs
Depending on what size and type of RV, boat, or other trailer you intend to tow, there’s a decent variety of SUVs on the market to suit your needs and your style of travel. Once you have your trailer, you may want to brush up on maneuvering it. Check out our post on how to back up a trailer like a pro. And even though our mirror adjustment video was created specifically for motorhomes, many of the concepts apply to trailers, too.
Looking to tow a larger camper, or want something more rugged than an SUV? Check out The Best Half Ton Trucks For Towing an RV Safely & Securely! And if you’re in the market for a towed car braking system, be sure to check out the Roadmaster Invisibrake… a permanently installed system we happily used in our Honda CR-V for many years).
UPDATE! NEW TRAILER TOWING & WEIGHT LIMIT POST, VIDEO & CALCULATOR!
We’re excited to announce that we’ve released a new video and blog post all about Trailer Towing & Weight Limits. We’ve included a FREE towing and weight calculator that we designed to do all the math for you, making sure your rig is properly balanced and within all weight limits. Don’t let a sagging trailer alert everyone in the campground that you’re overweight, and don’t let the dreaded trailer sway ruin your trip (or worse)!
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Patrick Allen
Monday 3rd of November 2025
You didn't include the Subaru Ascent in your mid-size category (5,000 towing capacity). We've been using our to tow a 4,000 lb when fully loaded teardrop trailer, and it's been a real champ. Great stability, and the engine doesn't work too hard even though we're towing in the Rocky Mountain West.
Bill
Monday 3rd of November 2025
The Mazda CX-90 with the 3.3 Liter Turbo Inline 6 can tow up to 5000 braked lbs, depending on trim level and with the optional frame mounted hitch.
Comes standard with AWD and towing stability assist with excellent steering and handling for the vehicle type. Expect overall MPG in the mid-20s with 29 highway at 75 mph when not towing.
A family member ordered one just before the tariffs hit as it is assembled in Japan to customer’s specifications. Mazda absorbed the tariff as it was delivered post tariffs and her dealer issued a lifetime power train warranty if scheduled maintenance performed
Art
Monday 3rd of November 2025
Most manufacturers publish towing guides, specifically for their vehicles that are made for towing. These guides also will have very important specifications. e.g. Expedition has a maximum tongue weight of 960 pounds so a 9600 pound trailer cannot exceed 10% tongue weight. Depending on specifications of the trailer, that might not be possible. Search for Make Model and Year Towing Guide for details. https://www.vdm.ford.com/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/towing/pdf/2025_Ford_Expedition_Towing_Info_fnl-Dec5.pdf
AK Fish
Monday 3rd of November 2025
FYI: 2026 GMC Acadia all trim levels come standard with: trailering package and a 5,000# towing rating regardless if FWD or AWD. The maximum payload capacity is up to 1,671#. The only engine offered is the 2.5L I4 turbo (328 hp @ 5,500 rpm & 326 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm).
NOTE: 2023 was the last year for the Acadia's offering of the 3.6L V-6 engine.
L McCarty
Monday 11th of November 2024
I have a 2018 Yukon Denali with full tow package. Since 1998 I have been pulling trailers and 5th wheels and of all the vehicles, this Yukon was the absolute worst experience I have ever had. The travel trailer wasn’t even close to max towing capacity, I totally believe it is the shorter wheel base (than trucks have) that caused the poor towing experience. I will never, ever tow with a SUV again.