9 Best Towing Capacity SUV Models to Look For

A pickup truck seems to be the most suitable option when you need a towing vehicle. However, it’s not a practical choice for occasional camping and heavy commuting. The best option for that purpose will be some heavy-duty SUVs. Let’s take a closer look at the 9 best towing capacity SUV models. When properly equipped, they can haul heavy loads.

Our Picks of the Best Towing Capacity SUV Models

1. Jeep Wagoneer

Towing capacity: 10,000 pounds

The Jeep Wagoneer is a great SUV for hauling heavy loads. Ever since it debuted for the 2022 model year, it has held the top spot on SUV towing charts. We were really impressed with its towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. That’s enough to pull a large camper or boat with ease.

What makes the Wagoneer so capable is its powerful engine options. The base model still comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8, pumping out nearly 400 horsepower. But the newer versions get an even mightier twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine making over 420 horses. Either way, you’ve got more than enough power under the hood to tackle big trailers.

If you need to haul heavy loads regularly, the Wagoneer is probably the best towing capacity SUV.

2. Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Towing capacity: 9,850 pounds

The massive V8 engine and smooth 8-speed transmission make any load feel virtually nonexistent.

Beyond the powerful towing numbers, we were blown away by the Grand Wagoneer’s plush interior. The luxury materials and ample head and legroom made longer trips a breeze, even with passengers in the third row.

A full suite of advanced safety features gave us peace of mind navigating with the trailer in tow. The available premium audio and infotainment system kept everyone entertained on the drive as well.

3. Toyota Sequoia

Towing capacity: 9,520 pounds

At 9,520 pounds, its towing capacity is off the charts for an SUV. With ratings that high, this Toyota can pull just about any trailer or gear you want to bring along.

Sequoia has a powertrain similar to the tried-and-true Toyota Tundra pickup engine. It’s a hybrid system too, with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor producing over 400 horsepower. All that muscle power comes in handy when you’ve got something heavy hitched up.

best towing SUV
Toyota Sequoia. Image Credit: Blueck/Wikimedia Commons

4. Ford Expedition

Towing capacity: 9,300 pounds

The Expedition is one of our top choices as the best towing capacity SUV. With a maximum tow rating of 9,300 pounds, it can handle just about anything we need to pull. Whether we’re moving furniture across town or taking the camper up to the lake, the Expedition gets the job done.

It’s really impressive what that V6 engine can do. Of course, the turbocharging helps it along, but it’s still hard to believe such a powerful tow package fits under the hood of a seven-passenger SUV. And with that heavy duty trailer tow package, you get upgraded transmission cooling, trailer brake control, and all the helpful tech features. We’ve never felt like we were pushing the limits, even when driving uphill.

5. Lincoln Navigator

Towing capacity: 8,700 pounds

This big SUV’s towing capacity is on par with many full-size pickup trucks. But where those trucks can feel bouncy over bumps, the Navigator stays balanced. It glides down the road and doesn’t pass along every little vibration to what’s being towed. Your trailer will feel secure and stable behind it.

The interior is simply luxurious. The 30-way heated and ventilated seats are great for driving in extreme weather. Little luxuries like that make towing a real treat.

6. Nissan Armada

Towing capacity: 8,500 pounds

Armada’s standard 5.6-liter V8 engine is quite powerful. Punch the gas and you feel that satisfying rush of torque that just doesn’t quit. The auto-leveling suspension and trailer sway control makes towing easier, even with a trailer on the trail.

Of course, hauling big loads means covering lots of miles too. It’s good to see Nissan keep the Armada feeling fresh with updates like the latest infotainment system. Having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto means you’ll stay entertained on every trip. The modern tech also helps the Armada compete with newer SUVs without missing a beat.

7. GMC Yukon

Towing capacity: 8,400 pounds

This Yukon has no problem getting our boat and gear where we need to go. With the 5.3-liter V8 engine, it can pull up to 8,400 pounds, which is more than enough for our light trailer. The engine has plenty of power even when we’re climbing hills.

We especially like that the Yukon offers multiple engine options too. Some friends of ours went with the diesel model and they say it’s super efficient on fuel.

best towing capacity SUV
GMC Yukon. Image Credit: ArtisticOperations/NeedPix

8. Chevrolet Tahoe

Towing capacity: 8,400 pounds

The Tahoe is a more budget-friendly option for a towing SUV. With its powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine and trailering package, it can handle up to 8,400 pounds, the same as the fancier Yukon.

The vehicle just glides down the highway with a trailer in tow. It’s so smooth that you can cruise on backroads without worrying about fishtailing.

9. Porsche Cayenne

Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds

Despite being a luxury vehicle, Cayenne can haul over 7,700 pounds, which is really impressive. It’s one of the best towing capacity SUV models.

Driving the Cayenne is a wonderful experience. It corners like it’s on rails and feels so nimble for such a big rig. Porsche really knows their stuff and they balanced comfort and performance perfectly. You feel totally in control no matter how fast you’re going.

If you want an SUV that can tow your camper one day and zip around curves the next, the Cayenne is your choice.