15+ SUVs With The Highest Towing Capacity
If you don’t have to do very heavy towing, you might not need a pickup but can opt for an SUV instead. Have your pick from this car review of the SUVs with the highest towing capacity, which include midsize and full-size SUVs, many of them being luxury models. They should be able to handle just about any towing job the average person will ever ask them to, with tow ratings ranging from 5,600 lbs up to 9,300 lbs.
SUVs With The Highest Towing Capacity: Most Affordable Models
1. Full-size SUV: 2020 Ford Expedition
Towing Capacity: 9,300 lbs | MSRP: $52,810
The Ford Expedition is often referred to as one of the best full-size SUVs for family commutes, thanks to its three rows of roomy seats, a generous cargo area and an eye-pleasing cabin. The Expedition’s only downside is its disappointing fuel economy, with a combined EPA rating of between 18 and 20 mpg, depending on the trim.
It is powered by Ford’s potent 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that puts out 375-hp or 400-hp and is backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. That combination allows for some decent power as well as the most capable towing vehicle in all the SUVs on the market today. The RWD models boast an impressive towing capacity of 9,300 lbs, while all-wheel drive models max out at 9,200 lbs.
Overall, the Expedition delivers a comfortable ride and good handling, but of course, given its size, it’s more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces compared to some other options in this list. With a starting price of $51,790, the Expedition is relatively affordable considering its seating and towing capacity. If you want a more handsome interior with comparable capabilities, you might want to look at the Lincoln Navigator, its upscale relative.
2. Full-size SUV: 2021 Lincoln Navigator
Towing Capacity: 8,700 lbs | MSRP: $76,185
Offered by Lincoln, the luxury division of Ford, the Lincoln Navigator shares a platform with the Ford Expedition. It’s more expensive while having a lower towing capacity of 8,700 lbs, but boasts a sumptuous cabin, while its cabin and cargo space rivals those of the Expedition.
The Lincoln Navigator is available with a version of Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Disappointingly though, this “Eco” engine delivers a combined fuel economy of only 18 to 19 mpg, depending on the trim.
This full-size SUV offers impressive acceleration, decent ride quality and good handling for a vehicle of its size. It also comes with Lincoln’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver assistance features. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this SUV earns a five-star overall safety rating.
The Navigator has one of the nicest interiors in the segment. Even the entry-level trim offers handsome standard features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, wireless device charging, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a HD 10-inch touch screen.
3. Mid-size SUV: 2021 Dodge Durango
Towing Capacity: 8,700 lbs | MSRP: $31,765
For an impressive towing rating of 8.700 lbs, the Dodge Durango is much cheaper than the Expedition and the Navigator. Although it’s officially a mid-size SUV, its towing capacity makes it something between a midsize and a full-size SUV. That said, the base trim doesn’t include any advanced driver assistance features as standard, and adding them will bring up the price significantly.
The top-of-the-line Durango SRT trim comes with a 6.4-liter Hemi engine that produces a healthy 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, mated to its standard eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Its combined fuel economy rating of only 15 mpg is less than desirable though.
The updated-for-2021 Durango seats up to seven people in three rows and features roomy cargo space, a comfortable cabin, a smooth driving experience and a good predicted reliability rating.
4. 2019 Infiniti QX80 / 2018 Nissan Armada
Towing Capacity: 8,500 lbs. | MSRP: From $66,400
In case you haven’t heard of it, Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of Nissan. The Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada are cousins that employ the same mechanical elements, and predictably, they have exactly the same towing rating of 8,500 lbs.
Both models come with a normally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, which puts out 400 horses and 413 lb-ft of torque in the QX80, and 390 horses and 394 lb-ft of torque in the Armada. Combined city/highway EPA rating for the two-wheel drive versions is 16 mpg, while that for the four-wheel drive versions is 15 mpg.
5. Full-size SUV: 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
Towing Capacity: 8,400 lbs | MSRP: From $49,000
If you like the Chevrolet Suburban, but would want something not as bulky while offering a comparable towing capacity, the Tahoe may do the trick. It’s essentially a shorter version of the Suburban, which can tow up to 8,400 lbs, a little bit more.
That towing power comes from a normally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 engine backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission, which produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. A 6.2-liter V8 version paired with a 10-speed automatic is also available in some models, producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, its EPA rating ranges from 17 to 18 mpg combined.
Redesigned for 2021, it boasts generous cargo space, capable powertrains, and won a perfect predicted reliability rating from JD Power. It has a palatial cabin, though it has more hard plastic surfaces than many full-size SUVs at the same price range. Its handling is satisfactory, but its ride might be a bit firm for some folks.
6. Full-size SUV: 2021 GMC Yukon & Yukon XL
Towing Capacity: 8,400 lbs | MSRP: $50,700
The 2021 GMC Yukon can also tow up to 8,400 lbs. It’s completely redesigned for 2021, but still shares the same platform with its corporate cousin the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Escalade from the same General Motors family.
The GMC Yukon and extended-length Yukon XL are truck-based full-size SUVs with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that can take on challenging towing demands. The Yukon tops out at 8,400 lbs with the Max Trailering Package, or 8,200 lbs with 4WD, while the Yukon XL tops out at 8,300 lbs with the Max Trailering Package, or 8,000 lbs with 4WD. If you don’t want to get that package, you can choose the optional 6.2-liter V-8 engine to get a towing capacity of 8,200 lbs or 8,000 lbs with 4WD in the Yukon and 8,100 lbs or 7,900 with 4WD in the Yukon XL.
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7. Full-size SUV: 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
Towing Capacity: 8,300 lbs | MSRP: $51,700
The Chevrolet Suburban was also fully redesigned for the 2021 model year. In addition to its decent towing capacity, this full-size SUV boasts roomy seats, oversized cargo space, good handling for its size and a smooth ride. It’s still large though, so it’s not easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The Suburban offers robust gas and diesel engine options, an array of advanced safety technologies and GM’s Teen Driver system, Wi-Fi hotspot, a big 10.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two 120-volt household-style power outlets.
8. Full-size SUV: 2021 Cadillac Escalade
Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs | MSRP: $76,195
The completely redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade is a luxury full-size SUV, cousin of the Chevrolet Suburban. It fetches a hefty price, and is known to be quite a gas-guzzler, but it features a luxurious cabin, big seats, abundant cargo space, as well as a relaxed ride and excellent handling for its size.
The Escalade is also available as an extended-wheelbase ESV model, which costs an extra $3,000 if you want an extra spacious cabin in a family commuter.
The 2021 Escalade comes equipped with a plethora of high-tech convenience features, such as an oversized 16.9-inch touch-screen infotainment system, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 19-speaker AKG Studio stereo, real leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, power-folding and heated second-row seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and much more.
The new-for-2021 Escalade hasn’t been crash-tested, but it includes many advanced safety technologies as standard. It also earns an above-average rating for predicted reliability from JD Power.
9. Full-size SUV: 2020 Land Rover Discovery
Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs | MSRP: Gas-powered $52,300, Diesel-powered $54,300
The Discovery has a sizable cabin with two rows of seats and roomy cargo space, with a third row available on upgrades.
The Discovery offers a smooth and stable ride and shines in off-road conditions, courtesy of two potent engine options and standard four-wheel drive. If you choose the supercharged 340-hp gasoline-powered 3.0-liter V6 version, you get a maximum tow rating of 8,201 lbs but a combined fuel economy rating of only 18 mpg. While the diesel models are limited to a capacity of 7,716 lbs, its combined EPA rating is much better at 23 mpg, but it costs more than the gas-powered version by $2,000.
The Land Rover Discovery hasn’t been fully crash-tested. However, many potential buyers are still eyeing it for its array of standard safety technologies, including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, rear cross traffic alert, and a clear exit monitor, plus smartphone app integration.
10. Full-size SUV: 2020 Land Rover Defender
Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs | MSRP: From $49,900
Land Rover’s Defender boasts towing capacity to match the No. 10 Discovery’s with 8,200 pounds when equipped with a supercharged V-6. With the Defender’s base engine, a turbo four-cylinder, towing capacity is still 7,716 pounds — more than that of many SUVs with twice as many cylinders.
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11. 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
Towing Capacity: 8,100 lbs | MSRP: From $84,765
With a starting price of $84,765, the Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t especially cheap, but it is known for its off-road pedigree and legendary reliability, and it can tow a respectable 8,100 lbs.
Power comes from a normally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, which is sent through an eight-speed automatic and a traditional two-speed transfer case before reaching all four wheels. Fuel economy isn’t the worst on our list, but still is rather atrocious with a 15 mpg rating in the combined cycle. The Land Cruiser’s interior is quite luxurious, but if you want even more luxury, the Lexus LX is a very similar vehicle, though it only offers 7,000 lbs of towing capacity.
12. 2019 Range Rover & Range Rover Sport
Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs | MSRP: From $68,750
No matter whether you go for the diesel, supercharged V6 or supercharged V8, both the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport can tow a maximum of 7,716 lbs (if you’re wondering where that oddly specific number comes from, it’s based on a conversion from the Range Rover’s metric tow rating of 3,500 kilograms).
We’d probably go for the 3.0-liter V6 diesel TD6 version (starting at $90,860 for a Range Rover and $68,750 for a Range Rover Sport), with its 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, eight-speed automatic and combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, though versions powered by the supercharged V8 do offer thrilling performance and remarkable handling for a machine so capable off road.
13. Full-size SUV: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs | MSRP: $76,000
The full-size luxury SUV Mercedes-Benz GLS and its sibling GLE have the same maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, but the GLS is a bit more hulking. The GLS features surprisingly agile handling, a silky ride, an exceptional fuel economy rating for its size and to top it off, a lavish and roomy cabin with ample room for cargo, making it hugely popular as a well-rounded family commuter. Its EPA ratings of 20 MPG city, 24 MPG highway and 22 MPG combined is especially notable since it comes standard with all-wheel-drive.
This 7-seat luxury SUV is truly luxurious. You can opt for a no-charge 6-seat option featuring power 2nd-row captain’s chairs with walk-through 3rd-row access, or upgrade to the Executive Seating option for even more accommodating rear seatings.
As for its drawbacks, buyers report that its infotainment system is more complicated than necessary, and its average predicted reliability rating pales in comparison with some competing models in the same category of luxury SUVs.
The GLS also has a long list of driver assistance technologies as well as convenience features, including standard leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless device charging, smartphone connectivity, a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, an oversized 12.3-inch touch screen, and a touchpad controller.
14. Midsize SUV: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs | MSRP: $54,750
Being a luxury midsize SUV instead of a full-size like the GLS, the 7,700 lbs towing rating of the Mercedes-Benz GLE is quite substantial. It boasts outstanding ride and handling, a luxurious cabin, roomy and comfortable seats and cutting-edge high-tech safety and convenience features. It always had high safety scores as well as above-average predicted reliability.
Nonetheless, its few flaws include a somewhat cramped third row, but this is the norm among midsize SUVs. Compared to its rivals in the same category though, It’s priced a bit higher. That said, it comes packed with an array of nice standard features even in the entry-level trim, including an adaptive suspension, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, wireless device charging, a big 12.3-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems.
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15. Midsize SUV: 2018 Audi Q7
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs | MSRP: $56,400
Despite the Audi Q7’s optional supercharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine having only 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, it’s paired with an eight-speed transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system that allows the Q7 to tow 7,700 lbs (models with the standard 252-hp turbocharged four-cylinder can tow only 4,400 lbs), enough to earn it a spot on our list of SUVs with the highest towing capacity
With a starting price of $56,400 and a fairly reasonable combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, the Q7 is remarkably affordable for a large SUV. It also features one of the nicest interiors on our list, with beautiful materials and lots of useful and usable tech.
16. Midsize SUV: 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63
Towing Capacity: 7,700 Lbs. | MSRP: From $142,800
The Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 is only a 5-seat midsize SUV, but it’s by far the most expensive SUV on our list, with a starting sticker price of $142,800. Its maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs comes from the handcrafted twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine, which produces 563 horses and 561 lb-ft of torque. This beastly engine allows it to accelerate to 60 miles per hour from a stop in only 5.3 seconds. Sadly, its combined fuel economy of just 13 mpg (12 MPG city, 15 MPG highway) is not that practical though.
On the upside, it offers outstanding forward visibility. And if aesthetics and personal statement is important for you, this luxury vehicle has an instantly recognizable iconic design and lots of cosmetic customization potential. While the 2018 model’s interior is frowned upon by many folks, the updated 2021 version has given the interior a major makeover while keeping the towing capacity unchanged. Its EPA rating is largely unchanged as well though, with 13 MPG city and 16 MPG highway.
17. Midsize SUV: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Towing Capacity: 7,200 lbs | MSRP: $32,350
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is probably the only non-luxury midsize SUV that offers both superb off-road capability and a luxury-grade interior. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also boasts the highest towing capacity within the non-luxury midsize segment, with the Dodge Durango as the only rival in the same category that can tow more than its 7,200 lbs capacity, which it shares the same platform with.
This RWD SUV is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that puts out 295 horsepower, paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode to deliver fuel economy ratings of 22 MPG combined (19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway). All-wheel-drive version is a perfect choice for all daily lifestyle requirements: drive to work or go adventure on rocky hills. It’s also consider one of the best cars to tow behind an RV for camping trips!
The Grand Cherokee offers adult-sized seats in both rows but a small cargo area. It delivers a comfortable on-road driving experience, but it might be a little firm for some tastes. The major flaw for concerns is its subpar crash test ratings.
Standard safety technology includes rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Convenience features include leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seating, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System,, and the latest smartphone app support.
18. Midsize SUV: 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs | MSRP: $31,680
Aside from its impressive towing capacity, the Nissan Pathfinder boasts a strong 284-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, above-average fuel economy of 20 MPG city/ 27 MPG highway, good crash test scores, and a roomy cabin with comfortable seats in the first two rows.
The Pathfinder is quite a powerful family SUV that can perform some decent towing tasks. Its array of safety and convenience standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, rear door alert, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot and a responsive 8-inch infotainment touch screen.
That said, it’s still lacking in terms of advanced driver assistance technology compared to rivals in the same segment. For instance there’s no smartphone app integration, which has been becoming a standard feature. Other flaws are dated-looking cabin, a firm ride, and low predicted reliability rating.
19. Midsize SUV: 2021 Ford Explorer
Towing Capacity: 5,600 lbs | MSRP: $32,225
For a midsize SUV, the Ford Explorer boasts a decent towing capacity in the non-luxury segment, with only three other mainstream models already featured above that can tow more.
Ford completely redesigned the Explorer for the 2020 model year, with generous cargo capacity, good handling, and powerful engine options. Its downsides are cramped third-row seats, but this is the norm for midsize SUVs, bland interior, and average predicted reliability rating. It’s still a good family SUV overall.
The Explorer comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistance systems, Ford’s MyKey safe driving system, rear parking sensors, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a touch-screen interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.
