Best SUVs for Towing in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

10 Best SUVs for Towing

  1. 2024 Jeep Wagoneer
  2. 2024 Toyota Sequoia
  3. 2024 Ford Expedition
  4. 2024 Nissan Armada
  5. 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
  6. 2024 Lexus GX
  7. 2024 Dodge Durango
  8. 2024 Lexus LX
  9. 2024 Land Rover Defender
  10. 2024 Porsche Cayenne

Choosing the Right SUV for Towing

When choosing an SUV for towing, the two most important pieces of information are the weight of the loaded trailer you intend to pull and the SUV’s tow rating. If your trailer weighs more than your SUV can tow, you won’t be able to move that load safely. The SUV’s capabilities must meet or exceed the trailer’s weight. However, tow specs can be a little murky. Here’s why.

Not All Models Are Rated Equally

SUV manufacturers often hype the maximum tow rating for a particular vehicle, but not every model in the range is rated to tow the same weight. It can be confusing which engine to select and which option packages to bake into the vehicle to get the highest tow rating.

You May Need the Tow Package

Sometimes, opting for the most potent engine translates to increased towing capability. But sometimes your vehicle will need more equipment. For example, the midsize Audi Q7 SUV has a wide band of towing capability. The 4-cylinder models are rated to tow 4,400 pounds. But check the option box for the inline-6 and the tow package, and that Audi can handle 7,700 pounds — a massive difference.

Opting for the factory tow package can be helpful if you plan to hitch up to a trailer. Some manufacturers even require a factory-installed hitch to qualify for that maximum tow rating. Many of these tow packages include the trailer hitch, specialized wiring, and often additional parts and equipment designed to handle the stresses of towing, like a transmission cooler or a higher-capacity alternator. Some more sophisticated models have a trailer-sway control system and cameras to help guide you when hitching up. That’s money well spent.

 All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive

There are other features to consider beyond opting for a specific tow package. Some manufacturers require all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) for maximum tow rating. All four wheels pulling can make towing in poor weather conditions much less stressful. Even if you live in the sunbelt, 4WD has towing advantages. A 4WD or AWD tow vehicle can help maintain traction on a slippery boat launch or add a measure of confidence towing a trailer of ATVs down a rough dirt road.

What You Should Know About Towing Weight

Knowing your vehicle’s maximum trailer towing weight rating is only part of the story. A sticker that you will find on the door jamb of an SUV tells you more.

Payload

The maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including cargo, people, and trailer tongue weight.

GVWR

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the weight of the empty vehicle plus the payload added together. In other words, the total weight of a loaded vehicle.

GCWR

The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the GVWR plus the maximum loaded trailer weight.

Why Is the Payload Important?

Knowing the tow vehicle’s payload is critical because it includes the tongue weight of the trailer — how much weight the trailer is pushing down on the hitch. The tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. So, an SUV towing a 5,000-pound trailer will have about 500 pounds of tongue weight on the hitch. How much payload capacity remains after that for carrying passengers and cargo?

If the towing SUV’s payload rating is 1,200 pounds, you can carry up to 700 pounds of people and gear when towing that 5,000-pound trailer without exceeding the vehicle’s maximum payload rating. Most vehicles engineered for towing will have a reasonable cushion to carry people and cargo when towing. But if you plan to carry many people and load the SUV with heavy cargo, ensure the SUV’s payload rating is up to the task.

Typical Trailer Weights

How much do average trailers weigh? Weights vary wildly depending on trailer construction and what you’ve loaded on them. Here are some weight ranges of popular trailers that SUVs tow. These are the loaded weights of the trailers.

Light Trailers
Personal watercraft/ATV/dirt bikes: 1,000-1,500 pounds
Small fishing boat: 2,000-3,000 pounds

Medium Trailers
18-foot camping trailer: 3,000-4,000 pounds
Two-horse trailer: 4,000-5,000 pounds

Heavy Trailers
Two-axle trailer with a recreational 4×4: 7,000-8,000 pounds
20-foot camping toy hauler: 8,000-9,000 pounds

See the Best Cars, Trucks, and SUVs for Camping.

Do Not Exceed the Vehicle’s Tow Rating

It might be tempting to hitch up a trailer with a weight just above your vehicle’s tow rating, but that’s a terrible idea. Manufacturers make sure their vehicles comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard (J2807) for passenger vehicle tow weight ratings. Every mechanical system on the vehicle has to work harder when towing. Exceeding the tow rating will bring excess heat and strain to those systems, which could cause failure.

Adding Tall Tires

Flashy aftermarket wheels and taller tires can entice those looking to personalize their SUV. But if you plan on towing, don’t bolt on a new set of wheels and tires without researching. If the diameter of that wheel and tire package is taller than the setup that came from the factory, the height difference will affect the vehicle’s performance. Taller tires can take more engine torque to get moving from a stop and cause the transmission to work harder to keep the engine in the powerband on the freeway. Add a heavy trailer to the mix, and the effects multiply, taxing everything from the engine to the transmission to the brakes.

Tire Load Ratings

Even if your new wheels and tires are the same height as the factory ones, they must be rated to carry the same weight. Choose a tire with the same load rating as the stock tires, and inflate them to the correct pressure to handle the extra weight. A lap through your SUV’s manual should provide some guidance. The manufacturer often posts the recommended inflation pressure on a sticker inside the door jamb. However, a vehicle loaded with people, cargo, and tongue weight could require more inflation pressure. The wrong pressure could mean excess heat buildup in the tires and open up the potential for tire failure. Kelley Blue Book expert Ben Stewart advised, “Be sure to check those tire pressures first thing in the morning before you drive when the tires are cold.”

Here’s a list of the best SUVs for towing in every size category, ranked in order of their maximum towing capacity. You can get maximum towing capacity out of the box with some models. With others, you’ll need a specific engine or towing package. We built every model through each automaker’s configurator on their websites. We’ve included the price for the most affordable combination, including any necessary gear for that maximum towing number. Prices include destination charges.

Best Full-Size SUVs for Towing

2024 Jeep Wagoneer

Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds

Starting Price: $64,945 | Rating: 4.6
Value Price for Max Towing: $69,715

The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer has the highest towing capacity, at a stunning 10,000 pounds. The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the first full-size SUVs Jeep has had in its portfolio since 1991, and they are the most luxurious models ever to wear the Jeep badge. The Wagoneer competes with the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe, while the Grand Wagoneer faces off with the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade.

Starting for the 2024 model year, the Wagoneer is unavailable with the 5.7-liter V8. But fear not: its towing capacity is still 10,000 pounds. The sole engine choice is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 available in two states of tune: 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque in the Wagoneer and 510 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque in the Grand Wagoneer.

Even though the Wagoneer has less horsepower and torque than the Grand Wagoneer, it has the highest maximum towing capacity. This engine has the pulling power to make towing a boat, RV, or trailer a snap. The ultra-lux Grand Wagoneer is fast for its size, but its maximum towing capacity is lower at 9,810 pounds.

To achieve the Wagoneer’s 10,000-pound towing capacity, you must spend more than the base price on this SUV. According to Jeep, the base towing capacity for the Wagoneer is 6,120 pounds. The least expensive way to get the Wagoneer with a 10,000-pound towing capacity is to get the 4WD Wagoneer and add the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Package for $1,770. With that package, you get a 2-speed transfer case, 3.92 rear axle, heavy-duty engine cooling, electronic limited-slip rear differential, trailer brake controller, and camera-based features that make it easier to guide the Wagoneer toward the trailer hitch when hooking up. See Jeep Wagoneer models for sale near you

2024 Toyota Sequoia

Towing Capacity: 9,520 pounds

Starting Price: $63,125 | Rating: 4.2
Value Price for Max Towing: $63,125
2024 Toyota Sequoia in white, parked near a building.

The Toyota Sequoia, which was all-new last year, is luxurious, spacious, and even more capable than before. It comes standard with a 437-hp hybrid powertrain based around a twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition to impressive horsepower numbers, this combination delivers 538 lb-ft of torque, available at 2,400 rpm.

The Sequoia comes in five trim levels, starting with the SR5 and moving to the Limited, Platinum, off-road-biased TRD Pro, and luxe Capstone. Every trim level comes out of the factory ready to tow. The Sequoia has a Class IV hitch receiver, a wiring harness with 7- and 4-pin connectors, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.

The Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 pounds with the nicely equipped SR5 trim level. The SR5 seats eight and has the lowest starting price of the line. To get the maximum towing capacity, look for a rear-wheel-drive SR5. There are additional features you can get to make towing easier. You can add power tow mirrors for $250. Toyota also offers an SR5 Premium Package ($2,835) with a digital rearview mirror, a trailer backup guide, and a lot of welcome features like a 14-inch touchscreen, power-folding third-row seats, and two rear 400W/120V outlets, included in a few different packages. If you are planning on towing regularly, you may want to consider getting the $3,125 SR5 Premium Package with Options. It includes power-extending tow mirrors, the SR5 Premium Package, and other helpful features. See Toyota Sequoia models for sale near you

2024 Ford Expedition

Towing Capacity: 9,300 pounds

Starting Price: $57,625 | Rating: 4.8
Value Price for Max Towing: $58,620
2024 Ford Expedition Timberline

With the 2024 Ford Expedition, you can tow up to 9,300 pounds — 9,000 with the long-wheelbase Expedition Max. They employ Ford’s torquey twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which makes 470 lb-ft of torque (480 lb-ft on Platinum trim models) at 2,250 rpm. The close ratios of the 10-speed automatic make the most of the torque. You can also choose a higher-output version of this engine in Timberline and Stealth editions, with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.

The standard towing capacity for the Expedition is 6,000 pounds. To get an Expedition with the highest towing capacity, you’ll need the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Expedition plus Ford’s $995 heavy-duty trailering package. This package includes extra hardware and tech, including a 3.73 rear axle, a larger radiator, an integrated trailer brake controller, reverse brake assist, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. That last one allows the driver to use a knob on the dash to steer the trailer in the direction you want it to go. This trailering package includes a lot of helpful features for a reasonable price.

Better yet, Ford offers the trailer tow package with the 2-row XL STX, so you can save money if you don’t need three rows of seats. If you want the 3-row Expedition that can tow 9,300 pounds, look for the XLT with that same trailering package for $62,685. That’s only about $4,000 more for a higher trim level with more standard equipment, plus a third row of seats.

Ford has a few other features that can help with towing, including a 360-degree camera and an electronic limited-slip differential. See Ford Expedition models for sale near you

2024 Nissan Armada

Towing Capacity: 8,500 pounds

Starting Price: $58,530 | Rating: 4.0
Value Price for Max Towing: $58,530
2024-nissan-armada-front-left

The Nissan Armada has a standard towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, so you won’t have to order a heavy-duty towing package to get the Armada’s maximum tow capacity. The Armada comes standard with an auto-leveling suspension, the Intelligent Around-View Monitor, trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, a Class IV hitch, and a 7-pin wiring harness; all you’ll need is a receiver ball. The Armada uses a 400-hp 5.6-liter V8 with 413 lb-ft of torque. See Nissan Armada models for sale near you

2024 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon

Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds

Starting Price: $58,195 | Rating: 4.6 (Tahoe)
Value Price for Max Towing: $58,445
Starting Price: $60,195 | Rating: 4.5 (Yukon)
Value Price for Max Towing: $60,660
2024 Chevrolet Tahoe

While the styling, interiors, trim levels, and features in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are different, they’re built on the same platform and have the same towing capacity. General Motors redesigned the Tahoe and Yukon for 2021, and with that came an all-new chassis with 4-wheel independent suspension. In the case of these SUVs, the smaller available V8 engines allow the highest towing capacity. If you want an 8,400-pound max towing capacity, shop for a Tahoe or Yukon with the 5.3-liter V8 and RWD. If you want 4WD, your maximum towing capacity will be 8,200 pounds. If you choose the 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 with 2WD, you can tow 8,300 pounds. With the 3.0-liter turbodiesel and 2WD, the rating drops to 8,200 pounds.

These tow ratings apply to Tahoe and Yukon models with the Max Trailering Package ($250 with the Tahoe, $465 in the Yukon). The package includes an enhanced cooling radiator, a 2-speed transfer case with 4WD models, a trailer brake controller, Smart Trailer integration indicator, and additional content.

Chevy and GMC bundle other handy towing options into packages. You can get an in-vehicle trailering app, a blind-zone alert system for the trailer, and a tire pressure monitor for the trailer tires. The Tahoe Z71 and the Yukon AT4 offer an adaptive air ride suspension.

The longer-wheelbase Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL models offer towing capacities in the same ballpark — they’re just lower by 100-200 pounds, depending on the powertrain. A similar story applies to the related Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, which have maximum towing capacities of 8,200 and 8,000 pounds, respectively.

See Chevrolet Tahoe models for sale near you

2024 Lexus LX

Towing Capacity: 8,000 pounds

Starting Price: $93,915 | Rating: 4.4
Value Price for Max Towing: $93,915
2024 Lexus LX in silver in the desert.

The Lexus LX is a full-size luxury SUV powered by a 409-hp 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with a whopping 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine connects to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LX comes very well equipped, including standard 4WD and trailer sway control. Every LX is rated to tow 8,000 pounds. This Lexus is an expensive
SUV, but it’s a powerful, refined, capable full-size vehicle loaded with luxury and backed by Lexus’s trademark reliability. See Lexus LX models for sale near you

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

2024 Lexus GX

Towing Capacity: 9,096 pounds

Starting Price: $64,250 | Rating: 4.2
Value Price for Max Towing: $69,250
2024 Lexus GX Overtrail in Nori Green with saguaro cactus in the background.

The Lexus GX is all-new for 2024, with a new platform, boxy retro looks, and the highest towing capacity for any midsize SUV. Every trim level uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, good for 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. What’s especially nice about this engine is that peak torque arrives at a very low 2,000-3,600 rpm, which is especially helpful when towing. We also expect a more powerful hybrid to join the lineup next year.  

To get to the maximum towing capacity of 9,096 pounds, you would have to buy an Overtrail trim model. That’s the second most expensive trim level, at $69,250.

Editor’s tip: Buy the GX 550 base Premium trim for $64,250. If towing is your top priority, you can save $5,000, and you only lose 33 pounds of towing capacity. A tow hitch comes standard, as does a limited-slip differential. If you also want the best off-road features available in the GX – and they are impressive – then it makes sense to get the Overtrail or Overtrail+. See Lexus GX models for sale near you

2024 Dodge Durango

Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds

Starting Price: $41,265 | Rating: 3.1
Value Price for Max Towing: $60,855
2024 Dodge Durango Citadel with mountains in the background.

The Dodge Durango has an impressive maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. But even the Durango’s base model, the RWD SXT with the 6-cylinder engine, can tow 6,200 pounds. You can use three strategies to get a Durango that can tow the maximum capacity. The first way is to get this Dodge SUV with the 6.4-liter V8. That’s the SRT 392 Durango. The second is to get a 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter Durango SRT Hellcat.

The third and most affordable way is to get the AWD Durango R/T, which uses a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, with the Tow N Go Package ($5,990). This package includes an electronic limited-slip differential, a trailer brake controller, automatic headlight leveling, upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension, and a Class IV trailer hitch with a 7- and 4-pin wiring harness. If you don’t need to tow as much, you can get into a 5.7-liter V8 Durango with AWD and tow a 7,200-pound trailer. 2024 may be the last model year for this generation, as a replacement is rumored to be in the works for 2025. See Dodge Durango models for sale near you

2024 Land Rover Defender

Towing Capacity: 8,201 pounds

Starting Price: $57,875 | Rating: 4.0
Value Price for Max Towing: $73,325 (Defender 90 X-Dynamic SE)
2024 Land Rover Defender 90 V8

While the Land Rover Defender made its reputation on incredible off-road capability, it’s also highly capable at towing. The Defender has three engine choices. If you choose the 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, your Defender can tow up to 7,716 pounds. That applies to both the 2-door Defender 90 and 4-door 110. The Defender 130 can tow up to 6,613 pounds. However, if you choose the 395-hp inline-6, you can tow 8,201 pounds. The most affordable trim with the inline-6 is the X-Dynamic SE.

Editor’s note: If you want a Land Rover with three rows of seats and a nicer on-road demeanor, the Land Rover Discovery can tow 7,716 pounds.

The Defender can tow at this level right off the dealer lot. However, the available Towing Pack ($1,850) adds all-terrain progress control (which keeps a set speed off-road), a hitch receiver, Terrain Response 2, and advanced tow assist. This last feature lets you use the multi-function knob to back the trailer in the direction you want it to go. See Land Rover Defender models for sale near you

2024 Porsche Cayenne

Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Starting Price: $86,695 | Rating: N/A
Value Price for Max Towing: $86,695
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne seen from a front quarter angle

Porsche is a brand known for canyon-carving exhilaration and fantastic acceleration. While the Porsche Cayenne provides those same thrills — especially in the 650-hp Turbo GT Cayenne Coupe — it’s an SUV that can tow 7,700 pounds. The Cayenne has a solid chassis and comes standard with an excellent AWD system, so every version of this luxury performance SUV has the same towing capacity.

Porsche updated the Cayenne for 2024 with more horsepower and torque, refreshed styling, and a new interior. The Cayenne has plenty of spendy options, as there are for any Porsche. Things can get very expensive very quickly. A few available features can improve the towing experience. Consider Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), a $3,580 option. This system uses electromechanical stabilizer bars instead of mechanical ones, so the Cayenne can actively reduce body roll. Adaptive air suspension has three manually selectable modes and active dampers for another $2,390. Another tempting option is Porsche’s rear-axle steering ($1,280), making it easier to back a trailer at low speed. Porsche doesn’t offer a specific tow package for the Cayenne, but you can buy a hitch for $660. See Porsche Cayenne models for sale near you

2025 Audi Q7

Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Starting Price: $61,695 | Rating: 4.5
Value Price for Max Towing: $66,995
Front view of the 2025 Audi Q7 in blue

Audi’s spacious midsize luxury SUV offers an appealing mix of a smooth ride and excellent handling. And its elegant interior is filled with useful, modern tech. When equipped with the 4-cylinder base engine, the Audi Q7 can tow 4,400 pounds. However, move up to the 55 TFSI model, powered by a 329-hp inline-6, or the high-performance V8-powered SQ7 with 500 horsepower, and you can tow nearly 8,000 pounds — enough capability to tow a medium-size camper or even a small horse trailer. If you plan to use your Q7 to tow, opt for the $750 towing package. It comes with a hitch and a 7-pin connector. If your budget allows for the top-of-the-line Prestige model, the Q7 benefits from adaptive air suspension. And with this model, you can add all-wheel steering for $1,350. See Audi Q7 models for sale near you

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Starting Price: $63,960 | Rating: 4.4
Value Price for Max Towing: $64,910
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE PHEV with palm trees in the background.

As with the Audi Q7, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a maximum tow capacity of 7,700 pounds. You can tow a trailer that weight behind the turbocharged 4-cylinder GLE 350 with 4Matic AWD or the more expensive, more powerful GLE 450. The GLE is every bit a Mercedes-Benz, with an elegant cabin housing high-tech infotainment, and touchpoints and materials that exude quality.

Mercedes lists two towing options. The first is a Class III trailer hitch ($575), which includes the wiring harness for the trailer lights. The second is Trailer Maneuvering Assist ($350), which makes it easier to position and move your trailer at low speeds. We recommend getting both. Mercedes equips every GLE with trailer stability assist, and the engine, cooling system, and transmission are already set up for towing.

If you want a larger Mercedes SUV that can tow, the full-size Mercedes-Benz GLS is also rated to tow 7,700 pounds. See Mercedes-Benz GLE models for sale near you

2025 BMW X5

Towing Capacity: 7,200 pounds

Starting Price: $66,875 | Rating: 4.7
Value Price for Max Towing: $67,525
2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e

The BMW X5 is designed with the performance and driving thrills this brand is known for. The X5 M60i uses a 523-hp V8 with 553 lb-ft and AWD. Not only is this model quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, but it’s also an impressive tow vehicle with a maximum capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

BMW’s X5 RWD sDrive40i and AWD xDrive40i are also rated to tow 7,200 pounds. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid has a max towing capacity of 5,952 pounds. To tow at those numbers, you’ll need to get the factory-installed tow hitch ($650). The larger BMW X7 provides a bump in towing capability over the X5 to 7,500 pounds. See BMW X5 models for sale near you

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Towing Capacity: 6,200 pounds

Starting Price: $38,290 | Rating: 4.3
Value Price for Max Towing: $40,825
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe in white parked in front of a gate.

The Grand Cherokee is available in two sizes: the 5-passenger Grand Cherokee and the 7-passenger Grand Cherokee L. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 3.6-liter V6 and can tow a 6,200-pound trailer. That capability applies to 2WD and 4WD standard length and L models. The Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The Trailer Tow Prep Group ($995) includes heavy-duty engine cooling, rear load-leveling suspension, a full-size spare tire, a 180-amp alternator, trailer hitch zoom, and an automatic headlight-leveling system. You’ll need to step up one rung to the Laredo trim to get the Trailer Tow Prep Group, which we highly recommend. It’s available on both body styles of the Grand Cherokee for the same price. See Jeep Grand Cherokees for sale near you

2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds

Starting Price: $38,040 | Rating: 4.1
Value Price for Max Towing: $41,651
2024 Nissan Pathfinder in blue with rock formations in the background.

The rugged Nissan Pathfinder uses a 284-hp engine backed by a 9-speed automatic transmission and has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, placing its towing capacity above many rivals. The standard tow capacity of the Pathfinder is a modest 3,500 pounds, and you can’t upgrade that capacity on the base S trim.

The most affordable trim level for a 6,000-pound towing capacity is the SV. Opt for the Class III tow hitch ($435), which automatically adds the Tow Hitch Finisher ($128) and 4-pin wiring harness ($128), plus the hitch ball mount ($68) and hitch ball if you need it ($32). You can also get this combination on the SL. Or you can get a Rock Creek or Platinum trim, which come standard with the Class III hitch. In addition, trailer sway control is standard for all models. The Infiniti QX60, the Pathfinder’s luxury sibling, is also rated to tow 6,000 pounds in the AWD Autograph (as standard) and the AWD Luxe and Sensory when properly equipped. See Nissan Pathfinders for sale near you

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds

Starting Price: $57,345 | Rating: 4.2
Value Price for Max Towing: $57,425
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser in blue on flat rock with trees in background.

After a 3-year hiatus, the Toyota Land Cruiser is back in the U.S. The new model’s squared-off blocky styling, (slightly) smaller size, retro design cues, and the 1958 trim level are a welcome return to what we love about the iconic Land Cruiser line. Every trim level of the new Land Cruiser gets a turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid with a total output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Land Cruiser has a high-strength boxed frame, which helps ensure it can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, regardless of trim level. A trailer hitch comes standard. The only towing accessory Toyota offers is an $80 ball mount. See Toyota Land Cruiser models for sale near you

2024 Lincoln Aviator

Towing Capacity: 5,600 pounds

Starting Price: $54,735 | Rating: 4.0
Value Price for Max Towing: $55,235
The 2024 Lincoln Aviator seen from a front quarter angle

The Lincoln Aviator is a posh 3-row midsize luxury SUV with one of the nicest, most comfortable interiors. It’s also quite capable. The Aviator can tow 5,600 pounds when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. That package, which includes a Class IV hitch, 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, trailer sway control, and a blind-spot alert that also covers the trailer, only costs $500.

The Aviator rides on a RWD platform, which is unusual in a segment mainly using front-wheel-drive (FWD) designs. The Aviator uses a 400-hp twin-turbo V6. The Aviator and its sister vehicle, the Ford Explorer, can tow up to 5,600 pounds when equipped with a trailer tow package. See Lincoln Aviator models for sale near you

Towing 5,000 Pounds

Many great options can get you into a midsize SUV that can tow 5,000 pounds. While some of these models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, adding a tow package can bring that capability up to 5,000.

MAKE AND MODEL MSRP
2024 Acura MDX $52,250
2024 Buick Enclave $45,295
2024 Chevrolet Traverse $38,995
2024 Honda Pilot $41,295
2024 Hyundai Palisade $38,045
2024 Kia Telluride $37,585
2025 Mazda CX-70 $41,900
2024 Subaru Ascent $35,740
2024 Toyota 4Runner $42,100
2024 Toyota Highlander $40,665
2024 Volkswagen Atlas $39,420

Best Compact SUVs for Towing

2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Towing Capacity: 4,446 pounds

Starting Price: $50,175 | Rating: 3.7
Value Price for Max Towing: $50,825
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport parked next to an orange wall.

Land Rover is known for its off-road prowess and impressive capability. That reputation includes even the smallest models in the lineup, such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport. And while the Range Rover Evoque shares its underpinnings with the Disco Sport, the Evoque can tow up to 3,968 pounds while the Discovery Sport can tow up to 4,446. The tow hitch receiver ($650) is a reasonable option. See Land Rover Discovery Sport models for sale near you

2024 Audi Q5

Towing Capacity: 4,400 pounds

Starting Price: $46,495 | Rating: 4.5
Value Price for Max Towing: $46,495
2024 Audi Q5 Prestige driving on a street.

The 2024 Audi Q5 is one of our favorite SUVs. This past Best Buy winner boasts sporty handling, an elegant interior, and modern tech, and is also a capable tow vehicle. Whether you look at the standard Q5 45 model powered by a 261-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or the SQ5 with a 349-hp 3.0-liter V6, it will tow 4,400 pounds. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is limited to 2,000 pounds. Audi doesn’t require a tow package to achieve this towing capacity. See Audi Q5 models for sale near you

2024 Toyota RAV4

Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

Starting Price: $30,025 | Rating: 4.6
Value Price for Max Towing: $36,220
2024 Toyota RAV4 in white.

We are big fans of the Toyota RAV4. This vehicle can do it all, with upscale models, sporty trim levels, and off-road-biased choices — and it can tow a 3,500-pound trailer, as long as you pick the right trim level.

The most affordable trim level that can tow 3,500 pounds is the Adventure. While all RAV4 trim levels come standard with trailer sway control, the Adventure and the TRD Off-Road trims also benefit from Toyota’s dynamic torque-vectoring AWD system. This system can send up to 50% of torque to the rear axle and adjust torque delivery from side to side. With dynamic torque-vectoring AWD, the RAV4 can tow up to a 3,500-pound trailer. Without it, the capacity tops out at 1,500 pounds. See Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you

2024 Ford Escape

Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

Starting Price: $30,990 | Rating: 4.0
Value Price for Max Towing: $35,530
2024 Ford Escape

The 2024 Ford Escape is a compelling small SUV that Ford updated last year. It has a choice of four powertrains, including a hybrid and a PHEV. However, only the 2.0-liter EcoBoost will give the Escape a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Models with the 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder can tow 2,000 pounds, and hybrid models can handle trailers up to 1,500 pounds.

The 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 280 lb-ft of torque is optional with the Escape ST-Line Select and includes AWD. This combination is standard on Titanium models. Adding almost 100 lb-ft of torque over the 1.5-liter is a big part of why these 2.0-liter models can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the trailer tow package. When you add the Class II Trailer Tow Package ($495), the Escape nets a receiver hitch and wiring harness, trailer sway control, and an auxiliary transmission oil cooler. Better yet, after the $500 EcoBoost discount, the towing package takes $5 off the price. See Ford Escape models for sale near you

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