If you’re looking for the best electric vehicle for towing a camping trailer or a boat, you’re in luck. There are more electrified cars and trucks available in the automotive marketplace today than ever before. Quite a few are engineered to tow a substantial amount of weight.
A complete compendium of those EVs offering maximum trailer weight ratings of at least 1,500 pounds could go on forever. You don’t have forever, so we rounded up a representative group of the electric vehicles available today that offer maximum trailer weight ratings ranging from 1,500 to 11,000-plus pounds. One of these smart and powerful EVs just might be your best EV that can tow.
Before We Dig In: Let’s Review the ABCs of EVs
There are different types of vehicle propulsion systems that make them an EV, and they work in different ways. There are battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).
A BEV is all-electric with power supplied by a rechargeable battery. A PHEV has a gas or diesel engine working with an electric drive system that can be plugged in to recharge like a BEV. The HEV hybrids have gas or diesel engines with electric motors to assist the powertrain and are typically charged by regenerative braking or other in-vehicle sources.
We chose to focus on BEV and PHEV electrified vehicles that can tow because they are capable of deriving power directly from an electrical source. The HEV must burn gas or diesel to create electricity.
EV Vehicle History
While other, newer arrivals have deservedly gained the EV car and truck spotlight, the first electric car was a crude electric carriage built in 1839 by Scottish inventor Robert Anderson. The first gasoline-electric hybrid car was the Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid developed in 1901 by a young Ferdinand Porsche for Jacob Lohner & Company.
The Mixte (also known as the Lohner-Porsche Elektromobil) was a 4WD series-hybrid with electric motors in the front wheel hubs of a conventional carriage and a gas engine that could recharge the batteries.
In December 1999, the Honda Insight became the first mass-produced hybrid sold in America. Toyota’s Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 but did not go on sale in the U.S. until mid-2000.
Next to the table with a mass-marketed all-electric car was Nissan with its introduction of the 2010 Leaf. GM was ahead of the wave with its all-electric EV1 release in 1996. But, less than 1,500 were made in its 4-year run.
The first modern EV with a respectable towing capacity was the GM Silverado/Sierra HEV launched in 2004.
What Is MPGe?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides certified fuel-mileage figures for all vehicles sold in the U.S. This includes electrified vehicles like the BEVs and PHEVs showcased here. These can be found at FuelEconomy.gov.
The EPA Miles Per Gallon equivalent (MPGe) helps EV shoppers compare the fuel economy of vehicles that use fuels that are not measured in gallons. The MPGe rating represents the number of miles the vehicle can travel using a quantity of fuel (electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen) with the same energy content as 1 gallon of gasoline.
Towing & Fuel Mileage
When it comes to towing fuel mileage, a good rule of thumb is to cut the expected driving range of an EV vehicle in half if you’re planning to tow something anywhere near its maximum rated trailer weight rating. In the almost 2 decades of testing internal-combustion-engine-powered (and a few EVs) tow vehicles for RV and boating publications, my experience has been that a 30-40% loss in range is common.
Car and Driver recently tested three of the new heavyweights in the EVs that can tow category. While all three garnered praise for their towing prowess, the GMC Hummer EV (rated at 7,500 pounds), Ford F-150 Lightning (10,000 pounds), and Rivian R1T (11,000 pounds) all delivered 140 miles or less on a full battery while towing a 6,100-pound trailer. That’s about 50% of their stated EPA ranges.
Boating Magazine pitched the Ford F-150 Lightning EV against a gasoline-powered Ford F-150 and produced some interesting information. The Lightning’s battery is sealed and submersible, a great thing for boaters launching their craft at the ramp. Its opinion was that the F-150 Lightning was worth considering if your round-trip towing range is no more than about 80 to 100 miles. If you like to roam farther, the new F-150 Lightning is probably not for you.
The Best 2023 EVs That Can Tow
Let’s start with the lightweights and build up to the heavy haulers. Scroll down if you have big towing needs and are looking for an EV for that job. Can you guess the best electric vehicles for towing in 2023?
2023 Ford Escape PHEV
All 2023 Ford Escapes are built on the same platform and offer similar interior and exterior appointments. Aside from its plug-in hybrid iVCT Atkinson-cycle 2.5L four-cylinder engine and electronic CVT hybrid/plug-in hybrid transmission, the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV is nearly identical to the gas-only or HEV models.
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid features four EV modes. In Auto EV mode, the vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power. EV Now mode operates on all-electric driving. In EV Later mode, drivers can switch to full gas-powered driving to conserve electric miles for later. EV Charge mode allows a driver to charge the battery while driving and generate electric-only miles to use later.
The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid is capable of a total system output of 210 horsepower. It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. The front-wheel-drive Escape plug-in features an EPA 41 combined MPGe and boasts a total range of 400 miles.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has some significant upgrades for 2023. These include increased motor output at both axles with an emphasis on balance. The crossover PHEV also has the company’s rally-inspired Super All-Wheel Control technology, DC fast charging, and what Mitsubishi calls a “class-leading” 20kWH battery capacity.
The powertrain’s gas half is a 2.4L DOHC 16-valve engine pushing out 131 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The output of the axle motors and the drive battery was increased by about 40%. It also offers roomy three-row seating and interior space that has been upgraded and enhanced.
Five selectable drive modes (EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, Snow, and Sport) adapt the AWD Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for the best performance in any situation or environment.
The Outlander PHEV’s all-electric range has been stretched to 38 miles thanks to the larger battery. Recharge (approximately 80%) time is said to be 38 minutes with a DC fast charger. It has an EPA combined MPGe of 64 and a total range of 420 miles.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Overlander PHEV is rated for a 1,500-pound towing capacity.
2023 Toyota RAV4 PHEV
A new Woodland Edition is available with some features that make it a good choice for off-road or camping trips. But, that’s not the only thing new for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 plug-in EV. The rear axle motor now operates proactively anytime more rear torque would be better for slick road situations. New audio multimedia and connectivity systems are also onboard.
Power for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes from a highly efficient 2.5L DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine paired with a battery pack and two rear-mounted electric motors. Its combined system power output is 219 horsepower.
The 2023 RAV4 plug-in hybrid is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 1,750 pounds. It scores a battery-only range of 42 miles, gas-only mpg of 38 combined, and a combined EPA MPGe of 94 miles. All-in, the RAV4 PHEV is probably not your best choice for towing most trailers.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 BEV
All models of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 BEV (except the SE Standard Range RWD) now offer a boost (2,300 pounds) in maximum trailer weight rating. Riding on a 188.1-inch wheelbase Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 5 benefits from the long and stable chassis. This helps make it a good choice for towing in its category. Its generous size makes it a roomy ride for the family, and its striking appearance is eye-catching.
The Ioniq 5 also provides 2VL functionality, serving as a charger on wheels for other electric vehicles, e-bikes, or camping gear. One of the more energy-efficient EVs in the group, the Ioniq 5 AWD models scored an EPA 101 combined MPGe score, offering a 266-mile range in AWD trim.
The long-range RWD model gets a 303-mile range and an EPA 114 combined MPGe. A battery heating system is now standard on all Ioniq 5 models. Charging is lightning-fast, as well. According to Hyundai specs, going from 10% to 80% battery level takes just 18 minutes using a 350kW charger.
2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV
Hyundai also currently builds two nearly identical PHEV vehicles, the Tucson and the Santa Fe. Consider the sleek Tucson a sport coat and the stockier Santa Fe formal attire.
Both are carry-overs from 2022. They are powered by a 1.6L turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder gas engine working with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. This produces a combined output of 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque.
The Tucson PHEV gets an EPA combined MPGe of 80 and a total range of 420 miles, and it can be recharged in 1.7 hours on a 240V charger.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV
The Santa Fe PHEV is rated at 76 combined MPGe, offers a total range of 440 miles, and its recharge time was 3.4 hours on a 240V charging system. Both are rated to tow 2,000 braked pounds.
2023 Kia EV6 BEV
The 2023 Kia EV6 BEV uses the same E-GMP modular platform that underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Kia and Hyundai often share vehicle platforms to maximize development efficiency. The EV6 GT is a new model for 2023. It gets a dedicated electronically controlled sport suspension, larger brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential.
The chassis architecture provides an adaptable foundation, in this case delivering a 114-inch wheelbase. The Kia EV6 delivers very good performance numbers, AWD availability, and ultra-fast charging times.
Dual motors (AWD version) and a 77.4kWh battery provide 576 horsepower. This nets the EV6 a 0-to-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. The system offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. The 2023 Kia EV6 Long-Range AWD gets an EPA combined MPGe of 109 and a range of 274 miles.
The 2023 Kia EV6 is rated to tow 2,300 pounds. That’s a pretty impressive towing capability for a tiny sporty electric vehicle.
2023 Kia Sportage PHEV
New for 2023 is a plug-in variant of the Kia Sportage. Power for the 2023 Sportage PHEV is supplied by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine supplemented by a 66.9 kW electric motor and 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery. The Sportage PHEV’s motive system has a combined 227 horsepower output.
The 2023 Sportage PHEV offers an electric-only range of 34 miles, an EPA MPGe of 43, and a total range of 430 miles. When connected to a Level-2 charger, the battery takes approximately 2 hours to fully replenish.
The new Sportage PHEV offers 2,000 pounds of towing capability.
2023 Kia Sorrento PHEV
The 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV features a 110.8-inch wheelbase, all-wheel-drive capability, and six-passenger three-row seating accommodations in an upscale interior. Power comes from a 1.6L turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder gas engine hooked up to a permanent magnet synchronous motor and six-speed auto transmission.
The 2023 AWD Kia Sorrento gets a combined overall range of 460 miles. A pure-electric range of 32 miles is claimed. The EPA fuel mileage numbers are 34 miles for a combined 79 MPGe. The Sorrento has a charge time of 3.5 hours at 240V.
The hybrid power system’s combined performance numbers are pretty good (261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque). And, the Sorento PHEV features a 1,654-pound tow rating (unbraked).
2023 Polestar 2 BEV
Polestar builds electric high-performance cars that share some technology with Volvo EVs. The company recently announced major updates for the 2023 Polestar 2 and plans for the 2024 model year Polestar 3.
The changes to the 2023 Polestar 2 include the SmartZone. It is a completely redesigned high-tech front end filled with some of the car’s important safety features such as front-facing radar and mid-range radar. New and more powerful electric motors are installed in the rear-drive single-motor variant and the dual-motor all-wheel drive version.
The Polestar 2 offers a 1,500-pound towing capacity.
Driving range in the Polestar 2 long-range dual-motor variant is increased to 367 miles by using the front motor disconnect function on the long-range dual-motor car. Standard-range single-motor versions get a 321-mile range; long-range single-motor variants now offer a 394-mile range.
2024 Polestar 3 BEV
The 2024 Polestar 3 SUV has been re-engineered to reduce body roll, increase structural rigidity, and lower battery and motor placement for more responsive handling and road stability. An active air suspension replaces traditional shocks and springs. It also got the SmartZone front end.
The two liquid-cooled electric motors in long-range standard form deliver 489 horsepower and a range of 300 miles. With the optional Performance pack, the 2024 long-range dual-motor Polestar 3 offers 517 horsepower and a 270-mile range.
Towing capacity has been bumped up to 3,500 pounds.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 BEV
For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 gets an all-new “entry-level” 62 kWh battery pack, lowering the entry price to the entire ID.4 model line. An upgraded exterior and interior design, new aluminum-alloy wheels, an improved center console, and a handful of other new convenience features also appear on the 2023 VW ID.4. Assembly will also be moved to the company’s Chattanooga, Tenn., plant.
Three trim levels will be offered, with the option of 62 kWh and 82 kWh batteries and rear-wheel- or all-wheel drive. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle platform with a 109-inch wheelbase, the ID.4 BEV offers a modern and spacious interior in a compact SUV with surprisingly generous power.
The AWD versions of the ID.4 feature electric motors on both axles powered by the single battery pack mounted in the center of the chassis. Together, they make 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque.
In RWD configuration, the Volkswagen ID.4 is rated to tow 2,200 pounds. The AWD version of the ID.4 offers a 2,700-pound maximum towing capacity. The 2023 ID.4 AWD Pro and Pro S scored a 99 MPGe combined and an EPA-estimated 255-mile range.
Charging is via the ID.4’s Combined Charging System. At home or a public Level 2 charger, the 62 kWh battery offers a full charge in 6 hours and 15 minutes, while the 82 kWh battery fully charges in 7.5 hours.
2023 Volvo C40 Recharge BEV & XC40 Recharge PHEV
Volvo is taking giant steps to electrify its cars and SUVs. The entire 2023 lineup of Volvo cars and SUVs in the U.S. are now mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or fully electric. Volvo’s aim is for half of all its new cars sold globally to be fully electric by 2025.
Highlights for 2023 include new extended-range plug-in hybrids that offer all-electric driving in Pure mode while still providing a traditional gasoline-powered engine. Volvo’s new hybrid powertrain brings the all-electric range up to an EPA-estimated 35-41 miles in Pure mode, depending on model, on a single charge.
One of our favorites in the extensive 2023 Volvo EV lineup begins with the 402 horsepower, battery-electric XC40 Recharge small luxury SUV. A fully charged Volvo C40 Recharge BEV scores an EPA combined 87 MPGe and has a 226-mile range. Its tow rating is 3,970 pounds. This would be a good choice for compact and lightweight camping trailers.
2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV
The 2023 Volvo XC60 AWD Recharge PHEV is a consideration for those looking for a little more towing capacity. The XC60 Recharge PHEV can tow up to 3,500 pounds and is rated at EPA 28 mpg combined and a 63 MPGe combined fuel.
2024 Volvo XC90 PHEV & EX90 BEV
However, our top choice in the Volvo EV category would be the 2023 XC90 AWD PHEV. The Volvo XC90 AWD Recharge PHEV is rated to tow 5,000 pounds, seats up to seven, and gets an EPA 26 mpg combined and 66 MPGe combined fuel mileage rating. This would be a better choice for large groups, long road trips, and heavier towables.
The company’s electrification ambitions are further evidenced by its recent announcement of its next EV, the fully electric and thoroughly modern 2024 EX90 SUV BEV. It touts a 496-horsepower total output, 300-mile electric range, 30-minute charge time, and seven seats inside a luxurious and sleekly styled sport utility vehicle. A towing capacity of 4,850 pounds is projected.
2023 Audi Q4/Q5 e-tron BEV & PHEV
The pure-electric Audi e-tron line has been enlarged for 2023. The e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback SUV BEVs have been joined by the Q4 40 e-tron, Q4 50 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron BEVS, and the Q5 TFSI e-quattro sedan PHEV.
All of these 2023 Audi EVs offer roomy interiors and comfortable seating arrangements, long-range capability, the proven traction performance of Audi quattro all-wheel-drive systems (except for the Q4 40 e-tron), and good towing capacities.
In normal driving mode, the 2023 Audi AWD e-tron SUV and AWD e-tron Sportback twin-motor drive systems provide 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. When in deep doo-doo, you can activate “boost mode.” For a few seconds only, the total power output of the AWD system jumps to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque.
The 2023 Audi e-tron SUV scores an EPA-certified combined 78 MPGe and a charge time of 10 hours at 240V. Audi claims a 222-mile range for the e-tron SUV on a full charge and a 218-mile range for the Sportback. The 2023 Audi e-tron SUV and Sportback are both rated for a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. The 2023 Audi e-tron SUV and e-tron Sportback are great electrified choices for hauling a mid-size camping trailer or boat.
The Q4 40 e-tron rear-wheel-drive, Q4 50 e-tron AWD, and Q4 e-tron Sportback AWD are all compact SUVs with full-electric propulsion built on the same wheelbase with almost identical mechanics. The Q4 50 puts out 201 horsepower, while the Q4 50 and Q4 Sportback produce 295 horsepower. Their combined MPGe scores and ranges are 103/265, 93/236, and 95/242, respectively. Towing capacity for the Q4 40 is 2,200 pounds, while the Q4 50 and Q4 Sportback are rated for 2,650 pounds.
The 2023 Audi Q5 TFSI e quattro PHEV shares the same 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC internal combustion engine and the same chassis architecture as the rest of the Q5 luxury line of sedans. But, it adds a 17.9 kWh battery system to its powerplant to provide a combined 50 MPGe. Its towing capacity is limited to 2,000 pounds. The Q5 PHEV is a good pick for someone who wants a sporty electric sedan that can pull a small trailer.
2023 Tesla Model Y BEV
Tesla cars have certainly changed the way people think about electrified automobiles more than any other. What was eccentric is now established and mainstream.
The Tesla Model Y AWD dual-motor gets an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles and boasts a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. According to Tesla, 240V charging will supply up to 30 miles of range per hour charging. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2023 Tesla Model X BEV
The Tesla Model X AWD dual-motor platform SUV offers loads of power in a matter of seconds. Even in its “mild” form, the Model X cranks out 670 horsepower, will hit 60 mph from a standing stop in 3.8 seconds, and gets an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles range. The Tesla Model X is rated to tow 5,000 pounds.
If you want a Tesla and are looking for a great electric vehicle to tow, the Model X AWD dual-motor is the vehicle for you.
2023 Lincoln Aviator PHEV
From the upscale side of the Ford/Lincoln coin comes the 2023 plug-in hybrid AWD Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. A three-row large luxury SUV with refinements like its panoramic Vista Roof, hands-free liftgate, and leather seating, the AWD Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring comes in two trim package versions, the Grand Touring and the Grand Touring 1.
Power for the AWD Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V-8 gas engine working in tandem with a Nano Electric motor. The PHEV powertrain kicks out a combined 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque.
The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring is rated for a 460-mile range, gets an EPA 23 mpg combined and 56 MPGe combined, recharges 4 hours at 240V, and can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
2023 Lincoln Corsair PHEV
The Corsair is what Lincoln used to call the MKC. Think of it as a luxury version of the Ford Escape, but with a lot more than just better styling.
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring powertrain combines a 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine with the latest in hybrid motive technology to create a combined output of 266 horsepower. The Corsair Grand Touring PHEV sports a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV
For 2023, Jeep again offers its ultimate adventure machine in an electrified form. The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe PHEV shines a spotlight on the off-road utility of the almost instant torque output available from the modern electric drivetrain.
The Wrangler 4xe boasts a combined powerplant output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. That power comes from the 2.0L turbocharged, in-line, four-cylinder gas engine mated to a motor generator up front to spin assisting the gas engine and another motor generator mounted at the front of the transmission to replace the torque converter.
Three hybrid driving modes are offered. Hybrid is the default mode that blends engine and motor power, starting with electric and going to gas when the battery reaches minimum charge. Electric is just as it indicates — all-electric. And eSave prioritizes the gas engine, conserves battery power, and allows the driver to choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge.
Wrangler Rubicon 4xe gets the same famous off-road-capable four-wheel-drive system, fully articulating suspension, and solid axles with available locking differentials found in all Rubicon models.
EPA combined numbers are 49 MPGe with a range of 370 miles. Its charge time is 2.4 hours at 240V. The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe can tow 3,500 pounds.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV
Jeep also transplanted the 4xe hybrid powertrain into the new Grand Cherokee. Luxurious and refined as one would expect the Grand to be, the 375-horsepower 4xe hybrid version also makes it a very powerful upscale midsize SUV.
It seats seven and will make long voyages easy to enjoy. Jeep broadcasts the same power numbers for the Grand Cherokee 4xe as the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. But, the Grand gets a better combined MPGe of 56 and a range of 400 miles.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe makes a nice transition into our next trailer weight category with a rating of 6,000 pounds.
2023 BMW X5 XDrive 50e PHEV
Built in Spartanburg, S.C., the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive 50e PHEV has significantly more power and range than its predecessor. The extensively upgraded internal combustion engine and BMW eDrive technology work together to deliver nearly 100 more horsepower and an increase in the purely electric range of up to 40 miles.
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e features a 3.0L twin-turbocharged six-cylinder gas engine hooked up to a new and larger (now 25.7 kWh) battery. This creates a PHEV drivetrain with a total combined 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
The new synchronous motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. It features a pre-gearing stage to increase torque from the electric motor to a maximum of 331 pound-feet at the transmission input. This offers sprint-like speeds of 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
The BMW X5 xDrive 50e offers a generous maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. It has good EPA fuel-mileage numbers, too, getting a 50 MPGe combined hybrid score. BMW claims a full charge can be had in 5 hours at 240V.
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive 50e is one of the very best electric SUVs for towing.
2023 GMC Hummer EV Truck & SUV
The GMC HUMMER EV truck is a blocky brute of an all-electric towing machine. Its top-spec model features a three-motor e4WD propulsion system. It offers a GM-estimated system power output of 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque. It also weighs in at over 9,243 pounds.
Somehow it still manages an incredible 0-60 mph time of just 3 seconds and a 329-mile range. That’s all while carrying around T-tops, four-wheel steering, and massive 35-inch tires. All that power and unique features come at a high cost, however, with pricing around $110,000. Base pricing starts around $85,000, but you don’t get the speed and power at that price point.
The Hummer EV truck can tow up to 7,500 pounds.
The Hummer EV SUV is a similar beast, but a bit shorter and a bit less expensive, at $78,000+. It can tow the same 7,500 pounds as its truck counterpart.
For its impressive power and other capabilities, the Hummer EV’s 7,500-pound tow rating is pretty disappointing.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV
Ford beat its competition by a nose, putting out the first all-EV full-size American pickup. The all-electric F-Series truck has an EPA range of 320 miles, a combined MPGe of 70, and a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds when equipped with an extended-range battery. Ford began delivery of the F-150 Lightning in mid-year 2022.
The truck is outpacing even Ford’s ambitious projections. And, just like the hybrid version of the conventional F-150, the Lightning can serve as a mobile generator. It can provide up to 9.6 kW of 120V and 240V current. This is a cool feature for powering camp life, a job site, or even home appliances when the grid power cuts out.
2023 Rivian R1T & R1S BEVs
The 2023 Rivian R1T is an off-road-capable four-wheel-drive vehicle that can also tow some serious weight. Using one motor per wheel and no transmission or transfer case, the Rivian R1T’s all-electric powertrain sends a whopping power output of 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque to its tires.
Offering a load-leveling air-hydraulic suspension, nearly 15 inches of ground clearance, excellent approach and departure angles, and a water fording depth of more than 3 feet, the Rivian R1T has off-road chops. The R1T pickup nets an EPA range of 314 miles (400 with the larger optional battery), a 70 combined MPGe, and a charge time of 13 hours at 240V.
The 2023 Rivian R1S SUV is built on the same basic platform as the Rivian R1T pickup truck, but what it loses in having a pickup bed it gains with a comfortable interior that offers 60/40 folding second-row seating and 50/50 folding third-row seating. All these seats fold flat to create enough room to lie down in the back and look up at the stars through the all-glass roof.
The Rivian R1S SUV boasts a 7,700-pound tow rating. The R1T pickup is rated to tow a maximum of 11,000 pounds. Both scored a combined MPGe of 64 when equipped with 20-inch wheels. The Rivian R1T just might be the best electric vehicle for towing in 2023.
Emerging EVs That Can Tow
Just in is the all-new Cadillac Lyriq. The swoopy all-electric luxury SUV just recently debuted and may be available late this year. Plans are for a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that will deliver 307 miles in range and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Land Rover/Range Rover offers a full roster of electrified models with PHEV powertrain options currently powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine mated to an electric hybrid system. They are rated at a 5,000-pound towing capacity. And Land Rover recently announced a new 434-horsepower plug-in hybrid for 2023 and an all-electric Range Rover for 2024.
Mercedes-Benz is also in the process of moving more of its fleet (already containing several examples of EVs that can tow in the 3,500- to 5,000-pound range) toward more sophisticated electrification with all-electric-first chassis design across the board beginning in 2025.
The RAM Truck brand recently unveiled its all-new RAM 1500 REV battery-electric pickup truck. The unveiling did not provide a lot of detail. Other than the all-new BEV pickup truck is ready for customer reservations for a place in line.
From the looks of it, the new RAM 1500 REV BEV (due in the fourth quarter of 2024) retains much of the big-truck build that has made RAM pickups famous, but with a more aerodynamic body than found on its internal-combustion trucks.
Chevrolet announced its plans for an all-electric 2024 Silverado pickup truck with a 400-mile range and 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. A later version will boost towing to the 20,000-pound mark. The first all-electric Silverado pickups may roll out late in 2023.
Best EVs for Towing: The Future Is Bright
The future of EVs that can tow certainly seems bright from here. Over the next few years, lots of great electric vehicles for towing are planned to hit the market from nearly every brand.
