There’s no wonder SUVs have become one of the most popular vehicles on the road. SUVs offer loads of space and the latest in-cabin tech and comforts. They also offer off-road capability and let you haul cargo and gear while also delivering a much more comfortable ride than any truck. With their powerful engines and, many times, truck-based chassis, SUVs are also exceptional for towing.
Say you’re loading up a trailer with motorcycles or UTVs, hauling a boat, or packing the RV trailer for a weekend outing. With the right SUV, you can tow all your adventure gear with ease.
To help you find the right vehicle, we’ve scoured the long list of possibilities and picked the best SUVs for towing. We’ve also grouped the top SUVs for towing by class to make it easier for you to find the right one: midsize SUV, full-size SUV, and luxury SUV.
Now, let’s find that SUV tow machine that’s perfect for your next adventure.
The Best 2025 Midsize SUVs for Towing
2025 Nissan Pathfinder (Towing Capacity: 6,000 Pounds)
Not long ago, Nissan revised the Pathfinder with a focus on returning to its rugged roots. For the new Pathfinder’s styling, that meant more rugged design and some details that, if you squint, might remind you of the original model.
For owners who want to camp, cottage, or bring a trailer along, the new Pathfinder moved from a CVT to a nine-speed automatic behind its 285-horsepower 3.5L V6. That, along with an oil cooler that’s optional on S, SL, and SV and standard on Rock Creek and Platinum models, helped Nissan boost the Pathfinder’s towing capacity.
It can tow up to 6,000 pounds — a useful 1,000 pounds more than a typical mid-sized crossover can manage.
The Nissan Pathfinder also offers a useful 16.6 cubic feet of cargo storage behind its third row of seats or up to 45 if you don’t need the seven-seat capacity.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (Towing Capacity: 7,200 Pounds)
If you’re looking for a do-everything SUV for all your activities, look no further than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. While both the extended Grand Cherokee L and the shorter Grand Cherokee are known for their towing prowess, the L is the only one that gets a 5.7L V8, and that gives it an extra thousand pounds of tow capacity.
Pick the base V6 Grand Cherokee L, or any other Grand Cherokee, and you get a maximum tow capacity of 6,200 pounds. Selecting the available 5.7L V8 gives the Grand Cherokee L a max towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.
For more fuel-efficient towing, the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Though not quite as burly as its normally aspirated brothers, it can still tow a respectable 6,000 pounds.
The Best 2025 Full-Size SUVs for Towing
2025 Chevrolet Suburban (Towing Capacity: 8,000 Pounds)
While you’ll receive slightly less pulling power with the Chevrolet Suburban than the Tahoe, it still ranks as one of the best SUVs for towing. The spacious interior is hard to beat if you have a large family or a lot of gear.
Equip the Suburban with the front bench seat, and you’ll have room for nine people inside. If you prefer cargo space, you get 144.7 cubic feet of room with the rear seats folded down.
To get the max towing capacity of 8,000 pounds, you’ll have to opt for the 2WD 5.3L V8, which churns out 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and add on the Max Trailering Package. If you don’t mind a slightly reduced max towing capacity, you can opt for 4WD or a 3.0L Turbo Diesel for your Suburban build. Just be sure to add on the Max Trailering Package, which includes an integrated trailer brake controller and changes the axle ratio.
For 2025, Chevrolet has updated the Suburban’s cabin with new, bigger screens and more luxurious materials. It has also upgraded the 3.0L diesel to a new version with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque for more shove (and less noise), even if the overall capacity isn’t changed.
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe (Towing Capacity: 8,400 Pounds)
With the Chevy Tahoe, you get a stylish SUV with plenty of power to haul all of your gear. Three engines are available to drive two wheels or four. The standard fitment includes a 5.3L V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
Or bump up to a 6.2L V8 that pumps out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded for 2025 3.0L Duramax diesel option delivers 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, and can pull 8,200 pounds
To get the enormous 8,400-pound maximum towing capacity, you’ll have to include the Max Trailering Package with the 2WD 5.3L gas engine. The standard towing capacity of the 2025 Tahoe can still pull 7,700 to 7,900 pounds without the Max Trailering Package.
Chevy’s Max Trailering Package includes features such as a trailer brake controller, Advanced Trailering System in-truck towing app, hitch guidance with hitch view, and an extra capacity cooling system. The driver can use the Advanced Trailering System app to configure additional towing specifics like customized trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, and trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring.
More available high-tech features to make driving with a trailer less stressful include Trailer Sway Control, Trailer Theft Alert, and Hill Start Assist.
2025 GMC Yukon (Towing Capacity: 8,400 Pounds)
Chevrolet’s sister brand, GMC, brings the Yukon to the party, and this full-size SUV is a great option if you want a capable trailering vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice any creature comforts. We’re talking about options like exclusive interior designs and 13 camera views that include High Definition Surround Vision. Many drivers comment that the Yukon delivers such a comfortable, smooth ride that they forget they’re driving one of the best SUVs for towing.
To get the max tow rating of 8,400 pounds, choose a rear-wheel-drive model with the standard 5.3L V8 engine, good for 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. You’ll need to add the Max Trailering Package to reach its full potential.
Suppose you don’t mind a slightly reduced tow capacity. In that case, the Yukon AT4 and Denali models can master 8,200 pounds when set up with the Max Trailering Package. The AT4 has all-wheel drive and a 5.3L V8. The Denali has rear-wheel drive and a more powerful 420-horsepower 6.2L V8. Like the Chevrolet, there’s a 3.0L diesel option too.
2025 Toyota Sequoia (Towing Capacity: 9,520 Pounds)
Until 2021, the best SUV for towing in the Toyota lineup was the Land Cruiser. Since 2022, it had to abdicate the throne to the Sequoia. The all-new Sequoia sits on a modern body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame shared by the latest Tundra. This SUV is no slacker and has a max trailer hauling capacity of 9,520 pounds.
Bringing all that force to bear is an i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid drivetrain that’s good for 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of twist. Basically, the i-FORCE MAX sandwiches a 48-horsepower electric motor between a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 and a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission. Our review of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia gets into more details and insights.
The cheapest Toyota Sequoia SR5 grade has the largest max towing capacity. The Limited and Platinum grades have a maximum hauling capacity of 9,300 pounds. Max out with 4×4 and the luxury Capstone trim and it cuts down to 8,980 pounds.
With seven seats and a luxurious interior, Toyota’s new towing king more than makes up for the loss of the Land Cruiser.
The Best 2025 Luxury SUVs for Towing
2025 Audi Q7/SQ7 (Towing Capacity: 7,700 Pounds)
You might not immediately think of the Q7 when looking at the best SUVs for towing, but Germans love to tow, too. That means an Autobahn-ready all-wheel-drive German luxury family hauler that can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Of course, you’ll need to get the 3.0L V6, rated at 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and not the Q7 45 four-cylinder to get the job done. Don’t forget to select the towing package when optioning your Q7 to get the tow hitch receiver and connector pin.
The SQ7 sports a 4.0L eight-cylinder mill that churns out 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of twist for those who prefer European excellence at breakneck speeds. However, that extra power still amounts to only 7,700 pounds of trailering capacity.
Inside the Q7 and SQ7, you get space for seven passengers and plenty of room to haul gear. What’s more, you can expect Audi’s signature Euro luxury with sport touches and just enough modern tech to be helpful without being overwhelming. When all is said and done, you’ll proudly own one of the best luxury midsize SUVs for towing.
2025 Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8 (Towing Capacity: 7,700 Pounds)
Audi’s family-friendly Q8 effectively blends SUV capabilities with sedan characteristics. A turbocharged V6 supplies a healthy dose of power, rated at 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs up with an eight-speed automatic and the legendary quattro all-wheel drive. The Q8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped with the tow package.
In typical Audi fashion, the plush cabin has premium materials and a leading-edge infotainment system. Passengers can sit back and enjoy four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and customizable ambient interior lighting.
500 horsepower and a sport-tuned suspension system define the 2025 Audi SQ8. Its luxury appointments and daily driveability match the standard Q8 model — only at an elevated level. The racier RS Q8 checks in with a soaring twin-turbo V8 cranking out 591 horsepower and a prestigious 590 pound-feet of torque. Either way, a properly equipped SQ8 and RS Q8 share the same 7,700-pound max hauling capacity.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 (Towing Capacity: 7,700 Pounds)
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 can tow a hefty 7,700 pounds. Credit goes to the twin-turbo inline-6, which musters 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Definitely add the Class IV trailer hitch to deck out the GLS 450 with a wiring harness for your brake lights and trailer brakes. The nine-speed automatic transmission connects to an all-wheel-drive system for a smooth drive.
There’s seating for up to seven in this luxury SUV, and it comes standard with trailer stability assist. This feature offers some additional peace of mind while towing.
True to Mercedes-Benz form, the cabin of the GLS 450 is upscale and lavish, replete with plenty of perks that come standard for you and your passengers.
2025 Range Rover Sport (Towing Capacity: 7,700 Pounds)
The latest Range Rover Sport is capable of towing a hefty trailer, but offers a much smaller package than its big luxury sibling. Most versions of the RR Sport can tow 7,700 pounds, though the Autobiography trim’s max is lower at 6,614.
Standard trailering features include trailer wiring prep and trailer stability assist, while a Towing Pack is necessary to get the most of it and includes Advanced Tow Assist reverse counter-steering and a factory-installed tow hitch receiver. P400 six-cylinder and P540 V8s are the ones rated with the highest towing capability. The PHEV P460e’s max is a lower 6,614 pounds.
2025 Land Rover Defender (Towing Capacity: 7,700 Pounds)
Most of Land Rover’s SUVs are capable of impressive feats of towing, and the Defender is no different. The shorter 90 and longer Defender 110 models are both capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds. The extra-long Defender 130 is slightly less capable, but can still handle a 6,614-pound trailer behind it.
Like the Range Rover Sport it offers lots of factory-installed towing aids. It also offers some neat European-style towing features we don’t often see here — like an electrically deployable hitch ball that hides under the bumper when you’re not using it, which is pretty neat.
2025 Land Rover Range Rover P530 (Towing Capacity: 8,200 Pounds)
The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover isn’t just a top-end luxury vehicle but a brilliant contender as one of the best SUVs for towing. The P530 model has a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 that can trailer up to 8,200 pounds. An exuberant 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque propel the Land Rover’s renowned all-wheel-drive system across almost any terrain imaginable.
Thanks to Range Rover’s premium-level trim packages and an extensive list of expensive upgrades, the posh cabin serves as a majestic and tranquil cocoon from the rigors of everyday life. If you want to tow in a fashionable style in a whip with serious off-road cred, the latest generation Range Rover will not disappoint.
2025 Land Rover Discovery (Towing Capacity: 8,200 Pounds)
It’s the last Land Rover on the list, we promise, but it’s not any less capable. In fact, it’s more capable, since SE and Metropolitan trim grades can tow up to an impressive 8,200 pounds thanks to their 355-horsepower six-cylinder engines. That’s as much as some of the massive body-on-frame behemoth SUVs on this list. The 296-horsepower Discovery S can still tow up to 5,952 pounds, which isn’t exactly a slouch.
Like the rest of the Land Rover lineup, the Discovery is a posh and distinctly British way to haul that trailer, loaded with luxury features. Combine that with the optional Advanced Tow Assist that helps you control your trailer and send it in the right direction when you’re backing up and towing has never been so luxurious.
2025 Cadillac Escalade (Towing Capacity: 8,200 Pounds)
For drivers who want their cake and eat it too, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade epitomizes American automotive opulence. Look beyond the massive grille, and you’ll find a 6.2L V8 engine and 10-speed transmission that combine for 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Frankly, it’s the same powerplant found under the hood of the Yukon Denali.
Opt for the rear-wheel-drive model with the Heavy-Duty Trailering Package, and your Escalade can haul up to 8,200 pounds in style.
Thanks to the elegant interior and refined ride, the Escalade feels like a true Cadillac. Without question, the styling is distinct and dramatic. Inside, you can play with some fun tech, like the three interactive OLED displays that combine for a total of 38 inches in front of the driver.
Your passengers will be happy, too. What’s not to like about buttery-soft leather seats that offer massage, heating, and cooling, an available AKG Studio Reference 36-speaker audio system, and Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive suspension that soaks up the bumps?
Cadillac recently added the Escalade-V and its 682-horsepower supercharged 6.2L V8. Torque from the supercharged behemoth peaks at 653 pound-feet to reach its trailering capacity of 7,000 pounds. Aside from its hearty towing prowess, the Escalape-V will snap from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. Learn more about its capabilities by reading our review of the Escalade-V.
2025 Infiniti QX80 (Towing Capacity: 8,500 Pounds)
The 2025 Infiniti QX80 is all-new, but while the big QX has seriously upgraded its cabin and style, it hasn’t lost anything in the way of capability. Improved cabin materials, up to 24 speakers, and semi-aniline leather seats with biometric cooling are just part of what you’ll find inside the latest QX80.
Underneath, you’ll find a brand-new twin-turbo 3.5L V6 making 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, significant upgrades over the old V8. There’s also a nine-speed automatic and an available Dynamic Digital Suspension that can read the road ahead and adjust the shocks to make it more comfortable over impacts and more stable during lane changes and other maneuvers. The 2025 QX80 can tow up to 8,500 pounds.
2025 Lincoln Navigator (Towing Capacity: 8,700 Pounds)
Lincoln outdid itself with its body-on-frame SUV. The 2025 Navigator gets a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 that puts out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The nicely appointed cabin has a first-class interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and plush seating. There’s even an option to add on a rear-seat entertainment system, which is ideal for long trips on the road with family.
With the addition of the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing package, the 2WD standard Navigator’s towing capacity gets elevated from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds. If you opt for the AWD option, your limit with the towing package slips to 8,300 pounds.
Included in the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing package, you get some nice add-ons that increase safety, like trailer sway control, a heavy-duty radiator, a trailer brake controller, and backup camera assist.
2025 Lexus GX 550 (Towing Capacity: 9,096 Pounds)
Lexus has seriously stepped up with the GX 550. It still offers a real frame underneath, and it has more horsepower and more torque from a 3.4L V6 than it made from the V8 it replaced. That’s 349 horses and 479 pound-feet, for reference. It also has immense off-road capability, including a Torsen limited-slip center differential and new overtrail grades with locking rears.
The new GX is also a bit of a tow beast, able to handle trailers up to 9,096 pounds. That’s nearly enough to make the top of this list. At the same time, a new cabin brings new levels of luxury to GX owners, bringing this big, comfy beast decidedly up to date.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer & Grand Wagoneer (Towing Capacity: 10,000 Pounds)
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer soar high into the premier SUV realm. But don’t let the six-figure price tag and reborn nameplate dissuade you from taking a serious look at Jeep’s luxury SUV. A silky-smooth inline-six with heaps of torque and a buttery-velvet ride might convince you that this is the one for you and the family.
Getting down to business, the Wagoneer comes standard with a 3.0L twin-turbo I6 coupled with a mild hybrid setup. The Hurricane six replaces Jeep’s old V8s, and the standard model makes 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque.
Check the box for the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package to attain the Wagoneer’s unparalleled trailering capacity of 10,000 pounds.
The Grand Wagoneer is every bit as much a Jeep as its smaller brother — it’s just a little fancier. Underneath the hood is a version of the 3.0L I6 capable of pumping out 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. That eclipses the 6.4L V8 it replaces. The modified Ram chassis and factory tow package give the Grand Wagoneer a super-size hauling capacity of 9,810 pounds.
How to Choose the Best SUV for Towing
You might have noticed that our list didn’t include crossovers and only a few midsize SUVs. In general, crossovers and most small to midsize SUVs aren’t built on truck chassis and won’t offer the same tow ratings as full-size SUVs. At the end of the day, the best SUV for you will greatly depend on your specific towing needs, including how much and how frequently you tow.
Finding the best SUV for towing is still possible, no matter what class you’re looking in. You just have to know what to look for. Here are some guidelines to help you find the SUV that works best for you.
1. Tow Capacity
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can tow. The manufacturer sets this limit, and this should be the first thing you consider before making a purchase. Max towing capacities are based on how much weight you can safely tow behind your SUV. Always refer to the manufacturer for your vehicle’s tow rating.
2. Curb Weight
Curb weight refers to the weight of a vehicle when the fuel tank is full, without any cargo or passengers. Because fuel efficiency has become important, you’ll find that lighter SUVs are still capable of towing trailers these days. While this might be a good option for some, other people feel they have more control when trailering if they drive a heavier tow vehicle.
3. Wheelbase
A vehicle’s wheelbase refers to the distance from the front axle to the rear axle. The wheelbase is crucial for stability and control. The longer your wheelbase is, the less chance you have for the towed object to weigh down your vehicle and lift the front axle.
4. Drive System
Another consideration to keep in mind is whether you want four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive. You’ll notice that in all of our options for the best SUVs for towing, we specified when one offered better overall towing capacity.
Most of the time, you’ll want rear-wheel drive to achieve the highest tow rating. This configuration directs all the power to the axle that bears the most weight. You can tow with 4WD or all-wheel-drive systems, though they typically have a lower total tow capacity. It’s not as optimal to tow with a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
5. Transmission
Of course, opinions abound about what transmission should be in the best SUV for towing. With newer SUV models, you likely won’t have the option to go with a manual transmission, as most modern SUVs are equipped with automatic transmissions.
The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are the exceptions that still offer a manual transmission option, on a few trim levels at least. Alternatively, you might be able to find older models in a manual.
The bottom line is that you’ll want whatever transmission — automatic or manual — that you’re most comfortable with. The more confidence you have, the easier towing becomes.
6. Chassis Design
SUVs and trucks often offer body-on-frame construction capable of towing heavy loads. Crossovers utilize a unibody design instead, which is similar to cars and not optimal for towing. The extra strength that the chassis provides in most SUVs and trucks, on the other hand, is designed for heavy tow duties.
7. Tow Package
You need more than just a ball hitch to tow effectively. If the manufacturer offers an optional tow package for the SUV you are considering, it’s normally well worth the investment.
Most times, the package offers suspension designed to carry heavier loads, more engine cooling, more transmission cooling, better brakes, and more appropriate gear ratios in the axles for towing heavy loads.
In fact, without a tow package, you won’t get the same tow rating capacity as what we’ve listed for most of the vehicles.
What About The …?
You might have noticed a couple of SUVs missing from this list, notably the Nissan Armada and the Ford Expedition. We’ve got good reasons for leaving these two models off the list, at least for now. We’ll update the list once they’re ready.
The Nissan Armada, which shares most of its parts with the Infiniti QX80, is expected to be all-new for 2025. Nissan hasn’t shown us the new one yet, so it can’t go on the list. The 2024 model, which is at dealers now, can tow up to 8,500 pounds and makes 400 horsepower from its 5.6L V8. We expect the 2025 model to offer similar towing capacity from a new engine. See the QX80 entry above for more details.
Ford’s Expedition is another capable tow beast, but, once again, it’s expected to get a redesign for 2025. The 2024 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, and the long-wheelbase Expedition Max can tow up to 9,000. Both have a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that puts out up to 400 horsepower.
Get One of the Best SUVs for Towing & Get Out on Your Next Adventure
There’s so much information about the best SUVs for towing. You’ll have to research and determine what you need before purchasing. Whether you opt for a midsize, full-size, or luxury SUV, it’s essential that you take the steps necessary to ensure you remain safe on the road. But once you’ve done your homework, imagine all the places you can tow with your new SUV.
