Top SUVs for Towing: Best Options for Your Hauling Needs

"The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough." - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Dreaming big is vital for reaching our full potential, as a famous former President once said. This is particularly true in the world of towing and hauling. SUVs are perfect for those with ambitious projects. They offer power, versatility, and the capacity needed to tackle big tasks.^1^

This guide will highlight the best SUVs for towing. We will look at models with powerful engines, robust towing capacities, and advanced safety features. Whether you need a full-size SUV or a smaller one, we've got you covered. This will help you pick the ideal vehicle for your towing needs.^2^

We'll carefully look at what matters the most, like towing capacity, engine power, off-road abilities, and fuel efficiency. Our goal is to help you make a smart choice and find the best SUV for your towing needs.^3^

Are you in need of a vehicle for towing a large trailer or beloved boat? Or maybe you just need more cargo space for outdoor adventures. This article is here to guide you. Get ready to find the best SUVs for towing and hauling. This will boost your driving experience and give you the confidence to take on big projects.

Key Takeaways

SUVs offer exceptional towing capabilities, with some models boasting capacities up to 10,000 pounds.
Factors like engine power, off-road prowess, and advanced towing technologies are crucial when selecting the best SUV for your hauling needs.
From full-size behemoths to fuel-efficient hybrids, the SUV market presents a diverse array of options to suit a wide range of towing requirements.
Safety features, such as trailer sway control and integrated brake controllers, enhance the towing experience and provide added peace of mind.
Properly understanding payload capacity and weight distribution is essential for safe and reliable towing with an SUV.

Introduction to SUVs for Towing

SUVs are a top choice for those needing to tow. They blend passenger comfort, cargo space, and towing strength very well.^4^ Since many SUVs use a strong truck platform, they're ready for big towing jobs. Their design also makes them good for off-road towing. This is thanks to their high clearance and 4x4 systems. Plus, modern SUVs have high-tech towing aids. These features boost safety and ease when towing heavy loads.

Why SUVs are Suitable for Towing

SUVs can handle towing because of their truck roots. These designed-in strengths include tough suspensions, strong engines, and durable transmissions.^4^ They also sit higher and some come with four-wheel drive. This helps SUVs manage various roads and paths better. So, they're great for towing in rough or out-of-the-way spots.

Factors to Consider When Towing with an SUV

Choosing the right SUV for towing means looking at key details. These include the SUV's towing limit, how powerful its engine is, what type of transmission it has, and its suspension.^4^ How much it can carry, beyond just the trailer, is key to safe towing. Make sure you balance the trailer's weight well. Using the right towing gear, like a weight distribution hitch, is also vital. It keeps things steady and more controlled when you're on the move.

Full-Size SUVs with Impressive Towing Capacity

Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are big SUVs that can pull a lot. They can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The Grand models allow for up to 9,850 pounds of towing.^5^^6^ They come with strong engines, like a 392-horsepower V8 and a 420-horsepower six-cylinder. With the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Package, their towing gets even better. It has extra cooling, trailer brake control, and special towing tech.

Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is now a leader in towing among full-size SUVs. It can pull up to 9,520 pounds, a 26% jump from before.^5^^6^ The secret is its new hybrid setup. A 3.5-liter V6 teams up with an electric motor for 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Towing numbers change a bit depending on the model, but the rear-wheel-drive SR5 is the best for towing.

Ford Expedition and Expedition Max

Ford's Expedition and the longer Expedition Max are also top choices for big towing jobs. The regular Expedition can pull 9,300 pounds. This is with a 380-horsepower engine, rear-wheel-drive, and special tow package.^5^^6^^3^ The Expedition Max, though larger, tows about the same. It's rated for 9,000 pounds with rear or four-wheel drive. Both can have the same special tow features.

Mid-Size SUVs with Capable Towing Performance

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV that shines in towing, able to pull up to 8,700 pounds.^7^ This top capability is seen in models with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, all-wheel-drive, and the Tow N Go Package. Even the high-performance SRT and SRT Hellcat versions hit this mark with their stronger engines.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also great for towing, with a top capacity of 7,200 pounds.^7^ To reach this number, you'll need the 5.7-liter V8, rear-wheel-drive, and the right towing setup. If you go for the basic model, it can still manage 6,200 pounds, more than most rivals in its class.

Luxury SUVs for Premium Towing Experience

The Lincoln Navigator and its extended-length Navigator L offer a top towing experience. With the right set up, the Navigator can pull up to 8,700 pounds in the rear-wheel-drive mode. Switch to four-wheel-drive, and it can still handle 8,300 pounds.^3^ The Navigator L tows a bit less, pulling a maximum of 8,400 pounds in rear-wheel-drive and 8,100 pounds in four-wheel-drive.^3^ All these numbers come thanks to the strong 440-horsepower V6 and the optional Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.

If you're looking at the Cadillac Escalade, know it can haul big weights too. It boasts towing abilities of 8,200 pounds with a 6.2-liter V8 under the hood, rear-wheel-drive, and the Max Trailering Package.^3^ Its longer twin, the Escalade ESV, isn't far behind, able to tow up to 8,000 pounds in a similar setup.^3^ Both models stand out with great interiors, innovative tech, and offer a beefier version of the V8, hitting either 420 or 433 horsepower.

Best suv for towing

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade stands out as our leading three-row SUV choice. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.^8^ This makes it perfect for pulling various trailers and small boats. Its key features include a roomy interior, top-notch materials, and advanced safety technologies. So, it's a strong pick for families who need to tow moderately.

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent matches the Palisade with a 5,000-pound tow capacity.^8^ What sets the Ascent apart is its ability to go off-road and daily usability. Though it's not the biggest in the third row, its front seats are roomy, and it boasts great safety scores. It's a top contender in its class for these reasons.

Off-Road SUVs with Robust Towing Abilities

The Land Rover Defender has good towing power for an SUV built for rough tracks. It can tow up to 8,200 pounds with its 3.0-liter mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine. This is the same for both its two-door 90 and four-door 110 versions. The Defender is well-known for its off-road skills and sturdy style. Its high towing ability adds more use for those who move big weights off the usual roads.

The Jeep Wrangler is also strong in towing. With the right gear, it can pull up to 3,500 pounds.^6^ This might not beat some bigger SUVs, but it's perfect for trailers, small boats, or Lighter loads. The Wrangler's tough framework, four-wheel drive, and special towing kits help it tackle towing loads while staying an off-road champ.

Fuel-Efficient SUVs for Economical Towing

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid blends fuel-saving features with the ability to tow. It can pull weights up to 3,500 pounds. Plus, it sips fuel gently, achieving 35 mpg by EPA measurements.^9^ This combo makes it perfect for those who often tow but want to save gas.

The Ford Explorer Hybrid also shines for its economy and towing power. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, just like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.^9^ While not leading the pack in towing, it fits well with light trailers or boats. What's more, its hybrid design means it uses less fuel when towing, saving money for the driver.

Advanced Towing Technologies and Features

Modern SUVs come with trailer sway control to keep things stable while towing. These systems have sensors that can detect if the trailer is moving oddly. They then adjust the brakes or the engine to stop this from happening. This means the driver keeps control, making towing safer and more comfortable.^8^

Integrated Trailer Brake Controllers

Another great tech for SUVs is the integrated trailer brake controller. This system helps the tow vehicle and the trailer brake together without jerking. It gives drivers the power to tune how the trailer brakes. This means when you hit the brakes, both your car and trailer will slow down smoothly, thanks to these controllers. Installing these controllers can greatly improve your towing experience, as it comes part of the full towing package on many SUVs.1

Trailer Backup Assist

Backing up a trailer gets a lot easier with some SUVs' trailer backup assist. Using cameras and sensors, they show you where the trailer is and guide you on how to drive. You control the trailer's direction using a knob or joystick. No more stressful back-and-forth with the steering wheel! This makes parking or backing up into tight spots much simpler.

Safety Considerations for SUV Towing

When towing with an SUV, it's vital to make sure the weight is even. You want about 10-15% of the trailer's weight on the SUV's hitch.^10^ This setup improves how the SUV moves and stops, making it less likely for the trailer to sway. A good tip is to use a special hitch that spreads the weight well. This makes towing both safer and smoother.

It's not just about how the trailer is loaded. The SUV itself must be stable for safe towing. Look for SUVs that have tech to help control swaying and strong suspensions.^10^ Always check how much weight your SUV can handle, considering everyone inside and the trailer's weight too. Keeping the load balanced will ensure your journey is safe and worry-free.

Conclusion

The SUV market is vast, offering various models for different needs, including towing. It ranges from big ones that can pull 10,000 pounds^11^ to mid-size and hybrid options. These are better for the environment and can still pull smaller loads.^12^

Choosing the right SUV for towing means looking at its pull power, engine strength, off-road skills, and safety features. By understanding what you need in a towing vehicle, you can pick the most fitting one.

Big SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL lead in towing capacity.^8^ Others, such as the Jeep Wagoneer and Toyota Sequoia, step up the game for managing heavier trailers.^8^ Midsize options, like the Dodge Durango, can pull up to 8,700 pounds.^8^ Luxury choices, including the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade, offer impressive towing figures too.^11^

For those wanting to tread lightly on the planet, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Ford Explorer Hybrid are great choices. They both can tow 3,500 pounds and focus on saving fuel.^12^ If off-road adventures are your thing, look no further than the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler. They've got towing ratings of 8,200 and 3,500 pounds, respectively.^12^ Knowing what various SUVs can do helps you make a smart choice for your hauling and towing tasks.

FAQ

What are the top-rated SUVs for towing heavy loads?

The article dives into the best SUVs for towing. It highlights models with big engines, high towing capacities, and the latest safety tech. You'll find info on SUVs of various sizes and their towing abilities.

What factors are important to consider when selecting an SUV for towing?

When picking an SUV for towing, several things matter a lot. Look at the towing capacity, engine strength, and kind of transmission. Also, consider the suspension and any special towing features. Don't forget about how much weight the SUV can carry safely.

What are some full-size SUVs with impressive towing capabilities?

The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer can pull up to 10,000 and 9,850 pounds, respectively. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia can manage up to 9,520 pounds. Then, there's the Ford Expedition and Expedition Max with towing powers of 9,300 and 9,000 pounds.

Which mid-size SUVs offer capable towing performance?

The Dodge Durango is discussed, able to tow 8,700 pounds. The Jeep Grand Cherokee can handle up to 7,200 pounds when set up right.

What luxury SUVs provide a premium towing experience?

The Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L can pull up to 8,700 and 8,400 pounds. The Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV offer towing capacities of 8,200 and 8,000 pounds.

Which SUVs offer respectable towing capabilities while also being fuel-efficient?

The Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Ford Explorer Hybrid can tow 3,500 pounds. They're known for their great fuel economy too.

What advanced towing technologies and features are available on modern SUVs?

Modern SUVs come with lots of towing aids. These include trailer sway control, trailer brake controllers, and backup assists. They make towing safer and easier.

Why is proper weight distribution important when towing with an SUV?

It's key to have the right weight balance, with 10-15% of the trailer's weight on the hitch. This setup helps with traction, handling, and braking when towing.

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