Which SUVs Have the Highest Towing Capacity?

When it comes to vehicles with heavy hauling capabilities, pickup trucks usually come to mind. However, there are many SUVs that, when properly equipped, can tow nearly as much or more than most compact pickup trucks. That means if you need a vehicle for towing a boat or camper, but don’t require a pickup truck for day-to-day hauling, there are many reliable SUVs to suit your needs.

To determine the cream of the heavy-hauling SUV crop, iSeeCars looked at the best SUVs for towing over 6,000 pounds. For context, the Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. These vehicles at the low end of this list can comfortably tow medium camping trailers and large ski boats, while those on the high end can handle larger travel trailers. After identifying these heavy-haulers, iSeeCars ranked them by the iSeeCars Quality Score, which ranks the best used cars and takes into account long-term reliability based on its longest-lasting cars data, safety scores, and which cars best hold their value. 

Best SUVs for Towing

It’s important to note that for a vehicle to achieve max towing capacities, you will likely need to opt for a tow package installed by the factory or dealership at the time of purchase. These tow packages include not only a trailer hitch, but also wiring and special equipment that help ensure your vehicle can handle the added stress of towing. This includes transmission coolers, a higher capacity alternator, and cameras to improve visibility. 

1. Ford Expedition

Ranked first is the Ford Expedition full-size SUV, which earns an 8.6 iSeeCars Quality Score for its proven long-term reliability, safety, and value retention.Larger SUVs generally have higher towing capacities due to their size and more powerful engines, so it’s no surprise that a full-size model occupies the top of the list. Despite having a twin-turbo V6 engine, it has more power and can tow more than many of its rivals offering more powerful V8 engines. Its V6 also affords better fuel economy than competitors in the large SUV class, with 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Available as a two- or three-row SUV and with abundant passenger and cargo space, the Expedition is among the Best Large SUVs you can buy and is popular choice for a family hauler.

Every Ford Expedition comes standard with a trailer hitch and the ability to tow a minimum of 6,000 pounds. By adding the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package, the towing capacity increases to 9,300 pounds. The package includes a heavy-duty radiator, a brake controller, backup assist, and a limited-slip differential. A new Ford Expedition has an MSRP of $50,500 to $69,775 depending on trim levels, while a three-year-old used Ford Expedition for sale costs an average of $34,742 to $55,989.

2. Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder ranks second with an iSeeCars Quality Score of 8.4 and is the best midsize SUV for towing. The Pathfinder midsize crossover is praised for its spacious cabin, which seats up to seven passengers, and its fuel-efficient V6 engine. It also ranks on iSeeCars list of best crossovers.

All trims can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped with its towing package. A new Nissan Pathfinder costs an average of $35,000 to $49,870, while a three-year-old used Nissan Pathfinder costs between $25,498 and $37,575.

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ranked third is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This versatile hauler comes in a wide variety of trims across many price points to appeal to a wide range of audiences, including the automaker’s off-road enthusiasts and luxury car shoppers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting towing capability of 3,500 pounds, but it can reach a maximum of 7,200 when properly equipped with its Trailer Tow Group IV option and one of its V8 engine choices. The package includes powertrain upgrades like engine cooling and road-leveling suspension as well as a hitch receiver and wiring harness. The same package can be added to the vehicle’s V6 engine to tow a maximum of 6,200 pounds.

 A new Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $41,035 to $68,190, while a three-year-old Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale costs an average of $23,997-$38,994.

4. Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV earns the fourth spot. The Tahoe earns an iSeeCars Quality Score of 8.2 out of 10 due to its long-term reliability, value retention, and above average safety scores. It has a powerful V8 engine that achieves acceptable fuel economy estimates given its size and capabilities. 

Fully-redesigned for 2021, the Tahoe can tow a maximum of 8,400 pounds with rear-wheel-drive and its standard 355-horsepower V-8 engine, when equipped with its Max Trailering Package. For four-wheel-drive, the max towing capacity drops to 8,200 pounds. Used versions from the 2015-2020 model years tow slightly more, topping out at 8,600 pounds. 

A new Chevrolet Tahoe for sale costs between $48,450 to $77,400 depending on trim level, while a three-year-old used Chevrolet Tahoe can be found for $34,542 to $53,995.

5. Dodge Durango

Another American SUV, the midsize Dodge Durango, ranks fifth. The Dodge Durango offers three rows of seating with ample cargo and passenger room. It comes with multiple engine choices including a base 290 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine or multiple V8s for those who want a more powerful family vehicle. The V8 engine options include a 5.7-liter, 360 horsepower Hemi, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 474 horsepower, and the chart-topping 710-horsepower V8 offered in the Hellcat trim. 

The Dodge Durango boasts the highest towing capacities in the midsize SUV class. The base V6 model has a tow rating of up to 6,200 pounds, while the R/T trim’s 5.7-liter V8 increases capacity to 7,200 for AWD and 7,400 for RWD. By adding the Tow N Go package, the R/T can tow up to 8,700 pounds. The more powerful SRT 392 and Hellcat trims can tow the maximum of 8,700 pounds without the added towing package.

 A new Dodge Durango costs an average of $38,495 to $102,085 while a three-year-old used Dodge Durango costs an average of $23,697-$51,537.

6. GMC Yukon 

Ranked sixth is the GMC Yukon Redesigned for the 2021 model year, it is mechanically identical to its platform mate, the top-ranked Chevrolet Tahoe. The Yukon boasts a more upscale exterior, and their Denali trim targets luxury SUV buyers. Standard versions of the Yukon tow 7,900 pounds for rear-wheel drive models, and when equipped with the Max Trailering package, the Yukon can tow a maximum of 8,400 pounds.

A new GMC Yukon costs an average of $63,330-$84,327, while a three-year old used GMC Yukon costs between $37,624-$55,989. 

7. Chevrolet Suburban

Ranked seventh is the Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV. The Suburban’s extended wheelbase gives it the most cargo room of any SUV (except its mechanical Yukon XL twin), with a spacious third-row of seating as well as many available standard tech and safety features. It earns an iSeeCars Quality Score of 8.0 for its high safety scores and long-term reliability. Its value retention brings down its score, as the expensive vehicle depreciates at a pace similar to a luxury vehicle.