If you enjoy long road trips to the lake or plan on hauling a camper for outdoor excursions, a vehicle with a good gross trailer weight, also known as towing capacity, is in order. Trucks are often the first place shoppers look for a strong tow vehicle, but what if a truck isn’t the right vehicle for you?
Fortunately, there are plenty of other vehicles with respectable towing capacities. In this tow guide, you’ll discover the best non-truck towing vehicles that just might surprise you.
22 SUVs With Great Towing Capacities
SUVs are typically the next best thing to a pickup truck for towing. Many larger SUVs are based on pickup trucks, so they come close in terms of maximum towing capacity. Keep in mind that there are three main SUVs classes — full-size, mid-size, and compact — and their towing capacities drop as you decrease the vehicle size. Here are 12 options for you to consider.
Full-Size SUVs
Full-size SUVs are often closely related to an automaker's pickup trucks, providing comparable towing capacity while offering room for the whole family, plus cargo. Here are some full-size SUVs with healthy towing capacities.
1. Jeep Wagoneer/Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Jeep continually teased the public about the return of the Wagoneer nameplate as a luxurious yet rugged SUV with great capabilities and comfort. It finally delivered on that promise with the 2023 Wagoneer and more luxurious Grand Wagoneer. Thankfully, the faux wood panelling from the 1980s versions was left off the design. Its incredible towing capacity wasn’t left out, hauling up to 10,000 pounds with the 5.7-litre and 3.0-litre engines. This capacity falls to 9,850 pounds with the 6.4-litre V8 and 9,800 pounds 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.
2. Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia underwent a full redesign for 2023, bringing in a new, more rugged and modern design and a new hybrid V6 engine. This isn’t your typical hybrid, though, the twin-turbo V6 and electric motor deliver an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This and the tough platform it sits upon allows the 2023 Toyota Sequoia to tow a healthy 8,980 to 9,520 pounds, depending on the trim level and drivetrain combination.
3. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition, which shares much of its construction with the Ford F-150, is a leader in full-size SUV towing. For example, the 2023 Expedition equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and rugged structure can tow up to 9,200 pounds. The Larger Expedition Max is slightly less capable with a 9,000-pound capacity. This makes it the perfect tow vehicle for an 11-metre (or longer) travel trailer, an 11-metre moving trailer, a medium-sized boat, or even a large vehicle.
4. Lincoln Navigator
If you're looking for a luxury SUV to go with your towing, the Lincoln Navigator does well in both departments. Like the Expedition, the Navigator shares many mechanic similarities with the Ford F-150, making it an excellent tow vehicle. For example, the 2022 Navigator can haul up to 8,700 pounds, making it the perfect option for towing an 11-metre (or longer) travel trailer, an 11-metre moving trailer, or even a large vehicle.
5. Infiniti QX80
Another luxury SUV to consider is the massive 2023 Infiniti QX80. This body-on-frame SUV may be posh on the inside, but underneath it sits atop a heavy-duty chassis borrowed from the Nissan Armada. This includes its 5.6-litre V8 powerplant that pounds out 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. All this power and strength add up to a very capable 8,500-pound towing capacity.
6. Nissan Armada
If you want the towing capacity of the Infiniti QX80 without the hefty price tag, consider the Nissan Armada. It shares a platform and 400-horsepower V8 engine with the QX80, giving it the same 8,500-pound towing capacity. However, with less of a focus on luxury features, you can save some cash.
7. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe, which shares some DNA with the Silverado pickup, uses its potent V8 engine and rugged chassis to handle just about all the towing the average person throws its way. For example, the 2023 Tahoe has a max trailering capacity of up to 8,400 pounds, which means it can easily tow up to an 11-meter tow-behind camper, an 11-meter moving trailer, a trailer loaded with a few dirt bikes, or even another vehicle.
8. GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon comes in two sizes standard and XL. The standard model is effectively the same as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and the XL variant is a spin-off of the Chevrolet Suburban. Like its Chevy relatives, this large SUV has a trio of powertrain options, including two hulking V8s and one torque-heavy turbo-diesel six-cylinder.
Depending on the powertrain combination, the standard GMC Yukon can tow 7,500 to 8,400 pounds, and the heavier Yukon XL can pull 7,400 to 8,300 pounds.
9. Cadillac Escalade
As a cousin of the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Cadillac Escalade earns a spot on our list of the best SUVs for towing. Like the Tahoe, it has several engine options, including a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and a potent 6.2-litre V8. These engines combined with the Escalade’s rugged body-on-frame construction net it a 7,300- to 8,200-pound towing capacity.
Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs come in two- and three-row options to accommodate families of all sizes. Some are based on car chassis instead of trucks, making them even easier to drive but reducing towing capabilities. Below are three great midsize SUVs for towing.
10. Dodge Durango
For many years, the Dodge Durango has offered buyers a wide range of powertrain options. Within these options come variable tow ratings, all of which are quite capable. For example, the 2019 Durango offers a 293-horsepower 3.6-litre V6, a 360-horsepower 5.7-litre V8, a 475-horsepower 6.4-litre V8 in the SRT models, and a 740-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the SRT Hellcat models. The 2023 Durango with these engines can tow 6,200 to 8,700 pounds.
With the V6 engine, the Durango can tow a 7.6-meter camper with ease or a midsize car, while the 6.4- or 6.2-litre model can tug an 11-meter camper or large car.
11. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee not only comes with premium features and the brand’s legendary off-road capabilities, but it also has loads of towing capacity. The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in three main models, the base Grand Cherokee, the larger Grand Cherokee L, and the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe.
The base and L models come standard with a 293-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 that allows them to tow up to 6,200 pounds. The L model has an optional 357-horsepower 5.7-litre V8 that pushes the capacity to 7,200 pounds. The 4xe model has a total system output of 375 horsepower and a 6,000-pound towing capacity.
12. Toyota 4Runner
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, which is based on the capable Toyota Tacoma, offers five- and seven-passenger capacities, plenty of cargo space with the third row folded or in the five-passenger configuration, and a respectable towing capacity. For example, the 2023 4Runner offers up to a 5,000-pound towing capacity. This will allow it to tow a sub-7.6-meter camper with relative ease.
13. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is another midsize SUV with a few engine options and varying towing capacities. With its base 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, the 2023 Explorer can tow up to 3,000 pounds, which translates to a small popup camper, small trailer for jet skis, or small fishing boat.
Buyers looking to tow a larger camper will want to add the Class IV Trailer Tow Package, which bumps its max towing to between 5,300 and 5,600 pounds — enough to tow a sub-7.6-meter-long camper or moving trailer. It can also tow a compact car on a trailer.
Even the hybrid model gets in on the fun with a 5,000-pound towing capacity with the heavy-duty towing package.
Compact SUVs
Compact SUVs may specialize in delivering a family-friendly ride with a small footprint, but that doesn't mean they can't tow a loaded trailer. Here are a few compact SUVs with impressive towing capacity.
14. Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a unicorn in the compact SUV segment, as it offers something for everyone, including luxurious appointments in higher trims and off-road prowess in its Trailhawk model. Adding to this is its surprising towing capacity.
With its base 2.4-litre engine, the 2023 Cherokee has no towing capability. However, bumping up to the 2.0-litre turbo engine and adding the optional class-III trailer tow package gives the Cherokee an impressive 4,000-pound towing capacity, which is plenty for a 5.2-meter camper or a medium-sized fishing boat.
15. Audi Q5
Want a dose of luxury with that compact SUV towing power? The Audi Q5 offers just that with its small footprint, luxurious appointments, and surprising towing capacity.
The 2023 Audi Q5 equipped with the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder can tow up to 4,400 pounds, which is plenty to haul a 5.2-metre camper or a midsize fishing boat. You could even tow a subcompact car, like a Honda Fit, on a trailer or tow dolly.
16. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been around for as long as the compact SUV segment has existed. Throughout the years, it’s always been a top seller. With plenty of room for a family, a small footprint, and many safety features, such as adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning, it's no wonder it's so popular.
Adding to this, the latest-generation RAV4 has a surprising max towing capacity. For example, the 2023 RAV4 Trail AWD can tow up to 3,501 pounds, enough for a popup camper, jet skis, or even a small boat. All other 2019 RAV4 models can tow 1,499 pounds, just enough for the smallest pop-up campers..
Subcompact SUVs
Subcompact SUVs sometimes get dubbed "lifted hatchbacks" or "glorified hatchbacks" because many lack any towing capabilities. There are, however, some subcompact SUVs that can handle light towing without issue.
17. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
It may be the smallest of the Land Rover models, but the Range Rover Evoque has some serious SUV credentials. It’s an impeccable off-road machine and offers the on-road performance Land Rover buyers require. On top of this, its rugged construction and 246-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine allow it to tow up to 3,968 pounds, putting it in range of pulling a small boat.
18. BMW X1
Subcompact SUVs aren’t known for their towing capacity — unless it’s from BMW. The 2023 BMW X1 and its 241-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine can tug a relatively massive 3,750-pound trailer behind it. This means it can easily tow a large pop-up camper, several jet skis, or a small boat.
19. Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X may be cute and tiny, but don't let its modest stature fool you. It has a tough side that allows it to do a little towing too. For example, the 2019 Fiat 500X, which features a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 177 horsepower, can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
That's not a lot compared to larger SUVs, but for its size, that's huge. The petite Fiat 500X can tow a small pop-up camper or even a trailer with a few jet skis on it.
20. Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is another cute-looking subcompact crossover that has spent a little time in the weight room. With its extra strength, this tiny people hauler not only zigs and zags through traffic with ease, but it can do a little towing if needed.
The 2023 Ford EcoSport has a standard 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder. With this engine, the 2023 EcoSport can tow up to 2,000 pounds, allowing you to tote around a larger popup camper or a few jet skis.
21. Jeep Renegade
Though they look nothing alike, the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X share a platform, so it’s no wonder the Renegade ends up on the list too. While the 500X has more of a cute look, the Renegade has a funkier, boxy look. The Renegade is another Jeep with a few personalities, including a trail-ready Trailhawk trim with a lifted suspension and other off-road-ready bits.
As for hauling, the Renegade does well too. The 2023 Renegade with the 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and four-wheel drive can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Like others in its class, this capacity allows the Renegade to tow a small popup camper or a pair of jet skis.
Jeep doesn’t recommend towing with any front-wheel drive Renegades. Still, you can add a non-towing hitch receiver to haul a small bike rack.
Electric SUVs
Electric SUVs may be an afterthought when it comes to towing, but some are more than capable of light towing.
22. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X gets many accolades for its impressive EV range and wild performance in its higher trims. However, it’s a capable tow vehicle too with up to a 4,960-pounds tow capacity. That could easily tow a 5.2-meter camper or a midsize fishing boat.
23. Tesla Model Y
If the Tesla Model X is too large for you, the smaller Model Y may be a better fit. Don’t let its smaller stature fool you. It’s also a capable tow vehicle with up to a 3,500-pound towing capacity. That’s enough to haul a popup camper, jet skis, or even a small boat.
It's About More Than Towing Capacity
While towing capacity is a great way to gauge if a vehicle can handle the towing you plan to do, there’s more to it than that. You must also consider other weight limits.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
The gross combination weight rating GCWR is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — the maximum weight the vehicle can be when you add together the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and their cargo — plus the towing capacity.
If you plan to haul the whole family, luggage, and a trailer, you'll want to estimate that weight and verify it doesn't exceed the GCWR. This is especially important in subcompact models, as their lighter-duty chassis may not hold up to the combined weight of a trailer and a fully loaded cabin.
Gross Axle Weight Rating
Another weight to consider before towing a trailer is the vehicle's gross axle weight rating (GAWR). This is the maximum weight each axle can handle. When loading a trailer, you want to evenly distribute the weight so it all doesn't go in front of the trailer's axle. If the entire load is near the front of the trailer, it puts the total weight of the trailer on the vehicle's axle. This unbalanced loading can end up exceeding the GAWR, even if you're still under the towing capacity.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the maximum allowable weight at the coupling point between the ball hitch and trailer. Like GAWR, this is mostly focused on balancing the load on the trailer so there's not too much weight near the front. If you put too much weight near the front of the trailer, it will mostly fall on the tongue.
Check the Required Optional Towing Equipment
When checking towing capacities, also make sure to review the owner's manual to verify what equipment the vehicle needs to attain its maximum capacity. Manufacturers often list these ratings, but it's only valid with a specific class of hitch receiver or with a transmission cooler installed.
Without this optional equipment, the tow rating could be significantly lower, or the vehicle may not be rated to tow at all without it.
Not Every Vehicle With a Hitch Receiver Can Tow
You can put a hitch receiver on just about any vehicle with enough effort and ingenuity, but this doesn't mean every vehicle can tow. This becomes critical when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, as you may find one with a hitch and assume it's a capable tow vehicle.
Vehicle owners often put hitch receivers on vehicles for reasons other than towing — like hauling a mobility scooter or for a hitch-mounted bike rack. These are generally referred to as "lifestyle hitches" instead of tow hitches.
Attempting to tow with a vehicle not rated for it can cause serious damage to the vehicle and can cause an accident, so don’t do it.
Clutch Has the Right Tow Vehicle for You
If you're in the market for a pre-owned tow vehicle that's not a pickup truck, Clutch has a wide selection of alternatives. Whether you need a full-size SUV to haul a big family and hulking trailer or a subcompact SUV to tote around a popup camper, we have them all for you at great prices.
Plus, we take the stress out of shopping for a preowned tow vehicle by allowing you to complete the entire process online. No salespeople following you around and no crazy haggling to get a better price.
All of Clutch’s pre-owned tow vehicles have been put through a 210-point inspection to ensure they're ready to take your trailer out on the open road. If you aren't satisfied with your Clutch vehicle for any reason within the first 10 days, you can exchange it for a different vehicle or return it for a no-hassle refund. Even better, when you choose to keep your Clutch vehicle, you're protected by our 90-day or 6,000-mile limited warranty.
If you're trading in your old car, we can handle that too. You can get a trade-in offer immediately through our website. If the estimate looks good, you can submit a few pictures and other information and get an official estimate for your trade-in vehicle. So ahead and give it a try — it’s never been easier.
