SUVs with the Best Towing Capacity

When purchasing an SUV, there are several things to take into account. Aside from the space needed, preferred features, and style, you might also consider towing capacity if you intend to use the vehicle for that purpose. Here, we’ll provide an overview of towing capacity and look at the SUVs that can pull the heaviest cargo.

Understanding Towing Capacity

What Is Towing Capacity? 

Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely and legally tow.

Importance of Towing Capacity in SUVs

Drivers often use SUVs as do-it-all vehicles, so the amount of weight they can tow is essential. If you plan to pull small items, such as utility trailers or a pop-up camper, you don’t need an SUV that can handle 10,000 pounds. For lighter loads, consider looking at smaller SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trax or Buick Envista. However, you’ll need a full-size SUV to tow larger items, such as a big boat or a full-size camper.

Top 5 SUVs With the Best Towing Capacity

Many SUVs are on the market, so there are plenty of choices if you need one for towing. Compare these five models and decide which works for you.

Ford Expedition: A Powerful Choice

The Ford Expedition can shuttle up to eight people and still have room for all their gear in the back. It gets power from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds with the addition of the heavy-duty trailering package. Without the package, the Expedition can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Chevrolet Tahoe: Combining Comfort and Capability

The Chevrolet Tahoe is powerful enough to tow up to 8,400 pounds. This capability comes from the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive, but there’s also a 6.2-liter V-8 that enables it to tow up to 8,300 pounds.

Toyota Sequoia: Reliable and Robust 

The Toyota Sequoia comes with Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX powertrain with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 and an electric motor. These combine to generate 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The max towing capacity with this SUV is 9,520 pounds. To get this, you need the SR5 trim and rear-wheel drive. Without this configuration towing maxes out at 8,980 pounds.

Nissan Armada: Versatility Meets Power 

Whether you have a two-wheel-drive Nissan Armada or a four-wheel-drive version, this SUV can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

Dodge Durango: Compact Yet Capable

The Durango’s optional V-8 engine with 360 horsepower gives it the power to tow up to 8,700 pounds.

Factors To Consider When Looking For an SUV With Great Towing Capacity

Here are some additional factors to consider when looking for an SUV you can tow with.

Engine Power and Torque 

For towing, torque is slightly more important than engine power. A higher torque allows your SUV to move easily when carrying heavy loads from a standstill.

Transmission Type

The type of transmission you have can also impact towing ability and capacity. Manual transmissions can give you greater control over your speed, while automatic transmissions can make towing easier since they do the shifting for you.

Vehicle Weight and Size 

Your SUV’s weight and size affect towing capacity. However, even smaller SUVs can be suitable for towing. For instance, let’s compare the Chevrolet Trax and the Buick Envista. Both are small SUVs, but the Envista, being heavier, has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds compared to the Trax, which can only tow 1,262 pounds.

Additional Features for Enhanced Towing

Trailer hitch classes are another factor to consider when towing. It doesn’t matter how big your SUV is; if it only has a Class 1 hitch, you can only pull a certain amount. If you want to tow heavier loads, you must upgrade the hitch. Multiple-view backup cameras make it easier to attach to a trailer and maneuver with a trailer.

How To Safely Tow With Your SUV 

Here are some tips for safely towing with your SUV.

Know Your Vehicle’s Limitations

Before you tow, review your SUV’s capacity and ensure it can handle the necessary weight. Exceeding the maximum towing capacity is dangerous.

Properly Secure Your Load 

Always ensure you position and secure your cargo correctly. You want 60% of the load placed over the trailer’s front half and evenly distributed from left to right.

Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks

Always do a maintenance check before you head out. Check the lights and tires of your vehicle and trailer, test your brakes, and adjust your mirrors.

Enhancing Your SUV’s Towing Performance

The following features and equipment can help enhance your SUV’s towing performance.

Upgrading Your Brakes for Better Control

When towing, your SUV needs extra stopping power. Upgrading your brakes will give you better control.

Installing a Hitch Receiver

If you want your SUV to tow maximum loads, you can install a hitch receiver to ensure it is up to the task. A Class 3 hitch can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and a Class 4 hitch can handle up to 10,000 pounds.

Using a Weight Distribution System

A weight distribution system ensures proper weight distribution of the load for better control.

Reviews From Owners of SUVs With High Towing Capacities

Take a look at some real-life reviews from Facebook and SUV forums about owners real experiences towing with SUVs.

Real-Life Experiences From Ford Expedition Owners

Many drivers have reported successful towing with the Expedition as long as they properly configure the hitch system.

Feedback From Chevrolet Tahoe Drivers 

The Tahoe’s shorter wheelbase makes it a good choice for towing trailers or campers up to 26 feet.

Insights From Toyota Sequoia Drivers

Drivers are amazed at what they can tow with the new Sequoia. One driver on Facebook said they had towed large boats and a fully loaded double-wide trailer filled with lawn equipment with no problems.

Ready To Get Out and Tow With Your Next SUV?

Now that you know all about towing capacity and the SUVs with the best towing power, you’re ready to find your next SUV. Come to our Cochran Cars dealership in Youngstown, Ohio, and test-drive the models with the towing capacity you need. Our sales staff can give you all the details about the power and performance of each one to help you make an informed decision.

Ford Expedition Limited 3.5 EcoBoost 2019 by RL GNZLZ is licensed by CC BY 2.0 DEED