When you are looking to buy a tow-capable SUV, you will want to make sure you find one with qualities of power, confidence in its ability to handle your load, and durability. This guide will provide you with features and specifications to consider when comparing the best tow-capable SUVs, and also show you how to use these vehicles to their fullest potential. As part of this review, we will examine the latest towing technology available on today's full-size SUVs and highlight the best towing SUVs for 2026. You will learn about the advanced trailer technologies that make modern full-size SUVs so good at towing and see real-life examples of these features.
No matter what type of trailer, boat, heavy equipment, or RV you plan to tow behind you, knowing the towing capacity of your SUV will be critical to your success. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) both provide trailering and fuel economy resources you can use to match your vehicle with a trailer or load. By matching your SUV with the appropriate size and weight trailer or load, you will have a much better chance of a safe, highly successful towing experience over time. Let's examine the SUVs that truly qualify as the best tow-capable SUVs on the market today.
Most of the best large SUVs for towing will likely feature high-output motors, heavy-duty frame and chassis construction, advanced tow-assist technologies (such as sway control, adaptive suspension, and trailer blind-spot monitoring), and high-quality brake systems. So, how do you determine which of the best large SUVs provides the most excellent towing capacity?
Two important specifications for assessing an SUV's towing capacity are motor torque and engine output. Typically, SUVs equipped with either a turbocharged V6 or V8 engine offer the best towing capabilities among SUVs. Diesel engine options are also still very popular among the 2026 best tow large SUVs because they provide long-range towing capability and very efficient torque delivery.
Today’s heavy-duty full-size SUVs also include advanced towing technology such as trailer sway control, adaptive suspension systems, and blind-spot monitoring features for use with a trailer. These technologies significantly enhance safety when towing and substantially increase the SUV's maximum towing capability.
Body-on-frame construction is a structural characteristic of many of the best tow-capable SUVs. By using this construction style, these heavy-duty SUVs can offer increased strength and stability, making them very good choices for heavy-duty work.
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When it comes to full-size SUVs that can tow, buyers most often look for those with high towing capabilities. The following are two of the top nominees across all categories of SUVs that fit the bill:
With a maximum tow rating of 9,300 pounds (when properly equipped), the Ford Expedition has consistently been regarded as one of the best 2026 Truck Ratings in the industry. With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine that delivers plenty of torque, it is also well known for its ability to haul cargo and tow heavy loads. Also, with its High-End Options packages, which include all-wheel drive and luxury packages, this vehicle offers both strength and comfort for families or other users who want to tow without compromising their ride comfort.
For many years, the Chevrolet Tahoe has established itself as a premier contender for being one of the top-rated tow vehicles on the market (e.g., Towing Reviews). Some of the reasons the Tahoe has received such high marks include its very balanced design, extremely durable frame and body, and strong V8 engine, with a tow capacity of over 8,000 pounds, which continue to position it as a reliable full-size SUV option. The Tahoe also features an advanced Ride Control System that provides additional ride comfort, even when carrying heavy cargo.
The Jeep Wagoneer sets a new standard for premium strength in SUVs with its remarkable towing capacity of nearly 10,000 lbs, ranking near the top for the largest available towing capacity in this segment. The entry-level luxury-focused SUV ranks powerfully in the Top Towing SUVs 2026.
With advanced towing assistance technologies, the Wagoneer makes it easier and safer for less experienced drivers to maneuver trailers.
The Toyota Sequoia joins the ranks of hybrid-powered, highly capable SUVs designed to tow. Utilizing the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system with an abundance of torque, the Sequoia offers a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 lbs, making it one of the most innovative full-size SUVs in the marketplace to use for towing.
The growing number of top-towing SUVs for 2026 indicates consumer demand for both power and elegance in these vehicles. As manufacturers continue to develop new technologies to improve their products, the addition of digital trailer cameras, improved braking systems, and increased aerodynamic design on the truck, along with improved fuel economy from hybrids, will allow consumers to enjoy the same amount of towing capacity with less fuel consumption.
The use of independent reviews to identify the safest SUV models for towing is also becoming more common. Most reviews include individual vehicle safety ratings, including braking stability (for both trailers and vehicles) and cooling systems.
In addition, many luxury SUV manufacturers are now using adaptive air suspension systems that automatically adjust to maintain a stable level of lift during towing, enhancing ride quality and improving vehicle control.
Fuel economy and towing capacity are often two conflicting factors. However, the introduction of hybrid engines in some heavy-duty SUV models is gradually reducing the difference between the two.
Modern engineering enables consumers to benefit from the combined advantages of all three features while maintaining balanced performance without excessive fuel costs.
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When you're looking for the best tow-capable SUV, there are a few different factors that you will want to take into consideration, other than just checking out the maximum towing capacity numbers. Below are some factors you should consider.
Determining the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is how much total weight a vehicle can carry (including passengers and cargo). If your gross vehicle weight exceeds its payload limits, then it's irrelevant how much you can tow with any particular vehicle.
Make sure that your hitch and trailer have the appropriate weight-distributing hitches and brakes. Many of the top 2026 towing vehicles include factory-installed tow packages for convenience.
Read reputable reviews of all SUVs with tow capability to assess each vehicle's reliability, including performance, maintenance history, and resale value. Long-term dependability will remain one of the driving considerations when determining the best SUV-towing-capable vehicles.
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The best SUVs for towing are powerful, safe, and refined. The market now has many great full-size SUVs that combine the highest towing capacities with well-rounded performance. In addition to using only verified towing capacities, many of the top 2026 SUVs also feature numerous advanced safety features and are backed by expert reviews of each vehicle's towing capabilities. So, if you want to be confident in your towing capabilities and enjoy a more comfortable ride, you should consider one of these SUVs, as they represent the very best of manufacturing today.
Most full-size SUVs for towing have between 7500 and 10,000 lbs (depending on the engine and package), but you always want to check with the vehicle manufacturer before you tow anything to ensure that you are within the limits specified by the vehicle's owner’s manual for safe operation.
The largest towing capacity of an SUV is found on various models of the Jeep Wagoneer and the Ford Expedition, which provide approximately 10,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
Yes, many modern hybrid systems in full-size SUVs for towing provide adequate torque and offer tremendous towing capacity. Thus, they can be considered among the best hybrid SUVs for towing, thanks to their combination of power and efficiency.
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