The best SUV for towing can haul sizable loads without taking strain. The top load-luggers commonly generate impressive horsepower and torque, have heavy-duty transmissions, and sometimes ladder-on-frame construction, but these are not the only choices to consider. Many crossovers combine towing with superb on-road comfort, catering to the US market that wants it all. From everyday brands like Chevrolet to luxury models like Lexus, these are the best SUVs for towing in 2026.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.Only SUVs with a maximum towing capacity of at least 8,000 lbs have been included; ranking is based on BuzzScore, not max towing capacity. Lincoln Navigator Max Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds While it may not have the highest towing capacity, the best SUV for towing in terms of its BuzzScore is the Lincoln Navigator. This impressive full-size SUV can do it all. Not only does it seat up to eight people inside one of the most luxurious cabins on the market (seriously, the interior is known as a "spa on wheels"), it has a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that makes 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to tow up to 8,700 pounds when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for an extra $750. This package also adds a trailer brake controller, and includes the "Slow Climb" drive mode that helps to avoid overheating when ascending a steep grade."For a standard powertrain, the Navigator's EcoBoost engine delivers healthy performance that feels gutsy at all RPMs. This is also Lincoln's best calibration we've sampled of the 10-speed automatic transmission, which is the same one found in the Escalade. Shifts are remarkably smooth in all modes, though the tiny shifter buttons feel like an afterthought to manually control the gears."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Nissan Armada Max Towing Capacity: 8,500 pounds Another one of the best SUVs for towing is the Nissan Armada. This three-row family-hauler is built for tackling any situation with variants like the off-road Pro-4X trim and the track-oriented Nismo model. No matter which version you buy, though, the Armada always has a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. This SUV can be either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, with the two special trims we mentioned only being available with the 4WD drivetrain. There are no special requirements to reach this max towing capacity, and all trims are powered by the same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 425 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Nismo trim boosts that figure to 460 hp, though."The Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve trims ride on adaptive air suspension that is not available on lower trim levels. While it can produce a truck-like bounce on some uneven surfaces, the Armada's suspension is among the most comfortable and controlled in the segment. We have no complaints about the ride, nor could we complain about the lack of road noise. This is a quiet SUV that will keep your family relaxed on long trips."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz GMC Yukon Max Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds The best towing SUV from GMC is, surprisingly, not the Yukon, since there's an EV with a higher tow rating that we'll get to later. However, we like the Yukon more, since it's more affordable and more practical while maintaining a premium driving experience. This large three-row SUV isn't as practical as some smaller models, but large footprints are par for the course when towing up to 8,400 pounds. Under the hood is your choice between a 5.3L V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel I6. Choosing the 5.3L V8 with the optional Max Trailering Package results in the highest towing capacity."Body-on-frame vehicles usually feel compromised on the road, both in terms of ride comfort and handling. GMC has managed to minimize these attributes to the point where the Yukon feels perfectly comfortable tackling a trail, or blasting down the left lane of a highway. Wearing all-terrain tires doesn't seem to impact road noise too drastically, as we could still have a conversation at highway speeds without raising our voices. Four-corner air suspension delivers a comfortable ride and can lift the vehicle by two inches to improve ground clearance."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Infiniti QX80 Max Towing Capacity: 8,500 pounds Built on the same platform as the Nissan Armada, the Infiniti QX80 has the same SUV towing capacity. This luxury flagship model can pull up to 8,500 pounds. The QX80 might ride on the same chassis, and use the same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, but it's tuned for 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and comes with far more luxury features. It lacks off-road and track-focused trims, but buyers will enjoy the base model's 14-speaker audio system, heated first and second-row seats, tri-zone temperature control, and more. The best part is that there's no trick to reaching its maximum towing capacity."The base Pure trim rides on basic steel springs, while every other trim level benefits from Dynamic Digital Suspension, which includes four-corner air suspension. Infiniti tuned the air springs to be soft and cushy, almost to a detriment. Hitting speed bumps and dips and an angle can throw the QX80 into a bounce, which can be expected from a truck-based body-on-frame SUV."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Chevrolet Tahoe Max Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds The best SUV towing capacity that the Chevrolet Tahoe can muster is 8,400 pounds. It's built on the same platform as the GMC Yukon we talked about earlier in this article. It has the same three engine options, too: a 5.3-liter gas V8, a 6.2-liter gas V8, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-6. To reach the Tahoe's maximum towing capacity, though, buyers need to keep its standard 5.3-liter under the hood, a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain, then equip the Max Trailering Package. Opting for 4WD lowers the max towing capacity to 8,200 pounds. Lexus GX Max Towing Capacity: 9,096 pounds For the perfect balance between rugged toughness, off-road capability, and premium luxury with tons of features and high-end materials can be found in the Lexus GX. This large body-on-frame SUV is one of our favorite models on this list. It's powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 379 lb-ft of torque in any trim level, and all trims have standard full-time four-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity comes from a higher trim, though. The GX 550 Overtrail can pull up to 9,096 pounds, while the runner-up is a tie between the base model and the Overtrail+ at 9,063 pounds."Lexus is a luxury brand, so no matter the capability, it has to stay true to its luxury roots. The GX pulls off this feat nicely, more so in the Premium and Luxury trims, where the Overtrail goes harder toward capability. No matter the trim, it’s a confident and relaxing ride that isn’t overly sporty but still provides a solid amount of engagement for the driver... It’s also pleasant on side roads with a minimum of body roll and a suspension system that soaks up all but the worst bumps in the road."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Toyota Sequoia Max Towing Capacity: 9,500 pounds The highest towing capacity SUV Toyota has to offer is the full-size Sequoia. This three-row family SUV can truly tackle any situation. While every available trim level is impressive, the best way to reach its maximum towing capacity is to do nothing at all - keep the Sequoia in its SR5 base trim with RWD and no upgrades to tow up to 9,500 pounds. All trim levels are powered by the i-Force MAX plug-in hybrid powertrain, a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 PHEV that makes 437 combined horsepower, but the higher trims are heavier with more features and equipment. "From behind the wheel, the Sequoia's familial connection to the Tundra is readily apparent. The two share a body-on-frame architecture that also underpins the Lexus LX and global Toyota Land Cruiser. This is not a small vehicle by any stretch of the imagination, but effortless steering and controlled body roll aid in making it feel less substantial and cumbersome. In fact, our limited time on the road left us thinking the Sequoia is now the most composed vehicle in the non-premium full-size segment."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz GMC Hummer EV SUV Max Towing Capacity: 12,000 pounds The SUV with the highest towing capacity is the GMC Hummer EV SUV. This massive all-electric model is impressive in more ways than towing capacity, though. It's one of the most expensive models on this list, with a starting price of $97,200 before destination and options. There are two trims to choose from: the 2X starts the lineup with two electric motors that produce a combined 635 horsepower when properly equipped, and the 3X, which starts at $105,300 for up to 830 hp. For the best towing capacity, choose the 2X. To reach maximum horsepower, upgrade it with the Watts to Freedom feature."Driving a Hummer is an exercise in excess; it's massive, powerful, and loud - despite lacking a gasoline engine. You feel this SUV's immense size and weight every time you enter a corner. Vague steering makes it difficult to place it on a curvy road and the tires do their best to keep it stuck to the ground with little success. The aforementioned rear steering makes it highly maneuverable at low speeds, besting many similarly large SUVs."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Ford Expedition Max Towing Capacity: 9,600 pounds Ford's Super Duty trucks have some of the highest towing capacities of any other in their segment, so it's not a big surprise to find the Expedition on this list. As we find is common among the best SUVs for towing, the Expedition is another full-size three-row model. It has body-on-frame construction to help it pull up to 9,600 pounds. There are four trims available that start with the Active at $62,700 and end with the King Ranch at $84,360. Three trims are powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, but the Tremor trim gets a high-output version of the same engine for 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. To pull its max towing capacity, choose any model with a standard wheelbase and four-wheel drive. Dodge Durango Max Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds The oldest new SUV still on sale is the Dodge Durango. Its most recent update was a facelift issued for the 2014 model year. That said, it's also an important addition to the list of SUVs with high towing capacities. The Durango can pull up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. It's relatively affordable for a 3-row model, with a starting price of $38,995. Including the SRT variants, there are seven trims to choose from. To get the most out of your towing capacity, though, choose one with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Other engines include the 3.6-liter V6, while the SRT models get a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. Finding The SUV With The Best Towing Capacity Searching for the ideal trailering machine doesn’t have to be an arduous task. It helps to be realistic about what your needs are. Spending over $70,000 isn’t necessary if you’re never carting around a substantial rig. If that is your plan, though, you require a machine that’ll cope. Here’s what to keep in mind: Towing: Obviously, the greatest capability matters first and foremost. If your bass boat and trailer weighs 3,000 lbs, something that lugs a maximum of exactly 3,000 lbs may struggle with a full family on board, too. Drivetrain: Although 4x4s are useful for off-road or slippery conditions, bulkier components reduce their ability to move weighty things behind them. Technology: New vehicles are often equipped with additional cameras and blind-spot monitoring systems to make dragging something a less stressful affair. Available trailering packages are worth looking out for, too. Diesel vs gasoline: Turbodiesels have much higher torque outputs. Even if ratings are similar, the diesel’s robust low-down torque enables less strained progress. Gas mileage: Just because it can pull a mammoth rig doesn’t mean it’s a great bet. It could be excessively greedy at the pumps, however, no doubt a frustration when going long distance. Advantages and Disadvantages Those with the highest scores are often portlier than more compact derivatives, which come with a couple of downsides. They aren’t as nimble to drive, for instance. Containing their proportions in the city translates to more caution as you squeeze into and out of tight spots. The economy may also suffer with bigger engines and more weight to cart around. However, full-size SUVs also have a lot more interior volume. Pros Ability to heave heavier rigs Latest driver aids help to improve safety Better acceleration, with or without a boat or trailer SUVs have tons of cabin space Cons More unwieldy to maneuver Fuel efficiency tends to take a dive High cost to buy A truck remains preferable for transporting hefty loads Sources: Lincoln, Nissan, GMC, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Ford, Dodge
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