Towing is just the start.
Whether you have a lot of experience towing boats, recreational vehicles, or travel trailers, you'll want to get the right SUV for the job. In addition to the towing capabilities, SUVs also give you available AWD traction, excellent interior space, and robust engines for the long haul. But not all SUVs tow the same, so it's essential to know how much you can safely haul on your next trip.
To get you started right, we've compiled a list of the 10 best SUVs for towing for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax vehicle and sales data from August 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. We've also ranked them according to each SUV's maximum estimated towing capacities when properly equipped.
1. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L
2. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude 3.6L
3. TIE: 2017-2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L & 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5L
4. TIE: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 3.2L, 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus 2.4L, & 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 2.4L
5. 2017 Lexus RX 350 3.5L
Key SUV Features
Powerful Engines
You will need a lot of power to get the most hauling capacity from an SUV and these won't disappoint. The 2017–2018 Ford Explorer XLT features a 3.5L V6 engine making 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque or look out for the 295-hp 3.5L V6 engine in the 2018–2019 Toyota Highlander XLE, both can tow up to an estimated 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Check out our Ford Explorer research for more.
If it's maximum power you're after, sitting at the top of our list is the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. It's powered by an impressive 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with 360 hp, allowing it to tow up to an estimated 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Spacious and Functional Interiors
SUVs are good for more than towing. Their spacious and functional interiors make them excellent for families and large groups. For example, the 2018–2019 Toyota Highlander XLE and 2017–2018 Ford Explorer XLT each can seat seven across three rows.
Visit our Toyota Highlander research page.
Have you got a lot of stuff to bring along, too? The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 68.7 cu-ft of cargo space with folded second-row seats. Even the compact 2019 Jeep Cherokee has an impressive 24.6 cu-ft of storage behind the second-row seats. In addition, you'll find the adjustable 60/40 split-folding rear seats of the Jeep Cherokee and Lexus RX 350 adjust to awkward cargo quickly.
Packed With Towing Technologies
Towing is made easy with some of the tech you find in these SUVs. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2017–2018 Ford Explorer XLT, and 2018–2019 Toyota Highlander XLE all use the brakes to help control trailer sway. Available in the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and the 2017–2018 Ford Explorer XLT is a rearview camera with a trailer hitch view. These cameras combine with rear-facing sensors to make trailer hookups much easier. Finally, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has available load-leveling rear suspension, which raises the vehicle's rear under the weight of a trailer to reduce sagging.
Discover more Jeep Grand Cherokee research today.
Finding the right tow vehicle for the trailer or toy you haul is essential, and an SUV makes an excellent tow vehicle. But SUVs do more than tow, giving you the seats for five or seven people, the space for camping gear or luggage, and the comfort for long trips. They can tackle winter weather, gravel roads, and muddy trails with AWD or 4WD systems. When you consider the whole package, the SUV is the right choice for almost any lifestyle.
Learn more about what SUVs might be right for you in these articles:
