SUVs with the Highest Towing Capacity

The Ford Expedition Max, with a special package, can tow close to 10,000 pounds.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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If you’re looking for an
SUV
, you probably want a car that is safe and dependable, maybe one with an especially comfortable interior. While these qualities are essential, when you’re shopping for an SUV, be sure to look at towing capacity as well. 
An SUV’s towing capacity can oftentimes be overlooked, owning a car with a good towing capacity can provide many benefits. They’re great for moving,
road trips
, and
camping
. These are a few of our favorite SUVs with great towing capacity to help you get the ball rolling. 

Which SUV has the highest towing capacity?

The SUV with the highest towing capacity is the Ford Expedition Max, which can tow a total of 9,300 pounds. But, to reach this towing capacity, drivers will need to opt for the heavy-duty trailer package with purchase. Average price for this car with the package can be anywhere from $65,000 to $75,000.
Cars.com
reports the heavy-duty towing package includes, a heavy-duty radiator, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind spot warning system with trailer coverage, integrated trailer-brake controller and two-speed automatic four-wheel drive.  
But, without the heavy-duty trailer package towing capacity falls considerably, although is still pretty good for an SUV. Without the package, the Ford Expedition can tow around 6,000 pounds. 
That means, if you’re a driver who frequently needs to tow large amounts, the Ford Expedition Max heavy-duty trailer package will be the best bang for your buck on the market. Otherwise, a regular Ford Expedition should be sufficient. 
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Other SUVs good for towing

While no other SUV comes too close to the towing capacity of the Ford Expedition Max with the heavy-duty package, there are still other good options on the market for SUVs that can tow. Here are a few of our favorites.
  • Toyota Land Cruiser:
    U.S. News
    reports this SUV has a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds without any special packages, and comes in at a base price of $85,655. It has a V8 engine that carries 381 hp to help carry the load. 
  • Chevrolet Suburban: With a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds and a base price of $52,400, the Chevrolet Suburban is an affordable option for an SUV with great towing capacity. 
  • Cadillac Escalade: Towing 8,200 pounds for a base price of $76,195, the Cadillac Escalade can fulfill your towing needs. Plus, it can seat seven or eight passengers depending on the model, making it great for
    family car trips
    .

What makes an SUV good for towing?

Obviously, when looking for an SUV with good towing capacity, maximum towing capacity is an important factor to consider. However, it’s not the only thing you should be looking for if towing is important to you, because the towing capacity you need comes down to your individual needs.
As
MotorTrend
points out, not everyone who needs to tow regularly needs to tow more than the national-average trailer weight of 3,000 pounds. Instead of needing an SUV with the highest towing capacity, some drivers might be looking for an SUV with moderate towing capacity, but great off-roading capabilities to bring their towed cargo anywhere they might need to go, anytime.
Other drivers might place emphasis on passenger space inside the SUV, especially if you’ll be towing a trailer for family camping or road trips. The truth is, an SUV being able to tow a lot is a great feature, but it isn’t the only thing that makes for a good car. Instead, evaluate why you need to tow to find the best SUV for your needs. 
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