Update : June 27, 2025
If you are looking for a utility vehicle, chances are you are looking for a spacious model, not only in terms of cargo volume, but also in terms of passenger capacity.
And if you have a trailer or a boat for example, you will surely be looking for an SUV with a good towing capacity. However, these capacities vary greatly from one model to another, so you need to shop around to find a model that meets your towing needs.
Which SUVs have the highest towing capacity in their category? We have prepared a top 5 of utility vehicles capable of towing for you. This way, you will have a good idea of which vehicle to choose for towing a caravan, boat, or trailer!
Best SUVs for towing 5000 lbs or more
Several SUVs fall into this category and will provide, depending on the version and engine chosen, enough power to tow a trailer or boat, depending on their weight.
Jeep Wagoneer
If you are keen on great adventures off the beaten path, the Jeep Wagoneer offers a towing capacity well beyond 7000 lbs. Indeed, when properly equipped, it is able to tow up to 10,000 pounds!
It also comes with a 4x4 system that allows for off-road capabilities that are hard to match, along with a spacious and comfortable interior.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban also ranks among the top SUVs for towing 6000 lbs and more, as its maximum towing capacity reaches 8,300 lbs.
It is also known for its extremely spacious interior, powerful engine options, numerous safety systems, and high resale value.
It is the ideal vehicle for large families and those looking for ample space.
Toyota 4Runner
There is no doubt that the Toyota 4Runner is one of the best SUVs for towing 5000 lbs. Furthermore, its 2025 models equipped with the i-FORCE MAX engine (TRD off-road, TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum) are among the SUVs with a 6000 lb towing capacity.
In addition to being known for its reliability and high resale value, the 4Runner offers remarkable off-road capabilities, generous cargo space, and a comfortable and agile driving experience.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (up to 7,200 lbs)
The most awarded SUV of all time, the Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out for its powerful engines and impressive off-road capabilities. It also offers a class-leading towing capacity of up to 7,200 lbs.
And if you opt for a model with a lower capacity, you'll still get a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs—well above most of its rivals!
With numbers like these, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a towing vehicle par excellence! And by offering best-in-class off-road capabilities, you'll not only get your hands on an SUV with solid towing capabilities, but one that will also have no trouble navigating any type of terrain.
Note that the Grand Cherokee is now also available as a 3-row SUV (Grand Cherokee L).
Nissan Pathfinder (up to 6000 pounds)
The Nissan Pathfinder closely rivals the Grand Cherokee in terms of towing capacity. It can tow up to 6000 pounds on most of its versions (the base model, however, has a maximum capacity of 3500 pounds).
In this regard, it outperforms several 3-row SUVs, such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade, for example. Therefore, it is a wise choice if you need a utility vehicle that excels in towing and offers space for a large family.
Ford Explorer (maximum of 5600 pounds)
Among the best SUVs for towing over 5000 pounds, we also find the Ford Explorer. Depending on the model, it has different towing capacities; for example, the ST version can tow up to 5600 pounds. The other models have a towing capacity of 5300 pounds.
Finally, the hybrid Explorer offers a very respectable maximum capacity of 5000 pounds. And just like the 2 previous models, the Explorer also offers 3 rows of seats.
Best SUVs for towing 2000 pounds or more.
In this category, there are many high-performing, versatile utility vehicles with good capabilities; here are 2 that stand out as among the most competent in their category.
Ford Escape
When equipped properly and with one of its EcoBoost engines (1.5L or 2.0L), the Ford Escape is capable of towing from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. If you are willing to trade some of these capabilities for greater energy efficiency, you can opt for the hybrid engine (towing: 1,500 pounds).
In any case, it remains a very pleasant compact SUV to drive, with a spacious and comfortable interior that includes many advanced technologies and safety systems.
Jeep Wrangler
The base versions of the two-door Wrangler can tow 2,000 pounds, which extends to 3,500 pounds for most of the 4-door models and 5,000 for the Rubicon and Rubicon X.
But no matter which version you choose, you'll have an off-road driving icon with remarkable capabilities! Don't forget that it will also allow you to enjoy unforgettable open-air experiences with the removable roof and doors and the fold-down windshield.
Hyundai Santa Fe (maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds)
A very popular Hyundai SUV among buyers for many years, the Hyundai Santa Fe is highly sought after by families looking for an SUV with exceptional value for money.
If you have a lightweight trailer or a trailer, the Santa Fe will allow you to tow between 2800 and 3500 pounds depending on the chosen version. Additionally, it is the only vehicle in this top 5 to offer a hybrid version as well as a plug-in hybrid model.
Kia Sorento (up to 3500 pounds)
The latest, and not the least, the Kia Sorento has a towing capacity of 2000 pounds for versions equipped with the 2.5-liter engine and 3500 pounds if you opt for the turbocharged engine. Although several other SUVs can tow more than the Sorento, it fully deserves its place due to its great energy efficiency as well as its very advantageous base price, slightly above 35,000 dollars.
Note that some earlier models of the Sorento offer a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds.
Other SUVs with interesting towing capacity
Among other SUVs capable of towing different capacities, we find the following models:
- •Jeep Cherokee (4500 pounds)
- •Hyundai Tucson (3500 pounds)
- •Ford Bronco (3500 pounds)
- •Etc.
Of course, there is also the category of full-size SUVs, which includes, among others, the Nissan Armada, the Ford Expedition, as well as the brand new Grand Wagoneer, with towing capacities generally ranging between 8000 and 10,000 pounds depending on the brand and model.
Conclusion
Before shopping for your next utility vehicle with towing capacity, make sure to properly determine your needs. Furthermore, if you require a towing capacity of 3000 pounds, it might be wise to choose an SUV with a maximum capacity of 5000 pounds, to avoid being too close to your needs.
To learn more about the towing capacity of our SUVs or to inquire about their many other features, come see us today!
