Best SUVs for towing in 2021: Everything you need to know

Introduction

Towing has been a very common thing in the states since the existence of light-duty pickup trucks. This fever slowly spread to SUVs that were based on a similar platform. It is all just about buying a trailer of your choice, hitching it up to your vehicle, and going places, right? Well, if you think so then maybe you should give this article a read.

Towing might look like an easy job to do but there are a lot of specifications that you should understand before doing it, if not done right, it will have a ton of complications. This article will make you aware of it and shed some light on the subject of towing that you should know.

With SUVs like the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition, it is difficult to decide and settle down for one. We understand this anxiety and confusion so let us start by helping you out right away.

Best full-size SUVs for towing in 2021

1. 2021 Ford Expedition - 9,300 lbs

Ford’s Expedition is the king of trailering in its segment. Applicable for both the Expedition and its long-wheelbase version of Expedition Max, these massive SUVs are equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission which makes 470 lb-ft of torque for standard trims while for the premium trim, it increases to 480 lb-ft.

Though the standard 4x4 trims are capable of towing only 6500 lbs, the maximum towing capacity is achieved by opting for a $750 towing package that Ford offers. This package fits the full-size SUV with a larger radiator, pro trailer backup assist, and an integrated brake controller besides a few hardware and tech updates. All of this makes driving with a trailer hitched at the back, a cakewalk, even for beginners.

Other than that, a $2,000 FX4 package makes the vehicle appear more rugged and tough, it also comes with plenty of features like a 360-degree camera and electronically-actuated rear limited-slip that help in trailering activities.

2. 2021 Nissan Armada - 8,500 lbs

Equipped with a 5.6L V8, the Nissan Armada brings over 400 HP of power and 413 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. While those numbers are more than enough to pull a hefty trailer, the Armada stands out from others not only because of its standard towing capacity of 8,500 lbs but also because it comes with a hitch, 7-pin connector, and pre-wiring for the brake controller as standard even on the base trim. Moving up the order, SV and trims above that are provided with a standard integrated brake controller and going for SL or Premium trim brings trailer sway control along with it.

3. 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon - 8,400 lbs

Though Chevys and GMCs have been making their SUVs based on the same platform, this year, the full-sized SUVs of Tahoe and Yukon are a repeat but get redesigned with a chassis that adapts a 4-wheel independent suspension. Unlike most of the producers, GM vehicles have inverted capacities as the least powered V8s tow the most. All of the models with a Max Trailering Package that costs just $565 showcase the best towing capacity.

A 5.3L V8-powered Tahoe and Yukon are capable of towing a maximum of 8,400 lbs with 2WD. Subsequently, the capacities drop to 8,200 lbs as we move to a higher drivetrain configuration of 4WD with the same powertrain. Moving further ahead, the towing capacity drops to 8,100 lbs when the SUVs are equipped with a 6.2L V8 4WD. The least towing capacity of 8,000 lbs is obtained with the optional 3.0L turbodiesel models that have 4WD.

Moreover, there are a lot of such packages that would make trailering easier and more viable than ever with the same maximum capacity.

4.2021 Toyota Land Cruiser - 8,100 lbs

Land Cruisers are surely expensive but considering their durability and solid drivetrains, these Toyotas have a special place in the hearts of every off-roader and truck-enthusiasts. For 2021, the Toyota Land Cruiser comes with a power-packed 5.7L V8 that puts out 381 horses of power and 401 lb-ft of torque. This is given out to all 4-wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, both of which are standard on all the Land Cruisers.

Along with this, a standard trailer towing package makes it the only full-size SUV to offer a towing capacity of 8,100 lbs throughout its lineup. Due to this, hitching up a trailer that is below 8,100 lbs and driving around takes away all your worries about towing and its capacities.

Best Midsize SUVs for towing in 2021

1. 2021 Dodge Durango - 8,700 lbs

The new Durango offers the best towing capacity in the midsize-SUV class. Starting with the Dodge’s fairly expensive three-row 2WD SUV that is powered by an in-line 6-cylinder engine has a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs while the SRT 392 and Hellcat trims pull a maximum of 8,700 lbs behind itself. This is possible because of the very powerful 475-HP 6.4L V8 which is stepped up to a 710-HP with a supercharger in the Hellcat. Though these models are expensive as hell, they are just as sporty and performing as a muscle car.

Besides, talking about more practical options, a standard V8 model with an AWD is rated to tow 7,200 lbs of weight. However, the Durango R/T can also give the 8,700-lb towing capacity only if it is equipped with the Tow n’ Go package that assembles some SRT outfits into this affordable trim of the Durango series.

2. 2021 Land Rover Defender - 8,201 lbs

The British luxury off-road SUV takes the second spot with a difference of just 500 lbs to the leader. However, the engines are way more efficient in the Defender lineup, speaking of which, the 2.0L turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine can tow an impressive 7,716 lbs. This number is topped to 8,201 lbs with a much powerful 395-HP P400 in-line 6-cylinder engine.

Just like the Land Cruiser, the Defender has simplified its capabilities. Regardless of being equipped with a tow package, the towing capacity is either this or that depending on the choice of engine. Besides, Land Rover offers a towing package that costs $1,850 and comes with high-tech features like all-terrain progress control, advanced tow assist, Terrain Response 2, and a tow hitch receiver that makes towing highly-possible and very easy, even off-the-road.

3. 2021 Audi Q7 - 7,700 lbs

The three-row SUV of Audi probably has the smoothest ride and handling in the segment as the Quattro AWD is standard on most of its models. However, that is not the only use of the all-star Quattro system, it also makes the Q7 do a little bit of towing as the base trim has been rated a towing capacity of 4,400 lbs. Stepping it up to the 55 Q7, the towing capacities reach the best of 7,700 lbs with a 335-HP in-line 6-cylinder engine.

Though it is more of a passenger SUV, with such capabilities, Audi offers a tow package worth $750 including a hitch and a 7-pin connector. However, German engineering has led to some features like an all-wheel steering system and adaptive air suspension that come for an additional $1,500 and would control the trailer in better ways.

4. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE - 7,700 lbs

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is probably the best budget midsize SUV which could be the right one for towing. Equalling its capacities with the Q7, the GLE also offers a similar towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. However, a moment of surprise is when one gets to know that it could be possible even with the least-powerful GLE 350 but only with the 4MATIC AWD system equipped and also with the more powerful GLE 450.

The Stuttgartian automaker claims to have its engine, transmission, and cooling system crafted to perform towing without any extra equipment while the trailer stability assist systems are offered as standard on all trims. However, Mercedes offers an optional trailer hitch that costs $575 including a wiring harness for trailer lights.

5. 2021 BMW X5 - 7,200 lbs

While the other German SUVs offer 500 lbs more than the BMW X5, they do not provide an SUV as exciting to drive as an X5 M50i that extracts 523 HP of power and 553 lb-ft of torque from its V8 along with an AWD system. It is not just the peppy drive of the X5 M-series but also a good towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. The Munich-based company rates its sDrive40i X5 with the same towing capacity whereas the 6-cylinder AWD drops the numbers down to 6,603 lbs.

Nonetheless, BMW offers a tow hitch worth $550 which allows the midsize SUV to reach those capacities. Moreover, with an additional $1000 invested, the ride height can be automatically adjusted to 5 different levels using the air suspension system, making it easier to tow for the X5. Choosing the X7 over this might be a smart move as the towing capacity raises to 7,500 lbs there, but it has its own flaws too.

6. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 7,200 lbs

Besides the foreign Land Rover, another mass-producer of the true off-road segment is born and assembled here in the U.S. which is the Jeep and the Grand Cherokee is its mid-size SUV. However, unlike the Defender, the Grand Cherokee is limited to a maximum towing capacity of 7,200. The 3.6L V6 can tow about 6,300 lbs of weight whereas a 5.7L V8 that has 380 lb-ft of torque gives it the best towing possible.

Moving on to the optional packages, the trailer-tow group costs $995 and it includes merchandise for towing as a class 4 hitch, enhanced engine cooling, a rear load-leveling suspension, and a 7 and 4-pin wiring harness with a spare tire. However, we recommend the off-road adventure II package that includes all of that mentioned above along with plenty of off-road accessories, an adjustable air suspension, and an electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle for $2,945.

7. 2021 Lincoln Aviator - 6,700 lbs

Lincoln not only offers opulent and addictive interiors, tech, and cabin styling, but it also stands a good chance as a competitor for towing capacities. When equipped with a $500 towing package, the maximum towing capacity becomes an impressive 6,700 lbs. This package also brings in plenty of trailer-tech like blindspot alert, cross-traffic alert with trailer coverage, trailer sway control, class 4 hitch, 4 and 7-pin connectors, and much more.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator is strictly a rear-wheel-drive SUV that is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 which delivers a solid 400 HP of power and 415-lb ft of torque. Though the Grand Touring trim with a plug-in hybrid system shows a higher torque of 630 lb-ft, it is still limited to tow only 5,600 lbs just like its sister-brand Ford, which offers the same towing capacity on the Explorer.

8. 2021 Lexus GX 460 - 6,500 lbs

The Japanese luxury SUV has strong built with a body-on-frame chassis and a powerful 4.6L V8 that produces a torque of 329 lb-ft. The 2021 Lexus GX 460 comes standard with a highly capable 4WD system along with a lockable Torsen center differential that balances the torque between the axles brilliantly. All of that makes the GX 460 one of the highest-rated SUVs in its class for towing a maximum of 6,500 lbs. This towing capacity is standard for all trims.

While the top Luxury trim comes with adaptive variable suspension and trailer sway control as standard, other optional packages include an off-road package costing another $1,570 that equips the SUV with a transmission oil cooler which helps while towing. Lexus has also made the GX 460 available with a trailer hitch that can be found at the dealerships.

9. 2020 Nissan Pathfinder - 6,000 lbs

Continued from the previous year, the Pathfinder is still one of the best midsize SUVs when it comes to towing. Though the standard towing capacity for the Nissan Pathfinder is a decent 3,500 lbs, an additional $250 on the 2020 SV and SL trims would get you a hitch along with the wiring harness required. This would be standard on the Premium trim and that’s how it will tow a maximum of 6,000 lbs.

Nissan plans to bring a new and updated Pathfinder in 2022 but it will still have the same 6000-lb maximum towing capacity alongside the same chassis and engine. However, a 9-speed automatic instead of a CVT transmission should give a better trailering experience along with the standard trailer sway control offered by the Japanese manufacturer.