Best SUVs for Towing in 2026 and 2027: 10 Top Picks Ranked

What Are the Best SUVs for Towing in 2026 and 2027?

*Maximum ratings apply to qualifying configurations. The Suburban's 8,300-pound figure is reported in supporting material but still needs confirmation against Chevrolet's official 2027 trailering chart.*

How AutoFinder Ranked These SUVs

We didn't simply sort the vehicles by towing capacity.

Our editorial criteria give towing capability the greatest weight at 35%, followed by towing equipment at 25%, everyday practicality at 20%, value at 15%, and versatility at 5%.

These percentages describe our editorial priorities, not numerical test results. We haven't independently tow-tested every SUV or assigned a calculated score to each vehicle.

The ranking reflects which vehicles we believe offer the strongest combinations for different buyers.

Which SUV Should You Choose for Your Trailer?

These recommendations are starting points. Trailer weight, tongue weight, dimensions, and the vehicle's individual ratings determine whether a particular combination is suitable.

1. 2027 Ford Expedition: Best Overall SUV for Towing

Maximum towing capacity: 9,600 pounds

The Ford Expedition is where we'd start for a family that regularly tows a substantial trailer but still wants a comfortable vehicle for everyday use.

The 2027 Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds in a qualifying standard wheelbase 4WD configuration with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package.

That maximum isn't available on every Expedition. Without the required equipment, some configurations are rated for only 6,000 pounds.

The longer Expedition MAX can tow up to 9,000 pounds when properly equipped, giving buyers more cargo room with a slightly lower towing maximum.

Ford's official guide also identifies equipment requirements that matter when shopping.

For trailers above 7,000 pounds, Ford specifies a weight-distributing hitch. The standard Expedition 4WD has a maximum tongue load of 960 pounds with the appropriate hitch setup, while the Expedition MAX 4WD is limited to 900 pounds.

Both have lower tongue weight limits when using a weight-carrying hitch.

Ford also specifies trailer frontal area limits of 55 square feet without Heavy Duty Trailer Tow and 60 square feet with it.

That's particularly relevant for tall travel trailers, which can create substantial aerodynamic resistance.

The Expedition also offers trailer assistance features, including an integrated trailer brake controller, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Why it's number 1: The Expedition combines substantial towing capability, available trailer technology, and family practicality. It's our strongest overall choice for shoppers who tow frequently and need a spacious SUV.

2. 2027 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Best for Maximum Towing Capacity

Maximum towing capacity: 10,000 pounds

The Grand Wagoneer is the SUV we'd consider first if the highest advertised towing rating were the main priority.

Jeep lists a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds for the properly equipped gasoline model.

Its Hurricane twin-turbocharged engine produces 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque.

The Grand Wagoneer also offers a premium three-row interior, making it appealing to buyers who want both luxury and substantial towing capability.

The biggest question is whether the extra capacity and luxury features justify the purchase price.

For someone who doesn't need the Grand Wagoneer's maximum rating, the Expedition may offer a better balance of capability and value.

Buyers should also confirm the required towing equipment, available payload, and hitch limits for the exact Grand Wagoneer configuration.

Why it's number 2: The Grand Wagoneer leads on maximum advertised towing capacity, but the Expedition offers a more broadly appealing combination of capability and everyday practicality.

3. 2026 Toyota Sequoia: Best Hybrid SUV for Towing

Maximum towing capacity: 9,500 pounds

The Toyota Sequoia is our top choice for shoppers who want a hybrid SUV with serious towing capability.

Every 2026 Sequoia uses Toyota's iFORCE MAX twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

But the towing rating isn't identical across the lineup.

Toyota's published comparison specifications confirm that the SR5 with Rear Wheel Drive can tow up to 9,500 pounds.

The Limited RWD is rated for 9,300 pounds, while the 1794 Edition 4WD is rated for 9,010 pounds.

That's an important difference for shoppers who might otherwise assume a more expensive trim can tow more.

The Sequoia's hybrid system gives it a distinctive place among high-capacity SUVs. However, hybrid technology doesn't mean towing a heavy trailer will be inexpensive on fuel.

Interior flexibility is another consideration. Families traveling with a full passenger load should compare the Sequoia's cargo and third-row layout with larger alternatives.

Toyota has announced a refreshed 2027 Sequoia, but we're using the verified 2026 towing specifications rather than assuming the newer model has identical ratings.

Why it's number 3: The Sequoia combines a powerful hybrid system with substantial towing capability. It's our preferred hybrid option, although buyers should pay close attention to trim and drivetrain differences.

4. 2027 Nissan Armada: Best for Strong Towing Across Trims

Maximum towing capacity: 8,500 pounds

The Nissan Armada makes shopping for a towing SUV relatively straightforward.

Nissan lists an 8,500-pound towing capacity across the 2027 lineup, rather than reserving the highest rating for a single trim.

The Armada also includes a Class IV hitch receiver, trailer wiring, and trailer sway control.

An integrated trailer brake controller is available or standard depending on trim.

Its twin-turbocharged V6 and three-row cabin make it appealing for families who want substantial towing capability without moving to a pickup truck.

One detail deserves attention: Nissan lists a maximum tongue weight of 850 pounds.

A trailer may fall within the Armada's 8,500-pound towing rating but still exceed that tongue weight limit or the vehicle's remaining payload.

Why it's number 4: The Armada offers strong capability across its lineup and useful towing equipment. That consistency makes it an appealing option for buyers who don't want to search for a highly specific configuration.

5. 2027 Chevrolet Suburban: Best for Large Families

Reported maximum towing capacity: 8,300 pounds

The Chevrolet Suburban earns its place because it combines substantial towing capability with some of the most useful passenger and cargo space in this ranking.

Supporting 2027 Suburban information lists a maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds when properly equipped. That figure still needs to be reconciled with Chevrolet's official trailering chart.

The Suburban's strongest advantage is what happens inside the vehicle.

Chevrolet lists 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which gives families room for luggage and equipment even when the passenger seats are occupied.

The Suburban also offers multiple engine choices, including gasoline V8 engines and an available Duramax turbo diesel.

Available trailering technology includes camera views, a trailering app, and driver assistance features designed for use with compatible trailers.

These features may be especially valuable for families who travel frequently with a camper or boat.

The Suburban is large, though, and that size can make parking and everyday maneuvering more challenging.

Why it's number 5: The Suburban is one of our favorite choices for families who need three rows, substantial cargo room, and meaningful towing capability. Its practical interior is the main reason it earns a place in our top five.

6. 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Best Smaller SUV for Serious Towing

Maximum towing capacity: 6,200 pounds

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is worth considering if you want meaningful towing capability without buying a full-size SUV.

Properly equipped 2027 models can tow up to 6,200 pounds.

That gives the Grand Cherokee an advantage over several larger family crossovers.

Its smaller footprint is useful for everyday driving, while available Four Wheel Drive systems add versatility for different road conditions.

The Grand Cherokee is especially appealing for couples or smaller families who tow a boat, utility trailer, or appropriately sized camper.

However, the standard Grand Cherokee seats five. Shoppers who need more passenger space should compare three-row alternatives and verify the towing ratings of those configurations separately.

Why it's number 6: The Grand Cherokee offers substantial capability in a more manageable package, making it a strong choice for buyers who don't need a large SUV.

7. 2027 Ford Explorer: Best Midsize SUV for Towing

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

The Ford Explorer is one of the most practical choices for shoppers who want moderate towing capability without moving to a full-size SUV.

Ford's official 2027 towing guide confirms a 5,000-pound maximum towing rating across the listed configurations.

The Explorer also includes a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package with a hitch receiver, trailer wiring, Tow/Haul mode, and trailer sway control.

That makes it a useful option for towing smaller boats, utility trailers, and lightweight campers.

However, Ford specifies two limits that shoppers should know before choosing a trailer.

The maximum tongue weight is 500 pounds, and the maximum trailer frontal area is 40 square feet.

For example, a 5,000-pound travel trailer with 600 pounds of tongue weight would exceed the Explorer's listed hitch limit, even though the trailer itself falls within the maximum towing rating.

Ford also specifies an aftermarket electronic trailer brake controller when towing a trailer equipped with electric brakes.

Why it's number 7: The Explorer offers useful standard towing equipment and family practicality. Its tongue weight and frontal area limits make it better suited to moderate towing than larger, heavier travel trailers.

8. 2027 Hyundai Palisade: Best for Family Comfort

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes

The Hyundai Palisade is an appealing option for families who tow occasionally and prioritize comfort during everyday driving.

The gasoline-powered 2027 Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The Palisade Hybrid has a lower maximum towing rating of 4,000 pounds, also with trailer brakes.

Supporting specifications identify useful towing features, including Tow Mode, Trailer Sway Control, trailer wiring provisions, heavy-duty cooling equipment, and rear self-leveling suspension.

Those equipment details should still be checked against Hyundai's official trim specifications before publication.

The Palisade also offers available HTRAC All Wheel Drive and a comfortable three-row interior.

We'd consider it for families who occasionally tow a smaller boat or lightweight camper but spend most of their time commuting, running errands, and traveling without a trailer.

Why it's number 8: The Palisade offers a strong combination of family comfort and moderate towing capability. Its appeal is how well it handles everyday transportation, not how close it gets to the highest towing rating.

9. 2027 Chevrolet Traverse: Best for Everyday Family Value

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

The Chevrolet Traverse offers a useful combination of three-row passenger space and moderate towing capability.

Chevrolet lists a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the appropriate equipment.

The Traverse also offers Hitch View, Hitch Guidance, and an available trailering app, depending on configuration.

Those features can make connecting a trailer easier, especially for shoppers who tow only occasionally.

Its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque.

The Traverse is particularly appealing for families who want a roomy everyday SUV and the flexibility to tow a smaller boat or camper.

For frequent heavy towing, we'd look at the Armada, Expedition, or another higher-capacity vehicle.

Why it's number 9: The Traverse delivers useful passenger space and moderate towing capability without requiring buyers to choose a large truck-based SUV.

10. 2026 Jeep Wrangler: Best for Outdoor Adventures

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

The Jeep Wrangler is a different kind of towing recommendation.

It's not our first choice for pulling a large camper over long highway distances, but it has real appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Properly equipped four-door Rubicon models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Wrangler's available Four Wheel Drive equipment and off-road capability make it appealing for trips involving unpaved roads and remote recreation areas.

However, the maximum towing rating varies significantly across the lineup.

Two-door Wrangler models have much lower towing ratings, and buyers should not assume every four-door model qualifies for 5,000 pounds.

The Wrangler also offers less passenger and cargo flexibility than the family-focused SUVs ranked above it.

Why it's number 10: The Wrangler is a specialized choice that makes sense for outdoor adventures, but it's less versatile for general family towing.

How Much Towing Capacity Do You Actually Need?

Before choosing an SUV, determine the loaded weight of the trailer you plan to tow.

A trailer's advertised empty weight doesn't include everything you'll bring on a trip.

Water, fuel, camping equipment, luggage, and other supplies can add substantial weight.

These are illustrative examples, not standard weights for each trailer category.

Someone towing a 3,000-pound boat trailer may find a midsize SUV suitable.

A family pulling a much larger travel trailer should start by comparing vehicles with higher towing ratings and enough available payload for passengers, luggage, and tongue weight.

Why Maximum Towing Capacity Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Let's say you're considering an SUV rated to tow 8,500 pounds.

Your trailer weighs 6,000 pounds when loaded, so it appears to be comfortably within the limit.

But you also need to account for the weight carried by the SUV.

Consider this example:

Even though the trailer weighs less than the advertised towing maximum, the SUV exceeds its example payload capacity.

This is why checking only the maximum towing number can lead to the wrong purchase.

Important Towing Ratings to Understand

Towing capacity: The maximum loaded trailer weight the vehicle is rated to pull under specified conditions.

Payload capacity: The amount of weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, luggage, accessories, and trailer tongue weight.

Tongue weight: The downward force the trailer places on the hitch. For many conventional trailers, a common planning range is approximately 10% to 15% of loaded trailer weight, subject to manufacturer guidance.

Gross vehicle weight rating: The maximum permitted weight of the loaded SUV.

Gross combined weight rating: The maximum permitted combined weight of the loaded SUV and trailer.

Hitch rating: The maximum trailer and tongue weights supported by the installed hitch and its required setup.

A suitable towing combination must stay within every applicable limit.

What Towing Features Are Worth Paying For?

The right equipment can make towing easier and more predictable.

An integrated trailer brake controller can help operate compatible electric trailer brakes.

Hitch cameras and guidance systems can make connecting a trailer easier, especially when you're working alone.

Trailer backup assistance can help with maneuvering, while Tow/Haul mode may adjust transmission behavior for towing.

Trailer sway control can provide assistance when instability is detected, but it cannot compensate for improper loading, unsuitable equipment or unsafe driving.

We'd prioritize the correct hitch, trailer braking equipment and vehicle ratings before spending extra on convenience technology.

Should You Buy a 2026 or 2027 SUV for Towing?

At the end of 2026, it's worth comparing remaining 2026 inventory with newly available 2027 models.

A 2026 SUV may offer better purchase value if it has the towing capacity and equipment you need.

A 2027 model may be worth the additional cost if it offers improved towing features, a better-suited configuration, or other upgrades you'll use regularly.

The newest model year isn't automatically the better towing vehicle.

Ask the dealership to confirm the towing rating, payload, hitch equipment, and relevant options for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Then compare the full purchase price.

AutoFinder's out the door price calculator can help you estimate taxes and fees when comparing offers.

Which SUV Would AutoFinder Choose?

For families who regularly tow and want one vehicle for everyday driving, the Ford Expedition is our top choice.

It combines substantial towing capacity with available trailer technology and practical passenger space.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is worth considering if maximum advertised towing capacity is your highest priority.

The Toyota Sequoia stands out for shoppers who want a hybrid SUV with serious towing capability.

For smaller trailers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer offer alternatives that don't require the size of a full-size SUV.

The best purchase is the vehicle that comfortably meets your trailer's requirements, fits your family, and works within your budget.