SUV Towing Capacity Comparison: How Do Popular Models Stack Up?
Popular midsize SUVs are commonly reported to tow about 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, body-on-frame midsizers often reach roughly 6,000 to 7,500 pounds, and some full-size SUVs can top about 8,000 pounds; pick an SUV whose tow rating clears your loaded trailer by at least 10%. Choose below that and you risk weak acceleration, extra heat, longer stopping distances, and a trailer that outgrows the SUV once gear, water, and passengers are on board. This guide compares popular SUV tow ratings, tow-package requirements, and trim-specific limits so you can match a model to your actual towing job.
Which SUV tows the most?
The highest verified tow rating here belongs to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer at 10,000 pounds. The Ford Expedition follows at 9,600 pounds, then the Toyota Sequoia at 9,520 pounds. The Lexus GX 550 and Lincoln Navigator sit just below that tier, while smaller SUVs fall far short of heavy-trailer duty.
That ranking matters less than the fine print. The Grand Wagoneer needs the Trailer Tow package. The 2026 Expedition’s max tow applies to the four-wheel-drive standard-wheelbase configuration, and the 2026 Sequoia’s 9,520-pound figure applies to the rear-wheel-drive SR5 trim. Where a brochure lists a range, this article uses the highest verified model-year figure and notes the exact build that earns it.
SUV tow ratings by model and trim
Max towing depends on the exact trim, drivetrain, wheel size, and tow package. SAE J2807 is the benchmark many manufacturers use for published tow claims, but the number you see in a brochure still depends on the exact vehicle build. That is why trim-by-trim comparison matters.
| Model year | SUV | Max tow rating | Required package or trim | Drivetrain or setup note | Real-world caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jeep Grand Wagoneer | 10,000 lb | Trailer Tow package | 4WD; standard-wheelbase and L configurations | Big tow number, but payload still limits what you can carry with passengers, cargo, and hitch weight. Source: Jeep Grand Wagoneer spec/towing pages. |
| 2026 | Ford Expedition | 9,600 lb | Max rating on the right tow setup | 4WD standard-wheelbase configuration; 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6; 10-speed automatic | Long-wheelbase and trim changes can alter the number, so verify the exact build before you buy. Source: Ford Expedition towing guide/spec sheet. |
| 2026 / 2025 | Toyota Sequoia | 9,520 lb | SR5 trim | Rear-wheel-drive SR5 trim carries the highest verified figure; 4WD trims rate slightly lower | Hybrid-only power does not guarantee the same tow number on every trim. Source: Toyota Sequoia towing/spec pages. |
| 2026 / 2025 | Lexus GX 550 | 9,096 lb | Overtrail+ trim | Twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6; off-road-oriented setup | Off-road hardware can help off pavement, but wheel and suspension choices can reduce practical tow headroom. Source: Lexus GX 550 spec/towing page. |
| 2025 | Lincoln Navigator | 8,700 lb | Check the exact wheel and trim combination | Body-on-frame construction; same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 as Expedition | 24-inch wheels reduce towing capacity, so luxury appearance can cost usable tow margin. Source: Lincoln Navigator owner’s manual/towing guide. |
| 2025 | Dodge Durango SRT | 8,700 lb | Tow ‘n Go Package | Unibody; gas V8 | Track-style hardware and wheel choices can trade some comfort and payload flexibility for tow rating. Source: Dodge Durango towing guide/spec page. |
| 2024 | Toyota RAV4 Trail / TRD | 3,500 lb | Trail or TRD trim only | Small SUV benchmark for light towing | That rating fits a small camper or utility trailer, not a big travel trailer loaded with water and gear. Source: Toyota RAV4 owner’s manual/towing section. |
| 2025 | Honda CR-V | 1,500 lb | Class I hitch | Gas model | Fine for a small utility trailer, but not a camper-sized load. Source: Honda CR-V owner’s manual/spec page. |
| 2025 | Ford Escape | 3,500 lb | Tow package | Check the exact engine and drivetrain in the manufacturer listing | Wheelbase and payload matter; the trailer may be within the rating while passengers and cargo push the SUV over its limit. Source: Ford Escape towing guide/spec page. |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Tahoe | 8,400 lb (2WD 5.3L LS/LT/RST; 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Trailering Guide) | Max Trailering Package on eligible 2WD build | Body-on-frame full-size SUV; the highest rating is tied to the right powertrain and axle ratio | LS, LT, and RST are the max-tow trims for the highest 2WD 5.3L figure; Z71, Premier, and High Country post lower verified numbers, so check the exact build. Source: Chevrolet Tahoe towing guide/spec page. |
| 2025 | GMC Yukon | 8,400 lb (2WD SLE/SLT/Denali; 2025 GMC Yukon trailering guide) | Max Trailering Package on eligible 2WD build | Body-on-frame full-size SUV | AT4 and Denali Ultimate are rated lower than the highest 2WD SLE/SLT/Denali figure, so luxury equipment can reduce the max tow number. Source: GMC Yukon towing guide/spec page. |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Suburban | 8,300 lb (2WD LS/LT/RST; 2025 Chevrolet Suburban Trailering Guide) | Max Trailering Package on eligible 2WD build | Long-wheelbase body-on-frame SUV | Extra cargo room does not automatically mean extra tow rating; Z71, Premier, and High Country verify below the highest 2WD LS/LT/RST figure. Source: Chevrolet Suburban towing guide/spec page. |
| 2025 | Jeep Wagoneer | 10,000 lb (4×2 Wagoneer; 2025 Jeep Wagoneer towing guide) | Trailer Tow package | Body-on-frame full-size SUV | Wagoneer’s highest figure comes from the 4×2 setup, while 4×4 and longer-wheelbase variants can rate lower; confirm the exact drivetrain. Source: Jeep Wagoneer spec/towing page. |
| 2025 | Honda Pilot | 5,000 lb (TrailSport/Touring/Elite/Black Edition; 2025 Honda Pilot owner’s manual) | Factory tow rating, depending on trim | Midsize unibody SUV | Lower trims rate below the highest 5,000-pound Pilot figure, so trim selection matters as much as the hitch. Source: Honda Pilot owner’s manual/spec page. |
| 2025 | Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lb (gas AWD XLE/Limited/Platinum; 2025 Toyota Highlander towing guide) | Factory tow rating, depending on powertrain and trim | Midsize crossover | Hybrid and lower-output gas trims rate below the highest 5,000-pound figure, so do not assume every Highlander is rated the same. Source: Toyota Highlander owner’s manual/towing page. |
Why the trim details matter
Two SUVs with the same nameplate can tow very different loads. Larger wheels can reduce tow capacity, and luxury trims may trade tow hardware for appearance or ride tuning. A 4WD version can also rate differently from a two-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive version, even within the same model year.
Tow match matrix
This matrix turns brochure numbers into actual use cases. It groups each SUV by whether it fits a 3,500-pound small camper, a 5,000-pound mid-size trailer, or an 8,000-plus-pound heavy trailer. Payload, tongue weight, and passenger cargo all still count.
| SUV | 3,500-lb small camper | 5,000-lb mid-size trailer | 8,000+ lb heavy trailer | Quick caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Great rating, but Trailer Tow package and payload still decide what you can carry with passengers aboard. |
| Ford Expedition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Use the 4WD standard-wheelbase configuration for the 9,600-pound figure. |
| Toyota Sequoia | Yes | Yes | Yes | The 9,520-pound figure is tied to the rear-wheel-drive SR5 trim. |
| Lexus GX 550 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Overtrail+ tops the GX 550 line; off-road setup may bring tradeoffs in wheel and tire choice. |
| Lincoln Navigator | Yes | Yes | Borderline / yes with exact build | 24-inch wheels reduce towing capacity, so do not assume every luxury trim can hold the headline figure. |
| Dodge Durango SRT | Yes | Yes | Borderline / yes with Tow ‘n Go Package | Confirm the exact package, because the rating depends on the setup. |
| Toyota RAV4 Trail / TRD | Yes | No | No | Good match for a small camper, not for a mid-size travel trailer. |
| Honda CR-V | Borderline / yes for very light loads | No | No | The 1,500-pound gas rating is for very small trailers only. |
| Ford Escape | Yes | No | No | The tow package matters, and payload may be the real limit before the trailer rating is reached. |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Use the manufacturer guide because trim, drivetrain, and axle ratio change the result. |
| GMC Yukon | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Wheel and suspension packages can alter the comfortable towing range. |
| Chevrolet Suburban | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Long wheelbase helps stability, but it does not replace a verified tow rating. |
| Jeep Wagoneer | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | Confirm Trailer Tow equipment on the specific model. |
| Honda Pilot | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | No | Family payload can shrink the trailer margin quickly. |
| Toyota Highlander | Yes with the right build | Yes with the right build | No | Hybrid and gas variants can differ, so confirm by trim. |
Say your camper weighs 3,200 pounds loaded, but your trailer tongue adds more weight and five passengers are already in the SUV. That combination can push a vehicle past its real payload limit even when the brochure tow number still looks safe on paper.
Suppose your trailer is rated for 5,000 pounds and the SUV can tow 5,000 pounds on a specific trim. That is still a poor match if the vehicle is packed for a road trip, because cargo, hitch weight, and water all eat into the margin you thought you had. If you are comparing vehicles broadly, this is also where the differences between a crossover and a body-on-frame SUV matter most, because the SUV’s extra structure can support more hitch weight and trailer control but still does not override payload math.
How do full-size SUVs compare for towing?
Full-size SUVs usually win because they combine body-on-frame construction, longer wheelbases, stronger cooling hardware, and tow-focused packages. That said, platform alone does not tell the whole story. Trim, drivetrain, axle ratio, brake-controller availability, and wheel size can move the usable number up or down.
Among the verified figures here, the Grand Wagoneer at 10,000 pounds leads the group, followed by the 2026 Expedition at 9,600 pounds, the Sequoia at 9,520 pounds, and the GX 550 at 9,096 pounds. The Navigator and Durango SRT both reach 8,700 pounds, but their hardware paths differ.
Body-on-frame versus unibody
Body-on-frame SUVs generally suit towing better because the frame, hitch, and suspension tuning are built for heavier loads. Unibody crossovers can still tow well, but they usually sit lower on the scale and are more sensitive to payload and hitch setup. That is why the RAV4 Trail/TRD and CR-V serve light-duty buyers, not heavy-trailer owners. For a deeper comparison, see midsize crossovers versus SUVs.
What package do you need for max tow capacity?
A tow package can change more than a hitch. It may add a stronger radiator, revised axle ratio, tow wiring, a brake controller, or a different cooling strategy. The max tow figure often applies only to one trim and one equipment set, not the whole model line.
Model-specific requirements
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Trailer Tow package is required for the 10,000-pound rating.
- Ford Expedition: The 9,600-pound rating applies to the 4WD standard-wheelbase configuration.
- Toyota Sequoia: The 9,520-pound rating applies to the rear-wheel-drive SR5 trim.
- Lexus GX 550: Overtrail+ is the highest-rated trim.
- Lincoln Navigator: Check wheel size carefully; 24-inch wheels reduce towing capacity.
- Dodge Durango SRT: Tow ‘n Go Package required.
- Toyota RAV4 Trail / TRD: Trail or TRD trim only for the 3,500-pound figure.
- Honda CR-V: Gas model with a Class I hitch is rated to tow 1,500 pounds.
- Confirm the exact model year, trim, drivetrain, and wheel size.
- Check the manufacturer towing guide for the specific VIN-style configuration or build.
- Compare the tow rating against your trailer’s loaded weight, not the empty brochure weight.
- Subtract room for passengers, cargo, and tongue weight before you decide.
- Verify hitch class, wiring, cooling, and brake-controller support before you tow.
Follow the vehicle manual, never work under a vehicle held only by a jack, never exceed the vehicle’s rated roof, hitch, or tow limit, keep items out of airbag zones and the driver’s view, and check local laws. That warning matters as much for a hitch upgrade as it does for any tow setup.
Methodology and source notes
This comparison was built from OEM tow guides, owner manuals, and manufacturer spec pages for the listed model years, with the highest verified rating used only when the source clearly tied it to a specific trim, drivetrain, wheel size, or package. No firsthand towing test or instrumented measurement is included here; the article is source-led rather than test-led.
In this article, loaded trailer weight means the trailer as you would actually tow it: cargo, water, propane, batteries, accessories, and any dealer-installed equipment already on board. Payload constraints matter because tongue weight, passengers, and cargo all consume vehicle capacity even when the trailer stays under the brochure tow limit.
The practical comparison standard is simple: a vehicle must clear the trailer’s loaded weight and still leave enough payload for passengers, hitch weight, and gear. If those numbers are too close, the vehicle may technically be “rated” for the trailer while still being a poor real-world match.
Choose Grand Wagoneer if… / Choose Expedition if…
Choose the Grand Wagoneer if you want the highest verified tow number here and can get the Trailer Tow package. Choose the Expedition if you want nearly the same capability with the 4WD standard-wheelbase setup and a 9,600-pound max rating. Both fit heavy trailers better than midsize SUVs.
Choose the Sequoia if you want a 9,520-pound figure and are shopping the rear-wheel-drive SR5 trim. Choose the GX 550 if you want a lower but still strong 9,096-pound rating and can accept its off-road-first hardware. Choose the Navigator if you are prepared to avoid the 24-inch wheel setup that cuts into capacity.
Choose the Durango SRT if you want 8,700 pounds and are committed to the Tow ‘n Go Package. Choose the RAV4 Trail/TRD if your trailer stays at 3,500 pounds. Choose the CR-V only for very light towing. For a small camper, the RAV4 and Escape are far more plausible than the CR-V. For a mid-size trailer, start with the Expedition, Sequoia, GX 550, Navigator, Durango SRT, or Grand Wagoneer. For 8,000-plus pounds, stay with the top full-size ratings and verify the exact build.
Frequently asked questions
Which SUV has the highest towing capacity?
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer has the highest verified towing capacity in this comparison at 10,000 pounds. That number requires the Trailer Tow package.
Which midsize SUVs can tow 5,000 lbs or more?
The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander both reach 5,000 pounds on specific trims, while lower trims trail that number, so you should check the manufacturer listing before assuming a model can pull a 5,000-pound trailer.
What towing package do I need for max capacity?
It depends on the model. The Grand Wagoneer needs the Trailer Tow package, the Durango SRT needs the Tow ‘n Go Package, and the RAV4 Trail or TRD needs the right trim. Some SUVs also need a specific drivetrain or wheel size, so the package alone may not be enough.
Is the max tow rating for every trim the same?
The Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Wagoneer, Pilot, and Highlander all vary by trim or drivetrain too, which is why their row entries now identify the exact builds that earn the top rating. Wheel size, drivetrain, and luxury equipment can all change the result.
Can a smaller SUV safely tow 3,500 lbs?
Yes, if the exact trim is rated for it and the trailer is loaded correctly. The RAV4 Trail/TRD and some Ford Escape builds are in that range. The CR-V gas model at 1,500 pounds is not. Payload, tongue weight, and passengers still matter more than the badge alone.
