Which midsize SUV tows the most?

The Dodge Durango, when properly equipped, can tow the most weight among midsize SUVs, with a maximum rating of up to 8,700 pounds. For shoppers who can’t source a V8 Durango, the next-highest factory tow ratings in the class come from the Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery (8,201 pounds) and the Lexus GX 550 (8,000 pounds). This ranking reflects current U.S. specifications for 2024–2025 model-year vehicles and assumes the required towing packages are fitted.

The leader: Dodge Durango — up to 8,700 pounds

Dodge’s three-row Durango sits at the top of the midsize SUV towing charts. Properly configured V8 models with the factory tow package and appropriate gearing are rated to pull up to 8,700 pounds. Lower trims and V6 versions are rated substantially lower, so buyers should verify exact equipment if maximum towing is the priority.

What enables the Durango’s rating

The Durango’s high tow number is enabled by its body-on-stout-unibody construction, robust cooling, shorter gearing, and available V8 powertrains. Trims such as V8-equipped R/T Tow N Go and SRT models have historically carried the 8,700-pound rating under SAE J2807 methodology, provided you use the correct hitch hardware and observe payload and tongue-weight limits.

Closest competitors by maximum tow rating

Several other midsize SUVs offer serious towing muscle, even if they don’t quite match the Durango’s headline figure. The models below represent the strongest tow ratings currently published in the segment, assuming proper equipment and trailer brakes where required.

• Land Rover Defender 110/130: up to 8,201 lb
• Land Rover Discovery: up to 8,201 lb
• Lexus GX 550: up to 8,000 lb
• Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: up to 7,700 lb
• Audi Q7: up to 7,700 lb
• Porsche Cayenne: up to 7,700 lb
• BMW X5: up to 7,200 lb
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (current generation): up to 6,200 lb (V6) or 6,000 lb (4xe)
• Nissan Pathfinder: up to 6,000 lb
• Ford Explorer: up to 5,600 lb
• Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade: up to 5,000 lb
• Toyota 4Runner (current gen): 5,000 lb

While these figures vary by engine, drivetrain, and tow-package content, they illustrate that a handful of midsize SUVs can confidently handle 7,000–8,000-pound trailers, with the Durango setting the segment ceiling.

What “when properly equipped” really means

Manufacturers’ maximum tow ratings assume specific hardware and conditions. Before you bank on a brochure number, make sure your intended configuration matches the tested setup.

• Factory tow package: Usually includes a Class III/IV receiver, higher-capacity cooling, wiring (7-pin), and sometimes an integrated trailer brake controller.
• Axle ratio and tires: Shorter (numerically higher) gearing and higher load-rated tires can be part of the max-tow recipe.
• Tongue weight: Plan on 10–15% of trailer weight on the hitch; this counts against your vehicle’s payload rating.
• Payload and GCWR: You must remain within the SUV’s payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating (vehicle + trailer + cargo + passengers).
• Brakes and hitch type: Trailers near the limit typically require their own brakes; some setups specify a weight-distributing hitch to achieve the max rating.
• SAE J2807: Most modern ratings follow this standard, making cross-shopping more consistent—but always verify footnotes in the owner’s manual.

If any of these elements are missing or different on your vehicle, the realistic tow limit may be lower than the headline figure.

Buying advice: choosing a midsize SUV for heavy towing

If you regularly tow near the limit, prioritize capability features and leave margin for real-world conditions like hills, heat, and headwinds. The steps below can help you select the right configuration.

1. Match the rating to your loaded trailer: Use the trailer’s actual gross weight, not its empty weight.
2. Do the payload math: Add people, cargo, and hitch/tongue weight to ensure you stay under the SUV’s payload limit.
3. Seek the right package: Choose the factory tow package, cooling upgrades, and integrated brake controller when available.
4. Favor stability: Longer wheelbase, self-leveling suspension, and trailer sway control can improve confidence.
5. Consider gearing and power: Higher-torque engines and appropriate axle ratios make a difference on grades and at altitude.
6. Plan for visibility and control: Tow mirrors, surround-view and hitch-alignment cameras, and tow/haul modes ease the job.

Building in 10–20% headroom below the published maximum typically yields a more comfortable, durable towing experience.

The bottom line

If maximum tow capacity is your deciding factor in a midsize SUV, the Dodge Durango leads the segment at up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. Close behind are the Land Rover Defender and Discovery at 8,201 pounds and the Lexus GX 550 at 8,000 pounds. Always verify the specific trim’s equipment, observe payload and tongue-weight limits, and spec the factory tow package to achieve these numbers.

Summary

The midsize SUV with the highest tow rating is the Dodge Durango (up to 8,700 pounds, properly equipped). Next-best are the Land Rover Defender/Discovery (8,201 pounds) and Lexus GX 550 (8,000 pounds). Ratings depend on engine, axle ratio, and tow-package content; ensure your configuration matches the tested spec and keep payload, tongue weight, and GCWR within limits.

What mid-size SUV has the most towing capacity?

Midsize SUVs with Best Towing Capacity

• 2026 Dodge Durango. Towing Capacity: Up to 8,700 lbs.
• 2025 Land Rover Discovery. Towing Capacity: Up to 8,200 lbs.
• 2025 Land Rover Defender. Towing Capacity: Up to 8,200 lbs.
• 2026 Porsche Cayenne. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,716 lbs.
• 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

What is the best midsize SUV for fat people?

For plus-size drivers, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are excellent choices in the midsize SUV segment due to their roomy, comfortable cabins and easy-to-access designs. Other strong contenders include the Toyota Grand Highlander and the newly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe, which offers a spacious interior and supportive seating for comfort on long drives. 
Top Midsize SUV Picks for Comfort and Space 

• Hyundai Palisade: Opens in new tabOffers generous legroom and a spacious cabin, ensuring comfort for all passengers. Its upscale interior and comfortable seating make it a standout for larger individuals. 
• Kia Telluride: Opens in new tabA popular three-row SUV known for its abundant space, luxurious feel, and comfortable seating for adults in all rows. 
• Toyota Grand Highlander: Opens in new tabProvides a refined, comfortable ride and ample space, making it an excellent option for those needing extra room. 
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Opens in new tabThe recently redesigned Santa Fe features a supportive, upright driving position with good legroom and headroom, enhancing comfort for plus-size drivers. 
• Toyota RAV4: Opens in new tabA more compact option, the RAV4 still excels with its spacious, thoughtfully designed cabin, excellent comfort, and ease of entry and exit due to its design. 

Factors to Consider

• Legroom and Headroom: Look for models with ample space in the front row, such as the Santa Fe with 44.4 inches of legroom. 
• Seat Support: Opt for vehicles with supportive seats designed for long-term comfort, like the RAV4. 
• Cabin Width: A wide cabin helps prevent a cramped feeling. 
• Seat Height & Door Openings: Look for large doors that open wide and a seating height that facilitates easy entry and exit. 
• Ergonomics: A comfortable driving position, such as the upright position in the Santa Fe, reduces physical strain. 

Is there an SUV that can tow 10,000 lbs?

Yes, the Jeep Wagoneer and the GMC Hummer EV SUV can both tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, making them the only SUVs currently capable of reaching that specific towing capacity. Other SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer offer high towing capacities, but they typically fall slightly short of the 10,000-pound mark.
 
Top Towing SUVs (around 10,000 lbs)

• Jeep Wagoneer: Opens in new tabThis full-size SUV offers a 10,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package. 
• GMC Hummer EV SUV: Opens in new tabThe electric Hummer EV SUV also boasts a 10,000-pound towing capacity, though it requires the dual-motor setup and the absence of the Extreme Off-Road package. 

Other High-Capacity Towing SUVs

• Jeep Grand Wagoneer: The more luxurious Grand Wagoneer has a max towing capacity of around 9,810 pounds, depending on the model year. 
• Ford Expedition: The Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds in some configurations. 
• Toyota Sequoia: The Sequoia has a max towing capacity of about 9,520 pounds. 

Important Considerations

• Proper Equipment: To achieve the maximum towing capacity, you must ensure the SUV is equipped with the correct towing packages, such as the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package for the Wagoneer. 
• Vehicle Configuration: Specific features like the drivetrain (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive) and engine options can impact a vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. 
• Maintenance and Condition: For used SUVs, it’s essential to check the vehicle’s maintenance history and overall condition to ensure its towing capabilities remain reliable, according to Ewald Automotive Group. 

What SUV is best for towing a camper?

The best SUV for towing a camper is a heavy-duty, full-size SUV from a reputable brand with a robust engine and the appropriate tow package, such as the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer (10,000 lbs) or Ford Expedition (9,300–9,600 lbs). Other excellent options include the 2025 Toyota Sequoia (up to 9,520 lbs), 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon (up to 8,400 lbs), and 2025 Dodge Durango (up to 8,700 lbs). Always check your specific vehicle’s towing capacity and match it to your camper’s weight.
 
Top Full-Size SUVs for Towing

• Jeep Wagoneer (2025): Opens in new tabOffers a robust 10,000 lbs of towing capacity and luxury features. 
• Ford Expedition (2025): Opens in new tabA practical option with strong towing capacity, reaching up to 9,600 lbs, especially when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. 
• Toyota Sequoia (2025): Opens in new tabFeatures impressive towing capacity, exceeding 9,500 lbs, ideal for larger campers. 
• Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon (2025): Opens in new tabBoth offer strong towing capabilities, up to 8,400 lbs, with options like the 6.2L V8 engine. 
• Dodge Durango (2025): Opens in new tabA versatile choice, with the Hellcat model being a particularly potent option for heavy towing. 

Key Factors When Choosing

• Camper Weight: Opens in new tabKnow the weight of your fully loaded camper and compare it to the SUV’s maximum towing capacity. 
• Towing Package: Opens in new tabLook for SUVs equipped with an available trailer tow package, which often includes an integrated brake controller and an advanced trailer backup assistant. 
• Towing Features: Opens in new tabVehicles with Trailer Sway Control, backup cameras, parking sensors, and Adaptive Cruise Control enhance safety and ease of use while towing. 
• Engine and Drivetrain: Opens in new tabA powerful engine with ample torque is necessary for towing heavy campers, and all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) provides better stability and traction.