Pulling heavy loads requires specific engineering features that standard commuter crossovers lack. Torque delivery, frame rigidity, transmission cooling, and wheelbase length dictate how safely and efficiently an SUV can haul a trailer. While many midsize utility vehicles claim respectable capacity figures, sustained towing demands body-on-frame construction or heavy-duty chassis reinforcements.

Full-size body-on-frame leaders

For maximum towing capacity, full-size SUVs built on truck chassis remain the industry standard. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer leads the class with a maximum tow rating of 9,850 pounds when properly equipped. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine produces 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, delivering ample low-end pull for heavy enclosed trailers or large boats.

The Ford Expedition stands as another top performer in this category, offering a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Expedition utilizes a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces by allowing drivers to steer the trailer using a dashboard knob.

Diesel torque and midsize alternatives

Towing efficiency is often as important as total capacity, particularly over long distances. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, along with their GMC Yukon counterparts, offer a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six engine. While its maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds is slightly lower than gas V8 alternatives, the diesel engine generates 495 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,500 RPM. This low-end torque allows the vehicle to maintain highway speeds on steep gradients without continuous, high-RPM downshifts.

High tow ratings mean little if a vehicle lacks adequate payload capacity, heavy-duty cooling systems, and integrated trailer brake control.

Drivers seeking a smaller footprint without sacrificing heavy capability should consider the Dodge Durango. Built on a reinforced unibody platform, Durango models equipped with the 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter V8 engines can pull up to 8,700 pounds. It remains one of the few three-row midsize SUVs capable of competing with full-size, truck-based rivals.

Hybrid power and critical safety considerations

Hybrid powertrains have established a strong presence in the towing segment. The Toyota Sequoia features a standard i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid system generating 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor assists immediately from a dead stop, mitigating stress on the internal combustion engine during initial acceleration. The Sequoia achieves a maximum towing capacity of 9,520 pounds.

Selecting the right tow vehicle requires looking beyond the headline capacity figure. Buyers must account for the Gross Combined Weight Rating, tongue weight limits, and available payload. Passengers and cargo inside the SUV reduce the remaining weight capacity available for the trailer. Proper hitch setup, trailer brake controls, and weight-distribution bars remain necessary components for safe operation.

Related reading: The hidden physics of tire pressure and vehicle dynamics, and The physics of traction and why all-wheel drive alters vehicle dynamics. For an outside reference on this topic, see Consumer Reports' car-buying advice.