If you need serious towing power but do not want to drive a heavy-duty pickup, a properly equipped SUV is the perfect solution.
The good news?
SUVs for 2025 and 2026 are better than ever at towing.
More models now offer towing packages, upgraded transmissions, heavy-duty cooling systems, and trailer control features — all while giving you the comfort, tech, and space your family needs.
Whether you are hauling a boat to the lake, towing a camper across the country, or bringing home a new project trailer, this is your complete guide to the best new SUVs for towing in 2025 and 2026 — built for real-world drivers.
Why SUV Towing Capability Matters More Than Ever
Today’s SUVs are stronger, smarter, and more capable than the ones from just a few years ago.
But towing safely is about more than just slapping a hitch on the back.
When you choose the right SUV for towing, you get:
- Stronger frames and reinforced chassis designs
- Upgraded transmissions and engine cooling
- Integrated trailer brake controllers and sway management
- Better towing mirrors, cameras, and assist features
- Safer, more confident towing even in bad weather
Choosing the right towing SUV now means you can enjoy boats, campers, trailers, and adventures for years without needing a heavy, uncomfortable full-size truck.
Best Midsize SUVs for Towing in 2025 and 2026
If you want strong towing ability without stepping up to a full-size SUV, these midsize models deliver serious capability.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Max Towing Capacity: 7,200 pounds
- Engine Options: 3.6L V6, 2.0L turbo hybrid (4xe model)
- Key Features: Tow package with integrated trailer sway control, optional rear load-leveling suspension
The Grand Cherokee has been a go-to for serious SUV towing for decades.
Strong chassis, real off-road credibility, and enough luxury inside to keep road trips comfortable.
Best For:
Drivers who want real off-road ability and strong towing power without needing a full-size truck.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Engine Options: 2.4L turbo inline-4, 2.4L turbo hybrid Max
- Key Features: Standard trailer sway control, available heavy-duty cooling
Toyota’s new Grand Highlander offers strong everyday drivability and real-world towing strength, especially for midsize campers and boats.
Best For:
Families who need real cargo space, third-row seating, and the ability to tow without upgrading to a giant SUV.
2025 Ford Explorer
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,600 pounds
- Engine Options: 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 3.3L hybrid V6
- Key Features: Class III/IV tow package available, terrain management system
With the right engine and tow package, the Explorer tows solid loads while staying smooth and confident on the highway.
Best For:
Commuters and active families who need to mix real-world towing with daily comfort and strong tech features.
2025 Dodge Durango
- Max Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds (with 5.7L or 6.4L V8)
- Engine Options: 3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8
- Key Features: Tow N Go package, available trailer brake controller
The Durango with a V8 remains the king of midsize towing.
If you need to pull a serious boat, camper, or trailer and want the compactness of a midsize SUV, nothing else comes close.
Best For:
Drivers who need true truck-like towing strength in a slightly more manageable SUV package.
Best Full-Size SUVs for Towing in 2025 and 2026
When you need max strength, full-size SUVs deliver serious capability along with serious space.
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Max Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds
- Engine Options: 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax diesel
- Key Features: Max Trailering Package, integrated trailer brake controller, enhanced camera system
The Tahoe remains a towing champion.
It hauls heavy loads while keeping a strong, composed highway ride and real-world usability for daily life.
Best For:
Families who regularly haul trailers but still need manageable city driving and family room.
2025 Ford Expedition
- Max Towing Capacity: 9,300 pounds (with Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package)
- Engine Options: 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
- Key Features: Pro Trailer Backup Assist, integrated trailer brake controller
The Expedition is the full-size SUV towing king.
It can handle almost anything you would consider putting behind a non-commercial vehicle — from big RVs to heavy boats.
Best For:
Buyers who need true truck-rivaling towing power in a family-friendly SUV package.
2025 GMC Yukon
- Max Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds
- Engine Options: 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 3.0L Duramax diesel
- Key Features: Advanced Trailering Package, available air suspension
The Yukon brings upscale design and smooth ride quality alongside strong towing capability.
Plus, GM’s trailer assist tech is some of the best available.
Best For:
Drivers who want a blend of real towing muscle and luxury-level comfort.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer
- Max Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
- Engine Options: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6
- Key Features: Standard heavy-duty cooling, trailer sway control, backup assist cameras
If you need the most towing strength possible from a full-size SUV, the Wagoneer is your best bet.
Best For:
Families hauling heavy boats, car trailers, or large campers who want a luxurious ride at the destination.
Best Luxury SUVs for Towing in 2025 and 2026
If budget allows and you want upscale towing strength, these luxury SUVs deliver both capability and premium features.
2025 Lexus GX
- Max Towing Capacity: 8,000 pounds
- Engine Options: 3.4L twin-turbo V6
- Key Features: Towing technology package, full-time 4WD standard
The redesigned GX combines serious off-road and towing ability with Lexus-level comfort and reliability.
Best For:
Luxury buyers who still want serious outdoor adventure and hauling ability.
2025 Land Rover Defender 110
- Max Towing Capacity: 8,200 pounds
- Engine Options: Turbocharged and supercharged inline-6
- Key Features: Advanced Terrain Response system, integrated trailer assist
The Defender brings iconic off-road style and strength plus surprising towing ability — perfect for rugged trailer camping and outdoor lifestyles.
Best For:
Adventure seekers needing an upscale tow-ready SUV with true 4×4 cred.
2025 BMW X7
- Max Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds
- Engine Options: 3.0L turbo I6, 4.4L twin-turbo V8
- Key Features: Trailer stability control, dynamic handling package
The X7 mixes strong towing with luxury ride smoothness and handling that smaller SUVs dream of.
Best For:
Families needing serious towing capability wrapped in top-tier German luxury.
Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing in 2025 and 2026
You do not have to give up fuel savings to get towing ability.
Several new hybrids offer impressive towing capacities too.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Powertrain: 2.4L turbo hybrid
- Key Features: Trailer sway control, heavy-duty cooling, all-wheel drive
The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max gives you strong torque, great MPG, and family-friendly usability with real towing muscle.
Best For:
Green-minded families needing hybrid efficiency and camper-hauling strength.
2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Powertrain: 3.3L V6 hybrid
- Key Features: Towing package available, terrain management system
The Explorer Hybrid is one of the few hybrids that still keeps real SUV towing credentials intact.
Best For:
Commuters who tow medium-sized boats or trailers occasionally and want city efficiency.
2025 Toyota Sequoia i-Force Max
- Max Towing Capacity: 9,520 pounds
- Powertrain: 3.4L twin-turbo hybrid V6
- Key Features: Towing technology package, trailer backup assist
The Sequoia’s hybrid twin-turbo setup combines torque-rich towing power with better fuel economy than traditional V8s.
Best For:
Families who want serious towing muscle but still care about MPG and range.
Real-World Towing Tips for SUV Buyers
Before you hit the dealer, make sure you:
- Always verify the SUV’s tow rating with the correct drivetrain, engine, and tow package installed.
- Compare the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) to your actual trailer weight.
- Know the payload capacity — towing is not just about pulling, it is about how much your SUV can carry inside while towing too.
- Get the right hitch class installed properly by professionals.
- Practice towing with smaller loads before tackling a big trip.
Choosing smart now means towing safer and longer.
Final Thoughts: Smarter SUV Towing for 2025 and 2026
Choosing the right SUV for towing today means more options than ever — and smarter choices than ever.
Whether you need a midsize Grand Cherokee, a full-size Expedition, a hybrid Grand Highlander, or a luxurious Lexus GX,
The best new SUVs for 2025 and 2026 can tow serious loads while keeping your passengers safe, comfortable, and ready for the next adventure.
Stick with BidForAutos.com — where we help you drive smarter, tow safer, and make the best choices for the road ahead.
