A brochure can say 10,000 pounds and still leave you stuck in the driveway. The reason is simple. Towing is only half of hauling. The other half is payload, which is how much weight the SUV can carry inside and on its hitch. The best SUV for hauling gives you both, plus enough cargo room to fit your gear.
This list ranks 12 SUVs by max towing capacity and shows the payload for each one, so you can see the full picture. We used real specs, official ratings, and owner feedback. All numbers are for 2026 models. Some SUVs on the list are huge. Some are small and cheap. There is a pick for most budgets.
Quick note: max tow ratings need the right engine, hitch, and tow package. Payload changes with every trim. Always check the sticker on the driver’s door of the exact SUV you plan to buy.
Best SUVs for Hauling at a Glance
Here is the ranking. SUVs are ordered by max towing capacity. Payload is shown as a range because it changes by trim.
| Rank | SUV | Max Towing | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeep Grand Wagoneer | 10,000 lbs | About 1,300 to 1,590 lbs |
| 2 | Ford Expedition | 9,600 lbs | About 1,640 to 1,900 lbs |
| 3 | Toyota Sequoia | 9,520 lbs | About 1,730 lbs |
| 4 | Lexus GX | 9,096 lbs | About 1,210 to 1,355 lbs |
| 5 | Lincoln Navigator | 8,700 lbs | 1,801 to 1,861 lbs |
| 6 | Nissan Armada | 8,500 lbs | About 1,444 to 1,899 lbs |
| 7 | Chevrolet Tahoe | 8,400 lbs | Up to about 2,020 lbs |
| 8 | Chevrolet Suburban | 8,200 lbs | Up to 1,977 lbs |
| 9 | Rivian R1S | 7,700 lbs | Up to about 1,724 lbs |
| 10 | Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 6,200 lbs | 1,370 to 1,400 lbs |
| 11 | Toyota 4Runner | 6,000 lbs | About 1,400 to 1,550 lbs |
| 12 | Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 lbs | About 1,485 lbs |
Quick Picks by Need
- Heaviest trailer: Jeep Grand Wagoneer (10,000 lbs)
- Most payload: Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban (close to 2,000 lbs)
- Most cargo room: Chevrolet Suburban (144.5 cubic feet)
- Best for a tight budget: Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Best electric option: Rivian R1S (7,700 lbs)
- Best luxury tow rig: Lincoln Navigator
How to Read Towing Capacity and Payload
These four numbers decide what an SUV can really haul. Learn them once and every spec sheet makes sense.
- Towing capacity: the most weight the SUV can pull behind it. This is the trailer plus everything in the trailer.
- Payload: the most weight the SUV can carry. It counts people, bags, tools, and the downward push of the trailer on the hitch.
- Tongue weight: the downward push of the trailer on the hitch. It is usually around 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight.
- GVWR: the max safe weight of the SUV itself, fully loaded. Payload is roughly GVWR minus the empty weight of the SUV.
A Simple Example
Say you want to tow a 7,000 pound camper. Tongue weight could be 700 to 1,050 pounds. Add four adults at about 600 pounds total, and 200 pounds of gear. You now need roughly 1,500 to 1,850 pounds of payload.
A big tow rating does not save you here. An SUV with 1,300 pounds of payload runs out first, even if it can “tow” 9,000 pounds. This is why payload sits right next to towing in this ranking.
The 12 Best SUVs for Hauling, Ranked
1. Jeep Grand Wagoneer: Best for Max Towing
Nothing else on this list pulls as much as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. A 3.0 liter twin-turbo six-cylinder makes 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, and the ride stays smooth even with a heavy load behind you. Inside, the cabin feels more like a lounge than a work truck.
Payload is where it falls short. At the low end you get only about 1,300 pounds, which is less than a Tahoe or Navigator offers. The 10,000 pound rating also needs the right setup, so ask the dealer for the exact tow rating of the SUV on the lot. Fuel economy sits around 19 mpg combined.
- Max towing: 10,000 lbs
- Payload: about 1,300 to 1,590 lbs, depending on trim
- Cargo space: 27.4 cubic feet behind the third row
- Starts around: $62,000
Pick it if: you pull a big boat or a long travel trailer and want a comfortable ride. Skip it if: you carry lots of weight inside the cab.
2. Ford Expedition: Best All-Around Hauler
Towing, payload, and cargo room all land in a good spot on the Ford Expedition. Its twin-turbo V6 makes up to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, so heavy trailers move without strain.
Drivers also find it easier to handle than its size suggests. One big SUV can cover work trips, family trips, and weekend trailer runs, which makes this the safest all-round choice. The longer Expedition Max adds cargo room, but it gives up 600 pounds of towing.
- Max towing: 9,600 lbs (standard length 4×4). The longer Expedition Max is rated at 9,000 lbs.
- Payload: about 1,640 to 1,900 lbs
- Cargo space: about 121.5 cubic feet in the Expedition Max
Pick it if: you want towing, payload, and space in one package. Skip it if: you need the absolute heaviest tow rating on the list.
3. Toyota Sequoia: Best for Long-Term Dependability
Many buyers choose the Toyota Sequoia because Toyota has a long record of trucks and SUVs that last. Its hybrid V6 gives strong pull at low speeds, which helps when you start a heavy trailer from a stop.
Cargo room is the weak spot. With the third row up, very little space is left behind it. If you need to haul gear and carry seven people, a Tahoe or Suburban fits more.
- Max towing: 9,520 lbs
- Payload: about 1,730 lbs
- Cargo space: 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded
Pick it if: you plan to keep your SUV for many years. Skip it if: you need a lot of space behind the third row.
4. Lexus GX: Best Towing Rig for Rough Roads
Smaller than the full-size SUVs above it, the Lexus GX still tows almost as much. A 3.4 liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 349 horsepower. This SUV is also built for dirt roads and trails, so it suits a trailer that sits at a campsite far from pavement.
Trim matters a lot here. Towing drops on the Luxury trims, and payload is on the low side across the range. Fuel economy is about 17 mpg combined.
- Max towing: 9,096 lbs (Overtrail). Most trims are rated near 9,063 lbs, and the Luxury trims are lower, from 7,800 to 8,020 lbs.
- Payload: about 1,210 to 1,355 lbs on the trims we could verify
- Cargo space: 76.9 cubic feet (7-seat) or 90.5 cubic feet (5-seat Overtrail)
- Starts at: $68,385
Pick it if: you tow and drive off-road. Skip it if: you carry heavy loads inside the SUV.
5. Lincoln Navigator: Best Luxury SUV for Hauling
Luxury SUVs rarely carry much weight, yet the Lincoln Navigator offers one of the best payload numbers in its class. A 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 makes 432 horsepower, and the ride stays quiet and calm with a trailer on the back.
Price is the big issue. A Tahoe or Expedition tows about the same for far less money, so you are paying for the cabin, not extra hauling ability. Fuel economy is about 17 mpg combined.
- Max towing: 8,700 lbs
- Payload: 1,801 lbs (standard) and 1,861 lbs (Navigator L)
- Cargo space: 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row (37.4 on the Navigator L)
- Starts around: $92,000 before fees
Pick it if: you want luxury and real towing in one SUV. Skip it if: price matters more than comfort.
6. Nissan Armada: Best Value Among Full-Size SUVs
Full-size towing at a lower price is the pitch for the Nissan Armada. A twin-turbo V6 and a rebuilt chassis give it strong pull and a roomy cabin. Many rivals cost thousands more.
Look closely at the trim if payload matters to you. Higher trims reach close to 1,900 pounds, while base trims sit nearer 1,450 pounds. That spread is wider than on most SUVs here.
- Max towing: 8,500 lbs
- Payload: about 1,444 to 1,899 lbs
- Cargo space: 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 97.1 cubic feet with seats folded
- Starts around: $61,000
Pick it if: you want full-size towing without a luxury price. Skip it if: you want the biggest cargo area.
7. Chevrolet Tahoe: Best for Payload
Load the cabin, fill the cargo area, hook up a trailer, and the Chevrolet Tahoe still has weight to spare. That makes it the payload leader on this list. Buyers can pick from V8 engines and a diesel.
Shorter than the Suburban, the Tahoe is also easier to park and live with every day. The GMC Yukon is built on the same platform, so you can cross-shop both.
- Max towing: up to 8,400 lbs (rear-wheel drive). Four-wheel drive versions are rated at 8,200 lbs.
- Payload: up to about 2,020 lbs
- Cargo space: 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.5 behind the second, 122.7 with seats folded
- Starts around: $60,700
Pick it if: you carry heavy loads and pull a trailer. Skip it if: you need lots of room behind the third row.
8. Chevrolet Suburban: Best for Cargo Space
Cargo room is where the Chevrolet Suburban beats everything else here. You get 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, which is almost double what a Tahoe offers. Fold the seats and there is space for plywood sheets, hockey bags, or a full move.
Towing runs a little lower than the Tahoe, but it is still strong. If your hauling is half people and half stuff, the Suburban makes the most sense.
- Max towing: 8,200 lbs (needs rear-wheel drive, the 5.3 liter V8, and the Max Trailering Package)
- Payload: up to 1,977 lbs
- Cargo space: 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 behind the second, 144.5 with seats folded
Pick it if: you need to carry seven or eight people and their luggage. Skip it if: tight parking is a daily problem.
9. Rivian R1S: Best Electric SUV for Hauling
Electric power changes how towing feels, and the Rivian R1S shows it best. Motors give instant pull, so heavy trailers move off the line with ease. It tows close to a gas full-size SUV and offers strong cargo space.
Range is the trade-off. Towing can cut it by an estimated 40 to 50 percent, which means more charging stops on long trips. Plan your route around fast chargers.
- Max towing: 7,700 lbs
- Payload: up to about 1,724 lbs (Quad Motor)
- Cargo space: 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 105.8 cubic feet with seats folded
- Starts at: $76,990
Pick it if: you tow short distances or mostly around town. Skip it if: you cover long highway distances with a trailer.
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Best Midsize Pick for Towing
Full-size SUVs cost a lot, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a cheaper way in. A 6,200 pound rating is enough for a mid-size boat, a pop-up camper, or a loaded utility trailer. The 2026 refresh adds a larger 12.3 inch screen and a cleaner cabin.
Space is the compromise. Third-row room is tight and cargo space is below average for the class. For families who tow now and then, it is still a good balance of price and ability.
- Max towing: 6,200 lbs
- Payload: 1,370 to 1,400 lbs
- Cargo space: 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 behind the second, 84.6 with seats folded
- Starts around: $42,000
Pick it if: you want a smaller, cheaper SUV that can still tow a boat. Skip it if: you need to carry seven adults with luggage.
11. Toyota 4Runner: Best for Off-Road Hauling
Dirt roads, trails, and long hauls to a campsite are what the Toyota 4Runner was made for. A 2.4 liter turbo engine makes 278 horsepower, and the tough body-on-frame build handles rough ground well. Edmunds notes its tow rating is above average for the class.
Cargo space is solid with the second row folded. Add the optional third row, though, and space behind it nearly disappears. Pair a 4Runner with the right tires and it becomes a great weekend rig. Our guide to the best tires for the Toyota 4Runner covers the options for towing and trails.
- Max towing: 6,000 lbs
- Payload: about 1,400 to 1,550 lbs (our estimate from the SUV’s weight rating minus its empty weight)
- Cargo space: 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, 90.2 cubic feet with seats folded
- Starts around: $43,400
Pick it if: you haul gear to remote spots. Skip it if: you want a smooth, quiet highway ride.
12. Nissan Pathfinder: Best Budget SUV for Hauling
Starting around $40,000, the Nissan Pathfinder is the cheapest way onto this list. A 3.5 liter V6 gives most trims a 6,000 pound tow rating, which beats many rivals in its class. Nissan also updated the styling and tech for 2026.
Skip the base S trim if you plan to tow, because it is rated at only 3,500 pounds. Cargo space behind the third row is small too. Think of it as a family SUV that tows sometimes, not a full-time hauler.
- Max towing: 6,000 lbs (SV trim and higher). The base S trim is rated at 3,500 lbs.
- Payload: about 1,485 lbs (Rock Creek, calculated from its weight ratings)
- Cargo space: 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 behind the second, 80.5 with seats folded
- Starts around: $40,000
Pick it if: you want the lowest price with a real tow rating. Skip it if: you plan to tow near the limit every weekend.
SUVs With the Most Cargo Space
Towing is not the only way to haul. If you carry gear inside, cargo space matters more. Here are the max cargo numbers with the seats folded flat.
| SUV | Max Cargo | Behind 3rd Row |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Suburban | 144.5 cu ft | 41.5 cu ft |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 122.7 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Rivian R1S | 105.8 cu ft | 18 cu ft |
| Nissan Armada | 97.1 cu ft | 20.4 cu ft |
| Toyota 4Runner | 90.2 cu ft | Very little |
| Toyota Sequoia | 86.9 cu ft | 11.5 cu ft |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 84.6 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 80.5 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft |
Need the opposite, with room for people first? Our list of the most spacious 3rd row SUVs ranks every model by legroom and headroom. For a family-first pick, see our guide to the best family SUV with a 3rd row.
Popular SUVs That Did Not Make the List
A few well-known SUVs missed the top 12. Here is why, and when they might still fit you better.
- Dodge Durango: It can tow up to 8,700 pounds with the Tow N Go package on V8 models, so it is strong on paper. But it only has 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. You can read more on Dodge’s official Durango page. It is a fit if you tow often and rarely load the cargo area.
- GMC Yukon: It is the twin of the Tahoe. If you like the Tahoe but want a more upscale cabin, shop both side by side.
- Toyota Land Cruiser: It tows 6,000 pounds and is built for rough roads. It costs more than a 4Runner for the same tow rating.
- Toyota RAV4: It tops out at 3,500 pounds. That works for a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis, but not a camper.
- Honda SUVs: They suit family hauling better than heavy towing. Our best Honda SUVs guide covers where each model shines.
How to Choose the Best SUV for Hauling
Match the SUV to what you really haul. Use these steps.
1. Start With Your Heaviest Load
Find the true weight of your trailer, boat, or camper. Use the loaded weight, not the number in the brochure. Then pick an SUV with a tow rating at least 20 percent higher. This gives you a safety buffer and keeps the SUV from working at its limit.
2. Check Payload Next
Add up your passengers, gear, and the trailer’s tongue weight. That total must stay under the SUV’s payload. This is the number buyers skip most often.
3. Pick the Right Length
Long-wheelbase SUVs, like the Suburban and the Navigator L, feel steadier with a trailer on the back. They also have more cargo room. Shorter SUVs park easier and handle tight spots better.
4. Choose Rear-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive helps on wet boat ramps, gravel, and snow. It also adds weight, which can lower the tow rating slightly. The Tahoe shows this clearly: it is rated at 8,400 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,200 pounds with four-wheel drive.
5. Make Sure the Tow Package Is Included
Many max tow ratings need an add-on package. It can include a stronger cooling system, a trailer brake controller, and a hitch. Ask the dealer to confirm the exact rating for the SUV on the lot. Most listings show the lowest rating by default.
6. Think About the Engine
V8 engines are loud and thirsty, but they pull with ease. Turbo V6 engines tow well and save fuel when you are not towing. Electric power gives strong pull but cuts range. Pick based on how far you tow and how often.
Quick Tips for Safer Towing
- Keep tongue weight around 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight.
- Use a weight-distribution hitch for heavy trailers.
- Install a brake controller so the trailer brakes work with the SUV.
- Leave extra space and slow down. Stopping takes much longer with a trailer.
- Check tire pressure before every trip. Tires must also be rated for the load, and our guide on what a tire load index means shows how to read it.
For more on how these ratings are tested and compared, see Kelley Blue Book’s guide to the best SUVs for towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SUV has the highest towing capacity?
Jeep’s Grand Wagoneer tops this list at 10,000 pounds when equipped for it. Ford’s Expedition (9,600 pounds) and Toyota’s Sequoia (9,520 pounds) come next.
What is more important for hauling, towing capacity or payload?
Both matter. Towing capacity tells you how big a trailer you can pull. Payload tells you how much weight you can carry, including the trailer’s tongue weight. Many people run out of payload first.
Can an SUV replace a pickup truck for hauling?
For most families, yes. Full-size SUVs tow 8,000 to 10,000 pounds and keep your cargo dry and locked. A pickup is better for tall or dirty loads, like mulch or lumber that sticks out of the bed.
What is the best SUV for hauling on a budget?
Nissan’s Pathfinder and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L cost the least here and still tow around 6,000 pounds. Pick the Pathfinder SV trim or higher, because the base S trim only tows 3,500 pounds.
Can an electric SUV tow a trailer?
Yes. The Rivian R1S tows up to 7,700 pounds. Towing cuts range by an estimated 40 to 50 percent, so long trips need more charging stops.
Which SUV for hauling has the most cargo room?
Chevrolet’s Suburban wins, with 144.5 cubic feet of space with the seats folded and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row.
Does towing hurt gas mileage?
Yes. Pulling a heavy trailer burns much more fuel, and the drop can be large. Plan for shorter range and more fuel stops.
Which SUV for Hauling Should You Buy?
Here is the short answer. For the heaviest trailers, pick the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. For the best mix of towing, payload, and space, pick the Ford Expedition. For the most payload and cargo room, go with the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban. For a lower price, the Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Grand Cherokee L still handle a boat or small camper.
Your best SUV for hauling is the one that fits your real load. Check your trailer weight, add up your payload, and confirm the tow package before you sign. A few minutes of math now saves you from a sagging rear end and a stressful drive later.
Specs are for 2026 models and can change by trim, engine, and options. Newer model years are arriving, so confirm numbers on the driver’s door sticker and the dealer’s window sheet.