Best Luxury SUVs for Towing for 2024
The best luxury SUVs for towing are determined based on analyzing all vehicle models and their maximum towing capacities.
The best luxury subcompact SUV for towing is the Audi Q3 (4,400 lbs max towing capacity), with the Land Rover Defender being the best luxury small and compact SUV for towing (8,201 lbs max towing capacity). The Land Rover Discovery ranks #1 for the best luxury midsize SUVs for towing (8,200 lbs max towing capacity).
The best luxury large SUV for towing is the INFINITI QX80 (8,500 lbs max towing capacity) and the best luxury crossover SUV for towing is the Land Rover Discovery (8,200 lbs max towing capacity). Topping the list for the best luxury three-row SUVs for towing is the INFINITI QX80 (8,500 lbs max towing capacity), while the Land Rover Range Rover (Plug-in Hybrid) ranks first for the best luxury hybrid SUVs for towing (8,200 lbs max towing capacity).
The best luxury plug-in hybrid SUV for towing (PHEV) is the Land Rover Range Rover (Plug-in Hybrid) (8,200 lbs max towing capacity), with the Rivian R1S being the best luxury electric SUV for towing (7,700 lbs max towing capacity).
The best luxury subcompact SUV for towing is the Audi Q3 (4,400 lbs max towing capacity), with the Land Rover Defender being the best luxury small and compact SUV for towing (8,201 lbs max towing capacity). The Land Rover Discovery ranks #1 for the best luxury midsize SUVs for towing (8,200 lbs max towing capacity).
The best luxury large SUV for towing is the Lincoln Navigator (8,700 lbs max towing capacity) and the best luxury crossover SUV for towing is the Land Rover Discovery (8,200 lbs max towing capacity). Topping the list for the best luxury three-row SUVs for towing is the Lincoln Navigator (8,700 lbs max towing capacity), while the Porsche Cayenne (Plug-in Hybrid) ranks first for the best luxury hybrid SUVs for towing (7,700 lbs max towing capacity).
The best luxury plug-in hybrid SUV for towing (PHEV) is the Porsche Cayenne (Plug-in Hybrid) (7,700 lbs max towing capacity), with the Tesla Model X being the best luxury electric SUV for towing (5,000 lbs max towing capacity).
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Below you’ll find the best luxury SUVs for towing in nine categories, ranked by their maximum towing capacity. The luxury SUVs with the best towing capability are full-size SUVs with a third row of passenger capacity, such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX, and Lincoln Navigator. All of these models feature an automatic transmission, standard or optional four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and advanced touchscreen infotainment systems. They can’t tow as much as pickup trucks, but their powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engines and advanced stability control systems let them tow up to 8,000 or more pounds.
Midsize luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX and Lexus GX offer less horsepower and cargo space than full-size models, but the best midsize SUVs can still tow over 5,000 pounds. As with full-size SUVs, the upgrades that come with an optional tow package are usually required to achieve these midsize SUV’s maximum allowable trailer weight.
Compact and subcompact luxury SUVs feature smaller engine options and can only tow about half as much as full-size models. Their lower curb weight and shorter wheelbase increases the potential for trailer sway, which is why their trailer weight is limited to around 4,000 or less pounds. But their fuel economy numbers are much higher, and most still provide expected luxury SUV traits, like confident off-road travel and advanced safety features.
Browse the categories below to see how these luxury SUVs are ranked for towing capacity and which ones will meet your towing needs.
Best Towing Features
While cars and minivans can be equipped with a tow hitch, and may technically have trailer weight ratings and towing ability, only trucks and SUVs are likely to have the most helpful towing features and technology. Some key features to look for when buying a vehicle for towing include:
Electronic Trailer-Sway Control: Similar to stability control for cars, trailer-sway control can sense when a trailer is sliding sideways (maybe during a sudden evasive maneuver) and counter it by adjusting the brake and throttle of the tow vehicle
Four- and Seven-Pin Trailer Connector: You need to hook up taillights and brake lights to your trailer, which use either a four- or seven-pin wiring harness; having both connectors on a tow vehicle means you’re covered for every trailer type
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Coordinates the tow vehicle’s brake system with the trailer’s brake system, and lets drivers adjust them to ensure the two systems work together for balanced braking between both vehicles
Tow/Haul Mode: This changes the programming for a tow vehicle’s automatic transmission settings, altering when upshifts and downshifts occur to reduce strain on the engine, transmission and brake system
Trailer Hitch Camera: Hooking up a trailer is pretty straightforward when you can see both the trailer and the hitch; some new models offer advanced guidance systems that make aligning the hitch and trailer very easy
Calculating Your GVWR When Towing
Once you’ve confirmed your towing needs consider which vehicle categories can serve them and browse the rankings below. In addition to each vehicle’s maximum towing capacity we’ve included (when available) the maximum payload, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the curb weight for all models.
With these figures you can calculate how much total weight you can add to your vehicle, which is essentially the difference between its curb weight and GVWR. You should never exceed the GVWR, which includes the curb weight plus the weight of all passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of your trailer. Tongue weight is approximately 10 percent of the trailer’s total weight, and it must also not push a vehicle's total weight past its GVWR.
Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs for Towing
- Max Towing Capacity
Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV) for Towing
- Max Towing Capacity
How We Rank These Cars
The best towing vehicle lists rank vehicles by their maximum towing capacity.
The maximum towing capacity is the highest towing rating across all trim levels for a given vehicle model. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).