Best Sedans for Towing for 2024
The best sedans for towing are determined based on analyzing all vehicle models and their maximum towing capacities.
The best midsize car for towing is the Volkswagen Arteon (2,000 lbs max towing capacity) and the best large car for towing is the Dodge Charger (1,000 lbs max towing capacity). Topping the list for the best hybrid cars for towing is the Toyota Sienna (hybrid) (3,500 lbs max towing capacity), while the Polestar 2 ranks first for the best electric cars for towing (2,000 lbs max towing capacity).
The best luxury small and compact car for towing is the Volvo S60 Cross Country (3,500 lbs max towing capacity), with the Volkswagen Arteon being the best midsize car for towing (2,000 lbs max towing capacity). The Volvo S90 ranks #1 for the best luxury midsize cars for towing (2,000 lbs max towing capacity).
The best large car for towing is the Dodge Charger (1,000 lbs max towing capacity) and the best hybrid car for towing is the Toyota Sienna (hybrid) (3,500 lbs max towing capacity). Topping the list for the best luxury hybrid cars for towing is the Volvo S90 (Plug-in Hybrid) (2,000 lbs max towing capacity), which is also the best luxury plug-in hybrid cars for towing (PHEV).
The best electric car for towing is the Audi e-tron Sportback (4,000 lbs max towing capacity), which is also the best luxury electric car for towing.
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Cars can’t compete with full-size trucks and crossovers when it comes to towing ability, but several models are available with a tow package while offering a manufacturer-approved trailer weight between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds.
The same towing rules for trucks and SUVs apply to tow cars. These include prudent driving practices such as leaving more space for braking and changing lanes, and ensuring proper serving of the car’s cooling and brake systems and extra attention paid to tire pressure before each trip. Drivers should also take into account the reduced fuel economy they’ll experience while towing and plan their fuel stops accordingly.
Use the lists below to confirm which cars are rated to tow, and how much trailer weight they can handle.
Calculating Your GVWR When Towing
Once you’ve confirmed your towing needs you should consider which car categories can serve them and browse the rankings below. In addition to each car’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 car’s 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 car’s total weight past its GVWR.
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).
