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Do you think you need a truck to tow your camper? Think again! SUVs are excellent for towing. There are plenty that can do the job, plus they can often seat more passengers than a truck. However, it is also crucial to understand their capabilities and your needs to know the best SUV for towing.
If you’re in the market for an SUV and want to know which is best for towing, read on. We’ll tell you all about it!
Choosing the Best SUV for Towing
When choosing the right SUV for towing, it’s best to focus on a few key elements. Pay attention to the engine, consider what type of drivetrain it has, and find out if you need to include an optional tow package.
Pay Attention to Engine Type
The engine is a crucial component for towing, regardless of the vehicle. But it’s not all about horsepower. That’s a critical factor, as a more powerful engine can generally haul more weight.
However, it is also essential to know how much torque the engine can generate.
There are plenty of gas-powered SUVs with engines that can generate enough torque for towing, but a diesel-powered engine generates greater torque.
Ensure that you have an engine that can get the job done without straining the vehicle. This might also mean that you will need an optional tow package.
Pay Attention to 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive
It’s best to consider whether the SUV has four-wheel or all-wheel drive. This is especially critical if you will be towing under adverse weather conditions, on dirt roads, or off-grid.
The added traction can be a significant factor in these cases.
Note If You Need to Add a Tow Package
To meet the manufacturer’s maximum tow rating, you may need to add a tow package. What comes in a tow package can vary.
It may include a specific hitch, wiring for a trailer, a transmission cooler, a high-capacity alternator, sway control system, backup cameras, or other elements that optimize the SUV’s towing ability.
Are SUVs Good for Towing RV Campers?
SUVs can be suitable for towing RV campers, but that depends upon the SUV and the camper. Many different travel trailers range in size and weight, and many SUVs vary in what they can or cannot tow.
It is crucial to understand which SUVs are best for towing and what camper you’ll use.
The Best SUVs for Towing
In 2022, there are numerous options to consider when looking for the best SUVs for towing. SUVs are as robust as ever. We narrowed the list to the top SUVs that we feel will give you the best towing experience.
Note: The maximum towing capacity of most of these SUVs is for when you have correctly equipped them, often with an optional towing package and a specific engine and drivetrain combination.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds
The 2022 Lincoln Navigator is one of the best SUVs for towing. Its powerful and efficient turbocharged engine and advanced 4WD drivetrain make light work of hauling heavy loads.
Its high-torque transmission provides responsive power and superior control, so you can feel confident no matter what you’re towing. It also has a comfortable interior, spacious cargo area, and advanced safety features.
2. 2022 Ford Expedition
Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,300 pounds
The 2022 Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV for towing. It has a powerful engine and a solid drivetrain to handle even the heaviest loads.
The Expedition also has a towing package with a trailer hitch and a brake controller. This makes it easy to connect a trailer and start hauling.
Keep in Mind: New to towing your RV? Take a look at this RV towing guide for newbies!
3. 2022 Dodge Durango
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,700 pounds
The 2022 Dodge Durango has a design for towing. Its towing capacity is among the best in its class, and it comes with a variety of features that make towing more manageable and safer.
For example, the Durango comes standard with trailer sway control, which helps keep trailers stable on the highway. It also has a towing prep package with a heavy-duty cooling system and a trailer hitch receiver.
4. 2022 Toyota Sequoia
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,400 pounds
The 2022 Toyota Sequoia is another excellent SUV for towing. With its powerful engine and rugged drive train, it can haul all sorts of cargo, no matter the conditions.
It also has features like adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, and automatic braking to help keep you safe on the road.
5. 2022 Land Rover Discovery
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,200 pounds
Land Rover’s towing capacity has always been one of Discovery’s defining features.
For the 2022 model year, Discovery has a new engine and drivetrain that made it even more capable. The new engine and drivetrain also increased the Discovery’s power and fuel economy.
6. 2022 Land Rover Defender
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,200 pounds
The 2022 Land Rover Defender is an excellent choice for towing due to its powerful engine and robust drive train. This rugged four-wheel-drive SUV has you covered whether you’re towing a boat to the lake or pulling a travel trailer.
With advanced off-road driving modes to optimize traction and handling on sand, mud, or rocky trails, the Defender can get you to your destination safely and efficiently.
7. 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,300 pounds
Chevy’s full-size SUV has a few updates for the 2022 model year, including a new towing package that makes it better at hauling heavy loads.
The Suburban’s towing capacity is higher thanks to a more powerful engine and sturdier drivetrain. It has ample power for towing campers, boats, ATVs, or anything else you might need to haul.
Keep in Mind: Have you camped in an SUV before? It’s really not as bad as it sounds! The Toyota 4Runner is a great option for SUV camping.
8. 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds
The 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is an ideal SUV for towing. It has a sturdy engine and an innovative frame designed to support heavy loads.
The Tahoe also features a robust transmission with an intuitive tow/haul mode for instant gear changes when pulling large loads.
In addition, there are multiple driver-assist features to help keep you safe while towing.
9. 2022 Cadillac Escalade
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,200 pounds
The 2022 Cadillac Escalade is a powerful vehicle with a heavy-duty engine and modern drivetrain that makes it an excellent choice for towing across long distances.
The Escalade comes with various accessories, including towing hitches and advanced safety features to help ensure smooth towing and prevent accidents.
10. 2022 Porsche Cayenne
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds (all trim packages)
The 2022 Porsche Cayenne is one of the few SUVs that can tow the same maximum capacity no matter which trim package you select.
Furthermore, the Cayenne comes with several customized towing modes to accommodate different cargo types, and best meet your specific needs.
11. 2022 GMC Yukon
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds
The 2022 GMC Yukon has more than enough muscle to tow heavy loads. It comes with a range of high-tech towing features that make it easy to maneuver even when pulling items like boats or trailers.
The Yukon is one of the most fuel-efficient options on the market.
12. 2022 Nissan Armada
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,500 pounds
Nissan’s 2022 Armada is one of the best SUVs for towing. It comes with all-wheel drive, making it easy to tow trailers or other vehicles even in harsh conditions.
The Armada also has a reinforced frame and suspension for heavy loads. For more peace of mind, it comes with trailer sway control and auto-leveling suspension.
Which SUV Has the Best Towing Package?
As you can see, there are various options for an SUV for towing. But the SUV with the best towing package is the 2022 Ford Expedition.
That’s not just because it has the highest maximum towing capacity at 9,300 pounds. The towing capacity is impressive, but other features put it at the top of the list.
To get the most out of the Expedition, you must opt for additional equipment, such as Ford’s heavy-duty trailer package. Features include an electronic limited-slip differential, four-pin and seven-pin wiring connectors, pro trailer backup assist, a larger radiator, and integrated trailer brake control.
Tow With Confidence With One of the Best SUVs for Towing
Want the luxury that an SUV affords when towing a trailer? Would you like the confidence that the SUV you choose can get the job done?
You can’t go too far astray with the list we’ve assembled. Though the Ford Expedition stands at the top of the class for maximum towing capacity, all the SUVs on our list will get the job done for most of the towing you’d want to do.
Ensure that the dealer understands what you intend to tow so they can match your options to your needs. If you do that, you can tow with confidence, knowing you have one of the best SUVs for towing on the market. Which SUV are you considering?
