Are you in the market for an SUV that also excels in towing? Do you need enough space for five people or perhaps child-friendly seating? Or are you looking for an option that can carry seven passengers and tow a couple of cars in an enclosed trailer? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list ranging from SUVs with a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds—suitable for hauling ATVs or light trailers—to those that can tow as much as full-sized pickup trucks. Based primarily on our MotorTrend Ultimate Rankings and specific performance data, we’ve ranked the best towing-capable SUVs across various size categories according to our MT Score:

15. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 7,000 LB | MT Score 7.6

While many SUVs tend to blend in, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out prominently. This iconic G-Wagen, a robust steel box, accommodates five passengers and offers a towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds. Renowned for its off-road prowess, the G-Wagen truly delivers, starting from the basic G550 trim to the more aggressive AMG G63 and 4×4 Squared variants. Customization options are abundant. Although practical use may be limited due to high costs and noticeable wind noise, the allure of the G-Class as a definitive icon remains significant.

14. 2024 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L 2WD: 8,200 LB | MT Score 7.8

The interior of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade is more than just livable—it exemplifies true luxury. High-quality materials enhance the flagship Cadillac SUV, complemented by premium technology, including Super Cruise for hands-free driving and an impressive total of 38 inches of OLED screens throughout the cockpit. While many American SUVs offer comfort, sitting in an Escalade redefines your expectations of luxury. Additionally, its 8,200-pound towing capacity (in RWD models with the 6.2L V-8 and trailering package) showcases its robust capability. Just be aware of the hefty purchase and fuel expenses associated with owning this vehicle.

13. 2024 Tesla Model X: 5,000 LB | MT Score 8.0

The 2024 Tesla Model X, being the first electric SUV with considerable size and towing capability, may not be flawless, but it still leads its category for a reason. Despite showing some signs of age, this all-electric SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds and includes an optional third row of seating. Its impressive acceleration rivals certain supercars, and it boasts superb driving dynamics while being more energy-efficient than traditional gasoline SUVs. With a peak charging speed of 250 kilowatts, it offers a maximum range of up to 348 miles.

12. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: 7,200 LB | MT Score 8.3

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L stands out as an excellent towing option within the midsize SUV segment, offering impressive on-road and off-road performance. It boasts improved daily driving characteristics compared to earlier models without sacrificing any off-road capabilities. If you choose the Grand Cherokee equipped with the standard Pentastar V-6 engine, you’ll be able to tow up to 6,200 pounds, which is notably higher than many competitors. Opting for the V-8 engine enhances this capability even further to 7,200 pounds.

11. 2024 Ford Expedition XL 2WD: 9,300 LB | MT Score 8.3

The Ford Expedition XL impresses with its remarkable towing capacity of 9,300 pounds, exceeding that of many full-size trucks. The 2024 model also provides interior space comparable to the Chevrolet Suburban and boasts a quality that many view as superior to the Chevy’s. Surprisingly, the Expedition feels smaller on the road than it actually is, thanks to its refined driving dynamics, making it easier to tow large loads compared to some pickup trucks.

10. 2024 Porsche Cayenne: 7,700 LB | MT Score 8.4

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is a fantastic all-rounder. While it excels in towing, speed, and capability, its most significant advantage may lie in how enjoyable it is to drive as an SUV. With a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds for select models, it’s nothing short of impressive, although its price tag reflects its performance-oriented design. While the interior may not match some other SUVs in terms of space, it still offers plenty of room for most users.

9. 2024 Chevrolet Suburban: 8,300 LB | MT Score 8.4

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is a true giant in the SUV arena. Even the smaller Tahoe offers generous three-row seating, but the Suburban takes it further with even more cargo capacity. It has ample towing power, capable of pulling an enclosed trailer filled with recreational gear or even two lightweight cars on an open trailer. With the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and the NHT trailering package, the maximum towing capacity reaches 8,300 pounds. Surprisingly, despite its size, the Suburban remains agile with a well-designed interior.

8. 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L: 9,850 LB | MT Score 8.4

The 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L is arguably the top luxury three-row SUV available. It features impressive power and a spacious interior crafted from high-quality materials, combined with a wealth of features and technology, making it competitive with more expensive SUVs. Notably, the Grand Wagoneer offers significant towing capability at up to 9,850 pounds, depending on the configuration. Although its fuel efficiency is not the best due to the weight and power needed to handle it, there are few alternatives that provide such a luxurious adult-friendly third-row seating experience.

7. 2024 Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8: 7,700 LB | MT Score 8.5

The 2024 Audi Q8, SQ8, and RS Q8 models each boast a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, a significant figure for Audi’s lineup of midsize SUVs. The primary distinction among these three stylish SUVs is their performance. The Q8 features a 335-hp turbocharged V-6, which is upgraded to a 500-hp turbo V-8 in the SQ8, while the RS Q8 takes it up a notch with a 591-hp turbo V-8. The standard Q8 offers generous space compared to other fastback SUVs, a quality shared by its faster variants as well. Despite their power While these SUVs might feel somewhat sterile, they do tend to have a rather firm ride.

6. 2024 Genesis GV80: 6,000 LB | MT Score 8.5

The 2024 Genesis GV80 stands out due to its luxury, value, and safety, making it a compelling choice. It boasts an attractive design that isn’t overly flashy. While improvements are needed in ride quality and infotainment, the GV80 excels in many other aspects, especially when you assess its value for money. Notably, its towing capacity of 6,000 pounds is impressive, surpassing the SUV’s own weight.

5. 2024 Subaru Ascent: 5,000 LB | MT Score 8.5

The 2024 Subaru Ascent is distinguished by its genuine off-road capability and practicality for everyday use, setting it apart from rival three-row SUVs. It handles well on highways, with sufficient power and decent ride comfort, plus its 5,000-pound towing capacity is more than satisfactory. While the third row may not be as spacious as that of the Toyota Highlander, the first two rows are roomy. Its safety ratings are excellent, though we did encounter some reliability problems during our long-term evaluation of the Ascent.

4. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 3,500 LB | MT Score 8.6

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is renowned for its excellent road trip capabilities, featuring spacious seating and impressive fuel efficiency. While it doesn’t deliver high performance, the Highlander Hybrid’s powertrain operates well for city driving, achieving up to 35 mpg when unloaded, as per EPA estimates. Although the third row feels cramped for adults, it adds versatility for families. Additionally, it has a respectable towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when needed.

3. 2024 Subaru Outback: 3,500 LB | MT Score 8.8

The 2024 Subaru Outback is our top choice for midsize SUVs. This wagon offers efficient space, unique styling with an appealing character, and impressive off-road capabilities compared to typical crossovers. With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for the Outback XT and Wilderness variants, it is capable of pulling a small boat, trailer with an ATV, or a couple of jet skis—definitely substantial for a vehicle styled as a car. Even the base model provides a commendable towing capacity of 2,700 pounds. In addition to style and utility, the Outback is equally adept on and off the road.

2. 2024 Lincoln Aviator: 5,600 LB | MT Score 8.8

The 2024 Lincoln Aviator, despite no longer featuring the exceptionally potent plug-in hybrid powertrain, still boasts a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds along with impressive powertrain figures of 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This vehicle provides ample power and was recognized as a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, featuring some of the most comfortable massaging seats available in SUVs. Although the plug-in hybrid offered impressive power ratings, it didn’t provide the same smooth experience as the current engine option.

1. 2024 Hyundai Palisade: 5,000 LB | MT Score 9.0

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stands out as the top-rated three-row midsize SUV due to its roomy interior, high-quality materials, and impressive safety features. In a comprehensive test conducted by MotorTrend, it outperformed six other vehicles, edging out its sibling, the Kia Telluride, by a slim margin. While the Palisade’s towing capacity of 5,000 pounds isn’t class-leading, it’s sufficient for transporting recreational items and more, if needed. Although it can be a bit bumpy on uneven roads, its overall value is hard to surpass among 2024’s three-row SUVs.

Top SUVs of 2024 for Towing

• 15. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 7,000 LB | MT Score 7.6

• 14. 2024 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L 2WD: 8,200 LB | MT Score 7.8

• 13. 2024 Tesla Model X: 5,000 LB | MT Score 8.0

• 12. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: 7,200 LB | MT Score 8.3

• 11. 2024 Ford Expedition XL 2WD: 9,300 LB | MT Score 8.3

• 10. 2024 Porsche Cayenne: 7,700 LB | MT Score 8.4

• 9. 2024 Chevrolet Suburban: 8,300 LB | MT Score 8.4

• 8. 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L: 9,850 LB | MT Score 8.4

• 7. 2024 Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8: 7,700 LB | MT Score 8.5

• 6. 2024 Genesis GV80: 6,000 LB | MT Score 8.5

• 5. 2024 Subaru Ascent: 5,000 LB | MT Score 8.5

• 4. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 3,500 LB | MT Score 8.6

• 3. 2024 Subaru Outback: 3,500 LB | MT Score 8.8

• 2. 2024 Lincoln Aviator: 5,600 LB | MT Score 8.8

• 1. 2024 Hyundai Palisade: 5,000 LB | MT Score 9.0

Top SUVs of 2023 for Towing

• 15. 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 7,000 Pounds | MT Score 7.6
• 14. 2023 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L 2WD: 8,200 Pounds | MT Score 7.8
• 13. 2023 Tesla Model X: 5,000 Pounds | MT Score 8.0
• 12. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 7,200 Pounds | MT Score 8.2
• 11. 2023 Ford Expedition XL 2WD: 9,300 Pounds | MT Score 8.3
• 10. 2023 Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8: 7,700 Pounds | MT Score 8.4
• 9. 2023 Porsche Cayenne: 7,716 Pounds | MT Score 8.4
• 8. 2023 Genesis GV80: 6,000 Pounds | MT Score 8.4
• 7. 2023 Chevrolet Suburban: 8,200 Pounds | MT Score 8.4
• 6. 2023 Subaru Ascent: 5,000 Pounds | MT Score 8.5
• 5. 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L: 9,850 Pounds | MT Score 8.5
• 4. 2023 Subaru Outback: 3,500 Pounds | MT Score 8.7
• 3. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 3,500 Pounds | MT Score 8.7
• 2. 2023 Lincoln Aviator: 6,700 Pounds | MT Score 8.9
• 1.2023 Hyundai Palisade: 5,000 Pounds | MT Score 9.0