When the open road calls for adventure and you need to bring along a boat, camper, or a trailer full of gear, not just any vehicle will do. You need a powerhouse, a behemoth of the highways that can haul with ease and keep on cruising. Enter the realm of top towing SUVs鈥攎ighty chariots equipped to tackle hefty loads without breaking a sweat. These SUVs blend muscle with finesse, boasting engines that roar with purpose and features designed to handle heavy-duty demands. Whether you鈥檙e heading out for a weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country trek, having one of these titans in your corner means your journey鈥攁nd everything you need to bring along鈥攋ust got a whole lot smoother. Let’s hitch up and explore the best SUVs on the market that can truly pull their weight.
Top towing suvs 2024
#1 2024 Cadillac Escalade: $83 890
Cadillac’s flagship SUV, the Escalade, continues to dominate the large SUV market with its robust engine options and impressive performance metrics. Under the hood, the standard power comes from a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that pushes out a hearty 420 horsepower. A highlight of this engine is its ability to deactivate half its cylinders to enhance fuel efficiency during less demanding driving conditions. For those prioritizing economy over sheer power, the Escalade offers a 3.0-liter diesel inline-six option. This engine, while less potent in straight-line acceleration with its 277 horsepower, compensates with a robust 460 lb-ft of torque and better fuel efficiency.
For sheer performance, the Escalade V is a standout, sporting a supercharged version of the 6.2-liter V-8, ramping up the power to 682 horsepower. This model rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds, an impressive feat for such a large vehicle. Despite its size, the enhancements in suspension鈥攑articularly in the V model鈥攁id in delivering a more controlled and enjoyable driving experience, though it still can’t quite match the agility of competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 or BMW Alpina XB7.
Ride Comfort and Interior Luxury
As the jewel in Cadillac’s crown, the Escalade spares no expense in interior luxury. Starting from the base Luxury trim, which features high-quality faux leather, to the high-end Platinum models adorned with semi-aniline leather, the cabin environment is plush and inviting. The attention to detail is evident in the leather-covered dash and door panels, and the chic aluminum speaker grilles.
Ambient lighting adjustable to the driver鈥檚 preference further enhances the upscale vibe inside the Escalade. However, it’s worth noting some of the interior components are shared with less premium GM models, which might be a slight detractor for some buyers looking for a unique luxury experience.
Space and Practicality
The Escalade doesn鈥檛 just elevate luxury but also prioritizes practicality and space. Available in both standard and the extended ESV configurations, it caters well to families and those requiring extra space. The switch to an independent rear suspension in this generation significantly improves third-row legroom鈥攁 much-appreciated upgrade from the previous models with a solid rear axle. This setup not only enhances passenger comfort but also contributes to a smoother ride.
The ESV model, in particular, offers significant legroom and additional cargo space, making it an ideal choice for longer trips or hauling more gear.
#2 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: $41 830
When exploring the segment of best SUVs with best towing capacity, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L undoubtedly earns its place near the top of the list. This robust vehicle is available with a choice of two powerful engines: a 290-hp V-6 and a 357-hp V-8, each paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. The V-8 engine, in particular, highlights why the Grand Cherokee L is often mentioned in discussions about the best towing SUVs, offering a maximum towing capacity of 7200 pounds. This figure not only meets but often exceeds the demands of most towing tasks, from hauling boats to trailers, making it an ideal choice for adventurous families and professionals alike.
Performance and Capability
The Grand Cherokee L’s V-8 engine delivers not just power but also a pleasing acoustic experience with its deep, resonant rumble. Performance is swift, with our testing indicating a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 6.2 seconds. The V-6 version, while slightly slower at 8 seconds to 60 mph, still offers dependable performance for day-to-day tasks.
Comfort and Sophistication
Inside, the Grand Cherokee L transitions from rugged to refined. The upscale Summit and Overland trims envelop occupants in luxury, featuring quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood accents, and state-of-the-art digital displays. Even the standard models are well-equipped, ensuring comfort and convenience across the board. The inclusion of a third row of seating, which can accommodate up to seven passengers, underscores the Grand Cherokee L鈥檚 role as a versatile family hauler.
Fuel Economy and Sustainability
Fuel efficiency remains a key consideration, and the Grand Cherokee L manages competitive figures despite its substantial power. The rear-wheel-drive V-6 model achieves an EPA estimate of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, respectable for a vehicle of its size and capability.
#3 2024 Jeep Wagoneer: $64 945
When discussing what are the best SUVs for towing, the 2024 Wagoneer certainly deserves a prominent mention. Equipped with a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that delivers a robust 420 horsepower, the Wagoneer pairs high performance with exceptional utility. This engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and while rear-wheel drive is standard, the Wagoneer鈥檚 full potential is unleashed with the available four-wheel drive options.
Off-Road Capability and Performance
For those looking to maximize their Wagoneer鈥檚 capability, adding four-wheel drive is essential. The Wagoneer offers three distinct four-wheel-drive systems, each designed to enhance the vehicle’s performance across different terrains. Moreover, the available adjustable air suspension can raise the vehicle by up to 3.6 inches, providing significant ground clearance that is ideal for rough terrain. The SUV also includes a drive-mode selector with settings for sand/mud, snow, and rock, ensuring it’s equipped to tackle a variety of outdoor conditions.
Towing Capacity
Highlighting its prowess as one of the best SUVs for towing, the Wagoneer boasts an impressive capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. This makes it perfect for towing everything from large boats to travel trailers, ideal for adventurous families or those requiring powerful utility from their vehicle.
Ride Comfort and Roadholding
The extended-wheelbase L variant of the Wagoneer we tested shows that its roadholding capabilities are particularly strong. The softly tuned suspension ensures that even long highway cruises are smooth and enjoyable, emphasizing the Wagoneer’s commitment to comfort without compromising on performance.
#4 2024 Chevrolet Suburban: $61 195
The Chevrolet Suburban continues to set benchmarks for the full-size SUV segment with its expansive engine lineup, cutting-edge suspension technology, and robust towing capabilities. Whether you’re looking for power, off-road proficiency, or sophisticated styling, the Suburban offers configurations to meet various needs and preferences.
Engine Options and Performance
The 2024 Suburban features a diverse engine lineup to suit different driving demands. The base model is equipped with a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine, providing ample power for most drivers. For those seeking more vigor, the top-tier High Country model boasts a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, offering enhanced performance for more dynamic driving experiences.
Alternatively, the High Country trim can be outfitted with an optional diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. While this diesel variant delivers a lower horsepower of 277, it impresses with its 460 pound-feet of torque, matching that of the more powerful 6.2-liter V-8. This makes it an excellent option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and torque over peak horsepower.
Advanced Suspension and Trim Options
The Suburban doesn鈥檛 just excel in power but also in ride sophistication and adaptability. Available adaptive dampers and an adjustable air suspension enhance the driving experience by allowing the ride height to be automatically or manually adjusted. This feature not only improves passenger accessibility and aerodynamics but also increases ground clearance for off-road adventures.
For those drawn to aesthetic appeal and functionality, the RST model offers sporty styling with blacked-out exterior trim and 22-inch wheels. On the other hand, the Z71 trim is tailored for the more adventurous, featuring 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and a two-speed transfer case for traditional four-wheel drive capability.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Suburban is also a powerhouse when it comes to towing. Rear-wheel-drive models equipped with the 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 can tow up to 8,300 pounds when configured with the available Max Trailering package. This makes it an ideal choice for hauling large trailers or boats. The four-wheel-drive version with the diesel engine, while having a slightly lower towing capacity at 7,800 pounds, still provides substantial pulling power, suitable for various towing needs.
#5 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe: $58 195
The 2024 Tahoe comes standard with a 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8, while offering an optional 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 for those seeking more power. New to the mix is the 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder, the least powerful in terms of horsepower but equal in torque to the larger 6.2-liter V-8, delivering 460 pound-feet. This makes it an excellent option for towing and long-distance travel, thanks to its efficiency and robust pulling power.
Transmission and Drivetrain
All Tahoe models are equipped with a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission that enhances both performance and fuel economy. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations depending on their needs for off-road capability and traction.
Off-Road and Utility Features
We tested the Z71 model, tailored for off-road use with a two-speed transfer case for traditional four-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and underbody protection to withstand rough terrains. The Z71 also features air springs and adaptive dampers鈥攑reviously reserved for the high-end Premier and High Country trims鈥攅nhancing both ride quality and off-road performance.
Towing Capacity
The Tahoe shines in its towing capabilities. Equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8 and rear-wheel drive, it can tow up to 8,400 pounds鈥攏early matching some full-size pickup trucks. The 6.2-liter V-8 and the diesel versions have slightly lower but still impressive maximum trailer ratings of 8,300 pounds and 8,200 pounds, respectively. Opting for four-wheel drive reduces these capacities slightly by 200 pounds across all models.
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