When it comes to heavy-duty tasks, full-size SUVs are king. While they’re still not able to outdo some of the most capable pickups, they’ve become extremely powerful in recent times, to a point where they more than satisfy the needs of most people. Whether you’re looking to tow trailers or transport hefty loads, they have the chops to get the job done.
Where pickups are more utilitarian, SUVs are much more versatile. They can blend in just as easily on urban streets as well as be at home with massive loads attached to their hitches. The current full-size SUV market offers plenty of impressive options to choose from, with varying degrees of luxury and reliability.
We take a look at some of the largest, most capable SUVs that automakers have to offer, ranking them based on just how much they can potentially tow. We outline the specs of each SUV and how you need to configure them to reach that magical maximum capacity.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources. Models are ranked from the lowest towing capacity to the highest.
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10 2024 Chevrolet Suburban
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,300 LBS
The Suburban is the ultimate answer for those looking for a large family-oriented SUV. Chevrolet has positioned the Suburban to cater to families who require tons of space and tons of power. The Suburban looks similar to the Tahoe on paper because it is essentially an extended wheelbase version of the smaller SUV.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.3-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 355 |
Torque | 383 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,300 LBS |
To reach the maximum towing capacity with the Suburban, you're going to want to go with the rear-wheel drive models. You'll also want to go with the 355 horsepower V-8 and the Max Trailering Package. Your other option is the Duramax 3.0-liter diesel inline-six, which still manages to tow plenty, or a 6.2-liter V-8 on the top trim High Country.
9 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,400 LBS
There are tons about the Tahoe that make it an attractive option. It seats up to eight, with the third row of seating actually being of a realistic size for adults. You can spec your Tahoe from the humble, yet well-equipped base LS model, to the meaty and capable Z71 off-road machine. As well as this, the Tahoe is exceptionally safe for a vehicle of its size.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.3-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 355 HP |
Torque | 383 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,400 LBS |
The Tahoe can be had with the same powertrain offerings as its longer sibling, the Suburban. Once again, you'll want to equip it with rear-wheel drive and the Max Trailering Package as well as the 5.2-liter V-8. Due to its slightly smaller size, the Tahoe can tow a little bit more.
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8 2024 GMC Yukon
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,400 LBS
If you're looking for everything that the Tahoe has to offer, but wrapped up in a slightly different package, GMC offers a mechanically identical SUV, the Yukon. The Yukon starts a little more expensive than the Tahoe does, but anything the Tahoe can do the Yukon can too. Some may argue that it's a little more stylish too. The Denali trim is also a competitive luxury SUV.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.3-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 355 HP |
Torque | 383 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,400 LBS |
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The Yukon can be had with the same duo of V-8s as well as the diesel inline-six offered on the Tahoe and the Suburban. The smaller V-8 paired with rear-wheel drive and the trailering package will bring you to your maximum capacity of 8,300 pounds.
7 2024 Infiniti QX80
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,500 LBS
The QX80 has been the talk of the town for a while now due to its upcoming refresh for the 2025 model year. The 2024 model still manages to get by, despite its aging tech, and is more than capable when it comes to towing. It is beginning to show its age, though, and its update couldn't come a day sooner.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 400 HP |
Torque | 413 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,500 LBS |
The Infiniti QX80 features a thirsty but powerful V-8 engine that is paired with a slightly outdated transmission. Whether you go with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, this massive luxury car is capable of pulling 8,500 pounds. This is a good few pounds more than most of its mainstream competitors. The upcoming 2025 model is also rated for the same towing capacity.
6 2024 Nissan Armada
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,500 LBS
The Armada is, essentially, the mainstream version of the Infiniti QX80. While it is plenty capable and is value-packed with features, it can't help but show its age. Despite this, it still has one of the most powerful base powertrains in the segment and comes with a ton of safety tech as standard.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8 |
Transmission | Seven-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 400 HP |
Torque | 413 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,500 LBS |
Just like its luxury counterpart, the QX80, the Nissan Armada can comfortably tow 8,500 pounds whether you go with rear- or all-wheel drive. This is a decent amount more than its competitors from Chevrolet and GMC. However, there are still some mainstream full-size SUVs that are more modern, can tow more, and cost around the same amount.
5 2024 Lincoln Navigator
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,700 lbs
The current iteration of the Navigator embodies everything that the nameplate has stood for throughout its history. It's large and it's luxurious. While European luxury SUVs often steal the limelight, the Navigator proves that local offerings are just as impressive. On top of this, its towing capacity towers over some of its competitors. The Navigator is also slated to receive a massive update for the 2025 model year, so keep your eyes open for that.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.5-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6 |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 440 HP |
Torque | 510 |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 8,700 LBS |
The Navigator comes with a single engine and transmission setup, pumping out a total of 440 horsepower. There is also an extended wheelbase offering, the Navigator L, but the standard wheelbase can tow more. If you want to reach the maximum towing number, you'll have to opt for the rear-wheel drive model.
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4 2024 Ford Expedition
Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,300 LBS
Ford's full-size offering comes in the form of the Expedition. It may not be as graceful to get in and out of as some of its competitors, thanks to its high ride height, but it has a cavernous interior, with tons of space for up to eight passengers. It may not come with a V-8, but its V-6 proves that displacement and extra cylinders aren't everything.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.5-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6 |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 440 Horsepower |
Torque | 510 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 9,300 LBS |
The Expedition comes with a twin-turbocharged V-6 with three different outputs. The base version puts out an impressive 380 horses. The Limited trim gets a higher output, 400 horsepower version. The Limited and Timberline trims also have access to the most powerful iteration, which makes 440 horsepower and a whopping 510 pound-feet of torque. Max towing is achieved with the rear-wheel drive models.
3 2024 Toyota Sequoia
Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,520 LBS
Toyota has been absolutely killing it lately with the performance of their rough-and-tumble vehicles. The Sequoia is a great example of this, managing an impressive 9,520 pounds of maximum towing. The Sequoia comes with a brilliant suite of standard equipment and a high ceiling for comfort and luxury when equipped properly. Its biggest downfall is its third row, which is simply too small.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.4-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Hybrid V-6 |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 437 HP |
Torque | 583 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 9,520 LBS |
In a segment filled with gas-guzzling monsters with V-8 powertrains, Toyota breaks the mold with a hybrid V-6. This is the same powertrain found in the Tundra, the iForce MAX. The biggest benefit to this, of course, is the insane 583 pound-feet of torque. The max towing capacity is achieved by SR5s with rear-wheel drive. However, almost every Sequoia can pull over 9,000 pounds.
2 2024 Grand Jeep Wagoneer
Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,860 LBS
The Grand Wagoneer, as we know it today, hit the market in 2022. It was a welcome revival of a nameplate that is iconic for the brand, with the only Jeep that is more recognizable being the Wrangler. It is a completely different beast today compared to its roots, though, and is much bigger than it used to be.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo Inline-Six |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 510 HP |
Torque | 500 LB-FT |
Driveline | 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 9,860 LBS |
Gone are the days when Wagoneers were powered by V-8s. The new heart beating in the chest of this monster is a 510 horsepower inline-six dubbed the Hurricane. It's more powerful than outgoing powertrains and is also slightly more efficient. It also produces enough torque to help the Grand Wagoneer tow massive payloads.
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1 2024 Jeep Wagoneer
Maximum Towing Capacity: 10,000 LBS
Sitting at the top of our list is the Jeep Wagoneer, which manages to tow an astounding 10,000 pounds. Jeep considers both the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer as luxury spin-offs from their brand, with them feeling leaps and bounds above more mainstream models from the Jeep. The Wagoneer also managed to secure TopSpeed's full-size SUV of the year award for 2024.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Inline-Six |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 420 HP |
Torque | 468 LB-FT |
Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
Towing Capacity | 10,000 LBS |
The Wagoneer also comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six, just like its Grand Cherokee sibling. However, it produces fewer horses. Despite this, the Wagoneer is capable of towing more thanks to its impressive torque and overall lower weight. Both the rear-wheel drive and the four-wheel drive models are capable of towing a maximum of 10,000 pounds when equipped properly.
