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2025 Subaru Impreza ReviewBest Midsized SUVs for Towing
We break down the top ten best-midsized SUVs for towing that allow passengers to enjoy the cabin while toys are towed behind.
The Freedom To Pull a Trailer
Midsized SUVs strike a nice balance between being too big to drive easily and too small to carry people in comfort. What isn’t always so certain is whether or not they can tow a load without strain or danger.
While many SUVs look like rugged and tough vehicles that can handle anything, only a few are truly capable of towing safely. To that end, we’ve put together this list of the top ten midsized SUVs for towing. Details matter when it comes to towing though so keep in mind where we mention specific trims or towing packages.
Genesis GV80 – 6,000 lbs
The GV80 is an SUV that scares the establishment. It’s incredibly luxurious, is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner, comes with a 10-year warranty, and just happens to also be capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds.
That’s true of all trim levels so long as the GV80 in question has the towing package. That’s more than enough to tow a small travel trailer, some snowmobiles, or something else. Keep that in mind as every other vehicle here can tow even more.
Lincoln Aviator – 6,700 lbs
The Lincoln Aviator is sort of a dark horse in the midsized SUV market. It’s often overlooked for more famous nameplates but we’re here to tell you that it’s worth a second look. For instance, it’s available with a true air-ride suspension with adaptive dampers. That is sure to make towing up to 6,700 lbs more comfortable.
While that figure falls behind the rest of our list, it’s far above the average in this segment. It’s one reason that the Aviator had no problem beating both the Acura MDX and the Cadillac XT5 in direct comparisons.
BMW X6 – 7,200 lbs
To look at the BMW X6 most people likely wouldn’t assume that it’s as capable in the towing department as it is. That’s because it’s a very sporty-looking SUV with the performance chops to back that styling up.
The X6’s base engine is a 375 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six but above that is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp. Both are capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds when equipped with BMW’s towing package. Both also benefit from a smooth eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Jeep Grand Cherokee – 7,200 lbs
The latest generation of the Grand Cherokee has high hopes and a lot of excellent features to go with them. The interior is full of luxury items like diamond-patterned stitching and real wood trim. The infotainment system is one of the best in the business. Top trims are available with massaging front seats. Buyers who select the V6 can tow up to 6,000 pounds but drop the V8 under the hood and that figure grows to 7,200 pounds.
Audi Q7/Q8 – 7,700 lbs
Audi’s Q7 and Q8 SUVs are snazzy people movers with above-average ergonomics, excellent safety features, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Audi’s famous Quattro AWD system is one of the best out there and will no doubt aid in the quest to tow a trailer safely.
Buyers should specifically look to add the towing package to either the inline-six 55 TFSI models or to the S or RS versions of the Q7 and Q8 to get that top-spec towing capacity. Notably, the Q7 is available with all-wheel steering which can make backing in a trailer all the easier.
Mercedes-Benz GLE – 7,700 lbs
Luxury is the name of the game in the GLE. Unlike some of the entries here, this SUV is strictly a five-seater but that works great for those five people. That additional space makes the cabin even more inviting and owners can still bring their stuff thanks to a 7,700-lb towing capacity.
Unlocking that capacity is pretty easy too. Buyers either need to select the GLE 350 4Matic or the GLE 450. Then, add the trailer hitch ($575) which comes with a Class III hitch and the associated wiring harness.
Porsche Cayenne – 7,700 lbs
If there’s one vehicle here that can seemingly do it all, it might be the Cayenne. This sleek SUV is an all-around hit. It’s full of luxury technology and comfort features, it’s sincerely fantastic to drive, and it’s also capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds. Notably, there are a few trim levels like the Cayenne Coupe S E-Hybrid and the Turbo GT that fall a bit short of that 7,700-lb figure.
For the most part, though, the rest of the Cayenne lineup can tow 7,700 lbs regardless of trim level or engine choice. The Cayenne also comes with Porsche Traction management which helps to keep the vehicle in its lane even when conditions on the road are sub-optimal.
Land Rover Discovery – 8,200 lbs
If there’s one SUV on this list that doesn’t necessarily look as tough as it is under the skin it might be the Discovery. This svelte seven-seater has a long history of rough and tumble experience though and it shows. Every Discovery comes with 4WD along with a minimum towing capacity of 5,952 pounds. Buyers who select the 355 hp inline-six engine get that figure bumped up to 8,200 pounds. The Discovery also comes with All Terrain Progress Control which helps the driver maintain a low consistent speed on rough terrain.
Land Rover Defender – 8,201 lbs
The Land Rover Defender is perhaps the coolest SUV here. It’s chocked full of advanced technology, is sincerely capable off-road, looks fantastic, and can tow enough to haul an adult male hippopotamus (8,000 lbs) with a little left to spare.
Almost all trim levels of the Defender have a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds but selecting the mild-hybrid inline-six engine with 395 hp bumps that to 8,201. Like the Discovery, the Defender gets technology to help it tow like a 3D surround-view camera system and trailer stability assist.
Dodge Durango – 8,700 lbs
While we might have placed the Durango last on our list that’s not because it’s not special. This burly old-school SUV features a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds which is clearly the most here. It won’t come with all sorts of futuristic tech but it’s great to drive and seriously capable.
Regardless of trim level, the Durango will tow up to 6,200 pounds as well. Those who need every bit of that additional capacity should select one of three specific models. First is the Durango R/T with AWD and the Tow N’ Go package ($5,990). The sporty Durango SRT 392 is also capable of towing 8,700 pounds and finally, the absolutely wild Durango SRT Hellcat is too. We recommend that last one.
