The Best Used SUV For Towing
One of the best things about SUVs is that they can perform a wide variety of duties that range from running around doing errands to towing a trailer to a campground for a quick getaway.
There are two basic types of SUVs: body on frame and unibody. Basically, a body on frame SUV is a truck chassis with a passenger shell on top. Unibody designs have the chassis and the passenger shell integrated together much the same way a car does. So, why does this matter with regards to towing? Well, a body on frame vehicle will always be able to tow substantially more than any unibody design. However, they aren’t the best daily drivers.
The real question for most buyers is not what type of SUV has the most tow weight, but which SUV meets their real-life towing needs. This article will cover the best SUVs for all types of towing scenarios.
THE BEST SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
Best for light-duty towing: 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Towing Capacity: 4,500 Pounds (Incl. Trailer Tow Package)
Horsepower: 271
Class: Compact SUV
Seating Capacity: 5
Best for towing: Cars, small trailers
Among the smaller, compact SUVs there really is no better vehicle for towing than the Jeep Cherokee. It’s the perfect size for most people’s light-duty towing needs, like towing a small trailer or another car. We pick the 2018 model of Cherokee because of its excellent value for the dollar and its higher than average predicted reliability.
Although this SUV is diminutive in size, it has a mighty 271 horsepower V-6 that allows this mini-SUV to pull a burly 4500 pounds. On top of this, the Jeep Cherokee also has an incredibly capable chassis that can go toe to toe off-road with vehicles twice its price.
This is also the least expensive SUV on the list and can be had for less than $20k with ease. As long as you don’t need to tow more than 4,500 pounds (which should cover everything up to larger trailers), the 2018 Cherokee is our pick for the best SUV for towing.
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Best for medium-duty towing: 2017 Dodge Durango
Towing Capacity: 7,400 Pounds (5.7 HEMI V-8 Option)
Horsepower: 360
Class: Midsize SUV
Seating Capacity: 7
Best for towing: Boats, campers
What makes the Durango a stand out in the class is its burly, Hemi V-8 option that allows this family SUV to tow a staggering 7400 pounds. Even standard Durangos that utilize the 293 H.P. V-6 can tow up to 6000 pounds.
Simply put, there is no vehicle in the midsize segment that can tow as much as the mighty Durango. If the Cherokee doesn’t have enough towing capacity for you, the Durango is an excellent alternative.
The good stuff doesn’t stop there, as this SUV also shows a softer side with a controlled ride that verges on the sporty side and a cabin that’s well finished and downright luxurious in certain trims.
Seven passengers will find ample room in the cabin and a solid amount of cargo capacity as well. If you need to tow a lot of weight and have a family to haul, this one could be a great choice for you.
Best for heavy-duty towing: 2017 Nissan Armada
Towing Capacity: 8,500 Pounds
Horsepower: 390
Class: Full-size SUV
Seating Capacity: 8
Best for towing: Large trailers, heavier loads
For 2017, Nissan debuted an all-new (for the U.S.) Armada that’s based on the durable, go anywhere Patrol model that’s sold in other markets. Sporting a powerful, 390 horsepower V-8, this giant SUV has a composed chassis, serene ride and quiet interior.
Able to tow a whopping 8,500 lbs, the Armada will handle any light- to medium-duty task you can throw at it, easily handling most boats, RVs, and trailers.
The Nissan Armada has plenty of room inside for 7 or 8 passengers (depending on its equipment) and offers tons of luxury features for the money.
Additionally, the Armada is an absolute bargain in this class and comes in several thousands less than its closest competition. This is a bold looking, hard charging monster with a soft side that your passengers will always appreciate.
Overall best SUV for towing: 2019 Ford Expedition
Towing Capacity: 9,300 Pounds
Horsepower: 400
SUV Class: Full - Size
Seating Capacity: 9
Best for towing: Damn near anything
What would a good list be without crowning an absolute champion? Of all SUVs sold in recent years, the mighty Ford Expedition has yet to be beat.
This monster of an SUV can tow a maximum of 9,300 pounds that is due in no small part to the unbelievably powerful 400HP EcoBoost engine. If you’re not able to tow it with the Expedition, you’d probably be better off using a tractor.
Beyond the prodigious towing capacity, the Expedition has class leading interior room to boot. You can easily carry 9 adults in the Expedition and still have room for their stuff behind the seats. High levels of equipment are available and include such things as radar cruise control, rear seat entertainment systems and even a heads up display.
The only real downside of the Expedition is price, as it is easily the most expensive in the class and makes vehicles like the Armada seem downright cheap in comparison. But if you want to be able to carry the biggest groups or tow the heaviest loads, the Expedition is impossible to beat.
The easiest way to find tow-capable SUVs in your area
The CoPilot car shopping app is the best way to find used SUVs at a great price. Tell us exactly what you’re looking for in an SUV, like engine size and a tow hitch, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to create a personalized list of hidden gems and great buys.
