Hyundai
Most "SUVs" have a tow rating, but there are only a handful that provide capability and the recourses to make the chore of towing easier and safer.
A quick note on what “surprising” means here: I’m talking about SUVs you might not immediately think of as tow rigs, yet they deliver genuinely strong towing ratings, typically 5,000 to 8,500+ pounds - while still providing comfort, usability, and reasonable overall size. These aren’t dedicated tow trucks; they’re everyday SUVs that just happen to tow extremely well.
This means mostly midsize and full-size SUVs, with EVs omitted entirely. I’m also factoring in how many built-in towing tools and technologies they offer, not just raw pound-figures. You might be shocked how easy some of these vehicles make the chore of towing.
There’s no particular order here - just five capable machines, plus one very compelling honorable mention.
5. Ford Expedition
($62,400 base MSRP)
The updated 2026 Ford Expedition walks into this list with swagger - literally. Its recent styling refresh gives it a more muscular attitude, while the cabin and tech suite received serious upgrades.
Tow Rating
9,300–9,600 lbs, depending on configuration - nearly the highest in the full-size segment.
Why It’s Surprising
Full-size capability isn't surprising; the way the Expedition does it is. Many assume big SUVs equal rough-riding, truck-like compromises. Instead, the Expedition offers a genuinely comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and tons of space for people and gear while still pulling nearly 10,000 pounds.
Good For
Large boats, multi-axle trailers, car haulers, and long-distance towing with a full crew on board. And yes - the 440-hp 3.5L EcoBoost is still one of the strongest and most efficient engines in the class. Bonus: the new Tremor package adds legitimate off-road capability.
Stellantis
4. Dodge Durango
($38,995 base MSRP)
The Durango feels like one of the last old-school SUVs standing, and despite its age and unibody design, it remains an absolute towing weapon.
Tow Rating
Up to 8,700 lbs with the Tow-n-Go package, on V8s.
Why It’s Surprising
This is a midsize SUV with near-full-size towing capacity. Even the base V6 can pull 6,200 pounds. Step up to the Hellcat-equipped Jailbreak (yes, it still exists), and you get a 710-hp family missile rated to tow nearly nine grand.
Good For
Horse trailers, medium-size campers, boats; anything most families would realistically haul without upgrading to a truck. It’s a bit of a dinosaur, but in the best way possible.
Land Rover
3. Land Rover Defender 130
($73,130 base MSRP)
Yes, a Defender. It sounds odd until you remember that Land Rover builds its vehicles expecting them to tow across continents.
Tow Rating
8,200–8,201 lbs, when properly equipped.
Why It’s Surprising
The Defender name conjures images of off-road adventure, not towing. Yet the Defender 130 is one of the smoothest, most confidence-inspiring tow vehicles I’ve ever driven.
Much of that comes from:
- Advanced Tow Assist (handles steering inputs while reversing a trailer)
- 3D Surround Camera (excellent for hitching and maneuvering)
- Air Suspension (levels loads and smooths out bouncy trailers)
The P400 I6 mild-hybrid is buttery smooth, and the 8-speed auto is perfectly tuned.
Related: The Lotus Esprit Is Reborn as a $540,000 Carbon-Fiber Super Restomod
Good For
Campers, boats, heavy dual-axle trailers, especially if you need off-road capability at the destination.
Hyundai
2. 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT
($51,110 as tested)
One of the biggest surprises here — and the one most buyers would never expect — is the Palisade XRT. The all-new 2026 model now packs an impressive suite of towing-specific tools.
Tow Rating
Up to 5,000 lbs (with trailer brakes).
Why It’s Surprising
On paper, the rating is modest. But its towing interface, software, and driver aids make it shockingly competent for drivers who aren’t used to towing.
For 2026:
- The infotainment system now lets you input trailer size/weight (light/medium/heavy)
- Pre-wiring for brake controllers is built in
- A customizable towing screen lets drivers monitor critical information
- Trailer Sway Control and Tow Mode come standard
The V6 (either the 3.8L or new 3.5L XRT Pro) delivers solid torque and predictable behavior under load.
Related: Hear Me Out: The 2025 Rivian R1S Quad Motor, at $121k, is Fair
Good For
Small to medium campers, ATVs, UTVs, lightweight boats, and especially for newer towers who want clear digital guidance.
2
1. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
($84,945 base MSRP)
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a luxury barge with the heart of a workhorse — and one of the most capable full-size SUVs ever built for towing.
Tow Rating
Up to 10,000 lbs, properly equipped.
Why It’s Surprising
It delivers best-in-class towing while simultaneously offering one of the nicest interiors money can buy. Only the Escalade matches it for cabin luxury.
Under the hood:
- 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 (420 hp / 468 lb-ft)
- Standard 4x4 capability
- Quadra-Lift Air Suspension for load leveling
- Heavy-duty cooling & drivetrain systems engineered specifically for sustained towing
Good For
Full-size RVs, car haulers, large boats, horse trailers — serious towing where stability and comfort matter. This is the SUV for those who tow a lot, tow heavy, and tow far.
Mercedes-Benz
Honorable Mention: Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Wagon
Not an SUV, but it's worth noting. With a 4,629-lb tow rating, plush interior, and athletic road manners, the E450 All-Terrain shows what a luxury wagon can still do. It’s also one of the most enjoyable long-distance tow vehicles on the road… assuming your trailer is sized appropriately.
Stellantis
Stellantis
Final Thoughts
None of these vehicles screams “tow rig” at first glance, yet each one delivers real capability backed by thoughtful towing tools, from advanced software to air suspension to built-in trailer stability systems. Just make sure you install a proper trailer brake controller (dealer or factory, when available). Every vehicle on this list is prepped for one - and towing at the upper limits without it is unsafe and, in many states, illegal.
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