The Best Gas SUV for Towing for Most Drivers
The best gas SUVs for towing balance high tow ratings, stable handling, strong braking, and everyday comfort, making them suitable for hauling trailers, boats, or campers without feeling compromised in daily driving. For most people who want serious capability without stepping into heavy-duty territory, the Lincoln Navigator with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package is the best gas SUV for towing. Properly equipped four-wheel-drive Navigators can tow up to 8,700 pounds, enough for larger travel trailers or enclosed car and horse trailers while keeping a plush interior and advanced infotainment. According to Edmunds, “the best towing SUVs don’t force you to choose between capability and comfort,” and the Navigator hits that balance better than anything else here for mixed towing and family use.
Midsize Gas SUVs: Practical Towing with Three Rows
If you need three rows, decent gas SUV towing capacity, and family space, midsize three-row models are the sweet spot. The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the largest and roomiest midsize SUVs available, with a long wheelbase and generous second- and third-row legroom that lets six adults ride comfortably. It also has one of the most seamless infotainment systems, pairing a 17.7‑inch touchscreen with an 11‑inch digital cluster, plus physical climate buttons for easy use while towing. The Ford Explorer is another key player in this class: it remains a popular three-row midsize SUV and offers a wide range of trims, from value-focused to off-road oriented. Both the Traverse and Explorer combine the space families want with configurations that can be part of the best SUVs towing for boats, small campers, or utility trailers.
From Compact to Full-Size: How Towing Roles Differ
Not every buyer needs maximum pull. A compact option like the Toyota RAV4 shows how far smaller SUVs have come among the best SUVs towing: SE and higher trims with all-wheel drive can tow up to 3,500 pounds, enough for a small boat, travel trailer, or motorcycle trailer. Stepping up, the Nissan Pathfinder occupies the midsize three-row space and, when properly equipped, boasts a class‑leading tow rating of 6,000 pounds, suitable for a midsize travel trailer, midsize boat, or lightweight car hauler. At the top, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size SUV with a turbocharged six-cylinder and a class‑leading tow rating of up to 10,000 pounds when ordered with four‑wheel drive and the Heavy‑Duty Trailer‑Tow package. That spread shows how gas SUV towing capacity scales with size and intent.
Comparing Key Gas SUV Towing Ratings
When you compare the best SUVs towing trailers or boats, looking at maximum tow ratings across classes gives you a clear sense of what each can handle in real use. All figures below assume the least expensive configuration that qualifies for maximum towing, properly equipped where required. While compact models like the RAV4 serve lighter duty, the Pathfinder covers many family camping needs, and the Grand Wagoneer and Navigator move firmly into heavy-haul territory with impressive headroom.
| SUV | Class / Row Layout | Max Tow Rating (properly equipped) | Notable Tow Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 SE+ | Compact SUV | Up to 3,500 lb with AWD | Available AWD for better traction when towing |
| Nissan Pathfinder | Midsize 3-row SUV | 6,000 lb class-leading rating | Requires Premium package and AWD on some trims |
| Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Full-size SUV | Up to 10,000 lb class-leading rating | Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow package; integrated trailer brake controller |
| Lincoln Navigator | Luxury full-size SUV | Up to 8,700 lb with HD Trailer Tow | Powerful turbo V6, next-generation infotainment and comfort features |
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Lincoln Navigator if you want the best blend of strong gas SUV towing capacity and luxury comfort for family trips.
- Skip the Lincoln Navigator if you rarely tow and would underuse its 8,700‑pound capability and premium positioning.
- Buy the Jeep Grand Wagoneer if you need one of the best SUVs towing up to 10,000 pounds for large travel trailers, big boats, or enclosed haulers.
- Skip the Jeep Grand Wagoneer if you tow only lightweight loads that a midsize SUV could manage more efficiently.
- Buy the Nissan Pathfinder if you want a midsize three-row SUV with a class‑leading 6,000‑pound tow rating for campers or midsize boats.
- Skip the Nissan Pathfinder if you never plan to add the equipment needed to reach its maximum gas SUV towing capacity.
- Buy the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize a roomy three-row cabin and intuitive tech while still wanting practical towing for family gear.
- Skip the Chevrolet Traverse if you prefer a boxier styling theme or push‑button second‑row seat mechanisms over its latch system.
- Buy the Ford Explorer if you want a popular three-row midsize SUV with a wide range of trims and engaging rear‑wheel‑drive dynamics.
- Skip the Ford Explorer if you do not need three rows and would be better served by a smaller SUV with lower running costs.
- Buy the Toyota RAV4 SE or above if you tow a small boat or trailer and value a compact SUV footprint with up to 3,500‑pound capability.
- Skip the Toyota RAV4 if you plan to tow heavier dual‑axle travel trailers that demand the strength of a midsize or full-size SUV.
