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Hybrid SUV towing capacity chart (2026): HEV & PHEV ranked + gas vs hybrid compared

↻ Updated May 2026 35+ models · HEV & PHEV · Gas vs hybrid side-by-side Hybrid & PHEV only

How we built this: All towing figures are maximum ratings from manufacturer configurators and owner manuals, verified against SAE J2807 data. The gas vs hybrid comparison table is the unique section of this page — it shows the real-world capacity delta between gas and hybrid trims of the same model, which no manufacturer makes easy to find. PHEV figures assume a charged battery unless noted. Always verify on your door jamb sticker before towing.

9,520
Highest hybrid SUV tow rating (Sequoia)
35+
Hybrid models covered
6
Models where hybrid matches gas
−1,846
Biggest hybrid capacity drop (Sorento HEV)

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All hybrid SUVs

All hybrid & PHEV SUVs ranked by towing capacity (2025–2026)

Purple bars show capacity relative to the segment maximum of 9,520 lbs (Toyota Sequoia Hybrid). Sorted highest to lowest.

#Make & modelYearMax towingCapacityTypeEV rangeReq. for max
Full-size hybrid SUVs
1Toyota Sequoia i-FORCE MAX20259,520 lbsHEV~0 mi EVRWD SR5; standard
2Toyota Land Cruiser HEV20256,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard (HEV only model)
Midsize hybrid SUVs
3Toyota 4Runner i-FORCE MAX20255,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVLimited/Trailhunter trims
4Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe20266,000 lbsPHEV26 mi EVBattery charged; Tow Prep std
5Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring20256,000 lbsPHEV21 mi EVStandard
6Ford Explorer Hybrid20265,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVTow Package + RWD
7BMW X5 xDrive50e20255,952 lbsPHEV40 mi EVFactory hitch $650
8Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX20265,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard (all trims)
9Kia Telluride Hybrid (2027)20274,500 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard (new for 2027)
10Hyundai Palisade Hybrid20264,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard
11Volvo XC90 PHEV (T8)20255,000 lbsPHEV35 mi EVTow hitch option
12Mazda CX-90 PHEV20263,500 lbsPHEV27 mi EVStandard AWD
13Toyota Highlander Hybrid20263,500 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard (HEV-only for 2026)
14Lexus RX 350h / 500h20253,500 lbsHEV~0 mi EVAWD standard; factory hitch
15Subaru Forester Hybrid20263,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard AWD
Compact hybrid SUVs
16Toyota RAV4 PHEV (Woodland/SE/XSE)20263,500 lbsPHEV52 mi EVStandard AWD (all PHEV trims)
17Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (select trims)20263,500 lbsHEV~0 mi EVXSE, Woodland, TRD trims
18Mazda CX-50 Hybrid20262,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard AWD
19Hyundai Tucson Hybrid20262,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard AWD
19Hyundai Tucson PHEV20262,000 lbsPHEV32 mi EVStandard AWD
21Kia Sportage Hybrid20262,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard
22Kia Sorento PHEV20262,000 lbsPHEV31 mi EVStandard
23Ford Escape PHEV20261,500 lbsPHEV37 mi EVStandard (final year 2026)
24Kia Sorento Hybrid (HEV)20261,654 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard
25Honda CR-V Hybrid20261,500 lbsHEV~0 mi EVFactory hitch required
26Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV20261,500 lbsPHEV45 mi EVStandard AWD
27Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (base trims)20261,750 lbsHEV~0 mi EVLE/XLE/XLE Prem. trims
28Lexus NX 350h20252,000 lbsHEV~0 mi EVFactory hitch option
29Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid20251,500 lbsHEV~0 mi EVStandard

⚠ The Jeep Wrangler 4xe (PHEV) is rated at 3,500 lbs and the Wrangler 4xe Unlimited at 3,500 lbs but are off-road vehicles not typically classified as SUVs in this comparison.

🧮 Found your model? Get the exact towing capacity for your specific hybrid trim and drivetrain using our free vehicle towing calculator — select year, make, model, and powertrain for a precise figure.

⭐ Unique comparison

Gas vs hybrid towing capacity: side-by-side for every model

This is the table no manufacturer publishes clearly. The capacity difference between gas and hybrid trims of the same model can be as large as 3,500 lbs — or zero. Know before you buy.

No loss / gain Moderate drop (under 1,000 lbs) Major drop (1,000+ lbs) Hybrid only (no gas version)
ModelGas max towingHybrid / PHEV max towingDifferenceVerdictType
Toyota SequoiaN/A (HEV only)9,520 lbsHybrid only modelHEV exclusiveHEV
Toyota Land CruiserN/A (HEV only)6,000 lbsHybrid only modelHEV exclusiveHEV
Toyota Grand Highlander5,000 lbs (gas)5,000 lbs (HEV MAX)No change✓ Safe to choose hybridHEV
Hyundai Palisade5,000 lbs4,000 lbs (HEV)−1,000 lbsModerate dropHEV
Toyota 4Runner6,000 lbs5,000 lbs (i-FORCE MAX)−1,000 lbsModerate dropHEV
Jeep Grand Cherokee6,200 lbs (V6)6,000 lbs (4xe PHEV)−200 lbs✓ Negligible lossPHEV
Ford Explorer5,600 lbs (3.0L V6)5,000 lbs (HEV)−600 lbsMinor dropHEV
BMW X5 (gas vs PHEV)7,200 lbs (gas)5,952 lbs (xDrive50e)−1,248 lbsNotable dropPHEV
Lincoln Aviator6,700 lbs (gas)6,000 lbs (PHEV)−700 lbsMinor dropPHEV
Toyota Highlander5,000 lbs (2025 gas)3,500 lbs (HEV)−1,500 lbsMajor dropHEV
Lexus RX3,500 lbs3,500 lbs (350h)No change✓ Safe to choose hybridHEV
Hyundai Tucson2,000 lbs2,000 lbs (HEV & PHEV)No change✓ Safe to choose hybridHEV
Kia Sportage2,500 lbs2,000 lbs (HEV)−500 lbsMinor dropHEV
Kia Sorento3,500 lbs (gas)1,654 lbs (HEV)−1,846 lbs⚠ Largest drop in segmentHEV
Kia Sorento PHEV3,500 lbs (gas)2,000 lbs (PHEV)−1,500 lbsMajor dropPHEV
Toyota RAV4 (PHEV)1,500 lbs (2026 HEV base)3,500 lbs (PHEV)+2,000 lbs✓ PHEV tows MOREPHEV
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (XSE/TRD)1,500 lbs (base HEV)3,500 lbs (select trims)+2,000 lbs✓ Higher trim tows moreHEV
Honda CR-V1,500 lbs1,500 lbs (HEV)No change✓ Safe to choose hybridHEV
Mazda CX-503,000 lbs2,000 lbs (HEV)−1,000 lbsNotable dropHEV
Subaru Forester3,000 lbs3,000 lbs (HEV 2026)No change✓ Safe to choose hybridHEV
Ford Escape3,500 lbs1,500 lbs (PHEV)−2,000 lbsMajor drop (go gas)PHEV
Mitsubishi Outlander2,000 lbs1,500 lbs (PHEV)−500 lbsMinor dropPHEV
PHEV deep dive

PHEV towing: what changes when the battery runs out

⚠ Critical PHEV towing warning: Most PHEV SUVs have a lower towing capacity when the battery is depleted and the vehicle runs in gas-only mode. The published maximum rating almost always assumes a charged battery. Sustained towing at highway speeds will drain the battery faster than charging regenerates it — meaning your effective limit can drop mid-trip without warning. Always check your owner's manual for both the charged and depleted towing ratings before a long haul.
PHEV modelEV rangeTowing (battery charged)Towing (battery depleted)Drop
Toyota RAV4 PHEV52 mi3,500 lbs~1,750 lbs−1,750 lbs
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe26 mi6,000 lbs~5,000 lbs (est.)~−1,000 lbs
BMW X5 xDrive50e40 mi5,952 lbsVerify in owner's manualCheck manual
Lincoln Aviator PHEV21 mi6,000 lbsVerify in owner's manualCheck manual
Kia Sorento PHEV31 mi2,000 lbs~1,650 lbs (est.)Minor drop
Hyundai Tucson PHEV32 mi2,000 lbs~2,000 lbsMinimal change
Ford Escape PHEV37 mi1,500 lbs~1,500 lbsMinimal change
Mazda CX-90 PHEV27 mi3,500 lbsVerify in owner's manualCheck manual

Depleted-battery figures are either published or estimated based on manufacturer guidance. Always verify in your specific vehicle's owner's manual before a long towing trip.

Best hybrid SUV for towing: by category

Best overall
Toyota Sequoia HEV — 9,520 lbs. Nothing else comes close in the hybrid segment.
Best midsize HEV
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe — 6,000 lbs PHEV with only 200 lb penalty vs gas V6.
Best compact PHEV
Toyota RAV4 PHEV — 3,500 lbs, 52 mi EV range. Beats the gas base RAV4 by 2,000 lbs.
Best value HEV
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (XSE/TRD trims) — 3,500 lbs with no PHEV premium.
Best luxury PHEV
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring — 6,000 lbs PHEV with premium cabin from ~$70k.
Most surprising drop
Kia Sorento HEV — drops 1,846 lbs vs gas. Buy the PHEV or gas if towing matters.
Pro tips

Hybrid-specific towing tips buyers miss

Not all hybrids lose towing capacity — but most compact HEVs do

Full-size HEVs like the Sequoia and Land Cruiser are hybrid-only models designed from scratch around their powertrains. They lose nothing. Compact HEVs like the Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are gas platforms adapted for hybrid use, and their towing ratings suffer. Understanding which category your vehicle falls into is the key decision.

PHEVs can be the best of both worlds — if you buy the right one

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV tows 3,500 lbs — 2,000 lbs more than the base RAV4 Hybrid — while also delivering 52 miles of EV range. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe tows 6,000 lbs with only a 200 lb penalty vs the gas V6. These PHEVs are the sweet spot: serious towing capability plus electric efficiency for daily driving.

Heat management is the hidden hybrid towing constraint

Hybrid and PHEV batteries are sensitive to heat. Sustained towing on a hot day, especially uphill, forces the battery to work harder and can trigger thermal limits that temporarily reduce power output. If you regularly tow in hot climates or mountainous terrain, verify that your chosen hybrid has active liquid cooling for the battery — not just passive cooling. Toyota's i-FORCE MAX and BMW's X5 PHEV both use active cooling.

Check regenerative braking behavior when towing downhill

Hybrids can use regenerative braking to recharge the battery on descents — which is advantageous when towing a heavy trailer. However, too aggressive regen braking with a trailer can cause sway. Most modern hybrid SUVs detect trailer presence and adjust, but verify your specific model has Trailer Sway Control active in hybrid mode.

TC
TowingCalculator editorial team
Verified against manufacturer towing guides, Toyota.com PHEV specs · Last reviewed May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Which hybrid SUV has the highest towing capacity?
The Toyota Sequoia i-FORCE MAX leads all hybrid SUVs at 9,520 lbs — more than some full-size gas trucks. It's a full-size HEV-only model with no gas equivalent. Among midsize models, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV reaches 6,000 lbs, and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring PHEV matches it at 6,000 lbs. You can compare these models in our SUVs towing chart to see how different hybrid and gas SUVs perform across multiple towing categories.
Do hybrid SUVs always tow less than gas versions?
No — it depends on the model. The Toyota RAV4 PHEV actually tows 2,000 lbs more than the base RAV4 HEV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe loses only 200 lbs vs the gas V6. The Lexus RX Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Subaru Forester Hybrid all match their gas equivalents exactly. The biggest losers are the Kia Sorento HEV (−1,846 lbs), Toyota Highlander HEV (−1,500 lbs), and Ford Escape PHEV (−2,000 lbs).
Can a PHEV tow the same as its gas rating when the battery is flat?
Usually no — and this is the most misunderstood aspect of PHEV towing. Most PHEVs publish their maximum towing figure for a fully charged battery. When the battery depletes, the electric motor contributes less torque and the towing limit drops. The RAV4 PHEV drops from 3,500 to approximately 1,750 lbs with a depleted battery. Always check your owner's manual for the depleted-battery towing limit before a long trip.
Is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or PHEV better for towing?
The RAV4 PHEV is significantly better. The base RAV4 Hybrid (LE/XLE trims) is rated at 1,750 lbs. The RAV4 PHEV is rated at 3,500 lbs across all trims — and select RAV4 Hybrid trims (XSE, Woodland, TRD) also reach 3,500 lbs. If towing is a priority, skip the base HEV trims entirely and go for the PHEV or a higher HEV trim.
Why does the Kia Sorento Hybrid tow so much less than the gas version?
The Kia Sorento Hybrid's electric motor and battery pack add significant weight and occupy space that limits the vehicle's structural towing capacity. The hybrid system prioritises fuel economy and packaging over towing performance, resulting in a 1,846 lb reduction vs the gas model. The Sorento PHEV recovers some of this ground at 2,000 lbs — still 1,500 lbs less than gas. If towing 3,500 lbs is important to you, buy the gas Sorento.
Data disclaimer: All figures are maximum published tow ratings when properly equipped and, where applicable, with battery charged. PHEV towing capacity with a depleted battery varies by model — always verify in your owner's manual. Actual capacity varies by trim, drivetrain, load, altitude, and temperature. TowingCalculator is not liable for towing decisions based on this data.

Sources: Toyota, Manufacturer towing guides (Toyota, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Mazda, BMW, Jeep, Lincoln, Subaru, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Lexus).
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