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Midsize SUV towing capacity chart (2026): all 30+ models ranked

↻ Updated May 2026 30+ models · Manufacturer-sourced specs · SAE J2807 Midsize SUVs only

How we built this: All figures are maximum published tow ratings sourced directly from manufacturer configurators, owner manuals, and press guides, cross-referenced with SAE J2807 test data. Max ratings require proper equipment (tow package, correct drivetrain). Your specific trim may rate lower — always verify on your door jamb sticker before towing.

8,700
Highest mainstream midsize (Durango V8)
3,500
Lowest typical midsize lbs
30+
Models covered
5,000
Most common 3-row rating

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Full SUVs Tow chart

All midsize SUVs ranked by towing capacity (2025–2026)

Sorted highest to lowest. Green rows = top performers at their tier. Max figures assume proper equipment is fitted.

#Make & modelYearMax towingCapacityRequired for maxBodyType
High-capacity midsize (7,000 lbs+)
1Dodge Durango (V8)20258,700 lbs5.7L or 6.2L V8 + Tow 'n Go pkgUnibodyGas
2Land Rover Defender 110 (V8)20268,200 lbsP530/P615 V8 twin-turboUnibodyGas
2Land Rover Discovery (V8)20268,200 lbsP530 V8 + Tow PackageUnibodyGas
4Audi Q7 (inline-6)20257,700 lbs3.0L inline-6 + tow packageUnibodyGas
5BMW X5 (gas)20257,200 lbsFactory tow hitchUnibodyGas
5Mercedes-Benz GLE (inline-6)20257,700 lbsAMG Line + tow packageUnibodyGas
7Jeep Grand Cherokee (V6)20266,200 lbs3.6L V6 + Tow Prep GroupUnibodyGas
7Lexus GX 550 (Overtrail)20259,096 lbsOvertrail trim + standardBody-on-frameGas
Mid-tier (5,000 – 7,000 lbs)
9Kia Telluride (X-Pro)20255,500 lbsX-Pro trim / standard V6UnibodyGas
10Ford Explorer (3.0L V6)20265,600 lbs3.0L EcoBoost + Tow PackageUnibodyGas
11Toyota 4Runner (gas)20256,000 lbsStandard (new 2.4L turbo base)Body-on-frameGas
12Honda Pilot (AWD)20265,000 lbsAWD required (FWD = 3,500 lbs)UnibodyGas
12Toyota Highlander (gas)20255,000 lbsStandard (V6 discontinued for 2026)UnibodyGas
12Toyota Grand Highlander20265,000 lbsStandard (all powertrains)UnibodyGas/HEV
12Chevrolet Traverse20265,000 lbsTrailering PackageUnibodyGas
12GMC Acadia20265,000 lbsTrailering PackageUnibodyGas
12Hyundai Palisade20265,000 lbsStandardUnibodyGas
12Buick Enclave20265,000 lbsTrailering PackageUnibodyGas
12Honda Passport (2026)20265,000 lbsStandard 3.5L V6UnibodyGas
12Mazda CX-9020265,000 lbsStandard AWDUnibodyGas/HEV
12Dodge Durango (V6)20256,200 lbs3.6L V6 standardUnibodyGas
Light to moderate (3,500 – 5,000 lbs)
25Kia Telluride (standard trims)20255,000 lbsStandard (EX, SX, SX Prestige)UnibodyGas
26Volkswagen Atlas (AWD)20265,000 lbsAWD + 2.0T or V6UnibodyGas
27Subaru Ascent20265,000 lbsStandard AWDUnibodyGas
28Nissan Pathfinder20266,000 lbsAWD + Tow PackageUnibodyGas
29Chevrolet Blazer (V6)20264,500 lbsV6 + Trailering Equipment PkgUnibodyGas
30Kia Sorento (gas)20263,500 lbsStandardUnibodyGas
31Hyundai Santa Fe (gas)20263,500 lbsStandardUnibodyGas
32Toyota Highlander Hybrid20263,500 lbsStandard HEVUnibodyHybrid
33Nissan Murano20251,500 lbsStandard (very limited)UnibodyLow
34Ford Explorer (2.3L base)20265,000 lbs2.3L EcoBoost + Tow PkgUnibodyGas
35Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe20266,000 lbsPHEV standard (battery charged)UnibodyPHEV

⚠ Note: Lexus GX 550 is classified as midsize body-on-frame and leads the entire segment at 9,096 lbs. Dodge Durango leads the unibody/crossover class at 8,700 lbs.

🧮 Found your model? Get the exact towing capacity for your specific year, trim, and engine using our free towing calculator — select make, model, and config for a precise figure for your configuration.

Top picks

Mainstream midsize SUV towing leaders: what sets them apart

Dodge Durango (V8)
8,700 lbs
Only mainstream midsize to rival full-size SUVs. Requires 5.7L or 6.2L V8 + Tow 'n Go package. V6 base still does 6,200 lbs.
Toyota 4Runner
6,000 lbs
Body-on-frame advantage. Redesigned 2025 brings new 2.4L turbo and i-FORCE MAX hybrid option — both maintain 6,000 lb rating.
Ford Explorer (3.0L)
5,600 lbs
Segment-best among crossover 3-row SUVs. Requires the 3.0L ST-spec EcoBoost V6 — the base 2.3L is rated at 5,000 lbs.
Kia Telluride X-Pro
5,500 lbs
Highest of any Korean midsize SUV. X-Pro trim standard; other Telluride trims rate at 5,000 lbs. Skipping 2026 — buy 2025 or wait for 2027 redesign.
Honda Passport
5,000 lbs
Fully redesigned 2026 with extended wheelbase. Two-row only — the missing third row is what enables the full 5,000 lb rating with AWD.
Nissan Pathfinder
6,000 lbs
Often overlooked but one of the strongest tow ratings in the mainstream 3-row class. AWD + tow package required.
Luxury midsize

Luxury midsize SUV towing capacity

Luxury midsize SUVs dominate the top of this segment. 7 of the top 10 midsize tow ratings belong to luxury brands. Most require a factory tow package option that can add $1,000–$2,500 to the price.

Make & modelYearMax towingKey engine / requirementStarting MSRPType
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail20259,096 lbs3.4L twin-turbo V6 — all trims~$65,585Gas
Land Rover Defender 110 (V8)20268,200 lbsP530/P615 twin-turbo V8~$78,000+Gas
Land Rover Discovery (V8)20268,200 lbsP530 V8 + tow package~$72,000+Gas
Mercedes-Benz GLE 45020257,700 lbs3.0L inline-6 MHEV + tow pkg~$67,000Mild Hybrid
Audi Q7 (inline-6)20257,700 lbs3.0L inline-6 + tow package~$60,000Gas
Porsche Cayenne20257,716 lbsStandard tow package~$75,000Gas
BMW X5 (gas)20257,200 lbsFactory tow hitch~$66,000Gas
BMW X5 xDrive45e (PHEV)20255,952 lbsPHEV, battery-dependent~$75,000PHEV
Lincoln Aviator20256,700 lbsStandard 3.0L V6~$58,000Gas
Acura MDX (Type S)20255,000 lbsStandard V6 Turbo~$50,000Gas
Volvo XC9020255,000 lbsTow hitch option~$58,000Gas/PHEV
Cadillac XT620254,000 lbsAWD + tow package~$52,000Gas
Key insight

Body-on-frame vs unibody: why it matters for towing

The biggest factor most buyers overlook when choosing a midsize SUV for towing is body construction. It explains why the 4Runner and GX 550 dramatically outperform similarly priced crossovers.

Body-on-frameUnibody (crossover)
Examples4Runner, GX 550, Defender, Land CruiserExplorer, Highlander, Telluride, Palisade
Typical max tow6,000 – 9,096 lbs3,500 – 6,200 lbs
Ride qualityFirmer, truck-likeSofter, car-like
Fuel economyLower (worse)Higher (better)
Off-roadSuperiorModerate
Best forHeavy, frequent towing + off-roadOccasional towing + daily family use

Rule of thumb: if you tow over 5,000 lbs regularly, a body-on-frame midsize SUV or a full-size SUV is a better long-term choice than a crossover stressed to its limit.

What can you tow with a midsize SUV at each capacity level?

3,500 – 5,000 lbs
Small travel trailer, 22' pontoon boat, pop-up camper, 2-horse trailer, small 5th wheel
5,000 – 6,000 lbs
Mid-size travel trailer (28'), large pontoon, 3-horse trailer, loaded car trailer
6,000 – 7,500 lbs
30' bumper-pull RV, large boat (25'+), enclosed car hauler, stock trailer
7,500 – 9,096 lbs
Mid-size 5th wheel, large travel trailer (32'), two-car open trailer, heavy equipment

Always verify the loaded trailer weight — not dry/empty. Add water, gear, and passengers. Apply the 80/20 rule: stay at or below 80% of your rated max for regular towing.

Pro tips

Midsize SUV towing tips most buyers miss

⚠ Critical: The Nissan Murano (1,500 lbs) is often cross-shopped with midsize SUVs but has one of the lowest towing ratings in the entire class. If towing is part of your use case, avoid it entirely.

The trim gap is enormous in this segment

The Audi Q7 with a 4-cylinder engine tows 4,400 lbs. The same Q7 with the inline-6 and tow package tows 7,700 lbs — a 3,300 lb difference on the same model. This engine/trim gap is consistent across the segment. Always verify the rating for your exact trim and engine, not the model's advertised maximum.

Highlander Hybrid drop is significant

The 2025 Toyota Highlander gas rates at 5,000 lbs. The Highlander Hybrid drops to 3,500 lbs — a 1,500 lb reduction. Toyota eliminated the gas Highlander for 2026, making this a 2025 decision. If towing near 5,000 lbs matters, buy a 2025 gas Highlander before inventory runs out, or step up to the Grand Highlander which maintains 5,000 lbs across all powertrains.

Payload is often the real constraint at 5,000 lbs

Most mainstream midsize crossovers have 1,100–1,400 lbs of payload. A 5,000 lb trailer has a tongue weight of 500–750 lbs. Add two adults, luggage, and a full fuel tank and you're at or past payload capacity before moving. Weigh your specific vehicle at a CAT scale before your first big tow.

The Kia Telluride is discontinued for 2026

Kia skipped the 2026 model year entirely. Dealers are clearing 2025 inventory, often at incentive pricing. The 2027 redesign arrived at dealers in March 2026 with a new turbocharged 4-cylinder replacing the V6. The hybrid variant targets 329 hp and 5,000 lbs. If you want the proven V6 Telluride, 2025 leftover stock is your window.

TC
TowingCalculator editorial team
All specs verified against manufacturer configurators and press guides · Last reviewed May 2026 · Sources: The Weekly Driver, The Car Guide, manufacturer towing guides

Frequently asked questions

Which midsize SUV has the highest towing capacity in 2026?
The Lexus GX 550 Overtrail leads the entire midsize segment at 9,096 lbs — it's body-on-frame with a twin-turbo V6. Among mainstream unibody crossovers, the Dodge Durango V8 tops out at 8,700 lbs with the Tow 'n Go package. Among 3-row crossovers without a V8, the Ford Explorer 3.0L V6 and Nissan Pathfinder reach 5,600 and 6,000 lbs respectively.
Can a midsize SUV tow a travel trailer?
Yes — comfortably in most cases. A standard 28-foot travel trailer loaded weighs 5,000–6,500 lbs. Models like the Dodge Durango, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer 3.0L can handle these loads. Smaller trailers (under 5,000 lbs loaded) are within reach of nearly every model on this chart.
Why does the Kia Telluride have a higher rating on some trims?
The Telluride X-Pro trim is rated at 5,500 lbs due to its unique AWD system tuning and braking setup. All other Telluride trims (EX, SX, SX Prestige, Nightfall) are rated at 5,000 lbs with the standard V6. The 2027 redesign changes this to a turbo 4-cylinder with a different rating structure.
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid good for towing?
Only for moderate loads. The Highlander Hybrid is rated at 3,500 lbs — 1,500 lbs less than the gas version (which is no longer sold new for 2026). For towing above 3,500 lbs in the Highlander family, the Toyota Grand Highlander (all powertrains rated at 5,000 lbs) is the better choice.
Which midsize SUV is best for towing a boat?
It depends on boat size. For a 20–22 ft boat (3,500–5,000 lbs with trailer): Honda Pilot, Traverse, Palisade, or Telluride. For a 25+ ft boat (5,000–7,000 lbs): Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer 3.0L, or Lincoln Aviator. For a 28+ ft boat over 7,000 lbs: Lexus GX 550, Dodge Durango V8, or Land Rover Defender V8 — or step up to a full-size SUV.
Data disclaimer: All figures represent maximum published tow ratings when properly equipped. Actual safe towing capacity varies by specific trim, engine, drivetrain, options, remaining payload after occupants and cargo, altitude, and temperature. Always verify your vehicle's rating on the door jamb sticker or owner's manual before towing. TowingCalculator.net is not liable for towing decisions made based on this data.

Sources: Manufacturer towing guides (Toyota, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mazda, Volkswagen, Jeep, Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Lincoln, Subaru).
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