Sick and tired of your pickup truck being such a gas-guzzling monster? You are not alone. Luckily, the auto world has risen to the challenge, offering a handful of cars, sport-utility vehicles, and crossovers with severe towing capabilities without letting go of style or comfort.
Ditch The Pickup, Keep The Power
Be honest; pickup trucks are made for work—not play. But what if you want to haul your boat, camper, or ATV around without resembling someone who is going to a demolition derby? That’s where these excellent vehicles come in: They offer serious towing capacity minus a traditional truck’s bulk and fuel consumption.
What Makes For A Great Tow Vehicle?
- Towing Capacity: clearly, the capacity to tow is vital.
- Payload Capacity: basically, this is the weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight.
- GVWR—Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: this is your vehicle’s maximum weight, including everything in and on the car.
- Features: trailer sway control, a trailer brake controller, a hitch camera—features that make towing more accessible and safer.
SUVs: More Than Just Mom Cars
Now, the real magic in SUVs is the towing capacity. These vehicles are versatile and comfortable but give a severe tow weight. From compact crossovers to full-size beasts, there’s an SUV for every kind of towing out there.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Cars That Can Tow Up To 3500 lbs
Keep in mind that not all SUVs are designed the same. Some are much better prepared for towing than others. Seek models with solid engines, proven frames, and available towing packages. Keep reading for our top 10 picks, where we outline each vehicle’s specs, features, pros, and cons so that you can choose the perfect tow rig for your adventure.
1. 2024 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana | Towing Capacity: 10,000 Lbs Max
No need to look any further than the Chevy Express and its sister model, the GMC Savana. These monsters will likely leave their mark, touting gigantic towing capacities of 10,000 pounds. But let’s be honest—there is nothing beautiful about either of these pieces of machinery. Don’t worry; they seem to be business favorites and perfect for heavy work. If you’re shopping for a vehicle that can accomplish the tough jobs without having a fit, this Express/Savana duo should be on your shortlist.
2. 2024 Ford Expedition | Towing Capacity: 9,300 lb Max
Look at this Ford Expedition! It can tow a mind-numbing 9,300 pounds! It almost feels like you’ve got an SUV and a truck together. Besides, it has a comfy interior and many tech features, like hands-free driving, to make those long hauls less chore. Do remember that such towing power means spending more money than average.
3. 2024 Dodge Durango | Towing Capacity: 8,700 lbs Max
The Durango is a carry-over from the muscle car era into modern times, only in SUV form. Therefore, if someone wants some real V8 heft and increased towing capacity at 8,700 pounds, that is precisely what they will get in this package. It’s like getting a truck and a sports car all in one.
While perhaps a little more old school than some of the tech-heavier SUVs that have come out more recently, the Durango’s raw brawn and in-your-face styling have its fan base. Looking for a vehicle that can get the job done but also show off a little? The Durango might be for you.
4. 2024 Volvo V90 AWD | Towing Capacity: 4,850 lbs Max
The Volvo V90 might just surprise you. This good-looking wagon can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so you don’t need some burly truck to get things done around the house. With comfort inside the cabin and safety features, not to mention the power available on the all-new V90, get ready to bring comfort together with capability in a way few others can. This is for the ones who wish to stand out but never at the cost of functionality.
5. 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain | Towing Capacity: 4,629 lbs Max
Behold the Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain. This luxo-wagon boasts a towing capacity that may surprise you: over 4,000 pounds. That’s enough to tow a couple of snowmobiles or even a small boat. It is pretty akin to having a luxury SUV without the overall appearance of one. And it comes equipped with every Mercedes option you can think of, too. But be prepared to pay for this fancy tow vehicle.
6. 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport | Towing Capacity: 4,409 lbs
The Range Rover Sport can rightfully be called the golden child among all SUVs: it oozes style, is brainy, and has brawn. You can cruise in luxury one minute and hit the trails the next. With different powertrains at your disposal—which include a hybrid—there’s a Sport for everyone.
It brings all you want in fancy technology and comfort features from a high-end SUV but is constructed to handle the rough. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for this luxury ride.
7. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica | Towing Capacity:3,600 lbs Max
The new Chrysler Pacifica really can tow its weight. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,600 pounds, you shall at least be able to haul a mid-sized boat or maybe a couple of ATVs. There is room for the whole family and your toys, too. Remember that the hybrid version can’t be used for towing, so if you need that extra oomph, you will have to go for the gas-powered one.
8. 2024 Audi Q5 – Towing Capacity: 4,400 lbs
The Audi Q5 is like those jeans—comfortable, reliable, and goes with everything. If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that won’t be too showy yet won’t be bland, then this should be good. Admittedly, it’s not the most exciting car on the road, but it’s hard to knock.
You get a good mix of power, tech, and comfort without breaking the bank. Want a little more sporting cred? Then check out the SQ5. For everyone else, though, the Q5 hits the spot.
9. 2024 Jeep Cherokee – Towing Capacity: 6200 lbs
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the golden child of SUVs. It’s got that classic Jeep ruggedness but with a veneer of luxury—what you want for your weekend trail rides and cruises in style during the week. With various trim levels, there’s a Grand Cherokee for wallets that range from budget to flat-out fancy. That’s a Jeep growing up, learning good manners.
10. 2024 Toyota RAV4 – Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs Max
The Toyota RAV4 is like that reliable friend who’s always there for you. It’s practical, efficient, and doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not the flashiest SUV on the block, but it gets the job done without fuss. You get a good mix of space, tech, and fuel economy, making it perfect for everyday life. Plus, Toyota’s reputation for reliability means you can trust it to keep going and going.
There you go—such a diversified fleet of vehicles that can tow without the hassle of a pickup truck. Whatever you want, be it luxury, practicality, or raw-bred power, there’s a perfect tow vehicle out there for any user. Remember, towing capacity is not everything. Consider factors like payload, fuel economy, and overall driving experience.
