Part of what makes SUVs such chameleons is also what contributes to their popularity, including the ability to tow. Whether hauling a boat for a quick weekend excursion or lugging a trailer full of equipment, you want an SUV capable of pulling at least 5,000 pounds or more without breaking a sweat.
Why Tow Capacity Matters?
Midsize and full-size SUVs really flex their muscle when it comes to towing. They are designed to handle the stress that towing brings, having both strength and stability to handle major heavy loads easily. A class of SUVs between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds hits the perfect balance between what is possible and what people can afford to do.
Remember always that how much you have loaded in your SUV also affects the weight you can safely tow. The performance standard SAE International J2807 conducted the tow ratings to ensure safe vehicle performance while maintaining safe trailer stability.
This rating assumes ideal conditions with minimal people and cargo load, standard optional equipment, and a trailer tongue weight— that’s the weight the trailer puts on the hitch of about 10 percent of the trailer weight. Disgusting your SUV can decrease the safe trailer weight, so careful planning is in order.
Key Safety Limits
Now, in addition to your trailer weight, you also have to factor in your vehicle’s maximum payload—people, cargo, tongue weight—and gross combined vehicle weight rating, which includes the total loaded vehicle, including your trailer. All these limits are usually located on the information plate, which is attached to the driver-side door or the door frame.
Real-World Towing Example
For instance, Cars.com’s Detroit Bureau Chief, Aaron Bragman, could tow a 4,200-pound, 22-foot Airstream travel trailer with a Ford Explorer rated to tow 5,600 pounds. However, he pointed out that a bracket-style weight distribution hitch could have helped stability.
Some vehicles even mandate these hitches for maximum towing capacity, and others—including but not limited to unibody SUVs —may discourage or prohibit their use. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance on this topic.
Top SUV with 5000 lbs Towing Capacity and Better Fuel Efficient
It is essential to always stay within the recommended weights and maybe add some more towing accessories to increase safety, such as an electronic brake controller. With such thoughtful management of your weight, and probably by investing in some additional towing accessories like fitting an electronic brake controller on your vehicle, you will be good to go at maximum capacity regarding safety.
Our listed SUVs are sure to offer the power and reliability to make any task of towing a cinch. Whether you’re towing a trailer for work or off-track adventure, these vehicles will help support your cause.
1. Subaru Ascent | 5,000 Pounds
With the 2023 Subaru Ascent, owners can get a tremendous interior. Thanks to its more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, it can now tow up to 5,000 pounds. The third-row seating is slightly less spacious than the first and second rows. It drives respectably off the pavement—Subaru’s best—class offering. Still, it does come optionally with Subaru EyeSight driver assistance, despite reported reliability issues that keep visitors frequenting dealerships.
2. Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 Pounds
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the better three-row SUV models available, but with only a 5,000-pound towing capacity and loads of interior space, it’s a real mile-muncher. A very polished powertrain contains one of the slickest V-6 engines you’ll run into, naturally aspirated to bring the juice and the most third-row legroom of just about every mainstream competitor. The interior should be much better for something close to this price point, even in the top-of-the-line High Country trims.
3. Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 Pounds
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is at the top of the list of three-row SUVs that exude a near-luxury vibe, fashionable exterior, and features truly affordable in luxury. It has a strong 5,000-pound towing capacity with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from a mighty 3.8L V-6. It’ll tow smoothly, but it can get quite bouncy on imperfect roads, which keeps it barely shy of true luxury SUV status.
4. Volkswagen Atlas | 5,000 Pounds
Look to the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas for a spacious and comfortable three-row SUV. With 276 horsepower from its 3.6-liter VR6, the 2023 Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds—making it one of the big boys in towing heavier things. The Atlas also has an impressively sizeable third row; adults will fit here, unlike in many rivals where they won’t fit.
The base models get a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with significantly reduced towing capacity. While spacious and practical, this Atlas isn’t quite as rewarding to drive or thrifty at the gas pump as others in this group.
5. Honda Passport | 5,000 Pounds
The 2023 Honda Passport is quite attractive in driving engagement, with more steering feel than some sports cars. A capable 3.5-liter V-6 works under the hood, and the capacity for towing and cargo space appears adequate. Many safety features are available, but road noise is apparent, and a somewhat mushy brake pedal may mar driver confidence.
6. Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 Pounds
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is ruggedly handsome and has loads of space, no doubt, to be an excellent crossover. However, its relatively firm ride and numb steering are decided deterrents. While the vehicle is an okay product for families, it doesn’t have similar safety laurels from the IIHS as some rivals—likely off-putting to people who are conscious about safety.
7. Honda Pilot | 5,000 Pounds
The 2023 Honda Pilot impressively improves and positions itself at the leading edge of competition in this class of midsize SUVs. Now, it provides more space in all three rows and adds a competent off-road package with the TrailSport.
The 3.5-liter V-6 gets a new 10-speed automatic transmission to give much more polish to the drive for a tow capacity of 5,000 pounds. Its infotainment system could sometimes be frustrating, and the suspension might be a little too soft for some tastes.
8. Volvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge | 5,000 Pounds
The 2023 Volvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge stand out with their sleek exterior and comfortably minimalist interior. These SUVs have features, including a full suite of Google infotainment options, Apple CarPlay, and an available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
While the front two rows offer plenty of space, the third row is more cramped. Despite this, the XC90 lineup remains a top choice for those seeking a blend of style and advanced technology.
9. Tesla Model X | 5,000 Pounds
The 2023 Tesla Model X has first-class acceleration, offering an outstanding range and the capability for quick charging. It establishes a benchmark for ride and handling, better than most conventionally bodied SUVs. However, quality concerns and varied driver assistance technology overshadow the otherwise robust strengths.
Nevertheless, it’s an SUV of the middle class in its luxury, which can tow up to 5 thousand pounds on electricity—so the Model X remains among the most robust propositions among electric vehicles, even with rapidly emerging competition.
At the final level of consideration, hitting the right SUV for towing would involve treading a blend of power, capability, and practicality. From the rugged versatility of some mid-size and full-size SUV options to cutting-edge tech in electric variants like the Tesla Model X, each model on our list carries its benefits and considerations.
From the spacious and reliable Subaru Ascent to the luxurious appeal of the Volvo XC90, it has the towing capacity to suit all needs. Be confident in hauling as much as 5,000 pounds or more without giving up comfort and high performance. Just be sure to factor in safety ratings, payload limits, and towing accessories if you have to get the most out of your SUV’s towing capacity, and be sure of safe travels time after time.
