11 Best SUV for Towing Travel Trailer – Make Your Towing Easy & Safer

best suv for towing travel trailer

Finding the right SUV for all your needs is a daunting task. But the best SUV for towing travel trailers is perfect for your daily needs as well as towing an RV. 

Travel trailers are very useful as they can provide a great deal of accommodation with their spacious interior and luxurious features. 

But to pull them, you also need a reliable luxury car that has enough power to pull your trailer. All SUVs, or some midsize SUVs, have a good towing capacity and can pull any size trailer for travel.

There are many things to consider before purchasing an off-road vehicle for towing. The first thing to look at is the trailer load. Your trailer load is the amount that your vehicle can safely tow

Thing 2 It’s always best to look for an SUV with a trailer package. This gives you factory-installed trailer brake control, as well as other functions. 

The last section of the article will tell you everything, and now we will see which is the best SUV for towing a travel trailer.

What is the Best SUV For a Towing Travel Trailer?

The best SUV for towing travel trailers should have good torque, stability, comfort, and safety features so that you can tow any heavy travel trailer with ease.

The trailer load of the off-road vehicle is greater than the weight of the caravan. If your trailer weighs more than your SUV can pull, you will not be able to move that load safely,

So the capabilities of the SUV must be absolutely the same as the trailer. Below is a list of the 7 best pull-type SUVs for pulling a trailer safely.

  1. Ford Expedition
  2. Toyota Land Cruiser
  3. Lincoln Navigator
  4. Chevrolet Equinox
  5. Chevrolet Tahoe
  6. Cadillac Escalade
  7. Lincoln Aviator
  8. BMW X5
  9. Nissan Armada
  10. Infiniti QX80
  11. Kia Sorento

How to Increase Towing Capacity of SUV?

The towing capacity of your towing SUV is the limit on the amount of weight you can safely tow and depends on several factors. 

The load on your trailer depends primarily on how far your vehicle can pull in its current condition. 

If the towing capacity of your towing vehicle is low, it’s time to look at your train components. Also, to increase the towing capacity of your SUV, you will need at least three things:

  1. Trailer hitch (Checkout Lowest Price)
  2. Ball Mount (Checkout Lowest Price)
  3. Heavy Duty Straps to Safely Move your Motorcycle and Cargo on Car, Truck, Trailer.

11 Best SUV For Towing Travel Trailer That Perfectly Match Trailer Capacity

We have some makes and models of a car that cover all the needs for towing a caravan, all at an affordable price. 

Midsize SUVs cannot tow as much as large SUVs, although some offer a higher maximum towing capacity than the average for their class.

Among the best-selling cars on the market, some of them have very powerful engines and chassis. This makes them ideal for towing caravans.

 In this article, we will cover all the midsize SUVs and tell you everything you need to know about them. Without further ado, here are the 11 best midsize SUVs for towing a travel trailer.

1. The Ford Expedition

When it comes to the best SUV for towing travel trailers, the Ford Expedition 2021 is almost a conversation in itself.

Full suv for towing travel trailer

With three spacious rows, an expedition can carry up to eight people or a large amount of cargo. They are more powerful than some trucks and have many functions that make towing easier. 

With a tow package that adds even more capacity to this already powerful SUV, the Ford Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds.

The Ford Expedition 2020 is a workhorse. Its functional design means you can switch from hauling gear to towing a trailer for an adventure weekend. So if the great two options you are looking for, this is it.

Key Specification Of The Ford Expedition

  • MSRP: $49,625 – $79,425 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.5 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 5900-9300 Pounds

2. Toyota Land Cruiser

The Cruiser Land is a sleek off-road machine that makes it ideal for people who love the outdoors and often want adventure.

best suv for towing a travel trailer

Its towing capacity ranges from 4,700 pounds to 5,000 pounds, depending on the year of manufacture of the FJ Cruiser you own.

Simply put, this is the best midsize SUV for towing a travel trailer. The Land Cruiser is a body-on-frame SUV with a large V8, 

But the smooth suspension and short wheelbase – both great for off-road trips – should make it a sultry mess with a heavy closed trailer.

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Plus, the trailer sway control feature gives you the certainty of being towed confidently and safely, even in windy weather and winding roads.

Key Specification Of Toyota Land Cruiser

  • MSRP: $85,665 – $87,995 (Updated)
  • Engine: 5.7 Liter / 8-cylinder
  • MPG: 13 City / 17 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Towing Capacity: 8100 Pounds

3. Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is a great luxury SUV. A heavy-duty train package is available that has the latest technology to make it the best midsize SUV for towing travel trailers.

best suv for towing

At best, the Navigator translates that V6 engine output into 8,700 pounds of towing capacity. When combined with the 4 × 2 system.

It also has an electronic traction assistant that provides the required torque for each wheel, so you can safely control all the weight you are pulling.

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And the navigator is equipped with a rearview camera with a grommet as standard so that you can visually see your surroundings when reversing.

Key Specification Of The Lincoln Navigator

  • MSRP: $76,185 – $101,325 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.5 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Towing Capacity: 6200-8300 Pounds

4. Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is designed for family transportation and suburban life. Hands down, it’s the best SUV for towing travel trailers you’d expect to find at a soccer practice session.

suv towing travel trailer

A Chevrolet Equinox can tow between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds. depending on the model and engine power. 

As such, they are capable of pulling teardrop trailers, pop-up trailers, and some types of lightweight travel trailers. A powerful engine and optional towing package also make it an attractive vehicle for towing trailers safely.

Key Specification Of The Lincoln Navigator

  • MSRP: $23,800 – $33,000 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 26 City / 31 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 1500-3500 Pounds

5. Chevrolet Tahoe

If you compare it to the best SUV for towing a trailer, a Chevy Tahoe is the best in many ways. It’s fast and powerful, it drives very smoothly, and it carries a lot of cargo.

best suv to tow a travel trailer

The Chevy Tahoe is a great combination of style and utility. With its three rows of seats, it offers space for up to nine passengers.

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The V8 can pull 7,000 to 8,000 pounds and is incredibly efficient and responsive, which is one of the reasons it is one of the best-selling full-size SUVs in the US, the Tahoe lands pretty close to the top of the pile.

Key Specification Of Chevrolet Tahoe

  • MSRP: $48,000 – $72,600 (Updated)
  • Engine: 5.3 Liter / 8-cylinder
  • MPG: 16 City / 20 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Towing Capacity: 7600-7900 Pounds

6. Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is the best SUV for camping enthusiasts looking for the best SUV for towing a travel trailer.

best travel trailer for suv

If you choose the larger 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV, you’ll get plenty of room for all your camping gear and a maximum traction force of up to 8,100 pounds. 

It can safely bring up to 8 people to the 2020 Cadillac Escalade, although some teams have seven seats instead. Make sure you choose a design that is right for you.

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The Escalade is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers up to 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque for excellent overall performance.

Key Specification Of Cadillac Escalade

  • MSRP: $76,195 – $102,995 (Updated)
  • Engine: 6.2 Liter / 8-cylinder
  • MPG: 15 City / 20 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Towing Capacity: 7500-8100 Pounds

7. Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Navigator is an impressive and powerful Lincoln SUV. The brand new Navigator offers updated train functions as well as unmatched performance for the average SUV.

best midsize suv for towing a travel trailer

This luxury SUV offers ample traction due to its impressive engine range. This brand new navigator features the 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine along with the Lincoln Drive Mode Selector with six modes.

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With the best towing in its class, the new Navigator offers a standard tow/tow mode that adapts to the engine, as well as the ability to tow up to 8,600 pounds.

Key Specification Of Lincoln Aviator

  • MSRP: $51,100 – $88,335 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.0 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Towing Capacity: 5600-6700 Pounds

8. BMW X5

The 2022 BMW X5 is a great vehicle in the best midsize SUV for towing a travel trailer segment with a well-thought-out interior and a pleasant driving experience.

best suv for towing travel trailer

This mid-size SUV is packed with many amazing features that will make your travels more memorable and easier. 

While the maximum towing capacity for a BMW X5 is 7,200 pounds if you use trailer brakes for safer towing, the towing capacity is up to 6,603 pounds, the X5 has it all. This year there is even a new X5 plug-in hybrid.

Key Specification Of BMW X5

  • MSRP: $59,400 – $82,800 (Updated)
  • Engine: 3.0 Liter / 6-cylinder
  • MPG: 21 City / 26 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Towing Capacity: 6600 Pounds

9. Nissan Armada

Would you like to get behind the wheel of a powerful full-size SUV? The 2020 Nissan Armada is a great choice for the best SUV for towing a travel trailer with its beautiful design, powerful engine, cavernous interior, and cutting-edge technologies.

best suv for towing a travel trailer

The Armada is pretty impressive on the trailer front too. Along with its fully independent rear suspension and full-length box frame, the 2020 Armada can tow 8,500 pounds with its robust 5.6-liter heavy-duty V8 engine.

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It has a well-built cabin and the first two rows of seats are spacious and comfortable. There are many standard features, including a redesigned infotainment system that is easy to use.

Key Specification Of Nissan Armada

  • MSRP: $48,900 – $68,300 (Updated)
  • Engine: 5.6 Liter / 8-cylinder
  • MPG: 14 City / 19 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 8
  • Towing Capacity: 8500 Pounds

10. Infiniti QX80

The 2022 Infiniti QX80 is a large luxury off-road vehicle that has an attractive and unique appearance, and its smooth ride and powerful engine are satisfactory.

best travel trailer for mid-sized suv

It is equipped with a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine that can tow a 2021 INFINITI QX80 of 8,500 pounds. 

And with seven seats and a long list of trailer-specific safety technology, the QX80 is perfectly designed for pulling a caravan. The QX80 is designed to keep you in control even when pulling at full capacity in difficult terrain.

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Active safety functions monitor road surfaces, make adjustments to maintain traction, and improve your view of the surrounding traffic.

Key Specification Of Infiniti QX80

  • MSRP: $69,150 – $83,400 (Updated)
  • Engine: 5.6 Liter / 8-cylinder
  • MPG: 14 City / 20 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Towing Capacity: 8500 Pounds

11. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is an impressive SUV with great technology and a stylish look. Some are looking for a new family tractor that can pull their boat, or the best midsize SUV for towing a travel trailer, Sorento is the perfect choice for everyone.

best vehicle for towing a travel trailer

Base models of the Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4-liter engine pull a 2,000-pound travel trailer. Like the engine power in its other variants, it has a maximum unbraked towing capacity of 3,500 pounds

The overall package is coherent and packed with popular standard and optional equipment, which makes the Sorento one of the best options in its class for high trailer loads.

Key Specification Of Kia Sorento

  • MSRP: $29,390 – $42,590 (Updated)
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter / 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 24 City / 29 Hwy
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Towing Capacity: 2000-3500 Pounds

Top FAQ About Best SUV For Towing a Travel Trailer

What is the best SUV for towing a travel trailer?

To make your towing safe and cost, We are gathered the following best SUV for towing a travel trailer that has maximum towing capacity:-

  1. BMW X5
  2. Lincoln Aviator
  3. Porsche Cayenne
  4. Jeep Grand Cherokee
  5. Mercedes-Benz GLE
  6. Land Rover Discovery
  7. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  8. Dodge Durango
What is the best midsize SUV for pulling a travel trailer?

In 2021, the best midsize SUV for towing a travel trailer has to be one of the following:

  • Dodge Durango — Towing Capacity: 6,200-8,700 lbs
  • Land Rover Discovery — Towing Capacity: 6,613-8,200 lbs
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport — Towing Capacity: 5,511-7,716 lbs
  • Toyota Land Cruiser- Towing Capacity: 6,000-8,100 lbs
  • The Lincoln Navigator- Towing Capacity: 6,200-8,300 lbs
Can an SUV tow a travel trailer?

Yes, a full-size SUV can pull a trailer that has a seating capacity of four and a total weight of 6,000 pounds. This total weight is equivalent to the recommended maximum towable weight for most full-size SUVs with a comfortable margin of safety.

Which is better for towing a travel trailer AWD or FWD?

AWD is better than FWD for pulling caravans. One of the main advantages of AWD is that in some cases you can switch between the different drive wheels that work best for you. These cars automatically switch between all four wheels, front and rear wheels, if necessary.

How do you determine what my vehicle can tow?

You can easily determine whether your vehicle can tow or not. If your vehicle towing capacity is more than pulled items such as travel trailers then it easily tow them otherwise not. You can find your truck’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or calculate it on your own. 

Can you increase towing capacity?

You can increase your vehicle towing capacity by enhancing your vehicle’s all-around performance. You have a ton of options for it including reprogramming your vehicle or upgrading your radiator, suspension, braking system, axles, or exhaust.

How can I make towing easier?

Here’s what you can do to ensure an easier tow.

  1. Know your towing capacity
  2. Distribute the weight properly
  3. Check your tires on both your vehicle and your trailer.
  4. Keep your speed in check
  5. Make sure you’re using the right hitch.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee good for towing travel trailers?

We believe a Grand Cherokee is an excellent tow vehicle. Depending on the model and year of manufacture, you can easily tow a trailer and gearbox up to 7,200 pounds.

Final Thought

If you buy the best SUV for towing travel trailers, Then you must consider its towing capacity and the weight of the pulled travel trailer. SUV towing should be more than hauling vehicles. 

You also need to consider the safety of your vehicle while traveling. After that you easily find a good SUV to haul a trailer. 

Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

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