8 Best SUV for Towing Travel Trailers

Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Ted Mosby

If you’ve decided to purchase a travel trailer, you will also need a tow vehicle. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a gigantic truck that can only be used to tow your travel trailer since there are smaller vehicles that have enough power to safely pull your trailer.

Below, I will list the Best SUV for Towing Travel Trailers that you can consider while buying one.

SUVs are top-rated among travelers and road adventurers. They are durable, versatile, and can be used for multiple purposes. You can drive them around to use them for your daily needs.

Most of the SUVs have enough horsepower to tow your camper while also providing you with style and comfort.

However, finding the best SUV for towing travel trailers means you will have to consider various characteristics before investing.

Now, let’s discuss some best SUV for towing travel trailers.

Name	Towing Capacity	Price
Dodge Durango	8,700 lbs	$36,995
Lincoln Navigator	8,300 lbs	$76,710
Ford Expedition Max	9,300 lbs	$79,765
Land Rover Discovery	8,200 lbs	$55,000
Chevrolet Tahoe	8,400 lbs	$50,500
Porsche Macan	4,409 lbs	$54,900
Nissan Armada	8,500 lbs	$49,150
Infiniti QX80	8,500 lbs	$70,600

Image	Name
	Dodge Durango
	Lincoln Navigator
	Ford Expedition Max
	Land Rover Discovery
	Chevrolet Tahoe
	Porsche Macan
	Nissan Armada
	Infiniti QX80

What is the Best SUV for Towing Travel Trailers?

1. Dodge Durango

Unlike its earlier versions, Dodge Durango has now become a powerful towing SUV capable of towing most travel trailers. This towing machine provides the comfort, style, and towing abilities that you want.

The vehicle gets upgraded in 2011 to make it a light-duty pickup truck. It is capable of comfortably towing up to 8,700lbs of weight with its powerful 3.6L V6 engine. The SUV comes as a rear-wheel drive with eight-speed transmission to down the power when you want.

The Dodge Durango iterations also offer 4-wheel drive packages. However, it does not matter the most when towing your travel trailer on highways and paved roads. The SRT trim level with the Trailer Tow Group IV package is the best that provides incredible towing statistics.

This comes armed with a trailer brake controller, class IV receiver hitch, spare tire, 4/7-pin wiring harness, and 470 ft. lbs of Torque. This makes it among the best SUVs for towing travel trailers both on and off-road.

Key Specifications and Features

• Towing Capacity: 8,700 lbs.
• Eight-speed auto-transmission.
• 260 Torque.
• 293 Horsepower.
• 3.6L V6 engine.
• Rear-wheel drive.
• Driveline traction control.
• Fuel capacity: 24.6 gallons.

2. Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is another full-size SUV that is big and bold. The engine of the towing machine is powerful, and the frame is exceptionally durable. The vehicle also comes equipped with elegant features both inside and outside.

It inserted itself as a luxury SUV and considered a substantial investment.

It is available in three Infinite color schemes, Black, Pristine, White, and Ceramic Pearl. All of these color schemes are so elegant and look so good to the eyes. The new models are also armed with incredible safety, tech, and convenient features.

It is armed with a Co-Pilot 360 package, which makes it easy to drive while on the road. Moreover, the latest vehicles also have standard heated and ventilated front seats along with wireless charging that make sure you have a comfortable drive throughout your travel.

Another high-end tech feature of the Lincoln Navigator is you can download the app on your phone to transform it into keys to start the engine. Like the Dodge Durango, it can also tow up to 8,700 lbs of load without any problem.

Unlike most of the other SUVs, it has a standard long wheelbase. Suppose you want to block the noise coming from the outside while on the road; this vehicle is capable of doing just that to provide you with a peaceful and pleasant ride.

All in all, the Lincoln Navigator is elegant, classy, and among the best SUV for towing campers.

Key Specifications and Features

• Towing Capacity: 8,700 lbs.
• Ten-speed transmission.
• 3.5L V6 engine.
• 450 Horsepower.
• 500 Torque.
• Rear-wheel drive.
• Driveline Traction Control.
• Co-Pilot 360 package.
• Automatic emergency braking.
• Surrounded-view camera (optional).
• Auto high-beam headlights.

3. Ford Expedition Max

The Ford Expedition Max is another serious vehicle with Best-in-Class towing. This is extremely powerful and a great pick for those who have bigger travel trailers or want to move great loads. It is capable of towing up to 9,300 lbs of weight comfortably.

It is also a full-size SUV with a whopping towing capacity. The vehicle is also comes equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which is critical when it comes to towing.

This high-end tech feature alerts you whenever it detects a vehicle within the blind spot or alongside the travel trailer when you are driving.

Besides its huge towing capacity, it is also extremely comfortable and a great pick for families who need an SUV for both their daily needs and towing purposes.

The vehicle’s latest model is also equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping system, automatic braking, and a rear-view camera.

In contrast, its King Ranch trim is available in both standard and max body styles. If you want to have an SUV with three-row seating and extreme towing capacity, the Ford Expedition is worth considering.

Moreover, it is armed with a powerful 3.5L EcoBoost engine, making it one of the best SUVs for towing a camper.

The interior is also spacious and provides plenty of legroom to keep the passengers comfortable throughout the travel.

Key Specifications and Features

• Towing Capacity: 9,300 lbs.
• 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
• Rear-wheel drive.
• Ten-speed auto transmission.
• 375 Horsepower.
• 470 Torque.
• Rear auxiliary climate controls.
• 4G LTE Wifi hotspot.
• Cruise Control.
• Pre-collision Driver Assist Controls.
• Automatic Brakes.
• Remote Start System.
• Blind Spot Information System.
• Auto high-beams.

4. Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is for those who are willing to own a full-size SUV that can perform extremely well on both highways and off-road terrains. Besides its incredibly towing capacities, the vehicle is also equipped with astonishing interior features.

The vehicle’s wade sensing system alert drivers about the depth of the water when driving on off-road terrains, as well as lane-keep assistance features, making sure drivers do not depart from one lane to another without knowing the occurrence.

Moreover, it also has a cross-traffic alert and drowsiness system.

The exterior of the vehicle is something that will make you amazing, and you will recognize it at first glance. Although it is a full-size SUV, it still looks sleek and compact. The exterior of the vehicle includes an aluminum mixture to give it a modern and aesthetic look.

Since it is one of the best SUVs for towing and performs exceptionally well both on and off-road, it is also armed with high-end safety features.

It includes Hill descent controls, front and rear parking sensors, cross-traffic detection, lane-keeping assistance, and much more.

It comes equipped with a powerful 3L V6 engine that generates 340 HP and 330 lb-ft. Torque.

Furthermore, its rear-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission allow it to comfortably tow up to 8,200 lbs of load.

Key Specifications and Features

• 3.0L V6 engine.
• 340 Horsepower.
• 330 Torque.
• Towing capacity: 8,200 lbs.
• Four-wheel drive.
• Ten-speed auto transmission.
• Front/rear parking sensors.
• Lane-keeping system.
• Cross-traffic detection system.
• Automatic brakes.
• Stainless steel exhaust.

5. Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is armed with an extremely powerful engine that generates a serious amount of HP and Torque that making it yet another best SUV for towing an RV.

I highly recommend this SUV to those who often go to rustic campgrounds with their travel trailer and want to have a vehicle they can use for their daily needs and towing purposes.

With up to 200-million vehicles and worldwide distribution, the Chevy brand clearly states that it is among one of the best auto manufacturers in the world.

If you want to own a reliable, durable, and full-size SUV with great towing and driving capabilities, your search should end here.

The vehicle is spacious that can easily haul various passengers and move whopping weights around without sacrificing performance. Its basic trim levels are equipped with an extremely powerful 5.3L V8 engine that generates up to 355 HP and 383 Torque.

However, the Tahoe RST and Premier Plus models are more powerful and equipped with a beefier 6.2L V8 engine and ten-speed transmission. This extreme engine is capable of generating up to 420 HP.

No matter what trim level, you opt for, both of these engines provide terrific power, extreme performance, and great acceleration.

This full-size SUV, as compared to its competitors, offers much more. It has a hauling/towing mode that allows you to move whopping from one point to another. It is capable of easily towing up to 8,400 lbs of weight without any worries.

All the Tahoe vehicles come with rear and four-wheel drives, so you have to be cautious about what road you are driving it.

Key Specifications and Features

• Towing Capacity: 8,400 lbs.
• 5.3L V8 engine.
• 355 HP.
• 383 Torque.
• Six-speed transmission.
• 26-gallon fuel capacity.
• Rear and four-wheel drives.
• Hill-start assist.
• Trailer sway control.
• Remote vehicle start.
• Defogger.
• Cargo management system.
• Assist handles.
• Wireless Charging.

6. Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is a turbo model that offers its consumers more power and terrific performance in its updated package. The vehicle is armed with a twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 engine, seven-speed transmission, dual-clutch transmission, and much more.

Besides its power and reliability, it is also a luxury vehicle with an attractive interior and exterior along with eye-popping skin color. It provides all the comfort you can expect from a Porsche vehicle.

You will have a quiet and peaceful ride while traveling on a highway. You cannot go wrong with the 2020 Porsche Macan.

Its twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 engine generates an impressive 434 HP and 405 lb-ft. Torque. With the Sport Chrono package, it just needs 4.1 seconds to sprint 60 mph. This package also includes launch control, a Sport response button, and other amazing features.

It is extremely efficient and quick and gives you a comfortable ride around town. The cabin is also quiet and comfortable with minimal noise coming from the road while driving.

With Porsche Macan’s small SUV, you can easily tow up to 4,409 lbs of load with top trim level.

However, if you think it is not sufficient, you can go for the larger Cayenne, a Porsche mid-size SUV, and can tow up to 7,700 lbs while also delivering luxury and comfort.

The smaller Porsche Macan is among the best SUV for towing a lightweight travel trailer.

Key Specifications and Features

• 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
• 434 HP.
• 406 Torque.
• Towing Capacity: 4,409 lbs.
• Infotainment system.

7. Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is not as popular as other SUV vehicles around. However, this full-size SUV continues to sell well with great power, terrific performance, and outstanding acceleration. This full-size SUV for towing has many good things that will keep you interested.

You can pick from its four trim levels, and all of them have received minor tweaks. For instance, it allows you to upgrade its 22-inch wheel package. As you can expect from other SUVs available around, it is also a durable and reliable SUV for towing and daily use.

Its standard trim levels feature leatherette seats, while the higher-end trims are equipped with some additional features. The vehicle not only delivers comfort but is also soundproof, which is key when traveling on busy roads.

It has exterior sensors that detect the noise and filter it out. As a result, you get a comfortable, quiet, and smooth ride experience.

It is armed with a 5.6L V8 engine that generates 390 HP and 394 lb-ft. Torque. With the ability to easily tow up to 8,500 lbs of load, it is yet another best SUV for towing travel trailers.

Key Specifications and Features

• Towing Capacity: 8,500 lbs.
• 5.6L V8 engine.
• Seven-speed transmission.
• Rear-wheel drive.
• Driveline Traction controls.
• Noise sensors.

8. Infiniti QX80

Last but not least, Infiniti QX80 is one of more best SUVs for towing a camper that you might want to consider. It is the largest SUV from Infiniti with an impressive interior and great presence on the road.

The vehicle combines both style and comfort while also giving you an impressive towing ability without compromising on its performance.

It is equipped with a 5.6 V8 engine that generates an impressive 400 HP to make towing and acceleration more efficient. However, the fuel economy of this vehicle is subpar. It has a mobile app and offers integrated navigation.

Although it is a luxury SUV, you will miss some features that you want to have in an SUV, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, etc. The price of the vehicle is significantly less than some other RVs with the same features and size.

Key Specifications and Features

• 8,500 lbs of towing capacity.
• 5.6L V8 engine.
• 400 Horsepower.
• Pre-collision system.
• Emergency braking.
• Hydraulic body motion control.
• Luxury trim levels.

How to Choose a SUV for towing a Travel Trailer?

Before we proceed any further, it would be best to know what you should look into an SUV.

Here are some critical characteristics that make an SUV best for towing travel trailers.

1. Towing Capacity

The first and most critical characteristic you should look into while buying an SUV for towing is its towing capacity. The towing capacity is the amount that your vehicle can easily tow.

It means it should be greater than the loaded weight of the trailer, as well as the passengers and luggage that you want to carry in the SUV.

2. Engine Type

The engine type is the second most critical characteristic that you must look into when buying an SUV for towing. I recommend looking for a diesel engine rather than a gas engine for better towing.

The diesel engine produces more Torque, which is essential when it comes to pulling heavy loads.

However, it doesn’t mean that the gas engine cannot tow. In some instances, it could be a fine choice. Moreover, you should avoid hybrid or electric vehicles. Although they are great for comfort, the engines that they have are not powerful enough for towing.

3. Drivetrain

Unfortunately, most of the SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive, which is not the best option for towing. The best SUV for towing travel trailers will have rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

4. Trailer Package

When buying an SUV for towing, you should also look for an SUV with a trailer package. These types of SUVs come equipped with an in-built trailer brake controller and other necessary features that make it a bit easier.

Wrapping Up

There you go – the 8 best SUV for towing travel trailers. I have discussed their features, weaknesses, and strengths so that you can invest in the one that fits you.

Good luck and happy traveling!

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