The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The 2024 Toyota Sequoia leads this group with a maximum towing capacity of 9,520 pounds. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid follows at approximately 7,700 pounds depending on trim, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Toyota Land Cruiser reach 6,000 pounds. The ratings below are U.S. manufacturer-published maximums for specific hybrid configurations—not blanket ratings for every trim or every loaded towing situation.
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has the highest verified towing capacity in this group: up to 9,520 pounds. It is followed by the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid at approximately 7,700 pounds, depending on trim. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Toyota Land Cruiser can each tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly configured.
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This comparison uses the highest manufacturer-published U.S. towing rating for a qualifying 2024 hybrid or plug-in-hybrid SUV. The figures are not interchangeable: drivetrain, trim, hitch equipment, payload, trailer brakes, and the loaded trailer’s actual weight can all change what a particular vehicle may legally and safely tow.
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Important verification note: The BMW X5 xDrive50e is included because it is a qualifying 2024 plug-in hybrid, but the available research does not establish a clean, U.S.-specific towing figure for that exact powertrain and configuration. It is therefore not assigned a ranking. Do not use the rating for a gasoline X5 to represent the xDrive50e.
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- PORTABLE — Echo installs between compatible vehicle and trailer 7-way RV blade connectors and easily transfers between vehicles without under-dash wiring. The vehicle 7-way must provide active +12V power, ground and turn-signal circuits; a vehicle brake-output circuit is not required. Echo uses the 7-way +12V connection to power the trailer brakes, and this circuit should be fused at 30 amps. Some vehicles require tow/haul mode or trailer load detection before 7-way power activates.
- SMARTPHONE-READY — Use the OneControl Auto app on iOS 14+ or Android 9+. Enable Bluetooth and location permissions, then pair Echo inside the OneControl Auto app, not through your phone's Bluetooth settings. Keep the app in the foreground for prompt manual-override response and only adjust settings while stationary. OneControl Auto 2.2.0 adds improved larger-font support, fixes an Echo-screen crash on smaller Android devices and includes additional bug fixes.
- ZERO-TOOL INSTALL — When your vehicle's 7-way already provides the required power and ground, Echo installs without under-dash wiring or tools. The safety strap is stored inside the Echo cap and should be installed before use. With the vehicle running or ignition ON and in Park, plug Echo into the vehicle 7-way first, pair through OneControl Auto, then connect the trailer on a level surface. Flashing yellow indicates 5-8 second calibration; solid green indicates Echo is paired with the trailer connected.
- HIGHLY RESPONSIVE — Echo uses a triple-axis accelerometer for proportional trailer braking and supports trailers with 1-2 axles / 2-4 brakes. Adjust maximum output and sensitivity for your trailer and load. If Bluetooth communication is lost, the brake controller continues operating at the most recently programmed settings; app-based control and controller notifications require app communication. Always test trailer lights and braking before driving.
- VERSATILE — Compatible with cruise control, ABS and low-voltage/PWM systems. An existing factory or aftermarket brake controller will not function while Echo is installed. When vehicle hazard lights are active, use the app's Hazard Lights setting to prevent pulsing trailer-brake output. Echo is designed for Bluetooth communication up to 50 ft unobstructed, though actual range can be limited by the phone, vehicle construction and other obstructions.
2024 hybrid SUVs ranked by maximum towing capacity
| Confirmed rank | SUV | Hybrid type | Maximum towing capacity | Configuration note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Sequoia | Conventional hybrid | 9,520 lb | Highest rating; configuration-dependent |
| 2 | Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid or S E-Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid | Approximately 7,700 lb | Trim-dependent; Turbo E-Hybrid is lower |
| 3 | Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | Plug-in hybrid | 6,000 lb | Requires the appropriate equipment and load configuration |
| 4 | Toyota Land Cruiser | Conventional hybrid | 6,000 lb | i-FORCE MAX; payload and tongue weight still apply |
| 5 | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX | Hybrid | 5,000 lb | Hybrid MAX only; standard Grand Highlander Hybrid is 3,500 lb |
| 6 | Ford Explorer Hybrid | Conventional hybrid | 5,000 lb | Ford’s towing guide says equipment, cargo, and trailer configuration affect the rating |
| 7 | Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 AWD | Plug-in hybrid | 5,000 lb | Applies to the T8 AWD configuration |
| 8 | Mazda CX-90 PHEV | Plug-in hybrid | 3,500 lb | The 5,000-lb figure belongs to Turbo S models, not the PHEV |
| 9 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Conventional hybrid | 3,500 lb | All 2024 Highlander Hybrid grades; non-hybrid turbo models reach 5,000 lb |
| — | BMW X5 xDrive50e | Plug-in hybrid | Verify exact U.S. configuration | Not ranked because the reviewed sources do not establish a reliable 50e-specific figure |
Source basis: U.S. manufacturer specifications, owner-manual data, and manufacturer towing-guide information identified in the research for this comparison. “Up to” figures apply only to qualifying configurations.
1. Toyota Sequoia: up to 9,520 pounds
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is the clear leader here. Every Sequoia uses Toyota’s twin-turbocharged V6 i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, and Toyota publishes a maximum towing capacity of 9,520 pounds.
That number gives the Sequoia a substantial advantage over the other verified hybrid SUVs in this list. It is the most suitable choice here for shoppers who need to tow a large boat, substantial travel trailer, or other heavy trailer and also want a three-row hybrid SUV.
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“Up to” is doing important work, however. The maximum rating is configuration-dependent. Before relying on the 9,520-lb figure, match the vehicle’s exact grade, drivetrain, tow equipment, payload, and certification-label information to the trailer you intend to use. A Sequoia that is carrying several adults, luggage, and additional equipment may reach its payload limit before the trailer reaches 9,520 pounds.
2. Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: approximately 7,700 pounds
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is the most trim-sensitive entry near the top of this ranking. Porsche-affiliated technical information lists the Cayenne E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid at approximately 7,700 pounds, while the more powerful Turbo E-Hybrid is listed at 6,613 pounds.
That means “Cayenne E-Hybrid” should not be treated as one universal towing specification. The E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid figures are higher than the Turbo E-Hybrid figure in the reviewed information. Confirm the exact version, factory equipment, hitch setup, and local-market documentation before comparing a particular Cayenne with the Sequoia or another SUV.
The Cayenne is also a premium alternative, so purchase price and operating costs may be substantially different from the mainstream SUVs below it. Its place near the top is based strictly on towing capacity, not overall value or efficiency.
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3. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: up to 6,000 pounds
Jeep rates the 2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid for up to 6,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped.
The “properly equipped” qualification should not be overlooked. The exact hitch, trailer, cargo, tongue weight, and other equipment determine whether a specific 4xe can use the maximum figure. Buyers should check the vehicle’s towing documentation and door-jamb payload label rather than assume that every Grand Cherokee 4xe has identical practical capacity.
The 4xe’s rating places it in the same broad towing tier as the hybrid Land Cruiser, although the two SUVs have different designs, dimensions, powertrains, and intended uses. Choose between them based on the actual trailer, passenger load, off-road requirements, and equipment available on the specific vehicle.
Rank #2
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- 【Easy to display】LED Digital display screens show the voltage delivery going from the brake controller to the trailer's brakes. Easy to read, easy to observe vehicle conditions in real time.In case of emergencies, make adjustments in time
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4. Toyota Land Cruiser: up to 6,000 pounds
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is exclusively powered by Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid system and is advertised with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Toyota also says a trailer hitch is standard across the Land Cruiser grades.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11A standard hitch does not make every loaded towing scenario identical. The Land Cruiser’s payload includes occupants, luggage, optional accessories, and trailer tongue weight. Those loads must stay within the vehicle’s GVWR and axle limits, even when the trailer itself is below 6,000 pounds.
The Land Cruiser is therefore a strong middle ground: it offers considerably more rated capacity than the 3,500-lb hybrid SUVs, while remaining below the Sequoia’s 9,520-lb maximum. Verify the exact certification label and owner’s-manual limits for the Land Cruiser you are buying.
BMW X5 xDrive50e: qualifying model, towing figure to verify
The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is a plug-in hybrid and belongs in a discussion of hybrid SUVs. The problem is not whether it qualifies; the problem is whether a particular published X5 towing number actually applies to the xDrive50e in the U.S.
X5 towing figures can vary by hitch and configuration. The reviewed material confirms the 2024 xDrive50e but does not provide a sufficiently clean, primary-source U.S. rating specific to that powertrain. For that reason, this article does not assign it a number or place it above or below the confirmed entries.
Do not copy the highest towing rating from a gasoline X5, an xDrive40i, or another non-hybrid version and apply it to the xDrive50e. The correct figure should come from the exact U.S. owner’s manual, certification label, or BMW technical documentation for the selected vehicle. Until that verification is available, the BMW is a research hold rather than a ranked recommendation.
5. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX: 5,000 pounds
The Toyota Grand Highlander reaches 5,000 pounds only with the Hybrid MAX powertrain. That distinction is essential when comparing listings, dealer inventory, or used vehicles.
Toyota’s owner-manual data rates the standard 2.5-liter Grand Highlander Hybrid at 3,500 pounds, not 5,000 pounds. A listing that says “Grand Highlander Hybrid” without identifying Hybrid MAX may therefore describe a vehicle with 1,500 pounds less towing capacity than the one a shopper had in mind.
Look for the Hybrid MAX designation and verify the vehicle’s factory equipment. The 5,000-lb rating is a maximum, not an instruction to load the SUV to its payload limit and then attach a 5,000-lb trailer.
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Ford’s 2024 RV & Trailer Towing Guide lists the Explorer Hybrid at 5,000 pounds. The guide is the governing reference for this comparison rather than a rating from a different Explorer engine or trim.
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- Slim, low-profile design for a functional, modern aesthetic
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- Operates 2-6 trailer brakes at a time (1-3 axles)
- No internal moving parts and no leveling required
Ford’s general towing warnings are particularly relevant here: ratings can vary with equipment, cargo, and trailer configuration. Check the exact Explorer’s tow-package details, payload label, axle ratings, and manual before selecting a trailer.
The Explorer Hybrid’s 5,000-lb rating puts it alongside the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX and Volvo XC90 Recharge in the confirmed list. Those vehicles do not necessarily have the same interior payload, hitch equipment, or trailer-braking requirements, so equal headline numbers do not mean equal real-world capability.
7. Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 AWD: 5,000 pounds
Volvo’s U.S. specifications list the XC90 T8 AWD plug-in hybrid, sold as the XC90 Recharge for this model year, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
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As with the other 5,000-lb SUVs, the trailer rating is only one part of the calculation. The loaded trailer, occupants, cargo, and tongue weight must all fit within the individual XC90’s payload and axle limits.
8. Mazda CX-90 PHEV: 3,500 pounds
Mazda’s launch information gives the CX-90 plug-in hybrid a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
This is one of the easiest figures to get wrong. Mazda’s 5,000-lb towing number applies to CX-90 3.3 Turbo S models, not to the CX-90 PHEV. A shopper must identify the powertrain before using a specification from a review, listing, or dealer advertisement.
The CX-90 PHEV is still a capable choice for lighter towing, but it should not be selected for a trailer that requires the Turbo S rating. Use the PHEV’s own documentation and the vehicle’s payload label for the final decision.
9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 3,500 pounds
All 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid grades are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. That makes the Highlander Hybrid a lower-capacity towing option than the Sequoia, Land Cruiser, or Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, but it remains suitable for many smaller trailers when properly equipped.
The non-hybrid Highlander is the source of another common comparison error. Turbocharged gasoline Highlander configurations can reach 5,000 pounds, but that rating must not be used for the Highlander Hybrid.
Rank #4
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If a vehicle listing simply says “Highlander” or omits the powertrain, verify whether it is the hybrid before relying on the published towing number.
Why maximum towing capacity is not the same as payload
A trailer rating answers only one question: how heavy a trailer the vehicle is rated to tow under specified conditions. It does not tell you how much weight can be placed in the SUV at the same time.
The vehicle’s payload calculation includes:
- the driver and passengers;
- luggage and other cargo inside the SUV;
- dealer-installed and aftermarket accessories;
- the trailer’s tongue weight; and
- other weight carried by the vehicle or hitch.
All of that weight must remain within the payload shown on the vehicle’s door-jamb certification label and within the applicable GVWR and axle ratings. A trailer that weighs less than the advertised maximum can still overload the SUV if the vehicle is full of passengers and gear.
Use the trailer’s actual loaded weight, not its empty or “dry” advertised weight. Water, propane, batteries, food, camping equipment, personal belongings, and optional trailer equipment can add a significant amount before the trip begins.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What equipment may be needed before towing
Do not assume that a vehicle’s maximum rating means it is ready for every trailer. Before buying or towing, confirm all of the following:
- Factory tow equipment: Verify the receiver, wiring, connector, and any tow package required for the specific year, trim, and powertrain.
- Hitch rating: The receiver, ball mount, coupler, and other hardware must be rated for the loaded trailer and its tongue weight.
- Trailer brakes: Many heavier trailers require their own braking system under vehicle or local regulations. The SUV must have a compatible control system when the trailer uses electric brakes.
- Brake controller: If the trailer and vehicle configuration require electric trailer braking, a compatible trailer brake controller may be necessary. It is not a universal requirement for every trailer, and compatibility must be checked before purchase.
- Safety equipment: Use properly rated safety chains, trailer lighting, and a coupler that matches the tow vehicle’s equipment.
- Weight-distribution equipment: Some heavier or particular trailer setups may call for a weight-distribution hitch. It is configuration-dependent, not an automatic upgrade for every SUV.
- Vehicle-specific fitment: A vehicle-specific trailer hitch receiver and wiring kit can be useful when factory equipment is absent, but fitment must be checked by model year, trim, hybrid system, connector type, and installation instructions.
Follow the vehicle owner’s manual and the trailer manufacturer’s instructions if they impose different requirements. The lower applicable limit governs.
How to choose among these hybrid SUVs
Choose the Sequoia for the highest verified capacity
If towing capacity is the primary requirement, the Sequoia is the obvious starting point. Its 9,520-lb maximum is well above every other confirmed entry here. Still, buy and configure it around the loaded trailer and passenger payload—not the headline number alone.
Look at the Cayenne if you need a premium SUV with a high rating
The Cayenne E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid offer approximately 7,700 pounds in the reviewed technical information, but the Turbo E-Hybrid is lower at 6,613 pounds. Trim verification is mandatory.
Consider the Grand Cherokee 4xe or Land Cruiser in the 6,000-lb tier
Both are listed at up to 6,000 pounds. The Jeep’s figure is explicitly conditional on proper equipment, while the Land Cruiser’s standard hitch does not remove the need to check payload, tongue weight, and axle limits.
Use the 5,000-lb group for a mid-capacity requirement
The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, Ford Explorer Hybrid, and Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 AWD occupy the confirmed 5,000-lb tier. Be especially careful with the Grand Highlander: its standard hybrid powertrain is rated at only 3,500 pounds.
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- Proportional Mode Brake for Everyday Towing: The Tow-Pro Liberty delivers Proportional Mode braking for smooth on-road control. Easy to install and use, the system reduces push and pull for ultimate towing confidence on roads and highways
- Universal Brake Controller for SUVs & Trucks: Pair with the universal pig tail wiring harness (TPH-025) or one of our vehicle specific brake controller wiring harnesses and switch inserts for factory-style integration (each sold separately)
- What’s Included: Tow-Pro Liberty Electric Brake Controller, Remote Head Assembly, Remote Head Nut, Remote Head Knob, Remote Head Bezel, Remote Head Cable 3’3” (1 m). Supports 1–2 axles. Fits most common trailer braking applications
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- Confidence for The Long Haul: Designed and torture-tested in the Australian Outback, it's engineered for the toughest towing conditions. Trusted for 45+ years, REDARC offers a 2 year limited warranty on this trailer brake controller
Choose a 3,500-lb SUV only when the trailer fits that limit
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are rated at 3,500 pounds. They can make sense for lighter trailer duties, but neither should be assigned the 5,000-lb rating of a related gasoline model.
Bottom line
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is the towing-capacity winner among the verified hybrid SUVs in this comparison, with a manufacturer-stated maximum of 9,520 pounds. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid follows at approximately 7,700 pounds for the applicable trims, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Toyota Land Cruiser reach 6,000 pounds.
Below that, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, Ford Explorer Hybrid, and Volvo XC90 Recharge are rated at 5,000 pounds. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are rated at 3,500 pounds. Confirm the exact powertrain and equipment every time, and check payload and tongue weight before treating any maximum rating as usable capacity.
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Which 2024 hybrid SUV can tow the most?
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has the highest verified towing capacity in this comparison, with a manufacturer-stated maximum of 9,520 pounds. Its exact usable capacity depends on configuration, payload, tongue weight, and equipment.
Can every Grand Highlander Hybrid tow 5,000 pounds?
No. The 5,000-pound rating applies to the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX. Toyota’s owner-manual data rates the standard 2.5-liter Grand Highlander Hybrid at 3,500 pounds.
Can I use the gasoline Highlander’s towing rating for the Highlander Hybrid?
No. The 5,000-pound Highlander rating belongs to turbocharged non-hybrid configurations. All 2024 Highlander Hybrid grades are rated at up to 3,500 pounds.
Does maximum towing capacity include passengers and cargo?
Not necessarily. A maximum trailer rating does not include unlimited passengers, luggage, accessories, or tongue weight. Check the individual vehicle’s door-jamb payload label, GVWR, axle ratings, and owner’s manual.
Does every trailer require a trailer brake controller?
Only when the trailer and vehicle setup require it. Trailer-brake requirements vary by trailer, vehicle equipment, and local regulations. If electric trailer brakes are used, the vehicle needs a compatible brake controller and wiring.
Why is the BMW X5 xDrive50e not given a towing ranking?
The reviewed material confirms the 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e as a plug-in hybrid but does not establish a reliable U.S.-specific towing figure for that exact configuration. Do not transfer a rating from a gasoline X5; verify the owner’s manual, certification label, or BMW technical documentation.
The Bottom Line
Best for maximum towing: the 2024 Toyota Sequoia, rated up to 9,520 pounds. The number applies only to the appropriate configuration; payload, tongue weight, hitch equipment, trailer brakes, and the loaded trailer’s actual weight can reduce the practical limit.
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