Several large SUVs have manufacturer-published maximum tow ratings above 8,000 pounds, but those figures apply only to specific model years and configurations. This verified shortlist includes six examples—not ten—because the available specifications do not establish ten comparable ratings. “Tow like a full-size truck” here means strong trailer capacity, not equivalent payload, cargo-bed utility, or overall towing behavior.
Which SUVs can tow 8,000 pounds or more?
The ratings below come from manufacturer materials, but they are not all for the same model year or rating basis. A maximum figure is not a promise that every version of that SUV can tow that much.
| SUV and model year | Published towing figure | Configuration or equipment | Important qualifications and aids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Expedition (2025) | Up to 9,600 lb | Properly equipped 4×4. The Expedition MAX 4×4 is listed up to 9,000 lb. | Ford says ratings vary with wheelbase, drivetrain, axle ratio, cargo, accessories, and passengers. Check the 2025 Expedition specifications and 2026 Expedition Towing Guide. |
| Toyota Sequoia (2025) | Up to 9,520 lb | Toyota’s 2025 model uses the twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain. | Toyota describes towing aids available through the Tow Tech Package. The cited figure is from Toyota’s 2024 announcement; see the 2025 Sequoia announcement. |
| Dodge Durango (specified configurations) | Up to 8,700 lb | Dodge attributes this available capacity to the 6.2L SRT Hellcat and Tow ’n Go package. | The same Dodge page lists 7,200 lb standard capacity for the 5.7L HEMI model. Engine and package matter; see Dodge Towing and Capability. |
| Nissan Armada (2025) | Up to 8,500 lb | Maximum capacity in Nissan’s 2024 press kit. | Nissan lists a Class IV hitch and 7-pin harness/pre-wiring. An integrated trailer-brake controller is included on PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve grades. See the 2025 Armada press kit. |
| Chevrolet Tahoe (2026) | 7,900 lb standard | Chevrolet’s current comparison page states the standard figure. | The page compares it with a 2025 Wagoneer, so the two rows do not represent a fully matched model-year comparison. See Chevrolet’s Tahoe-versus-Wagoneer comparison. |
| Jeep Wagoneer (2025) | 6,120 lb standard | Standard figure as stated on Chevrolet’s comparison page. | This is below an 8,000-pound threshold and is included only as context in that comparison, not as a top-maximum contender. See Chevrolet’s comparison. |
What SUV can tow like a truck?
If “like a truck” means a high published trailer rating, the Expedition, Sequoia, Durango, and Armada examples above reach or exceed 8,500 pounds in at least one specified configuration. That does not make them equivalent to pickups. An SUV’s people-and-cargo capacity, trailer tongue load, and total vehicle-and-trailer limits still govern what can be carried safely.
Why the maximum rating may not fit your SUV
Tow ratings belong to configurations, not model names. Ford’s guide separates ratings by drivetrain, wheelbase, axle ratio, and equipment, and warns that maximum towing varies with cargo, configuration, accessories, and passenger count. A loaded vehicle may have less capacity available for trailer tongue weight than its headline maximum suggests.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH — This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 900 lbs. tongue weight, 8,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 900 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN — This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver (not compatible with vertical hanging bikes / bike racks that require the bikes to be hung / mounted vertically)
- FULLY TESTED — Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT — This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL — This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. Cross-references part #75225 (reference only). Verify fitment by year/make/model.
- Payload: Account for passengers, luggage, accessories, and the trailer’s tongue weight against the vehicle’s payload limit.
- GVWR: Keep the loaded SUV—including occupants and cargo—within its gross vehicle weight rating.
- GCWR: Keep the combined loaded vehicle and trailer within the gross combined weight rating. Ford’s 2026 guide states that the combined weight cannot exceed the listed GCWR; use the applicable vehicle’s own labels and manual.
- Hitch and receiver: Confirm the receiver, ball mount, and hitch ratings suit the specific SUV and trailer. A weight-distributing hitch may be required for some heavy-trailer setups.
- Trailer equipment: Verify wiring, trailer brakes, and brake-control requirements, rather than assuming every trim includes the same hardware.
How to check a specific SUV before towing
- Identify the exact model year, trim, engine, drivetrain, wheelbase, axle ratio, and installed tow package.
- Use the manufacturer’s towing guide and the vehicle’s certification labels to find the rating for that exact configuration; do not substitute another trim’s maximum.
- Weigh or calculate the loaded SUV and trailer, including passengers, cargo, options, and tongue weight. Check payload, GVWR, GCWR, and trailer rating together.
- Check the owner’s manual for receiver limits, hitch requirements, trailer-brake setup, and any weight-distribution instructions.
- Compare available towing aids—such as a brake controller, camera views, trailer blind-spot monitoring, and sway control—on the exact trim being considered.
Why this is not a complete ten-SUV ranking
The verified material does not provide ten SUVs with current, comparable model-year ratings and configuration details. Older manufacturer sheets document 8,400 lb for a 2023 Tahoe with the 5.3L and NHT trailering package, 8,300 lb for a 2022 Suburban with the 5.3L and NHT package, and 8,400 lb for a 2023 Yukon with the 5.3L, 2WD, and NHT package. Those figures are historical examples, not substitutes for current model-year specifications: 2023 Tahoe sheet, 2022 Suburban sheet, and 2023 Yukon sheet.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rated to 4,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 675 lbs. tongue weight
- Compatible with weight distribution hitch (4,500 lbs. WD / 675 lbs. WDTW)
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Concealed main body for OE look and seamless integration with the vehicle
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
Rank #4
- Rated to 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 750 lbs. tongue weight
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
- Protected by a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish
Rank #3
- Rated to 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 900 lbs. tongue weight
- Compatible with weight distribution hitch (8,000 lbs. WD / 900 lbs. WDTW)
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
Rank #2
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH — This trailer hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN — This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED — Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT — This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL — This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Santa Fe and Sorento
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