Even with soaring gas prices, an SUV that can haul a whole family and tow its toys or a camper still looks pretty good for vacation travel. A properly equipped pickup truck would be a good choice for the biggest towing jobs, but there are SUVs with maximum tow ratings from 8,000 pounds up to 10,000 pounds — along with the third-row seating and cabin cargo space — that make for excellent all-purpose haulers.
Related: These 10 SUVs Have the Highest Towing Capacity for 2021
The list below ranks the top 12 model-year 2022 SUVs by their specified maximum tow ratings, with a lower base price used to break any ties. The list will change for 2023, however; to wit, Toyota recently announced the redesigned 2023 Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds and go on sale in late summer. As for 2021 — but not necessarily in earlier years, when some manufacturers used in-house calculations — the ratings should be comparable because the SUVs have been rated according to the SAE International J2807 performance standard, a comprehensive procedure for determining vehicle gross combined weight ratings (GCWR) and trailer weight ratings. It also specifies consistent parameters such as, for example, two occupants of a set weight and a common complement of options.
Note that these are advertised maximum ratings for ideal conditions and typically require a heavy-duty trailering package or other options and a proper hitch. Your real-world maximum towing capability will be reduced by your passenger and cargo load, as well as possibly by additional optional equipment including, in some cases, all- or four-wheel drive. We have more details below the list on how to determine the safe maximum for your situation.
The Top 12 Model-Year 2022 SUVs for Towing Capacity
1. Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer: 10,000 pounds/9,850 pounds
2. Ford Expedition/Expedition Max: 9,300 pounds/9,000 pounds
3. Dodge Durango SRT 392, R/T with Tow N Go: 8,700 pounds
4. Lincoln Navigator/Navigator L: 8,700 pounds/8,400 pounds
5. Nissan Armada: 8,500 pounds
6. Infiniti QX80: 8,500 pounds
7. Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban: 8,400 pounds/8,300 pounds
8. GMC Yukon/Yukon XL: 8,400 pounds/8,300 pounds
9. Land Rover Defender: 8,200 pounds
10. Land Rover Discovery: 8,200 pounds
11. Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV: 8,200 pounds/8,000 pounds
12. Land Rover Range Rover: 8,200 pounds