Edmunds Highlights the Best SUVs for Towing in 2026
Choosing the best new SUV for towing can be a tough call, as Edmunds’ auto experts note in their latest buying guide. While a vehicle’s maximum tow rating is a key figure, it only tells part of the story. The strongest contenders combine stable handling, strong braking, and enough power to handle hills and mountain grades—ideally with technology that makes hitching and maneuvering easier while keeping the ride comfortable for daily use.
To help shoppers, Edmunds’ team researched SUVs across different size and price categories, aiming to cover everything from pulling a fishing boat to hauling a camper or horse trailer. All prices in the guide include destination charges and reflect the least expensive version of each vehicle that qualifies for its maximum towing capacity.
The Compact Pick: 2026 Toyota RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4, fully redesigned for the model year, leads the small SUV category. The entire lineup now features a hybrid powertrain that Edmunds describes as delivering peppy acceleration and excellent fuel economy, along with upgraded tech and a more upscale cabin. The base LE trim is limited to a 1,750-pound tow rating, but SE and higher trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive—enough for a small boat, travel trailer, or an open trailer carrying a couple of motorcycles or watercraft. All-wheel drive is optional on the SE and XLE Premium trims, while the Woodland, XSE, and Limited trims come standard with it. The properly equipped RAV4 SE is priced at $37,695.
Midsize Three-Row Option: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
For those needing a three-row midsize SUV, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder stands out with a class-leading tow rating of 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, according to Edmunds. The SV trim, which qualifies for that maximum rating, carries a price of $45,785. This makes the Pathfinder a versatile choice for families who need to tow trailers or boats while still having room for passengers and cargo.
Full-Size Heavy Hauler: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer takes the top spot for full-size SUVs with an impressive tow rating of up to 10,000 pounds—a figure Edmunds calls class-leading. To achieve that maximum, buyers need to opt for the Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow package, which also includes a trailer brake controller. The properly equipped Grand Wagoneer is priced at $71,785, positioning it as a premium option for serious towing needs.
Luxury Towing: 2026 Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade IQ
In the luxury segment, the 2026 Lincoln Navigator offers a tow rating of 8,700 pounds, with a Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature that simplifies maneuvering a trailer, as noted in the guide. The Premiere trim, properly equipped, costs $96,640, and Edmunds suggests it can easily satisfy buyers looking for a blend of luxury and towing capability.
The 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ, an all-electric entry, also makes the list with a maximum tow rating of 8,000 pounds. The vehicle’s EPA-estimated range is up to 460 miles on a single charge, according to the guide. At a price of $130,300 for the properly equipped version, it represents the high end of the towing SUV market, offering robust towing capacity alongside its electric powertrain.
A Guide to Smart Towing Choices
Edmunds’ guide emphasizes that a high tow rating alone doesn’t make an SUV the best choice. Drivers should also consider stability, braking performance, powertrain strength, and available towing tech that can make the experience safer and more convenient. Whether you’re towing a boat, camper, or trailer, the 2026 models highlighted here offer a range of options from practical to premium, each with its own strengths.