{"id":10265,"date":"2021-08-04T13:44:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T13:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carpages.ca\/blog\/?post_type=cp_guides&p=10265"},"modified":"2021-08-30T18:52:35","modified_gmt":"2021-08-30T18:52:35","slug":"best-towing-suv","status":"publish","type":"cp_guides","link":"https:\/\/www.carpages.ca\/blog\/best-towing-suv\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Towing SUV"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alongside pickup trucks, SUVs account for the majority of new and used car sales<\/strong><\/a> in recent years. It\u2019s easy to see why \u2013 SUVs typically offer more cargo space, seating capacity, and all-around versatility than smaller sedans and hatchbacks. As bigger, taller vehicles, SUVs tend to have high car safety ratings<\/strong><\/a>. And when it comes to towing a boat or an RV, most modern SUVs are more than capable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But finding the best towing SUV boils down to a myriad of factors, from the SUV\u2019s tow rating to the weight of your trailer. In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know before buying an SUV for towing, as well as our top towing SUVs that are available in 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Questions To Consider When Choosing An SUV for Towing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all SUVs are made the same. Before purchasing a vehicle for towing, consider the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Want A 4-Wheel Drive Or All-Wheel Drive?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

AWD and 4WD function in very similar ways. When additional traction is needed, such as traversing slick and muddy trails, these systems send power to all four wheels. However, AWD is more of an automatic system that engages without driver input. Meanwhile, 4WD is a system that the driver must engage with the push of a button or a lever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, AWD works well for light off-roading and can capably handle most weather conditions. 4WD, on the other hand, is best for pulling heavy loads and doing so over more complicated terrain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AWD can be found as a standard feature in most crossovers and SUVs, while 4WD is more commonly found on pickup trucks. However, some heavy-duty SUVs will provide a 4WD option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s In A Tow Package?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A tow package is a set of features and equipment that make towing heavy loads easier and safer. Some vehicles come with a factory tow package, which features the tow vehicle, a trailer hitch, wiring systems for trailer lights, and even additional equipment like transmission coolers, which helps the vehicle cope with the stress of towing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can purchase a non-towing trim then install an aftermarket kit later on. But you will need to do some meticulous research on things like compatible hitches and wiring harnesses. You\u2019ll also have to upgrade your suspension \u2013 most factory packages include rear suspension \u2013 and you\u2019ll most likely have to add cooling kits to your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Towing Capacity? Is It The Same As Payload Capacity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Towing capacity is a number that indicates how much weight an SUV or truck can pull. Payload capacity means how much a truck can safely carry on its bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another number to take note of is the GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This indicates the total weight of a vehicle or trailer when loaded. This includes the vehicle or trailer\u2019s curb weight (the weight minus the load) and the load itself (cargo and passengers). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Average Trailer Weights?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All vehicles have a maximum towing capacity. Before buying one for towing, you\u2019ll need to familiarize yourself with trailer weights first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most light trailers carrying small watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, and motorbikes will weigh about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. However, if you\u2019re carrying something like a small fishing boat (e.g. a bass boat or a dinghy), your trailer would weigh about 2,000 to 3,000 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium trailers carrying 18-foot camping trailers will weigh up to 4,000 pounds, while two-horse trailers can go up to 5,000. Finally, heavy trailers can haul up to 7,000 to 9,000 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Need Tall Tires?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bigger wheels will give your vehicle more ground clearance, which in turn will keep the underbody of your vehicle (and your trailer) from hitting big rocks. Taller tires are also easier to maneuver over big obstacles. However, if you\u2019re looking to go bigger, you have to be careful not to go overboard. If you get wheels and tires that are too big for your current setup, your vehicle\u2019s performance may suffer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When considering taller tires, you also have to think about tire load ratings or the maximum weight tires are rated to carry. Always make sure to check the ratings on your stock tires and always keep the tire pressure at the recommended number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 Best SUVs With High Towing Capacities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ready to pick out a hauler? Here are our top picks for the best SUVs for towing in 2021:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Jeep Grand Wagoneer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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We\u2019re big fans of the Jeep. We\u2019ve even named the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler as two of the best cars for camping. The former is also an excellent option for towing, as you\u2019ll see in our following writeup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what sets the 2022 Grand Wagoneer apart from its siblings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxury. It features a well-appointed cabin (customizable ambient lights, anyone?), a long list of high-tech infotainment, and incredible driver-assist features. Toss in its powerful 471-hp V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive, and nearly 10,000-pound towing capability, and you have yourself a beast of a hauler wrapped in a sleek and plushy package. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maximum towing capacity:<\/strong> Up to 10,000 pounds of towing capacity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n