A capable tow vehicle should make a loaded boat, camper, or equipment trailer feel controlled, not stressful. That is why the best choice is rarely the SUV with the biggest advertised number alone. Wheelbase, payload, tow package, trailer brakes, and how many people ride inside all matter once you are on the highway.

When buyers ask us for the best used SUV for towing, we typically point them toward truck-based, body-on-frame models with proven powertrains and factory trailering equipment. They offer the passenger room many families want while delivering far more confidence than a typical crossover when the trailer gets heavy.

Best Used SUVs for Towing at a Glance

Used SUV	Published Max Tow Rating	Best Fit	What to Verify
Ford Expedition	Up to 9,300 lbs.	Large campers and boats	Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package
Chevrolet Tahoe	Up to 8,400 lbs.	Balanced family towing	Max Trailering Package
GMC Yukon	Up to 8,400 lbs.	Premium daily driving	Max Trailering Package
Chevrolet Suburban	Up to 8,300 lbs.	Big families and cargo	Payload and trailer package
Jeep Grand Cherokee	Up to 7,200 lbs.	Midsize trailers and off-road use	V8 or tow-equipped configuration

These ratings are maximum figures for properly equipped vehicles, not a promise that every version can tow that amount. Ford notes that passenger weight, cargo, accessories, axle ratio, and equipment can reduce the real-world rating of a specific Expedition. Ford Expedition Towing Guide (ford.com)

Ford Expedition, Best Overall for Heavy SUV Towing

For many buyers, a late-model Ford Expedition is the strongest all-around answer. Models with the right tow equipment combine three-row seating, a powerful turbocharged V6, truck-based construction, and substantial towing capability without requiring a full-size pickup.

The key phrase is “with the right equipment.” A tow-ready Expedition should have the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, the appropriate axle ratio, trailer brake controller, hitch receiver, and cooling hardware. Ford lists a maximum rating of 9,300 pounds for certain properly equipped recent Expedition configurations, with newer versions rated even higher. Ford Expedition Towing Guide (ford.com)

We like the Expedition for buyers towing a midsize travel trailer, larger boat, enclosed trailer, or side-by-side trailer while needing room for up to eight passengers. Look closely at the driver-door payload label before you buy, especially if you plan to load the cabin with people, coolers, and luggage.

What to inspect on a used Expedition

Confirm the factory tow package through the window sticker, VIN data, or equipment list.
Check for smooth transmission shifts and proper Tow/Haul mode operation.
Inspect the hitch receiver, wiring connector, brake controller, and underbody for damage.
Review tire condition and matching tire specifications, because towing places extra demands on tires.

Chevrolet Tahoe, Best Blend of Capability and Everyday Size

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a smart fit when you need serious tow ratings but do not want the longer footprint of an extended-length SUV. Late-model Tahoe SUVs offer available V8 power, available diesel torque, three-row seating, and useful trailering technology.

Chevrolet lists maximum Tahoe trailering of up to 8,400 pounds when properly equipped. The available Max Trailering package can include equipment such as enhanced cooling, an integrated brake controller, towing camera views, and trailer-focused driver assistance features. Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Trailering Details (news.gm.com)

A Tahoe makes sense for a buyer with a boat, medium travel trailer, utility trailer, or weekend toys. It is also easier to park and live with than a Suburban, which can matter if your SUV spends most weekdays commuting around Scottsdale or Phoenix.

Tahoe powertrain choices for towing

The 5.3-liter V8 is a familiar, capable choice for many owners. The 6.2-liter V8 brings stronger acceleration, while the available Duramax diesel can appeal to drivers who put on long highway miles and value low-end torque. The right answer depends on the exact trailer weight, the terrain you travel, and your maintenance preferences.

GMC Yukon, Best Premium Full-Size Tow SUV

The GMC Yukon shares much of its underlying capability with the Tahoe but offers a different style, trim approach, and available luxury features. It is a strong used-SUV option for buyers who want heavy towing capability without giving up a refined interior and modern trailering tools.

GMC lists up to 8,400 pounds of maximum towing for a properly equipped Yukon with the available Max Trailering Package. That package is worth seeking out because it adds critical towing hardware rather than relying on an aftermarket hitch alone. GMC Yukon Trailering Information (gmc.com)

The Yukon is especially appealing for buyers who use an SUV as both a business vehicle and a family vehicle. If you pull an enclosed work trailer during the week and a boat or camper on the weekend, a well-equipped Yukon is a versatile middle ground.

Chevrolet Suburban, Best for Big Families With Big Gear

The Suburban brings the same basic towing formula as the Tahoe, but its longer body creates a meaningful advantage for travelers who need cargo room behind the third row. That matters when the SUV is packed with passengers, camping gear, recovery equipment, or sports equipment before the trailer is even connected.

Chevrolet lists up to 8,200 pounds of maximum trailering for a properly equipped Suburban. It is slightly lower than the Tahoe in comparable recent specifications, but the extra length and cargo space can make the Suburban the better real-life answer for families taking longer trips. Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Trailering Details (news.gm.com)

Here is the tradeoff: the longer wheelbase can feel more settled with a trailer, but the SUV itself needs more room in garages, parking lots, and tight campgrounds. We recommend it for buyers who regularly use all three rows and do not want to stack cargo around their passengers.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Best Midsize SUV for Moderate Towing

Not every trailer requires a full-size SUV. A properly configured Jeep Grand Cherokee can be an excellent used option for buyers towing a smaller camper, boat, pair of personal watercraft, or utility trailer while wanting a more manageable daily driver.

Certain V8-equipped Grand Cherokee models with the Trailer Tow Group have published ratings up to 7,200 pounds. That is impressive for a midsize SUV, but the equipment and engine choice matter enormously, so do not assume a base V6 model has the same capability. Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Information (jeep.com)

For a buyer who also values trail access, compact dimensions, and available four-wheel drive systems, the Grand Cherokee is worth a close look. It is not the answer for a large fifth wheel or a heavy equipment trailer, but it can be a practical match for moderate towing needs.

How We Choose the Right Used SUV for Towing

The trailer's loaded weight is the starting point, not the finish line. You should weigh or accurately estimate the trailer with fuel, water, batteries, gear, and upgrades included. A camper advertised at 5,000 pounds dry can be much heavier by the time it is ready for a trip.

Start with a realistic weight target

We recommend leaving a healthy margin beneath the SUV’s maximum tow rating. That extra room helps when you add passengers, cargo, steep grades, headwinds, or high Arizona summer temperatures.

Tongue weight also counts against payload. Ford’s towing guidance states that trailer tongue load should generally be about 10 percent of loaded trailer weight, and that passengers and cargo must fit within the vehicle’s payload and axle ratings. Ford Expedition Towing Guide (ford.com)

Prioritize factory towing equipment

A receiver hitch alone does not make an SUV tow-ready. Look for factory-installed trailering equipment that may include a trailer brake controller, upgraded cooling, wiring connections, sway control programming, tow mirrors, a higher-capacity hitch, and the correct axle ratio.

Ask for documentation when possible. The VIN, original window sticker, owner’s manual, and equipment sheet are much more useful than assuming every vehicle of the same model has the same rating.

Think beyond the maximum rating

A full-size SUV is a better match for frequent towing, longer trailers, and heavily loaded family trips. If you routinely pull more than about 7,000 pounds, carry several passengers, or expect to move into a larger RV, a heavy-duty pickup may be the safer long-term choice.

Buyers who need that extra margin can compare available diesel trucks and work trucks. A Ram 2500, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, or GMC Sierra 2500HD is often the better tool for a large trailer, frequent mountain travel, or commercial use.

Questions Buyers Ask About Used SUV Towing

What is the best used SUV for towing a travel trailer?

A properly equipped Ford Expedition is often the strongest overall choice for a larger travel trailer because of its high published tow rating, available heavy-duty tow equipment, and usable three-row interior. A Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, or Suburban can also be an excellent match when the trailer and payload calculations fit.

Can an SUV tow a fifth wheel?

Most conventional SUVs are not designed for a fifth-wheel hitch because they do not have a pickup bed. For a fifth wheel, we recommend looking at a properly matched heavy-duty pickup, especially when trailer pin weight and total trailer weight are substantial.

Is payload more important than towing capacity?

Both matter. Tow capacity limits the total trailer weight, while payload must carry passengers, luggage, aftermarket accessories, and trailer tongue weight. Many SUV buyers reach the payload limit before reaching the published maximum tow rating.

Should we buy a diesel SUV for towing?

A diesel SUV can be a great choice for long-distance towing because diesel engines often provide strong low-rpm torque and relaxed highway performance. Still, the exact towing configuration, service history, payload label, and trailer weight matter more than fuel type alone.

Do we need a weight-distributing hitch?

Many heavier trailer setups benefit from a weight-distributing hitch, and some manufacturer ratings require one beyond certain trailer weights. Confirm the SUV manufacturer’s instructions, hitch rating, and trailer requirements before buying or towing.

How can we find a tow-ready used SUV?

Start by filtering for full-size SUVs, then verify the VIN-specific equipment, payload label, hitch hardware, brake controller, and service condition. If the right configuration is difficult to locate, a vehicle sourcing service can save time and prevent an expensive mismatch.

Find a Tow Vehicle That Matches Your Trailer

The right SUV should match the trailer you actually own, the passengers you actually carry, and the trips you actually take. At Unique Trucks, we help buyers compare tow-ready SUVs, heavy-duty pickups, financing paths, trade values, and nationwide delivery options without the pressure.

Browse used SUVs, review the current inventory, or use the Vehicle Finder if you need a specific tow package or configuration. You can also get pre-qualified before you shop, then call (480) 210-2660 to discuss your towing plans.

The Bottom Line on Used SUVs for Towing

The best used SUV for towing is the one that leaves room for real-world weight, has the correct factory equipment, and feels stable with the trailer you plan to pull. For heavy family towing, the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Suburban belong at the top of the list. For more moderate loads with easier everyday maneuverability, a properly equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee can be a confident choice.

Before you decide, verify the door-jamb payload label and vehicle-specific tow information. That quick step can make the difference between buying an SUV that merely looks capable and one that is genuinely ready for the road.

About Unique Trucks

Unique Trucks is a family-owned dealership with over 20 years of experience serving truck buyers from Scottsdale, Phoenix, throughout Arizona, and across the United States. The dealership specializes in quality pre-owned lifted trucks, diesel trucks, work trucks, heavy-duty pickups, custom builds, and used SUVs.

The Unique Trucks Team offers competitive financing, trade-ins, vehicle sourcing, and nationwide shipping to help customers find the right truck with a no-pressure buying experience.

Browse the current inventory, get pre-qualified, or call (480) 210-2660 to speak with the Unique Trucks Team today.