What makes an SUV a great choice for towing? Overall towing capacity is obviously a key factor, and it’s often the one prospective owners look to the most. But there are plenty of other things an SUV can offer that make the job of towing easier on drivers. Interior weatherproof space for additional gear, all-around visibility and cameras, built-in sway control and trailer brake controller functions, and even higher-end features such as trailer back-up assist and extended blind spot monitors all contribute to ease of towing.
If a pick-up truck just won’t do, here's a look at the best SUVs for towing in Canada in 2024. We’ve listed the peak towing figures for each one of our haulers based on the all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) versions, since those are the models Canadians are most likely to buy. We’ve also focused on vehicles with above-average tow ratings for their segments and better-than-average equipment levels.
Best SUVs in Canada for Towing
- Buying an SUV for Towing
- Jeep Wagoneer
- Ford Expedition
- Toyota Sequoia
- Dodge Durango
- Nissan Armada
- Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
- Land Rover Defender
- Porsche Cayenne
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Pathfinder
Buying an SUV for Towing
It’s worth keeping in mind that you’ll need to drive the tow vehicle you choose every day, whether you’re trailering with it or not. Unladen drivability and fuel consumption are just as important as peak hauling prowess. Plus, beware the urge to succumb to overkill. We’re listing high-rating vehicles here, but there’s a long list of mid-size SUVs capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds or 2,268 kilograms. If it’s a small camping trailer you’re pulling as opposed to a massive boat or a heavy trailer such as a 30-foot camper, you might get along fine with a smaller vehicle.
Finally, know that it’s often one particular specification that offers an SUV’s maximum tow rating, while other trims and/or powertrains may be less capable. Sometimes, an extra-cost towing package will also be required to add equipment such as a transmission cooler or a larger rear axle ratio. Be sure you know which trims and packages align with your needs before you buy. You’ll also want to be familiar with the importance of balancing gross vehicle weight ratings and trailer tongue weights before you hook up.
Jeep Wagoneer
Maximum towing with 4WD: 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)
The Jeep Wagoneer, the brand’s luxury take on the full-size SUV, slotted itself into the top spot with a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, rendering it the best full-size SUV for towing capacity in 2024. In Canada, 4WD is standard equipment. To get this towing capacity, you’ll need to opt for the 5.7-litre V8 with its 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque, and add the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. (In 2023, this package was priced at $1,995. 2024 pricing hasn’t been released as of this writing.) That’s available on all grades and adds an upgraded 4x4 system, a two-speed on-demand transfer case, 3.92 rear axle ratio, bright tow hooks, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, a removable rear tow hook, a factory-installed trailer brake controller, a trailer hitch line-up assist, and a trailer hitch zoom. In 2023, the Jeep Wagoneer had a starting price in Canada of $86,290. (All pricing includes destination charges and fees.) The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a more upscale version of this same truck.
Jeep Wagoneer Review
Ford Expedition
Maximum towing with 4WD: 9,200 lbs (4,173 kg)
The Ford Expedition lost its crown as the top-rated large SUV for towing when the Wagoneer landed, but it still boasts an impressive 9,200 pounds of trailer weight with 4WD, which is standard equipment in Canada. To achieve the maximum tow rating, you’ll need to add the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package ($1,195), which is available on all grades. This adds a 3.73 non-limited slip rear axle, an integrated trailer brake controller, reverse braking assist, and the automaker’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows the drivers to control the direction of the trailer via a knob on the dashboard. On some grades, this package also adds a 360-degree camera with trailer reverse guidance, while an electronic limited-slip differential is also available. The 2024 Ford Expedition starts in Canada at a price of $77,780. Those seeking more luxury could consider the Lincoln Navigator as an alternative, which shares many components with the Expedition. The Navigator’s maximum towing capacity tops out at 3,765 kg (8,300 lb). Buyers looking for even more interior space may wish to consider the Ford Expedition Max.
Toyota Sequoia
Maximum towing with 4WD: 9,000 lbs (4,080 kg)
With the redesign on the Toyota Sequoia that came with the 2023 model year, owning the brand’s large SUV became a much more appealing prospect. Adding to that is its maximum towing capacity of 9,000 lbs or 4,080 kilograms, a 22 percent improvement over the previous-generation Sequoia. Available trailering technology includes Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist. The latter adds steering inputs to keep the trailer moving straight while backing up. The Platinum trim also comes with towing mirrors. The 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and hybrid system are standard equipment, producing 389 horsepower. Most versions of the Sequoia come with Toyota’s new 14-inch infotainment system, and all have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has a Canadian starting price of $82,245. For a luxury version of this same SUV, look to the Lexus GX.
Dodge Durango
Maximum towing with 4WD: 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg)
The Durango may not have changed much over the last decade, but along with that consistency comes the highest towing capacity in the mid-size SUV segment: up to 8,700 pounds, to be exact. To get it, you’ll need to opt for a model with an SRT Hemi V8. Add on the Tow ‘N Go Group for $5,295 (at 2023 pricing) and you’ll get a Class IV hitch receiver and four- and seven-pin wiring harness, a electronic limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, an on-demand Quadra-Trac 4x4 system, and an integrated trailer brake controller, along with active noise control, adaptive dampers, auto-leveling headlamps, drive mode selections, a high-performance suspension and exhaust package, and performance-tuned steering. For the buyer who needs this much towing capability, this package is a relative bargain. For the most affordable version of the Dodge Durango with this towing capacity, the most recent listed price in Canada is $76,256. Do note, though, that Dodge is consistently advertising some deep discounts on this model, to the tune of $7,600 as of this writing.
Nissan Armada
Maximum towing with 4WD: 8,500 lbs (3,855 kg)
If you’re looking for a well-priced large SUV with plenty of towing capacity, check out the Nissan Armada. Its maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds is standard equipment in Canada, along with a 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, auto-leveling rear suspension, the Intelligent Around-View Monitor, a hitch receiver, a seven-pin connector, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller. In Canada, the 2024 Nissan Armada carries a starting price of $76,449. If you’d like your towing with a side of upscale interior finishes, the Infiniti QX80 offers a luxury alternative to the same packaging.
Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
Maximum towing with 4WD: 8,200 lbs (3,719 kg)
The Chevy Tahoe and its mid-luxury stablemate, the GMC Yukon, were redesigned for the 2021 model year. This introduced some important updates, such as a four-wheel independent suspension with optional active damping and more spacious third-row seating. The max tow capacity for both vehicles requires the smaller 5.3-litre V8 engine option, as well as the Max Trailering Package, which is available with all versions and adds a two-speed transfer case when 4WD is equipped, as well as an enhanced cooling radiator, rear-camera hitch guidance, a trailer brake controller, and a smart trailer integration indicator. Higher trims also receive extended blind zone monitors, while a transparent trailer camera to assist with visibility while reversing is optional. Both SUVs come in long-wheelbase versions with slightly lower maximum tow ratings. The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe had a starting price in Canada of $73,529, while the 2023 GMC Yukon started at $77,429. (2024 pricing was not yet available as of this writing.) For those who want to roll in peak luxury while trailering, the Cadillac Escalade offers similar capability. For those who want similar towing capability but need more interior and cargo space, consider the Chevrolet Suburban or GMC Yukon XL.
Chevrolet Tahoe Review
Land Rover Defender
Maximum towing with 4WD: 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg)
The revived Land Rover Defender took outdoor adventuring to a new level when it launched in 2021. But so much attention was focused on its off-roading capability and accessory packages that its towing capacity—arguably just as important for certain off-the-grid sojourns—was nearly overlooked. In fact, the Defender can tow more than 7,700 pounds when equipped with 4WD, which is standard in Canada. To get to that figure, you’ll need the four-door 110 model with the larger 3.0-litre inline-six engine. This version comes ready to go with the addition of a tow hitch, but for $2,270 more, you can add the optional towing package, which equips All Terrain Progress Control, a cruise control system for low-traction surfaces; Terrain Response 2, an automated system for selecting drive modes; Configurable Terrain Response, which lets you create your own settings for powertrain, steering, differentials and traction control; and Advanced Tow Assist, a form of trailer back-up assist. If you need three rows of seating, the upcoming Defender 130 tops out at 6,600 pounds (3,000 kg) of capacity, while the Land Rover Discovery can match the peak towing capacity of the Defender 110. The 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 P400 with the model’s maximum towing capacity starts before options in Canada at a price of $87,550. If you need this much towing capacity but prefer a less rugged look, the Land Rover Range Rover also meets the 3,500-kilogram towing threshold.
Porsche Cayenne
Maximum towing with AWD: 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg)
Talk about a utility vehicle that can do it all: the Porsche Cayenne is equally at home on a track, off-road, or when pulling its maximum towing capacity of more than 7,700 pounds. This number can be achieved with either the Cayenne or Cayenne Coupe, both of which come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Porsche is famous for its customizability – and for how quickly that customization can amp up the price – which means reaching this capability requires some extra-cost equipment, including the trailer hitch itself. The refreshed 2024 Porsche Cayenne has a starting price in Canada of $95,535. The related Audi Q7 may also appeal to some buyers. Buyers concerned about fuel efficiency may wish to consider the Porsche Cayenne plug-in hybrid, which has the same towing capacity.
Porsche Cayenne Overview
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Maximum towing with 4WD: 7,200 lbs (3,265 kg)
Here’s another Jeep worth mentioning for its towing ability: the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which entered a new generation for 2022. Both the five-seat and the new Grand Cherokee L, which has a third row of seats, are capable of pulling up to a maximum weight of 7,200 pounds when equipped with 4WD and the 5.7-litre Hemi V8. With this setup, the necessary towing equipment is standard, including a Class IV hitch receiver, four and seven-pin wiring harness, rear load-leveling suspension, and a full-size spare tire. Not bad for a vehicle with such serious off-road capability. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee carries a Canadian starting price of $58,515.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
Nissan Pathfinder
Maximum towing with AWD: 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Most of the vehicles on this list are either large SUVs or high-end luxury SUVs, but here’s one with a respectable towing capacity from the functional-everyday-crossover department: the Nissan Pathfinder. Redesigned for the 2022 model year, the Pathfinder midsize SUV is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds in every trim level except the base model. Trailer sway control is standard on all grades, while a hitch receiver with a seven-pin wiring harness is included from the SV trim level upwards. There’s no option of an integrated trailer brake controller, though. Plus, a new nine-speed automatic transmission improves drivability over the previous generation’s CVT. The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder SV, the most affordable version with maximum towing capacity, carries a Canadian starting price of $52,683. If you’re looking for a similar but more upscale version of the Pathfinder, then the Infiniti QX60 was also redesigned for 2022 and offers the same tow rating.
Nissan Pathfinder Review
Other SUVs with high towing capacities worth considering:
- Ford Expedition MAX (9,200 lbs/4,173 kg)
- GMC Yukon XL (8,400 lbs/3,810 kg)
- Chevrolet Suburban (8,300 lbs/3,765 kg)
- Lincoln Navigator (8,300 lbs/3,765 kg)
- Lincoln Navigator L (8,100 lbs/3,674 kg)
- Lexus LX (8,000 lbs/3,630 kg)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE (7,700 lbs/3,500 kg)
- Mercedes-Benz GLS (7,700 lbs/3,500 kg)
- Audi Q7/Q8 (7,700 lbs/3,500 kg)
- BMW X7 (7,500 lbs/3,400 kg)
- BMW X5/X6 (7,200 lbs/3,265 kg)
- Genesis GV80 (6,000 lbs/2,722 kg)