SUV Towing Capacity Chart for 2026: Which SUVs Tow 1,500, 3,500 and 5,000+ lb

Most compact SUVs in SUVLook's research are rated for 1,500 to 3,500 lb, and the 3,500-lb figures usually belong to one trim or powertrain, not the whole lineup. The chart below lists the highest published rating for every SUV with a towing figure in our vehicle profiles. Each row keeps the condition the manufacturer attached to that number, such as AWD, a tow package or an off-road trim.

The 2026 Ford Expedition leads the chart at 9,600 lb for a properly equipped standard-wheelbase 4x4. Six three-row SUVs reach 5,000 lb, and six smaller SUVs reach 3,500 lb in a specific configuration.

2026 SUV towing capacity chart

Ratings are the highest figure each manufacturer publishes for the model year shown, with the condition that applies. Lower ratings for other drivetrains, trims or hybrids sit in the fourth column.

AI-generated illustration of a midsize SUV towing a small utility trailer for visual reference; not a photo of a specific model or evidence of measurements.

The chart is built from SUVLook's vehicle research profiles, so a corrected or newly added profile updates it automatically. Each source link opens the manufacturer page the rating was taken from.

How to read an SUV towing rating

A maximum towing rating describes the best-case configuration, not every version of the model. The same badge can carry very different limits:

• Drivetrain: the 2026 Honda Pilot is rated for 5,000 lb with AWD and 3,500 lb with 2WD. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is rated for 1,500 lb with AWD and 800 lb with FWD.
• Trim: the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester reach 3,500 lb in Wilderness form; most other trims are rated for 1,500 lb. The Outback's 2.5-liter models are rated for 2,700 lb, while Wilderness and XT reach 3,500 lb.
• Equipment: Ford rates the 2026 Escape at 3,500 lb with the 2.0-liter engine and tow package, and Lexus rates the 2024 RX 350 at 3,500 lb with the required towing equipment.
• Trailer brakes: Kia lists the 2026 Sportage's 2,500-lb rating with trailer brakes, and Hyundai lists the Palisade's ratings with brakes.

Read the condition next to the number before comparing two SUVs. A 3,500-lb rating that needs a particular trim and package is not available on the base model you may be shopping.

Do hybrid SUVs tow less?

Often, yes, but not always. Several hybrids carry a lower published rating than the gas version of the same SUV:

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 goes the other way: Toyota's 3,500-lb rating applies to specified AWD hybrid and plug-in hybrid grades, while FWD models and the LE AWD are rated for 1,750 lb. The 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid is not rated for towing at all.

Best small SUVs for towing, by published rating

Among compact SUVs in SUVLook's profiles, the highest published rating is 3,500 lb, and each one comes with a condition:

1. Ford Escape: 3,500 lb with the 2.0-liter engine and tow package.
2. Toyota RAV4: 3,500 lb on specified AWD hybrid and plug-in hybrid grades.
3. Subaru Crosstrek and Forester: 3,500 lb in Wilderness trim.

The Kia Sportage follows at 2,500 lb with trailer brakes. The Chevrolet Equinox (AWD), Honda CR-V (gas), Nissan Rogue and Toyota Corolla Cross are each rated for 1,500 lb. "Best" here means highest published rating; it is not a judgment of stability, braking or comfort while towing.

SUVs that can tow 5,000 lb or more

Seven SUVs in the chart reach at least 5,000 lb:

• 2026 Ford Expedition: 9,600 lb, properly equipped standard-wheelbase 4x4 (9,000 lb for the Expedition MAX).
• 2026 Chevrolet Traverse: 5,000 lb, properly equipped.
• 2026 Ford Explorer: 5,000 lb.
• 2026 Honda Pilot: 5,000 lb with AWD.
• 2026 Hyundai Palisade: 5,000 lb for the gas model, with trailer brakes.
• 2026 Mazda CX-90: 5,000 lb, properly equipped inline-six.
• 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: 5,000 lb for gas and Hybrid MAX models.

A camper or boat near 5,000 lb also needs enough payload and tongue-weight capacity for the trailer, passengers and cargo together. Those limits are in the owner's manual and on the vehicle's labels, not in the headline rating.

Before you tow: five checks

1. Confirm the rating for the exact vehicle, using its trim, drivetrain and powertrain, in the owner's manual.
2. Weigh the loaded trailer, not the empty weight from a listing.
3. Check maximum tongue weight and payload in the owner's manual; passengers, cargo and the trailer's tongue weight all load the SUV.
4. Confirm the equipment the rating assumes, such as a hitch receiver, tow package, wiring and trailer brakes.
5. Compare like with like: a 3,500-lb Wilderness or tow-package rating does not transfer to a base trim.

For model-specific detail, see SUVLook's Hyundai Palisade towing capacity, Kia Telluride towing capacity and Nissan Pathfinder towing capacity guides. To shortlist SUVs by a towing requirement, use the SUV Fit Finder or put two SUVs side by side in Compare.

Frequently asked questions

Which SUV has the highest towing capacity in this chart?

The 2026 Ford Expedition, rated by Ford for 9,600 lb as a properly equipped standard-wheelbase 4x4. The Expedition MAX is rated for 9,000 lb.

Which small SUVs can tow 3,500 lb?

The 2026 Ford Escape with the 2.0-liter engine and tow package, specified AWD hybrid and plug-in hybrid grades of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, and the Wilderness versions of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester.

Which SUVs can tow 5,000 lb?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot (AWD), Hyundai Palisade (gas), Mazda CX-90 (inline-six) and Toyota Grand Highlander (gas and Hybrid MAX) are rated for 5,000 lb; the 2026 Ford Expedition is rated higher.

Can a hybrid SUV tow?

Most hybrids in the chart can, usually at a lower rating than the gas version. The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid is rated for 1,000 lb and the Palisade hybrid for 4,000 lb, while the 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid is not rated for towing.

Does every trim get the maximum towing rating?

No. Ratings depend on drivetrain, trim and equipment. For example, the 2026 Honda Pilot is rated for 5,000 lb with AWD but 3,500 lb with 2WD.