7 Best SUVs For Towing A Travel Trailer Or Camper

Are you looking for the best SUVs for towing travel trailer?

Well, towing a trailer requires torque, stability, comfort, and safety. Guess what? All of these options come as standard in many SUVs. This body style offers more space for both passengers as well as language. Not just that, an SUV easily accommodates 5-7 adults.

Between so many options, finding a perfect SUV that can tow a travel trailer is a bit confusing. In this article, you will see the most exclusive and best in segment SUVs. Besides, I’ve picked the best variant acc. to their towing capacity and other best features that will help you in camping. Let’s jump to the list!

Table of Content:

1. Land Rover Defender

  • 8,201 pounds of towing capacity
  • 3.0L 4-cylinder Engine
  • 395 bhp of max. power @ 5,00 rpm
  • 406 Nm of peak torque between 2,000 to 5,000 rpm
  • 8-speed auto with manual override & paddle shifters
  • AWD type
  • Price starts from $49,990*
  • Up to 6 passengers seating capacity
Land Rover Defender off-roading on rocks
Land Rover Defender off-roading on rocks

Land Rover Defender is most probably the toughest SUV for towing trailer trailers. This 4×4 SUV represents 70 years of brand’s improvement and love of adventure.

No doubt, the Defender is way more than capable and made for great things. Outside, it represents durability and capability to tackle any terrain. Inside, Land Rover Defender surrounds you with in-car technology and lots of luxury, so that you can enjoy a safari with luxury.

Mechanically, it offers four rugged and powerful engines. The entry-level 2.0-litre engine makes 197bhp and 317 Nm. More powerful diesel chunks 237bhp and the same torque.

On the petrol side, you can pick a 4-cylinder that churns 296bhp and 295 Nm of torque. Whereas, top of the line 6-cylinder comes with a combination of a turbocharger and a 48-volt supercharger with a semi-hybrid system. Resultant, it dishes massive 395bhp and 406 Nm.

There is a plugin-in top-of-line petrol hybrid electric model in the fleet too.

The transmission system comes handled by an eight-speed ZF automatic unit which is responsible for transferring power to all wheels.

It comes with 90 short and 110 long-wheelbase versions. There are 6-different trim levels, and you can pick among 170 plus different off-roading as well as utility accessories.

Camping requires lots of storage space, no worries. Land Rover Defender can offer up to 1,000 litres of space (900 kgs) and up to 300 kgs on the roof. Not just that, you can tow up to three and a half tonnes, which makes it one of the best luxury SUVs for towing trailers.

It comes fitted with Jaguar & Land Rover 10-inch infotainment system with a 14-speakers 700-watt Meridian sound system. Apple CarPlay & Android Auto are standard.

Land Rover Defender Towing Capabilities

Being a Land Rover product, it comes loaded with lots of adventure facilities and towing capability is one of them.

Depending on the variant or engine capacity, the Defender is capable of tow travel trailers up to 8,201 pounds. Not just that, it has a maximum vehicle and trailer combination (GTW) of 15,365 pounds.

In addition to great pulling power, the Land Rover Defender comes with interesting off-roading features which makes towing a more convenient and safer process.

Not just that, it also enhances your adventure experience with a lap of luxury. Some of the features include:

  • Monocoque Architecture

Thanks to its unique architecture, Defender is the toughest and strongest SUV by the manufacturer.

  • Advanced Tow Assist

It is an autonomous feature by Land Lover that allows you to reverse a travel trailer without touching the steering. This is all done by a gear selector.

  • All-Terrain Capability

Whether it’s ice, gravel or mountains, Defender’s AWD takes care of all-terrain with ease.

  • Configurable Terrain Response

With the help of individual configuration settings for the suspension, steering, etc., you can personalize Defender’s off & on-road settings.

  • Superb Geometry

It offers a 38-degree approach, 31-degree break over and 40-degree departure angle.

  • Winching

It has a max. winching capacity of 4,536 kg which can be operated up to 45 m electronically. Not just that, Defender comes fitted with electronic air suspension, electronic active differential, twin speed gearbox and lots more.

  • 8,700 pounds of towing capacity
  • 3.5L V6 Turbocharged Engine
  • 450 bhp of max. power @ 5,500 rpm
  • 510 Nm of peak torque @3,000 rpm
  • 10-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle activation
  • 4×2 as standard, 4×4 optional
  • Price: $76,185 – $100,335
  • Up to 8 passengers seating capacity
Lincoln Navigator towing capacity
Lincoln Navigator in blue colour

Lincoln Navigator is a reflection of premium & luxury, or you can say it’s a 5-star treatment in a full-size SUV.

Compared to Land Rover Defender, Navigator comes fitted with a big engine that propels tremendous power and torque. Navigating on bad patches is not a big deal for this SUV, all thanks to the adaptive suspension system. It feels smooth and confident during off-road activities. Not just that, you get to pick among 5 Lincoln Drive Modes with low gear (available in 4×4 drivetrain only).

Under the long engine hood, Navigator comes powered with a standard 3.5L V6 motor with an optional 4×2/4×4 drive. The capable engine generates 450 bhp of max. power and 510 Nm of torque.

Power is sent to rear wheels (4×4 optional) via a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

In terms of storage, SUV offers a maximum of 103.4 cubic feet.

The Navigator SUV offers top-notch interiors. It has a 10-inch centre touchscreen which offers all bell and whistles like navigation, music and even you can change seat settings.

Lincoln Navigator Towing Capabilities

Depends on variant 4×2 or 4×4, the Lincoln Navigator offers up to 8,700 pounds of towing capability, which is best-in-class.

Not just that, the SUV manufacturer also offers a heavy-duty trailer tow package. This customized package offers a class IV trailer with 4 and 7 pin connectors, a high-performance radiator, smart trailer tow with brake and sway control.

You get more traction controlling torque to each wheel in infinite combination. This technology helps to control heavy towing heavy loads. Additionally, it gets a slow climb also knows as low gear on 4×4 models.

One of the crazy features about this SUV is Auto Hold. Imagine you are in bumper to bumper traffic and you have to control brakes, gas pedal and whatnot. Auto Hold helps you to reduce effort by keeping Navigator still in all braking situations, even on hills. You hit the accelerator pedal and the system will release the brakes. This functionality functions so well and gives the driver sense of freedom, making it one of the best SUVs for towing a camper.

3. Dodge Durango

  • 8,700 pounds of towing capacity
  • 6.4L V8 Engine
  • 475hp of max. power @ 6000 rpm
  • 470 Nm of peak torque @ 4300 rpm
  • 8-speed auto transmission
  • All-wheel drive
  • Price starts from $62,995*
  • Up to 6 passengers seating capacity
Dodge Durango towing airstream trailer
Dodge Durango towing airstream trailer

Durango is a performance-focused best-selling SUV by Dodge motors. Just like Jeep, Dodge comes under Chrysler Automobiles. The manufacturer offers Durango in eight different variants: SXT, SXT Plus, GT, GT Plus, Citadel, RT, Citadel Anodized Platinum and most powerful SRT.

These variants come loaded with different engine options and features list, but we will pick the best towing SVU for trailer which is the top of the line – Dodge Durango SRT.

On the outside, this SUV is absolutely a beast. Be it a bold front grille with LED lights or muscular bodylines, everything is so distinctive in this SUV. It offers different kinds of colour stripes to add personalization and keep it stand out of the crowd.

Bases on the quarter-mile time and towing capacity, Dodge Durango SRT is the fastest and most capable 3-row SUV in the American market, which makes it worth investing your money.

Both, the Dodge Durango, and Jeep Cherokee share the same powertrain. It is tried and tested 6.4L HEMI V8 Engine that pushes put a monstrous 475 bhp and 470 Nm of max torque. Gearshifts are controlled by a precise 8-speed auto transmission that comes combined with an electronic T-shifter and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The infotainment unit has been carried by Jeep Cherokee as well. It is the same touch infotainment system that offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation and more. There is a voice command feature so that you can focus on touring and leave functions on your commands. Kids can’t blame to boredom, thanks to the dual Blu-ray entertainment system.

There is enough storage and cabin space to accommodate your essentials. Although on paper, Durango offers seating of 6 but you can fit up to 7 people. Travelling with a small family? Awesome! You can split rear seats 60/40 to make more room for your language.

Dodge Durango Towing Capabilities

Durango offers a maximum towing capacity of 8.700 pounds. While towing this much weight, you need the best companion. The Dodge Durango can help you to gain that trust and offer you the best experience of towing a trailer.

Except for its excellent towing capacity, Durango SRT gets a host of exciting features that help you to tow a trailer even you are not a pro.

  • Blind Spot Monitoring System

With the system, you do not need to keep looking at your surroundings while driving on roads. This system alerts the driver when a vehicle comes close, enabling you to change lanes carefully and safely.

  • Rain Brake Support

This system checks the wiper and applies pressure to the brake callipers to remove water from pads, helping to better bite when the disc rotor is wet.

  • Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop

Here adaptive refers to change according to the situation. Adaptive Cruise Control uses the throttle and brakes in sync to match with traffic and maintaining a reasonable distance. Moreover, it has all standard list of features like ESC, Brake Assist, EBD, etc.

There are many reasons to pick this SUV, but one of my favourites is price competitiveness. You can’t get an SUV with this kind of performance, towing capability and feature considering the amount you pay for it. It is time to show off.

4. Land Rover Discovery

  • 8,201 pounds of towing capacity
  • 3.0L 6-cylinder Engine
  • 340 PS of max. power @ 6,500 rpm
  • 450 Nm of peak torque between 4,500 to 5,000 rpm
  • 8-speed auto transmission
  • AWD type with Terrain Response 2
  • Price starts from $53,650*
Land Rover Discovery off-road
Land Rover Discovery off-road

After Land Rover Defender, Discovery is the most versatile SUV on the list. It offers best-in-class terrain management, towing and wading capability.

The SUV is beautifully proportioned and stands as a strong contender for off-roading. From smooth lines to fast windscreen angle, and tapered rear end, everything you see is designed for a purpose that is to be classy and full of capabilities.

Being full of capabilities doesn’t mean that it lags in comfort. It’s a Land Rover, though. You get all in-car technology and tons of convenience features which will, for sure, help during towing as well as driving on city roads.

So, what makes it one of the best SUVs for towing a camper? Well, that particular comes bolted underneath the hood.

It comes with a plethora of engine options. There are two engines, a 3.0L 6-cylinders diesel engine that produces 258PS & 306PS of power, respectively. The most efficient and lightweight 2L 4-Cylinder Ingenium diesel engine that produces 240PS and a more powerful 300PS petrol engine. Last and most powerful 3.0L 6-cylinder petrol engine that generates 340PS.

Picking one of them can be a tough choice, but I will go with 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel as it has decent power, more efficient and tows equivalent to a top variant.

In terms of infotainment and comfort, Land Rover Discovery comes packed with tons of features.

The infotainment system delivers everything in a single touch. A new touch pro system with 10” HD display enables fast and seamless connectivity. You can enjoy music with a Meridian surround system (total of 14 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer). You get both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Rear seat passengers can enjoy movies via two 8” screens (each for one passenger). That’s not all, you get navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, USB 3.0, HDMI, mobile HD link, etc.

Also Read:

Land Rover Discovery Towing Capabilities

Towing and handling – These are the two most important factors to make an SUV eligible for towing a travel trailer.

And this is the only domain where Land Rover is known for.

When it comes to towing capacity, Land Rover Discovery can easily tow between 7,500 to 8,201 pounds. After Defender, it has the maximum vehicle and trailer combination (GTW) of 14.308 pounds.

The SUV has pretty Land Rover standard capabilities. Features like all-terrain progress control, wade sensing, terrain response 2, twin-speed transfer gearbox, electronic air suspension come as standard.

Let’s discuss other capabilities that are specially made for towing purposes.

  • Hill Descent Control

This is an excellent safety as well as convenience feature in Discovery. It enables locking of each wheel systematically during a steep hill and helps the driver to maintain a slow speed as well as a safe control.

  • Advanced Tow Assist

This comes as an optional feature in Discovery SUV. Thanks to the Terrain Response 2 system, it overtakes the control of your SUV during reverse and automatically handles the SUV as well as the trailer.  You just need to overview via 10” HD display.

Land Rover Discovery is the perfect pick if you are looking for a full-size SUV under this budget and features.

5. Ford Expedition SUV

  • 9,300 pounds of towing capacity
  • 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine
  • 375bhp of max. power @ 5000 rpm
  • 470 Nm of peak torque starts from 2,250 rpm
  • 10-speed auto transmission with SelectShift
  • RWD standard with optional AWD (only selected variants)
  • Price starts from $52,810*
  • Up to 8 passengers seating capacity
Ford Expedition SUV towing trailer
Ford Expedition SUV towing trailer

The Expedition is the perfect American full-size SUV. It is the biggest and most expensive SUV by Ford motors. The SUV is famous for being on the list of top 10 long-lasting SUVs, making it worthy of investing your money.

It has decent power, good styling, enough space for cargo and most important – the best in segment towing capability. Combining all qualities, the Ford Expedition is the best SUV for towing both small as well as medium size campers.

At the front, the Expedition offers bold and aggressive looks. Compared to Range Rover and Lincoln, it is not that attractive and feels so much boxy. Let’s see what power this huge SUV!

Mechanically, Ford Expedition comes fitted with a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine. It generates a good 375bhp of power @5,000 rpm and decent torque of 470 Nm @2,250 rpm. This power is transferred to the rear set of wheels (standard) via an efficient 10-speed automatic transmission system with Ford’s SelectShift tech.

The infotainment unit is taken care by Ford’s SYNC 3 AppLink in combination with Alexa. You can access 3D mapping and turn-by-turn navigation as well as traffic information via voice command. Not just that, Alexa also offers online shopping via prime feature. Just like other SUVs in the list, you can connect Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto and enjoy your favourite music thanks to the 12 speakers B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.

The manufacturer also offers FordPass connect feature which let you create an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect up to 10 devices

Rear seat passengers get a next-generation video experience. You can play DVD, enjoy games, sync with mobile and play and even watch live tv with the help of Slingbox.

Ford Expedition Towing Capabilities

With 9,300 pounds, the Ford Expedition offers best-in-class towing capacity. It offers Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control. Additionally, it gets BLIS (Blind Spot Information System with first-in-class trailer coverage. This tech will to cover blind spots of the vehicle as well as the trailer. Not just that, pro trailer backup assist helps you steer a trailer in reverse without worrying about directions.

Besides towing, an Integrated trailer brake controller is the next best feature for towing purposes. This technology work in sync with ABS and trailer sway control. It syncs the vehicle and trailer braking for a seamless experience and gives confidence during the drive.

Except towing, Ford Expeditions comes fitted with several off-road features like –

  • Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
  • Continuously controlled damping,
  • ABS
  • Intelligent 4WD With Terrain Management System™
  • Standard Ford Co-Pilot360

It also offers exceptional cargo space – 121.5 cu. ft. The SUV has a standard cargo management system that helps to organize language, bags and other essential items.

If are a fan of big bold SUVs and have a big family then Ford Expedition is the right SUV for your trailer.

Also read:

6. Toyota Land Cruiser

  • 8,100 pounds of towing capacity
  • 5.7L V8 VVT-i Engine
  • 381bhp of max. power @ 5,600 rpm
  • 401 Nm of peak torque @ 3600 rpm
  • 8-speed electronically controlled auto transmission (ECT-i)
  • Full-time 4WD standard with Active Traction Control and Differential lock
  • Price starts from $85,415*
  • Up to 8 passengers seating capacity
Toyota Land Cruiser in black color
Toyota Land Cruiser

Land Cruiser is the most senior, powerful, and capable SUV in Toyota’s stable. The full-size luxury SUV offers many things on the plate and always brings a smile whenever you step on the gas peddle. There is so much torque and tow power on hold that you won’t feel any lag.

The design and overall look are not as premium as other SUVs on the list, but this is not for Land Cruiser famous for. What you get is a rigid frame SUV with raw power and all standard amenities.

One of the best highlights of Land Cruiser is Crawl Control, it will help you to climb or descent with ease. So, towing a camper on gravel or any other rough surface is just a switch away.

In terms of looks, as discussed, Toyota Land Cruiser is famous for its capability. Overall, the SUV offers a boxy shape with smooth linings. The front facia of Cruiser gets a standard chrome grille with LED front and taillights. Let’s check the hiding muscle underneath the hood.

Land Cruiser comes bolted with the biggest engine in the segment. Yes, the biggest and probably the in-efficient among the list. It is a 5.7L V8 petrol engine that produces considerably low 381 bhp of power at 5,600 rpm and churns 401 Nm of peak torque at 3600 rpm. Handling this massive engine is an 8-speed electronically operated transmission with sequential shift mode.

You get premium JBL to surround audio with 14 speakers, a powerful 8-in subwoofer and a 605-watt amplifier. There is a 9-inch touchscreen system that doubles up to provide navigation. Land Cruise provides personalised entertainment options for rear-seat passengers. You can watch the latest movies, play video games using HD 11.6-in screen.

 Land Cruiser Towing Capabilities

Land Cruiser is capable of towing up to 8,100 pounds, which is not supportive considering engine size. However, the SUV offers mind-boggling technology that definitely helps while towing as well as off-roading. Let’s understand a few of the best capability features:

  • Torsen Limited Slip Differential

Doing off-roading on gravel or any slippery surface is challenging. You always in a hurry to have more grip, here comes the work on Limited Slip Differential. The Cruiser comes bolted with Torsen Differential, it helps to transfer power to wheel/axle with more traction and let the SUV tackle that situation. Not just that, Toyota gives the control to select 50/50 front/rear power distribution.

  • Multi-Terrain Monitor

Just like any 360 camera, Toyota’s multi-terrain monitor system works on tracking and checking real-time off-road situations that might be the potential trouble. You can access this feature via a simple touch of a button, and it will show you all surroundings on a 9-inch navigation screen.

Land Cruiser is all day off-roading SUV. The engine is poor in the economy but robust than any car in the list of best camper SUVs. If you a fan of legacy and loves robust materials then you should pick the Cruiser for your camper.

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • 7, 200 pounds of towing capacity
  • 6.4L V8 Engine
  • 475hp of max. power @ 6000 rpm
  • 470 Nm of peak torque @ 4300 rpm
  • 8-speed auto transmission
  • 4WD
  • Price starts from $69,140*
  • Up to 5 passengers seating capacity
Jeep Grand Cherokee towing trailer
Jeep Grand Cherokee towing trailer

The Grand Cherokee is a top of line SUV by the manufacturer. The brand comes under Fiat Chrysler, which also makes other popular sports cars and SUVs. It comes in different trims and options, but we will check Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, which is one of the best midsize SUVs for towing a travel trailer.

On the front, Cherokee offers an aggressive front, and with SRT accessories, it becomes wilder. Inside, the SUV is all about you. Everything you see is the output of true craftmanship and all premium materials. Overall, it is super balanced and looks OMG from every angle.

Power delivery is mind-boggling and always craves for more sharp corners, thanks to the precise steering system. It gets 68.3 cu. ft cargo to accommodate all your camper checklist essentials.

After Land Cruiser, Cherokee comes bolted with the biggest engine. It is a 6.4L V8 engine that comes paired with a smart 8-speed automatic transmission system. The engine offers 5-different modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Tow and a custom setting to tackle different kinds of situations while driving. Not just that, Cherokee SRT gets a standard Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4X4 system.

Entertainment duty is taken care by a Jeep 8.4-inch In-Touch system. It offers all bells and whistles like navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice command as standard.

Just like Discovery, you can also access 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot in a moving SUV, this allows you to connect eight devices at a time which is more than the seating capacity of Cherokee. Talking of connectivity, Jeep offers remote vehicle start, vehicle finder, vehicle health report and most important – SOS call.

You get premium JBL to surround audio with 14 speakers, a powerful 8-in subwoofer and a 605-watt amplifier. There is a 9-inch touchscreen system that doubles up to provide navigation. Land Cruise provides personalised entertainment options for rear-seat passengers. You can watch the latest movies, play video games using an HD 11.6-in screen.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capabilities

The Grand Cherokee is made for all-weather capability. It provides a maximum towing capability up to 7,200 pounds and with so much power, it craves to try something rough, something off-road.

It comes 4×4 as standard fitment and offers a rear electronic limited-slip differential system, which let you tow the trailer without worrying about traction.

What makes this SUV different from rivals is the optimized off-road features. The list gets tow hooks, skid plates, all-terrain tires and a lot more.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a perfect fit for all millennials. The SRT offers aggressive road presence, power and can tow any midsize camper. Combing all qualities, Cherokee SRT is a go-to SUV for your city drive and countryside camping.

How to pick the best SUV for towing a trailer?

To pick the best SUV for towing, you need to check your trailer average weight, size, GVWR, and SUV’s towing capability. Let’s understand each term bit by bit!

  • GVWR

This is the max weight your trailer can load. So, let’s say if your travel trailer has a GVWR of 10.000 pounds, then your towing SUV must have a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. Read more on average trailer weight with multiple examples.

  • Tongue Weight

Tongue weight is the maximum weight your SUV’s hitch can handle. For best conditions, the tongue weight of your SUV should be between 10 to 15% of RV’s gross weight.

How much can an SUV really tow?

An average midsize SUV can tow between 4,500 to 9,300 pounds of weight. There are different types of SUV in the market but towing a trailer depends on various technical characteristics. It is synchronization between power and various electronics equipment like ABS, hill climb, etc.

Before towing, always keep in different checks like road, wheels condition/air.

Do not exceed the towing limit for your vehicle; always keep a buffer of 10-15% of towing weight.

Also read:

FAQs:

Which midsize SUV has the best towing capacity?

With 8,700 towing capacity and best in class performance, Dodge Durango is the best midsize SUV in the market. The SRT, variant with the most towing capacity and powerful engine, price starts from $62,995. Being midsize, it can fit up to 6 passengers.

AWD or FWD, which one is better for towing trailers?

Overall AWD is a better option when you considering an SUV for camping and adventure purpose. It offers better traction to all-wheel and helps the vehicle to tackle any situation. Another side, FWD vehicles offers better efficiency, towing capacity, and less price. If you enjoy more power and off-road, then AWD is something you can think about otherwise FWD is the best option.

Hope, I’ve covered the best machine in the best SUV for towing a trailer. Please let me know your fav. in the comments section below.

Written by Shailesh Thakran

Hi, I'm think tank behind Throttlebias. I love blogging, mainly about Automobiles. Via Throttlebias, I want to educate & share in-depth articles about Car Detailing and related areas. Outside Throttlebias, I love to write marketing & stuff.

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