Best Suvs For Towing Boats: Top Recommendations

When it comes to choosing an SUV for towing a boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to calculate the combined weight of the boat and trailer to ensure the SUV has sufficient towing capacity. As a rule of thumb, a 21-foot boat trailer weighs around 500-1000 lbs, while the boat itself weighs about 5000 lbs, so an SUV with a towing capacity of at least 6000 lbs is recommended.

Additionally, it is important to consider the SUV's engine, as this will impact its ability to handle the weight. Some popular options include the Toyota 4Runner, which can tow up to 5000 lbs, and the Dodge Durango, which offers a V8 engine and a towing capacity of up to 7400 lbs. Other mid-size SUVs with impressive towing capabilities include the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Lexus GX460, which can tow up to 7200 lbs and 6500 lbs, respectively.

For those seeking a full-size SUV, the Ford Expedition stands out with a 9300-lb towing capacity and driver aids that make towing safer and more manageable. Similarly, the Chevrolet Tahoe and its sister ship, the Chevrolet Suburban, offer excellent towing capabilities of 8600 lbs and 8300 lbs, respectively.

When making a decision, it is essential to consider not only the SUV's towing capacity but also its engine, additional features, and individual needs.

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a great option for those looking for an SUV to tow their boat. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, depending on the model year and configuration. The 4Runner has been in production since 1984 and is currently in its fifth generation.

The fourth generation, produced from 2003 onwards, saw the introduction of a 4.7-liter V-8 engine, which provided a significant increase in towing capacity. This generation had a tow rating of up to 7,300 pounds for 2WD vehicles and 7,000 pounds for 4WD vehicles.

The fifth generation, introduced in 2010, saw a return to the 4.0L engine as the only powertrain option, and the tow rating was set at 5,000 pounds. However, in recent years, the tow rating has varied between 4,700 and 5,000 pounds for different trim levels and drivetrain configurations.

When considering the 4Runner for towing a boat, it is important to keep in mind that the weight of the boat, trailer, fuel, gear, and passengers should not exceed the maximum tow capacity. Additionally, tongue weight, which is the amount of force the trailer exerts on the rear of the vehicle, needs to be within the recommended range to ensure safe towing.

The 4Runner offers a balance between towing capability and off-road ability. It is built more like a truck, with a rigid ladder frame, a solid rear axle, and stout suspension components. This makes it a capable option for towing a boat and handling various terrain.

While the 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 engine produces 270 horsepower, it may not be the most powerful option for those seeking a faster SUV. However, Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability makes the 4Runner a dependable choice for boat towing.

Overall, the Toyota 4Runner is a solid choice for those in the market for an SUV to tow their boat, offering a good balance of towing capacity, off-road capability, and reliability.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a highly capable SUV for towing a boat. The Grand Cherokee has been available with a range of engine options, including a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, a 3.6-litre V6, and a 5.7-litre Hemi V8. The latter two options have been available since 2011, while the turbodiesel engine was introduced in 2014.

When equipped with the Hemi V8, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,400 pounds in two-wheel-drive form and 7,200 pounds with four-wheel drive. Even with the base V6 engine, the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds, which is still above most of its competitors.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee's capabilities are not limited to its towing capacity. The SUV also offers a comfortable ride, excellent off-road ability, and impressive on-road dynamics. The air suspension system, available on higher trim levels, further enhances the Grand Cherokee's towing capabilities by automatically levelling the vehicle.

In terms of safety, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's braking system is more than adequate for towing, and the large mirrors and advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, further contribute to a secure towing experience.

While the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice for towing a boat, it is important to consider the weight of the boat, trailer, and additional gear to ensure it does not exceed the SUV's maximum towing capacity. Staying within the recommended limits will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when towing with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Lexus GX460

The Lexus GX460 is a popular choice for those looking to tow a boat. The 2020 model can tow up to 6,500 pounds, which includes the weight of a trailer, gear, fuel, and water. This makes it a good option for those looking to tow personal watercraft, small sailboats, ski boats, small cabin cruisers, small speed boats, pontoon boats, and small fishing boats.

The Lexus GX460 has been praised for its towing capabilities, with its 329 lb-ft of torque at low RPM enabling it to tow up to 6,500 pounds. The Trailer Sway Control is also a notable feature, offering peace of mind as part of the Vehicle Stability Control System. This system helps control the sway that can occur when towing large loads, such as boats, by applying braking to each individual wheel and moderating the throttle.

However, it is important to note that the Lexus GX460 does not have the highest tow load in its class, and purchasing weight-distributing accessories may be necessary to ensure safe towing. These accessories include equalizing arms, snap-up brackets, and sway control systems.

When it comes to specific boat recommendations for the Lexus GX460, personal watercraft such as the Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX, FX Cruiser HO Full, and Sea-Doo Spark are all good options. For sailboats, the Sunfish, C&C 27, MacGregor 26, Hunter 260, and Catalina 250 are all within the towing capacity of the GX460. Speed boat options include the Yamaha SX 210, Yamaha AR210, Yamaha 212 Limited S, and Thunder Cat 32.

In terms of cabin cruisers, the Stingray 250CS Mid-Cabin Cruiser, Parker 750 Cabin Cruiser, C-Dory 22’ Cruiser, and Jeanneau NC 895 Sport are recommended choices. Lastly, for deck boats, the Tahoe 1950, Tahoe 250 Xi, Tahoe 2150, Boston Whaler 170 Montauk, and Bayliner Element E21 are all good options that can be safely towed by the Lexus GX460.

Overall, the Lexus GX460 is a capable and comfortable option for those looking to tow a boat, offering a good balance of power, safety features, and luxury.

Towing capacity

Full-Size SUVs

• Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon: These SUVs offer a towing capacity of 8400 lbs and are based on the same platform, although they have their distinct styles and features. They are equipped with a powerful V8 engine, providing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
• Toyota Land Cruiser: The Land Cruiser is known for its reliability and powerful drivetrain. It has a towing capacity of 8100 lbs and comes standard with AWD and a trailer towing package. It is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine that delivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque.
• Nissan Armada: The Armada offers the highest traction standard in its class, with a towing capacity of 8500 lbs. It is built on the Titan pickup truck platform and is equipped with a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.
• Ford Expedition: The Expedition leads the full-size SUV class in towing capacity, offering 6500 lbs of towing capacity with standard 4x4 models. The twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine generates an impressive 470 lb-ft of torque. For the highest tow rating, look for the Expedition with the Trailer Tow Package, which includes additional technologies such as an integrated brake controller.
• Dodge Durango: The Durango is an excellent mid-range option, with even the cheapest 6-cylinder model offering a towing capacity of 6200 lbs. Opting for the SRT 392 Durango with a 6.4-litre V8 engine will give you a towing capacity of 8700 lbs.
• Cadillac Escalade: The Escalade offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, along with a powerful 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has a towing capacity of 8300 lbs and is equipped with Magnetic Ride Control for a smooth ride.
• Lincoln Navigator: The Lincoln Navigator has recently been revamped and now offers a best-in-class towing capacity of 8700 lbs. It comes with standard trailer tow features such as smart trailer tow connector and trailer sway control. The heavy-duty trailer tow package includes advanced towing aids like Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
• Infiniti QX80: As the luxury brand's take on the Nissan Armada, the QX80 shares many of the same features. It has a towing capacity of 8500 lbs and is powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee is a great choice if you're looking for superior off-road capabilities coupled with a comfortable and upscale interior. The standard 3.6-litre V6 engine offers a towing capacity of 6200 lbs, while the available 5.7-litre V8 engine boosts this to 7200 lbs.
• Toyota Sequoia: The Sequoia is a full-size SUV that has changed very little over the years but still excels at towing. It has a towing capacity of 7400 lbs and is equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It features tow/haul mode and trailer sway control for optimal towing performance.

Mid-Size SUVs

• Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is a full-frame midsize SUV known for its off-road capabilities. It offers a towing capacity of 5000 lbs and is equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower.
• Dodge Durango: The Durango is a mid-size SUV with the advantage of available V8 power. With the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, it can tow up to 7400 lbs. The lower-grade models with the standard 3.6-litre V6 engine can still tow an impressive 6200 lbs.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee is structurally similar to the Dodge Durango and offers the same engine options, including the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6. With this engine, it can tow up to 7400 lbs in two-wheel-drive form and 7200 lbs with four-wheel drive.
• Lexus GX460: The Lexus GX460 is a luxurious and capable SUV, often leased, with a V8 engine and a towing capacity of 6500 lbs. It is known for its off-road capabilities and long-lasting engine and drivetrain.
• Chevrolet Suburban: The Suburban is a long-wheelbase version of the Chevrolet Tahoe, offering more interior space and a roomier third row. It has a slightly lower towing capacity of 8300 lbs compared to the Tahoe's 8600 lbs.
• Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade is a spacious and feature-rich mid-size SUV, offering a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. It was named the top-ranked three-row midsize SUV by MotorTrend in 2024.

Trailer brakes

When towing a boat with an SUV, trailer brakes are an essential safety feature. Trailer brakes improve safety and control when braking, reducing the chances of not being able to stop in an emergency and causing extra wear and tear on the SUV's brakes and tires.

There are two main types of trailer brakes: electric and surge. Electric brakes are the most common type and offer more ease when braking compared to surge brakes. They are activated by an electromagnet when the driver applies the brakes in the towing vehicle. Electric brakes require a brake controller, which adjusts the brake force as needed.

Surge brakes, on the other hand, use a hydraulic piston that pressurizes as the towing vehicle decelerates. This pressure activates the brakes on the trailer wheels, reducing the forward force on the tow vehicle. Surge brakes are often used on boat trailers and are self-contained, meaning they do not require a separate brake controller.

When setting up trailer brakes, it is crucial to adjust the brake controller to ensure optimal braking performance. This involves testing the braking system at different speeds and making adjustments until the desired level of trailer braking is achieved.

In terms of maintenance, trailer brakes require regular care to function effectively. Disc brakes are now the norm, as they are easier to maintain than drum brakes, which are susceptible to salt water corrosion. Cable-operated brakes need periodic adjustments, while hydraulic systems should have their fluid flushed every two years or sooner.

It is important to note that rules and regulations regarding trailer brakes vary from state to state. Be sure to check your local laws and your vehicle's user manual to ensure compliance and safe operation.

Frequently asked questions