10 Best Large Crossovers for Towing

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid towing ・ Photo by Ford

If you're looking for a vehicle that can tow, it's tempting to look for a large truck or a full-size SUV. Those vehicles will get the job done without a doubt, but when you're not towing, you'll be stuck with a large vehicle that may not meet your needs. The good news is that you can find a large crossover that can handle the heavy lifting (or pulling) and will still be a comfortable family vehicle at all other times.

The latest group of crossovers are quite fuel efficient and most come with a good deal of advanced safety tech as standard equipment. You don't have to spend a mint to get one, either, as some on our list can be had for less than $40,000. That makes them excellent all-around vehicles. So if you have the occasional need to tow, take a look at one of these crossovers.

2021 Genesis GV80

Genesis is a unique brand among premium automakers. The company's vehicles are packed with features, have show-stopping style, and are priced aggressively. That's a rare mix, and to make things even more attractive for prospective buyers, the GV80 sports a legitimate tow rating. 

The GV80's max tow rating of 6,000 pounds is for all models, regardless of engine or configuration. That's a good thing because the SUV is attractive and loaded with standard features even at the base level.

Photo by Genesis

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is an SUV for people who want their luxury and want to tow luxurious things. Though the base GLE 350 is rated to tow up to 5,950 pounds, the mid- and top-level GLE models can both pull 7,700 pounds. 

The GLE 450 comes with a turbocharged inline-six that produces 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a nine-sped automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLE saw minor changes for 2021.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2021 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is still red-hot after over a year on the market. It's tough to find a new model on a dealer's lot and even tougher to find someone willing to part with one on the used market. Part of that success is due to the Telluride's bold styling and long list of standard features, and the rest is due to its capability. 

The largest Kia model can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is plenty for a small boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle. That's on top of the Telluride's plush interior, exhaustive safety features, and strong styling.

Photo by Kia

2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Highlander is slightly smaller than the Kia Telluride, but that doesn't mean it's smaller in capabilities. It’s almost a foot longer than the Toyota RAV4 and squeezes in more third-row legroom than some full-size body-on-frame SUVs. You can also tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Highlander V6 trims.

The Highlander is also one of the few three-row crossovers offered with a hybrid powertrain, though that model is only capable of towing 3,500 pounds. Still, most Highlander models offer upscale styling, great standard features, and a tow rating that will keep most weekend toy-haulers happy.

Photo by Toyota

2021 Tesla Model X

Of course, one of the best large crossovers for towing gets the job done without burning any gasoline at all. That’s the 2021 Tesla Model X, which you can count on for an all-electric trailer rating of 5,000 pounds. Tesla further supports the vehicle’s capability with a dedicated tow mode. Using that technology, the Model X can automatically adjust the speed of its wheels to help stop your trailer from swaying.

You also benefit from true three-row dimensions with the Model X, since it’s larger than models like the Subaru Ascent — not that the Tesla has any direct competition. Thanks to a trailer-less driving range of 325 miles on a single charge, the Model X is all alone on top of the EV SUV leaderboard for 2021.

Photo by Tesla

2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer is a follow-up to the all-new 2020 model, so it's not surprising to see that changes have been minimal for the new year. Still, the Explorer brings an old-school SUV approach to the towing game, and when equipped with a V6, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds.

Ford also engineered an even bigger increase with the entry-level 2.3-liter EcoBoost powerplant. When equipped with that engine, the 2021 Explorer’s tow rating jumps from previous models' base numbers to a healthy 5,300 pounds. The Ford Explorer may not be the plushest or most luxurious SUV in the world, but it's a solid choice for folks needing to tow.

Photo by Ford

2022 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan skipped over the 2021 model year with its Pathfinder SUV, but the new vehicle is worth the wait. It features updated styling, a better transmission and a smooth ride. Best of all, it can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Pathfinder's engine is a holdover from 2020, but it's paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Making 284 horsepower, the 3.5-liter V6 works nicely with the gearbox, which is far more appropriate for the Pathfinder than the outgoing CVT. Depending on the trim, the Pathfinder can be rugged or luxurious, and some models offer features that would make owners of premium brands jealous. 

Photo by Nissan

2022 Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender may have been one of the most exciting vehicle launches in years, but the SUV's capability didn't get lost in the pursuit of nostalgia. The 2022 Land Rover Defender can tow up to 8,200 pounds when properly equipped, and even the base engine can tow 7,715 pounds. 

The luxurious-but-still-rugged Defender is endlessly capable off road. Its mid-range inline-six engine produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the base inline-four makes 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There's also a rowdy 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in the mix, which provide 518 horsepower and a ton of great noise.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

European luxury SUVs have come a long way and no longer offer the one-trick pony experience they once did. Many are just as functional as they are premium, and some even rival workhorse models from other brands. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, for example, has the ability to tow up to 7,700 pounds.

The GLS-Class is a standout, regardless of which powertrain it carries. All models get a useful adaptive air suspension system, and when equipped with the optional E-Active Body Control function, a camera scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension settings if it detects a bump or broken pavement.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover tops our list of the best large crossovers for towing — but not by much. With a towing limit of 7,716 pounds, the Range Rover barely beats out the Mercedes-Benz GLS. There are several variations on the Range Rover formula, but regardless of the version you choose, you'll be getting one of the most stylish and luxurious vehicles of any type on sale today. 

Making things even better for would-be Range Rover owners, Land Rover has made improvements to its technology and infotainment systems, which have made all of its vehicles much easier and pleasurable to live with on a daily basis. 

Photo by Land Rover