In the midst of extended summer days, the allure of mountains, lakes, and campgrounds calls for a vehicle that can effortlessly haul what one may deem as the Toys of Summer.
From substantial boats and motorcycles to travel-trailers, the need for power to traverse hills and highways becomes apparent.
While a pickup truck is a reliable option for towing, an SUV proves to be a preferred choice, offering both strength and the capacity to comfortably accommodate passengers, including children, pets, and assorted gear.
In this context, Edmunds’ experts have compiled a list of the best three-row SUVs with impressive towing capacities, ideal for transporting various recreational equipment that typically ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 pounds.
This selection aims to facilitate swift access to exhilarating adventures on the open road. Prices mentioned incorporate the destination charge for added clarity.
Jeep Wagoneer stands out as an unexpected yet formidable contender in the realm of top-towing SUVs. Despite being atypical for a Jeep, the Wagoneer defies stereotypes with its introduction a few years back.
The 2024 model boasts a potent turbocharged six-cylinder engine, enabling it to tow up to 10,000 pounds effortlessly.
Notable features include a luxurious interior cabin and a handy backup camera with zoom functionality to assist in hitch and trailer alignment. In addition, Jeep offers the Wagoneer L variant, characterized by extended length and substantially enhanced cargo space.
Following suit is the Toyota Sequoia, which underwent a recent redesign resulting in impressive enhancements. True to its predecessors, the latest iteration of the Sequoia retains its truck-based configuration, combined with a comfortable ride quality.
Equipped with a V6-based hybrid powertrain that harmonizes robust performance with commendable fuel efficiency, the Sequoia boasts a towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds.
Noteworthy towing aids include a load-leveling air suspension, tow modes for optimized gear shifts, and a range of bird’s-eye and side-view camera angles to facilitate seamless towing procedures.
The Ford Expedition earns a spot as one of Edmunds’ highly rated full-size SUVs, celebrated for its striking aesthetics, advanced technological features, and capacious interior, particularly in the elongated Max version.
With a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, the Expedition stands out as a formidable contender. Similar to the Sequoia, this SUV offers a suite of technologies geared towards alleviating towing concerns, such as trailer sway control, backup guidance, and a convenient trailer-reversing mechanism operated via a knob on the console.
With a starting price of less than $60,000, the Expedition also presents a compelling value proposition.
In conclusion, the selection of the best three-row SUVs for towing capacities underscores the importance of a vehicle’s ability to seamlessly transport recreational equipment while ensuring passenger comfort and safety.
Whether opting for the impressive Jeep Wagoneer, the redesigned Toyota Sequoia with hybrid powertrain, or the feature-rich Ford Expedition, each SUV offers a unique set of attributes tailored to meet the demands of summer adventures.
With their robust towing capabilities and advanced technologies, these SUVs pave the way for memorable journeys filled with exploration, relaxation, and boundless excitement under the sun-drenched skies.
The Chevrolet Suburban and the Rivian R1S stand out as exemplary vehicles in the field of towing, catering to diverse needs and preferences of consumers seeking reliable towing capabilities.
The Chevrolet Suburban, a quintessential family vehicle for epic road trips over the past century, has evolved into a spacious, robust, and versatile vehicle capable of accommodating substantial cargo loads.
Boasting an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds, the Suburban may not match the towing limits of some of its counterparts, yet it compensates with an upcoming 2025 refresh that promises cutting-edge towing aids such as trailer-tire monitoring and turn-path guidance for smooth maneuvering.
Noteworthy is the innovative Boat Ramp Assist feature designed to alleviate the challenges associated with launching and retrieving boats, enhancing the overall towing experience for Suburban owners.
Moreover, the Suburban’s potential as a fuel-efficient option shines through with the availability of a diesel-powered engine delivering an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23 mpg in combined driving environments, making it an economical choice for those concerned with fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the Rivian R1S presents an enticing option for environmentally conscious consumers interested in electric vehicles.
While its towing capacity of 7,700 pounds falls short of its gas-powered counterparts, the R1S showcases commendable strength as an electric SUV, surpassing the Tesla Model X by a notable margin of nearly 3,000 pounds.
Despite its relatively smaller size compared to the Suburban, the R1S provides seating for seven individuals, generous cargo space, an additional front trunk, an advanced air suspension system, and clever interior storage solutions, ensuring a comfortable and convenient ride for occupants.
However, the efficiency of electric vehicles during towing operations warrants attention, as demonstrated by findings from Edmunds’ testing, revealing a significant reduction in range of nearly 30% when towing with an electric pickup.
Additionally, prospective buyers should be mindful of the starting price of around $76,000 for the R1S, coupled with a base range of 270 miles, necessitating additional expenditure for a larger battery with extended range capabilities.
In conclusion, whether embarking on summer escapades involving boats, ATVs, or off-grid adventures, the contemporary offerings of three-row SUVs, exemplified by the Chevrolet Suburban and the Rivian R1S, provide the power and technological sophistication necessary for towing leisure equipment effortlessly.
Each model presents distinct advantages and considerations, catering to a diverse range of preferences and requirements in the realm of towing, ensuring an enjoyable and seamless towing experience for consumers seeking both capability and innovation in their vehicle of choice.