Conventional wisdom says opt for a pickup truck when towing matters most. Today, we're exploring alternatives. For drivers who tow a boat on weekends but need to blend seamlessly into school drop-offs on weekdays - without resembling a work vehicle - select SUVs deliver that flexibility. Highways are full of SUVs straining under overloaded RVs that defy both physics and specs. Contemporary SUVs change the game. Choose wisely, respect limits, and secure real towing power without compromising your daily transport.

This roundup spotlights how brands embed substantial capability into SUVs that don't broadcast as haulers. It's not a strict leaderboard of peak ratings - your preferred model might be absent - but examples of clever engineering. Sedans can surprise with towing too, yet we're zeroed in on SUVs. Often, packages or options unlock max figures, allowing these rigs to handle hefty loads then vanish in retail lots unnoticed.

Grand Wagoneer

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer falls short on visual grandeur matching its name, yet it excels at towing. This full-size leader easily blends with the smaller Wagoneer. It commands the large SUV class - and our list - at 10,000 pounds towing. Swapping the discontinued 540-hp engine for the Stellantis Hurricane turbo six yields 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

Downsides feature a lofty MSRP surpassing $100,000 loaded, unremarkable cabin sans upgrades, and dismal reliability projections per Consumer Reports. Comfortably seating eight via second-row bench, it suits buyers nailing the versatility sweet spot.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition aims to handle every task, succeeding here especially. This full-size rival trails the Grand Wagoneer slightly at up to 9,600 pounds towing. Its 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 pumps 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet. It seats eight and flies under radar during routine drives.

Car and Driver praises it, but for family haulers eyeing tow-capable SUVs, Car Mom's endorsement as her Car of the Year carries weight. It meets expectations reliably and proves livable daily.

Toyota Sequoia

Skeptical of turbo V6s replacing V8s? Embrace the Toyota Sequoia. Its i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid hauls 9,500 pounds with 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet, akin to the Tundra's setup with a 10-speed automatic.

Time to accept turbo-hybrid progress? This intricate system may concern post-warranty. Unaffected by Tundra/Lexus engine recalls. Critics cite tight third row and cargo, demanding compromises, but 9,500 pounds remains solid.

Lexus GX550

The Lexus GX550 shines for adventures like chasing Northern Lights, towing over 9,000 pounds en route. Its 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 and 10-speed automatic hit exactly 9,096 pounds. Platform-shared with Sequoia, it shares space gripes, but luxury shifts the equation.

No bland hauler here - it's rugged, comfy body-on-frame with off-road cred beloved by enthusiasts. Tolerating flaws feels premium, like a G-Wagen. Towing 9,000 pounds plus family tips scales favorably.

Nissan Armada

Often underrated, the 2025 Nissan Armada honors its Patrol roots, appealing to enthusiasts and practical buyers. It offers ample utility despite tighter space and budget plastics typical of Nissan.

A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet for 8,500 pounds towing. Not list-topping, less glamorous than Lexus, but viable if needs align. Notably spacious too.

Land Rover Defender 130

The Land Rover Defender 130 now packs a supercharged V8 option: 493 horsepower, 450 pound-feet, 8,200 pounds towing, 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. Top trim starts at $123,900.

Powertrain-agnostic max tow means entry Defender S at $73,000 matches 8,200 pounds with 3.0-liter inline-six's 296 hp, 347 lb-ft, 0-60 in 7.5. Styling divides, but fans love it.

Rivian R1S

The electric Rivian R1S offers dual-motor setups at 533/665 hp from $75,900, tri-motor 850 hp over $100k, quad 1,025 hp. All tow 7,700 pounds regardless of battery.

Ideal for EV fans with matching needs, it's a charming sleeper. R1T tows 11,000 pounds, validating electric potential. Stands out, lacks CarPlay/Android Auto, suits short-range towers or patient chargers.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee's 324-hp Hurricane turbo four-cylinder, though rough, tows 6,200 pounds with 332 lb-ft. Modest versus Wagoneer, but impressive for daily/off-road SUV seating seven in L form.

Ready for small RVs, horse trailers, track cars. Midsize benchmark bridging giants and compact achievers. Smaller size liberates if max capacity unneeded.

Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 rivals luxury SUVs while towing capably - not mere pop-up trailers, but seriously. Base Select/Preferred/PHEV limit at 3,500 pounds; upscale gas trims' 3.3-liter turbo inline-six hit 340 hp, 5,000 pounds.