SUVs and Crossovers That Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds

Versatility is what gives SUVs their popularity, and the ability to tow roughly the weight of another SUV on a trailer enhances that versatility further. Midsize and full-size SUVs are the towing powerhouses of the segment, but for those looking to still have the capability to tow something as heavy as another vehicle, the 5,000-7,000-pound class includes many great choices that won't break the bank. If you need more grunt in your people hauler, the SUVs on our list of 7,000-plus-pound tow rigs are for you. That said, many will be well served by these already powerful SUVs that can tow 5,000 pounds or more.

2023 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 Pounds

Spacious, comfortable, and capable, the 2023 Subaru Ascent offers the Subaru magic writ large. Large in that this SUV that can tow 5,000 pounds has a third row, though admittedly with far less room than the first and second. A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine powers the Ascent and enables that very respectable 5,000 pound towing capacity, which in our experience has no trouble hauling a boat. This three-row also has a solid amount of off-road capability, fulfilling yet another classic Subaru characteristic. There are a few traits the Ascent has that aren't common among Subaru family vehicles in our experience, namely reliability issues that required it to spend a lot of time at the dealership, and the finicky, annoying nature of its Subaru EyeSight driver assistance tech.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 Pounds

A popular choice for the three-row SUV segment, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse has plenty of space in addition to a good maximum towing capacity. While adept at pulling more than its own weight in trailered mass, the Traverse's interior leaves something to be desired considering the price of most trims. The interior value proposition doesn't approve with the better-appointed (and more expensive) High Country trims. The smooth naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 is a high point, and third-row legroom is larger than most of the Traverse's competition.

2023 Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 Pounds

Our third-ranked three-row SUV is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The Palisade is something of a near-luxury SUV, with upscale exterior and interior style in addition to some inexpensive luxury features. A towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is provided by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine making 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That smooth pull is nice to have in a three-row SUV, though the Palisade's choppy ride over rough surfaces keeps it out of true luxury SUV territory.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas | 5,000 Pounds

If you intend to use the third row of your three-row SUV regularly, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a great candidate. Besides good looks and plenty of cargo space, the Atlas' third row can handle adults in addition to children. The 3.6-liter VR6 is the engine for those looking for an SUV that can tow 5,000 pounds; the base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four has much less towing capacity. The Atlas is a spacious and practical choice, but it's less engaging and efficient to drive than other three-row SUVs.

2023 Honda Passport | 5,000 Pounds

Driving engagement is where the 2023 Honda Passport shines compared to other midsize SUVs. There's more steering feel on this SUV with sizable towing capacity than on some late-model sports cars, and overall handling is more than agreeable. There are plenty of safety features, as well, a capable 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and an abundance of cargo room. Road noise also comes in abundance, and confidence in the somewhat mushy brake pedal is hard to come by.

2023 Honda Pilot | 5,000 Pounds

Dramatically improved from its previous iteration, the 2023 Honda Pilot is once again a serious rival in a segment with stiff competition. The 2023 Pilot has more space in all three rows, gains a capable off-road package with the TrailSport (a real upgrade over the previous, mostly cosmetic one), and is much better looking than the previous model to boot. Its 3.5-liter V-6 engine, now hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission that further refines the experience, can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Despite being one of the most spacious options in the midsize SUV segment, the Pilot does have some issues, like an infotainment system that buries common functions deep in menus and a suspension that might be too soft for some situations.

2023 Volvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge | 5,000 Pounds

Among the bread and butter of the current Volvo SUV lineup lie the 2023 Volvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge. These SUVs have attractively muted exterior design paired with a quite comfortably trimmed and somewhat minimalist interior. While the cabin's design is uncluttered, these SUVs are feature-rich, including a full suite of Google infotainment features in addition to Apple CarPlay and an available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. While interior space is abundant in the front two rows, the same can't be said for the third row.

2023 Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 Pounds

Almost all modern SUVs are best suited for mall parking lots, but the 2023 Toyota 4Runner could likely rock-crawl up the stairs, bust through the doors, and ford said mall's centerpiece fountain without breaking a sweat. This is no crossover, but instead a hardcore, body-on-frame  SUV with legit off-road capability. The current generation of 4Runner went on sale in 2010, and it's changed very little since. Having weathered the tenures of three U.S. presidents, the 4Runner isn't very efficient, nor is it full of the latest and greatest tech, but it offers a combination of strengths not often found in this company.

2023 Buick Enclave | 5,000 Pounds

A respectable choice for family road trip duty, the 2023 Buick Enclave doesn't stand out too much among other luxury three-row SUVs. The Enclave does have some excellent features, including adaptive suspension, but these are expensive enough to allow the competition to outdo the Enclave on pricing grounds. The trailering package does make the Enclave an SUV that can tow 5,000 pounds, but even the 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 doesn't provide enough pull to move the Enclave up in our class rankings.

2023 Tesla Model X | 5,000 Pounds

After having started the electric SUV genre, the 2023 Tesla Model X continues to impress, though with noticeable caveats and rapidly approaching competition. The Model X has startlingly quick acceleration, benchmark-worthy range and charging, plus ride and handling very few SUVs can keep up with, regardless of what powers them. Although every Model X is a midsize luxury SUV that can hustle, not every Model X is built well. The scattershot build quality and overpromising driver assistance tech are the two main downsides of what is otherwise a capable SUV choice that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

2023 Acura MDX | 5,000 Pounds (only AWD)

Only the AWD variants of the 2023 Acura MDX can tow 5,000 pounds, but every drivetrain variant of the MDX impresses with its spaciousness and premium feel. The luxury three-row SUV segment is a crowded one these days, but the MDX remains worth a look despite unintuitive infotainment and a third row that lacks the luxury the rest of the SUV's cabin offers.

2023 Jaguar F-Pace | 5,291 Pounds

The 2023 Jaguar F-Pace manages to capture the beauty the British brand is known for and translate that into a practical and spacious SUV. A 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 is the highest-output engine option, though the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six still provides more grunt than the base 2.0-liter turbo-four. Its 5,291-pound towing capacity is achieved by all gas-only F-Paces, including the SVR trim with its supercharged V-8. Although the F-Pace delivers the look, driving joy, and performance of a Jag, it's all very expensive. In a world where the Genesis GV70 exists, the F-Pace is harder to justify.

2023 Kia Telluride | 5,500 Pounds

Our favorite three-row SUV of 2023 is the 2023 Kia Telluride, which also won SUV of the Year in 2020. As a family SUV, the Telluride ticks all the boxes, including the budget box. The Telluride feels like a premium vehicle, and the interior exemplifies this. Clean, comfortable, and upscale, the Telluride's cabin is a wonderful place to be for any trip length. While we've only come to like the Telluride more during our long-term testing, there are a few negatives. Getting the most torque from the engine requires hard revving, which isn't ideal for a family SUV, and the third row is sized for children.

2023 Ford Explorer | 5,600 Pounds

Although the 2023 Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV with good maximum towing capacity, the one-time segment leader is mid-pack at best compared to its competition. The best 2023 midsize SUVs offer beautiful and well-trimmed interiors for reasonable prices, impressive gas mileage, and plenty of standard technology. The Explorer doesn't. It does have good safety ratings, though, and the twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 has plenty of pull.

2023 Aston Martin DBX | 5,940 Pounds

Every exotically badged SUV claims sporting prowess, but the 2023 Aston Martin DBX comes much closer to the feel of the performance cars that put those badges on the map. For an SUV that can tow 5,940 pounds, the DBX offers excellent handling, full stop—not just for an SUV. Unfortunately, the pricing reflects that elite status, and you'll need to spend more to get the truly world-beating 707 model.

2023 Infiniti QX60 | 6,000 Pounds

As of 2023, many Infiniti models are long in the tooth, falling further behind their rivals, but the 2023 Infiniti QX60 is a freshly updated three-row luxury SUV that can tow 6,000 pounds in plush serenity. The drivetrain isn't ideal, with a slow transmission and a 3.5-liter V-6 lacking in off-the-line torque. Yet with some of the easiest third-row access in the segment and an abundance of spaciousness, this is a great option for those interested in a luxury three-row SUV that will leave their pocketbook more intact.

2023 Genesis GV80 | 6,000 Pounds

For another luxury steal, turn to the 2023 Genesis GV80. The GV80's towing capacity is equal to the Infiniti's, but the Genesis' interior materials surpass many competitors in the segment. Stylish inside and out, the GV80's main drawbacks include a slightly underpowered engine for such a large vehicle and a ride that is a bit too stiff for a luxury machine.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 Pounds

Rugged looks and a spacious interior automatically mark the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder as one of the cooler members of the crossover crop. That cool factor makes the somewhat firm ride and numb steering easier to stomach. Families might be drawn away by crossovers more highly recommended by the IIHS in terms of safety, as the Pathfinder lacks the safety awards its competitors have earned.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 Pounds

Unlike the vast majority of its midsize crossover competition, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the off-road chops to back up its rugged looks. Capable both on the trail and in terms of towing capacity, the Grand Cherokee's powertrain options offer smooth-pulling acceleration while its cabin is largely filled with quality materials. It's not as spacious as the competition, though.

2023 Lexus GX | 6,500 Pounds

The 2023 Lexus GX is an imposing vehicle from the outside, and inside this beefy full-frame off-road SUV is replete with features including a 4.6-liter V-8, a 360-degree camera system, and a proper 4WD system with a real low-range transfer case. All that said, considering the common use cases for a large Lexus SUV, all the off-road capability and technology isn't worth the compromised handling and interior space that go along with it.

2023 Lincoln Aviator | 6,700 Pounds

Our top-ranked luxury three-row SUV is the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, one of the few SUVs one could genuinely call gorgeous. Feature-packed yet better priced than much of the competition, the Aviator's positives include a well-made interior and great powertrains, though the exorbitantly powerful plug-in hybrid version isn't the most refined. The third row isn't spacious enough for our tastes, but the Aviator still has style and comfort above its base price.

SUVs and Crossovers That Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds

• 2023 Subaru Ascent | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Kia Telluride | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Volkswagen Atlas | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Honda Passport |5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Honda Pilot | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Volvo XC90/Recharge | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Buick Enclave | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Tesla Model X | 5,000 Pounds
• 2023 Acura MDX | 5,000 Pounds (only AWD)
• 2023 Jaguar F-Pace | 5,291 Pounds
• 2023 Ford Explorer | 5,600 Pounds
• 2023 Aston Martin DBX | 5,940 Pounds
• 2023 Infiniti QX60 | 6,000 Pounds
• 2023 Genesis GV80 | 6,000 Pounds
• 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 Pounds
• 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 Pounds
• 2023 Lexus GX | 6,500 Pounds
• 2023 Lincoln Aviator | 6,700 Pounds