The 3 Best SUVs for Towing Under $80,000 in 2023
If you plan on using your new SUV to tow regularly, you’ll need something capable. The following sport utility vehicles from Ford, Toyota, and Jeep can tow 6,000 pounds or more when properly equipped. While these are the best SUVs for towing under $80,000, adding another package or two might be necessary to take advantage of the full towing capacity.
The Ford Expedition is one of the best SUVs for towing under $80,000
When U.S. News rated some of the best SUVs for towing, the 2023 Ford Expedition had one of the highest towing capacities at 9,300 pounds. It has room for between five and eight passengers depending on the setup. All three rows have room for adults, and the Expedition gets between 380 and 440 horsepower.
The base engine can tow 6,000 pounds, so the engine will need an upgrade to get the full 9,300-pound capability. Order the Expedition 4×2 with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package for the best combination. Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 is another good piece of optional equipment to help tow.
Some of the standard safety features included on the 2023 Ford Expedition are Blind-spot monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic high-beam headlights. Lane departure warning and Forward collision warnings are also standard.
Towing Capacity: 9,300 pounds
You can’t beat the Toyota Sequoia for the best SUVs for towing.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia received a long-awaited overhaul this year and offers plenty of features. It has a comfortable cabin with room for seven or eight passengers. Thanks to the new i-Force Max hybrid system, the Sequoia gets 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque. U.S. News says this new system comprises a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine, an electric motor, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was enough to land it on the list of best SUVs for towing under $80,000.
Towing numbers sit between 8,980 and 9,520 pounds. The SR5 model with rear-wheel drive and the Tow Tech Package offers the best combination for the most towing. Additionally, Rear Height Control Air Suspension and a Panoramic View Monitor with a hitch view are both helpful.
Some standard driver-assistance features include a Surround-view parking camera system, Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Forward automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, Automatic high-beam headlights, and Adaptive cruise control with lane centering are also standard.
Towing Capacity: 9,520 pounds
The Jeep Wagoneer comes in just under $80,000
Coming in with the highest towing capacity in the group, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. It comes with a higher cost, but it makes up for it with a luxurious cabin with plenty of room for everyone. With room for eight and the option of the extended-length version, it has all the space you need.
The base engine is a 5.7L V8 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that gets 392 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. Other trim levels get 420 hp and 486 pound-feet of torque from the new inline-six. Upgrading to the extended length version drops the towing capacity to 9,850 pounds when properly equipped, which is still plenty for most situations. The Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow package is also helpful to have for those who tow regularly.
You’ll get plenty of standard driver-assistance features for the best SUV for towing under $80,000. Forward collision warning, Blind-spot monitoring, and Rear cross-traffic alert are standard. Jeep also adds Forward automatic emergency braking, Adaptive cruise control, and Front and rear parking sensors.
Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
SUVs are more capable than the average vehicle, and a 6,000-pound towing capacity is nothing to overlook. Additionally, the listed packages and available features make towing heavy loads easier. While the list of the best SUVs for towing under $80,000 isn’t long, it is a good place to start.