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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an airstream trailer

Best SUVs for Towing and the Best Time to Buy Them

When looking for the best SUVs for towing, it can be quite difficult to sort through all of the available models. As if that wasn’t complicated enough, you have to option your brand-new SUV with the right engine and transmission combo to get the best out of it. To make things easier, iSeeCars compiled a …

When looking for the best SUVs for towing, it can be quite difficult to sort through all of the available models. As if that wasn’t complicated enough, you have to option your brand-new SUV with the right engine and transmission combo to get the best out of it.

To make things easier, iSeeCars compiled a list of the most capable brand-new SUVs. Additionally, thanks to accurate depreciation curves, we know exactly the best times to pull the trigger on any of these contenders.

2021 Ford Expedition: 9,300 lb

2021 Ford Expedition driving in the dirt
2021 Ford Expedition | Ford

Starting this list of best SUVs for towing is the 2021 Ford Expedition, with its max towing rating of 9,300 lb. According to iSeeCars, you’ll pay between $47,681 to $76,432 on average for one of these SUVs. However, iSeeCars estimates that if you wait three years, this same SUV will cost you between $34,742 to $55,989.

The 2021 Ford Expedition’s main draw is that it only offers one engine and transmission combination. Under its hood lives, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, you’ll need the $795 Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package to achieve that max rating.

2021 Dodge Durango: 8,700

A red 2021 Dodge Durango R/T Tow N Go SUV (left) and a white-and-blue Durango SRT Hellcat SUV parked side-by-side on a racetrack at sunset
2021 Dodge Durango R/T Tow N Go (left) and Durango SRT Hellcat | Stellantis

Next up in this list of best SUVs for towing is the 2021 Dodge Durango. Unlike the Expedition, the Durango offers a variety of different engine options. Regardless, if you option it correctly, you’ll get a max towing rating of 8,700 lb.

According to iSeeCars, achieving this top rating requires you to opt for the R/T trim, which features a naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8 engine under its hood. Additionally, you’ll need the Tow N Go package for $1,195.

In terms of pricing, iSeeCars estimates that you’ll pay between $31,500 to $56,559 for one of these SUVs. However, the R/T trim with rear-wheel drive starts at $43,140. After three years, one of these SUVs could be as cheap as $23,697.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: 8,400 lb

An image of a brown Chevrolet Tahoe parked outside.
Chevrolet Tahoe | Chevrolet

Next up in this list of best SUVs for towing, we have a few contenders. Your best choice within the GM family is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. According to iSeeCars, this full-size contender can tow up to 8,400 lb. However, keep in mind that the mechanically identical 2021 GMC Yukon can also reach this rating.

To achieve this best towing rating, you’ll need the 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine under the hood. Additionally, you’ll have to pay extra for the $465 Max Trailering Package. In this specification, you’re looking at a base price of around $50,000.

However, iSeeCars estimates that these SUVs cost between $34,542 to $53,995 after three years.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 7,200

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee towing an airstream trailer
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Jeep

Lastly, we’ve got one of the oldest best SUVs for towing with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Unlike some of the other contenders, the Jeep manages to impress by offering a competitive towing rating while remaining a midsize SUV. According to iSeeCars, you get a max towing rating of 7,200 lb.

In terms of the ideal configuration, you’re going to need this model’s optional 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8. This means opting for the SRT trim, which starts over $70,000. Additionally, you’ll need to option the $995 Trailer-Tow Group IV to get that max rating. As a result, this is the most expensive contender on this list.

While specific depreciation data isn’t available for this expensive variant, expect significant savings purchasing a three-year-old model.